FYI: Discover six iconic supercars and hypercars born from remarkable partnerships in the automotive world.
While many supercar manufacturers, design studios, and specialist parts makers often operate independently, occasionally, these entities come together to create something extraordinary. These collaborations result in cars that not only showcase advanced technology and engineering prowess but also the sheer determination of the minds behind them. Let’s explore six legendary partnerships that have left an indelible mark on the world of supercars and hypercars.
Mercedes-Benz & McLaren
What began as a collaboration for Formula One engines evolved into a remarkable partnership that birthed the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, regarded as one of the most over-engineered grand tourers ever created.
The SLR came to life when Mercedes-Benz handed over their design to McLaren’s Gordon Murray, who transformed it into a road-ready marvel. Equipped with a 5.4L supercharged V8 engine producing 617 HP, the SLR boasted features like carbon-ceramic brakes and active aerodynamics. It became the fastest automatic transmission vehicle of its time.
The partnership’s strength was recently reaffirmed with the 2023 SLR High Downforce Kit for a private collector, proving their enduring synergy in the automotive world.
Mercedes-AMG & Pagani
German engineering meets Italian design in a partnership epitomized by the Pagani Zonda, which houses Mercedes-AMG’s powertrains.
Horacio Pagani, fanatical about perfection, sought out Mercedes-AMG for their reliable and powerful engines. The result was the Zonda C12, later enhanced by Mercedes-AMG’s workshop to create engines like the 7.3L V12 in the Zonda Roadster and the high-performance M158 twin-turbo V12 in the Huayra.
The partnership continues with the Pagani Utopia, featuring an upgraded twin-turbo V12 engine producing 852 HP and paired with an Xtrac manual 7-speed gearbox.
McLaren & BMW
When McLaren set out to build the ultimate supercar, the McLaren F1, they turned to BMW for the engine, resulting in the iconic BMW S70/2 V12 engine.
Gordon Murray’s specifications for the F1’s engine were ambitious, yet BMW not only met but exceeded expectations, delivering a 618 HP masterpiece. This engine powered the F1 to become the fastest car in the world for nearly a decade, a title it held until the Bugatti Veyron.
The F1’s innovative design and engineering paved the way for modern hypercars.
Audi & Porsche
The Audi RS2 Avant, a product of Audi’s B4 platform, emerged from a collaboration with Porsche, creating a sport-luxury estate car that took the market by storm.
Porsche overhauled the Audi 80’s engine, steering, suspension, and brakes, resulting in the 2.2L turbo inline-five engine producing 311 HP. Coupled with Audi’s Quattro AWD system, the RS2 Avant achieved remarkable performance metrics.
The RS2 Avant’s success laid the foundation for Audi’s RS series, which continues to dominate the high-performance market.
Alfa Romeo & Ferrari
The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio features a 2.9L twin-turbo V6 engine with unmistakable Ferrari influences, despite both companies denying an official partnership.
With Ferrari-engineered backgrounds, the Giulia Quadrifoglio’s engine boasts 503 HP, transforming the sedan into a performance powerhouse. This collaboration, albeit unofficial, highlights the seamless integration of Ferrari’s expertise into Alfa Romeo’s lineup.
Pininfarina & Ferrari
One of the most legendary partnerships in automotive history is between Carrozzeria Pininfarina and Ferrari, defining the look of Italian sports cars for over six decades.
Starting with the 1951 Ferrari 212 Inter Cabriolet, Pininfarina’s design philosophy became synonymous with Ferrari. For 61 years, Pininfarina shaped nearly every Ferrari model, only diverging with the Dino 308 GT4. Their collaboration extended into F1 car designs and influenced Ferrari’s racing identity.
While the partnership officially ended with the Ferrari F12Berlinetta, Pininfarina’s legacy continues in their modern ventures, including EV hypercars.
In conclusion, these automotive collaborations have produced some of the most iconic and groundbreaking vehicles ever seen. The blending of expertise from various manufacturers has pushed the boundaries of innovation and performance, setting benchmarks for future generations of supercars and hypercars.
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Authored by William Rapp, Editor of Automotive.fyi
