Aston Martin and Mercedes are plotting a wide-ranging tie-up that could see the two famous brands collaborate on engines, hybrids, transmission and even entire platforms, CAR can reveal. The top-secret partnership between Aston and Merc – dubbed Project Alligator by the Germans – is detailed in our exclusive story in the new September 2008 issue of CAR Magazine.

The scoop includes the lowdown on:

• How Mercedes engines could power future Aston Martins
• AMG's 6.2-litre V8 tipped for Vantage models
• Diesels and hybrids from Germany planned for Aston
• Whole platforms to be shared by top-end models
• Eight-speed Merc auto bound for British sports cars
• Why Maybach and Aston could co-operate on future models