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In the automotive world, engine collaborations between manufacturers and designers can lead to some of the most fascinating and unexpected results. Whether driven by performance needs, cost efficiency, or innovative partnerships, these collaborations often result in cars with unique character and enhanced capabilities. In this article, we’ll explore some vehicles powered by engines from different manufacturers. 

Noble M600 (Engine built by Yamaha)

Hand-built sports cars like the Noble M600 might be rare but worth the investment. Noble Automotive built the M600 with stainless steel and carbon fiber. Then, the engine was contracted to Yamaha, who built them a twin-turbocharged V8 engine. The engine was initially built for Volvo vehicles.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noble_M600

Porsche 914 (Engine built by Volkswagen) 

Volkswagen designed the 1.7L Flat-4 engine in the Porsche 914. This collaboration began in 1969 and lasted until 1976. While it was only available as a two-seat roadster, its presence was felt anytime it hit the road. However, this was a rare collaboration between the two German automakers.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porsche_914

McLaren F1 (Engine built by BMW) 

McLaren Cars manufactured the McLaren F1 sports car with a BMW-built engine. The 6.1L V12 engine was designed to be reliable and offer drivers full control of the McLaren F1. It became one of the best engine partnerships in automobile history. Also, it’s one of the finest sports cars ever produced. 

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McLaren_F1

Ford GT (Transmission Manufactured by Ricardo PLC)

The transmission of the Ford GT was designed and manufactured by Ricardo PLC, but the engine was sourced from Ford. The 5.4L SuperCharged V8 engine features a properly fitted Ricardo 6-speed manual transmission to make it extraordinarily powerful. Whether driving it on the road or along a racing track, you’re bound to win races. 

Source: https://www.ford.com/performance/gt/ and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_GT 

Aston Martin V8 Vantage (Engine built by Chrysler)

Early Aston Martin V8s were constructed with rugged and reliable engines. Despite the power of the V8 Vantage engine, there were concerns over increasing the capacity for even better performance. The proposed engine modification led to using a Chrysler-sourced automatic transmission and engine block. Eventually, Aston Martin would go on to build their engines. 

Source: https://www.astonmartin.com/en/models/past-models/amv8

Lancia Thema 8.32 (Engine built by Ferrari)

The Lancia Thema 8.32 is a Front-Wheel-Drive Super Sedan powered by a Ferrari V8 engine. This engine was based on the 3.0-liter used in the 308 Quattrovalvole but with a cross-plane crank to improve the firing order. The Lancia Thema 8.32 is one of its era’s most luxurious and powerful sedans. 

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lancia_Thema

Shelby Cobra 427 (Engine built by Ford)

Like several British car brands, AC Cars had been using the Bristol engine in its small-volume production. Ford specially manufactured this as a big block V8 engine. Due to the power of its engine, the stunning-looking Shelby Cobra is a legendary supercar made for driving on the racetrack and the streets. 

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AC_Cobra

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (Engine built by AMG)

Imagine strapping a jet engine in a sports car; that’s what AMG did with the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. The supercharged V8 was hand-built by AMG to improve the car’s performance. This explains why the SLR McLaren is a beast on race tracks, as it can beat most sports cars in competitions. 

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_SLR_McLaren

Bentley Continental GT (Engine built by Audi)

The Bentley Continental GT is built with an Audi-manufactured V8 engine. The twin-turbo V8 can be found in the Audi RS models. Although the Bentley Continental GT uses the 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 found in many Audi models, it sounds entirely different. It redefines the ultimate blend of supercar performance.

Source: https://www.carthrottle.com/news/how-bentley-gave-audis-40-litre-v8-classy-woofle

TVR Griffith 500 (Engine built by Rover) 

This sports car was designed by TVR and had a V8 engine built by Rover. TVR’s car models use a five-speed manual transmission from Rover and TREMEC. The TVR Griffith 500 V8 engine was initially based on a Buick design before being adapted by Rover. It’s a unique engine swap that lasted years. 

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TVR_Griffith

Pagani Zonda (Engine built by Mercedes-AMG)

The Zonda’s V12 engine is one of the most iconic AMG engines ever built, explicitly tailored for Pagani’s hypercars. This car was first launched at the 1999 Geneva Motor Show. It was mainly manufactured on demand in limited units; as of 2019, 140 models had been built. 

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pagani_Zonda

De Tomaso Pantera (Engine built by Ford)

Italian automobile manufacturer De Tomaso produced the Pantera, powered by a Ford Cleveland V8 engine. The engine provides high torque, reducing excessive gear maneuvers at low speeds, making it easy to drive in urban residential areas. Pantera is a really powerful sports car. 

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Tomaso_Pantera

Morgan Plus 8 (Engine built by BMW)

The Morgan Plus 8 used a BMW-sourced V8, bringing a modern powertrain to the classic British roadster. The BMW 4.8L V8 engine powers the Morgan Plus 8 to perform at a high level. This is an excellent example of supercars powered by engines from different manufacturers. Also, it’s a gorgeous classic car to own. 

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morgan_Plus_8

Alpina B7 (Engine built by BMW)

Here’s another car manufacturer who hired another company to build their engine. Just like the Morgan Plus 8, this car engine is built for performance on different road terrains. While Alpina is known for modifying BMW engines, the B7’s engine is an extensively reworked version of BMW’s V8.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpina_B7_(G12)

Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk (Engine built by Dodge)

Finally, the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk runs on a 6.2L supercharged V8. The Trackhawk borrows its monstrous Hellcat engine from the Dodge Charger/Challenger Hellcat, and this makes it one of the most powerful SUVs in the world. You can never go wrong with this car manufacturer. 

Source: https://www.caranddriver.com/jeep/grand-cherokee-trackhawk