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In an automotive world where manufacturers often strive for exceptional innovations, engine swapping is a fascinating phenomenon. This practice has led to the creation of remarkable vehicles, blending the strengths of multiple brands and pushing boundaries in automotive design.
Sometimes, a car maker may lack the resources or expertise to build a powerplant for a new model. In such cases, turning to other companies offers a quicker solution, providing engines that deliver needed power, prestige, or performance.
We've witnessed numerous instances throughout the years where notable brands jumped aboard this bandwagon to create stunners or under-the-radar gems. Let's take a closer look at some of these memorable collaborations.
Sunbeam Tiger
The Sunbeam Alpine, a popular European alternative to the MG, struggled to impress American buyers due to its underpowered 1.5-liter engine. Rootes, the Alpine's manufacturer, searched for a solution, and their eyes landed on Ferrari's tuned four-pot engine. Unfortunately, negotiations stalled, leaving Rootes with the idea to power the Alpine with a potent V8. This engineering decision led to the birth of the Sunbeam Tiger.
Soon after, the Ford 260 cubic inch (4.3-liter) V8 found its way into the Alpine's engine bay, promising a crazy enhancement in power and performance.
Fiat Dino
Ferrari, with its booming motorsport efforts in the early 1960s, needed to homologate its new V6 racing engine. But Ferrari didn't have the capacity to build the required number of engines in a year. And so, an agreement was struck with Fiat. Fiat accepted the responsibility of manufacturing the engines, making the V6 road-worthy for use in the Ferrari Dino 206 and 246.
The Fiat Dino, named after Enzo Ferrari's late son, proved to be a worthy home for the Ferrari V6, earning similar admiration and praise as contemporary Ferraris.
Porsche 924
In the 1970s, Volkswagen and Porsche joined forces to create an all-new sports car. Volkswagen demanded that the project use an existing VW/Audi inline-four engine, leading to the development of the rear-wheel-drive 924. But before long, Volkswagen lost interest in the project, allowing Porsche to persevere and launch the 924.
Porsche chose the 2.0-liter four-pot EA831 engine, making the 924 a simple yet reliable performer.
Lancia Thema 8.32
The Lancia Thema offered a wide range of engines, but it was the quirky cabin and Lancia charm that truly captured attention. However, in 1986, Lancia introduced the high-performance Thema 8.32. With Ferrari's Tipo F105L engine, the Thema 8.32 offered a ferocious 215 horsepower and a distinctive Ferrari howl.
The Thema 8.32 boasted exceptional performance, setting it apart from other front-wheel-drive luxury saloons of its time.
Lotus Elise
When Lotus sought to develop an all-new driver's sports car, it realized it lacked an in-house engine suitable for the mission. Rover's 1.8-liter K-Series engine fit the bill, proving to be a nimble and reliable powerhouse.
Upgraded versions of the K-Series engine provided ample power for the Lotus Elise, making it a trusted choice for spirited driving.
Rover 200 (R8)
Rover struck a deal with Honda to create the R8 and Concerto duo, resulting in a sharp-styled and practical family car. The R8 was available in various body styles, and its success was largely due to the diverse lineup of engines, including Rover's own T-Series, Honda D-Series, and PSA's XUD diesel engine.
The XUD diesel engine offered excellent fuel economy and impressive torque, making it the perfect fit for the European and fleet markets.
MG ZT 260
MG Rover created performance variants of its 25, 45, and 75 models, transforming them into the ZR, ZS, and ZT, respectively. While ZR and ZS drew attention as fizzy driver's cars, the ZT stood out as a refined gentleman's express, at least until 2002.
That year, management decided to inject some excitement into the brand, and the MG ZT 260 was born. Packing a Ford Modular V8 engine from the Mustang, the ZT 260 offered unexpected power, character, and performance.
The ZT 260's unassuming appearance masked its beastly heart, making it a true sleeper. Although it wasn't a commercial success, it has since become a coveted collectible.
- occasionally, a car manufacturer might not possess the required resources or technical knowledge to build an engine for a new model, leading them to seek solutions from other companies, as seen with the Sunbeam Tiger and its adopted Ford 260 cubic inch V8.
- Collaborations between different industries can yield remarkable results, such as the Fiat Dino, which was made possible by Ferrari's need to homologate its V6 racing engine and Fiat's agreement to manufacture the engines for use in the Ferrari Dino 206 and 246.
- In some cases, a company might need a simple, reliable engine for a new project, as Porsche did when they chose the Volkswagen-designed EA831 engine for the 924, a rear-wheel-drive sports car they developed with Volkswagen in the 1970s.
