Engines are the heart of any car, but what if I told you that some of the most iconic and unexpected vehicles on the road share the same beating heart? That’s right—underneath the sleek carbon fiber or plush leather interiors, there’s often a surprising connection between vehicles that, on the surface, couldn’t be more different.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Pagani Zonda

This is perhaps the most well-known pairing in the industry. The Mercedes Benz S-class towards the end of the 90's and the Pagani Zonda both use the same M120 V12 engine. It truly is one of the all time greats. In fact, even today, all Pagani's use only AMG developed engines, modified though they may be. Originally crafted by Mercedes-Benz in the early '90s for their S-Class flagship, the M120 is epitome of effortless luxury. Smooth, torquey, and unflappable, it made wafting through city streets a sublime experience. But then Merc gave the engine to one Horacio Pagani, who stuffed it into a Zonda, and tweaked it for more power. With its signature exhaust note and relentless torque, the M120 became the soul of one of the most revered hypercars ever built. The collaboration was even brokered by none other than Juan Manuel Fangio, the F1 legend himself. Luxury sedan to hypercar royalty—what a journey.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Renault

Sometimes, even the supplier of Pagani's engines needs a little help. Enter Renault, the unlikely donor for the fourth-generation A-Class. Beneath the badge of the three-pointed star, you’ll find a 1.5-liter diesel engine from Renault. Yes, the same French automaker responsible for compact hatchbacks and quirky designs. While it’s not exactly the stuff of AMG legends, it’s efficient, robust, and, most importantly, it keeps Mercedes competitive in markets where diesel powertrains reign supreme. It’s proof that even giants sometimes lean on their neighbors.

Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG and Aston Martin Vantage

AMG’s 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 is a masterpiece of engineering, and it’s found its way into more bonnets than you’d think. Most surprising, though, is its inclusion in the Aston Martin Vantage. While Aston has its own rich history of engine-building, the partnership with AMG has given the Vantage a new lease on life. Here’s the kicker: in the Mercedes G63 AMG—a slab-sided SUV that’s as aerodynamic as a brick—the same engine actually produces more power than in the svelte Vantage. Aston’s British sophistication meets German brute force, and it works beautifully.

Lotus Evora and Toyota

On the one hand we have the Japanese, who are king of the hill when it comes to reliability. On the other hand you have lotus, people who take light sports cars and make them lighter and faster. The 2009 Evora is powered by a 3.5 litre V-6 angled engine that was sourced from Toyota. But Lotus, unlike other brands at the time didn't just slap in a Toyota engine and call it a day. They poked it, prodded it, massaged it, and gave it a British sports car do-over. What was once a dependable engine for a Toyota Camry now screams its way around racetracks with a ferocity that defies its humble origins.

2020 BMW Z4 sDrive20i v Toyota GR Supra GT comparison

Toyota Supra and BMW

The Supra’s rebirth wasn’t without controversy. Fans were expecting pure Japanese engineering, but what they got was… German precision. Beneath the Supra’s aggressive lines beats the heart of a BMW, specifically the B58 inline-six turbocharged engine. It’s the same engine found in the BMW Z4, along with much of the interior switchgear and tech. Purists might scoff, but there’s no denying that this partnership brought the Supra back to life with modern performance, reliability, and plenty of tuning potential.

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Nissan R390 and McLaren 12C

Now here’s a pairing that’ll make your head spin. The McLaren MP4-12C and Nissan R390, two cars you’d never expect to share anything, let alone an engine lineage. But deep within the McLaren’s twin-turbo V8 lies DNA from Nissan’s VRH platform. Originally developed for the Nissan R390—a Le Mans endurance racer—the engine was reworked by Ricardo for McLaren’s supercar. It’s like discovering that your Rolex shares parts with a digital Casio. Surprising? Yes. Brilliant? Absolutely.

Two-Car Solution... with a TWIST! Ariel Atom 4R & Civic Type R | Henry Catchpole - The Driver's Seat — Image Credits: Hagerty on YouTube. Available at [**Link**]

Honda Civic Type R and Ariel Atom

The Ariel Atom—a car that’s less a car and more a roller coaster on wheels. For two decades, it’s been powered by engines from the Honda Civic Type R. The screaming K20A engine of the early models was swapped for the turbocharged K20C in later versions, but the formula remained the same: absurd performance, lightweight construction, and Honda reliability. The result is a car that can outpace exotics costing ten times as much, all while looking like a glorified Meccano set.

Ford Crown Victoria and Koenigsegg CC8S

Yes, you read that right. The Ford Crown Victoria—beloved by taxi drivers and law enforcement—shares its engine roots with the first Koenigsegg CC8S. Of course, the Swedish hypercar maker didn’t simply bolt in a Ford V8 and call it a day. Koenigsegg heavily modified the 4.6-liter modular engine, adding a supercharger and increasing its displacement to create a powerplant capable of 664 horsepower. From patrolling highways to dominating the Autobahn, it’s an unlikely but fascinating link.

Chevrolet Tahoe and Ultima GTR

Ah, the GM small block. A faithful servant to hot-rodders, racers, and performance enthusiasts for decades. In the Ultima GTR, the LS engine transforms into a fire-breathing monster, delivering anywhere from 400 to over 1,000 horsepower depending on configuration. It’s the same engine family you’d find in a Chevrolet Tahoe, but in the Ultima, it’s tasked with propelling a lightweight supercar. The result? A machine that’s as terrifying as it is thrilling.

Donkervoort D8 GTO-JD70: The First 2G Super Sports Car - Audi Club North America

Audi RS3 and Donkervoort D8 GTO

The Donkervoort D8 GTO is a Dutch take on the lightweight sports car, combining Caterham-like agility with modern performance. Under the hood, you’ll find Audi’s 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine, the same warbling powerhouse that drives the RS3. It’s a perfect match for the D8 GTO’s featherweight frame, delivering explosive acceleration and unmistakable sound. Proof that great engines can find a home in the most unexpected places.

So there you have it—a glimpse under the hood of some of the automotive world’s most fascinating shared secrets. Whether it’s a high-revving Honda engine powering an Ariel Atom or the luxurious V12 of a Mercedes-Benz S-Class giving life to the Pagani Zonda, these partnerships prove that a great engine transcends borders, price tags, and even the car’s original purpose. It’s a reminder that the automotive world is as much about collaboration as it is about competition. Have a favorite shared engine pairing we missed? Let us know—and as always, keep your foot down and your curiosity revving!