Collaborations Between Brands
Throughout the history of the motor, some brands have made collaborations that have resulted in interesting models for the automotive market. In this sense, we do an analysis of some interesting collaborations between brands.
2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata Special Edition
The first model of these exciting collaborations between brands is the mix between the Mazda MX-5 and the Fiat 124 Spyder. This is how the MX-5 Miata was born in 2011.
This model had a convertible bodywork and it turns out to be the best-selling model of these characteristics in history. In this hybrid the base of Fiat is mixed, which evolves thanks to a different approach with a much more muscular body and a tougher appearance.
Rather than having a Japanese-made naturally aspirated engine, the Miata features a turbocharged engine that develops similar power.
Toyota GT86
On the other hand, there is the collaboration between Subaru and Toyota. The idea of this mix was to develop light and affordable sports cars, such as the BRZ, the Toyota GT86 or the now defunct FR-S. These are actually three sides of the same coin that have undergone different changes and minor modifications.
These models have low weight and rear-wheel drive among their main features, with the aim of maximizing the sporty feeling during cornering. The only drawback they may have is that their 200 hp may be insufficient for models of these characteristics.
The Mercedes-McLaren combo
The mix between Mercedes and McLaren is more than known, and he also created a model for posterity back in the early 2000s. The more than famous Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren was born to face iconic models such as the Porsche Carrera GT and the Ferrari Enzo.
Among the three models mentioned, the SLR ended up being the most docile option. Even so, this is saying a lot, since the SLR McLaren has a 5.4-liter engine and 8 cylinders arranged in a V. This engine of enormous characteristics develops a maximum power of 617 hp and a torque of 580 Nm. As for its acceleration, it can go from 0 to 100 km / h in just 3.8 seconds.
1990 Opel Lotus Omega
Another of these interesting collaborations between brands was the Lotus Opel Omega. This was Opel’s most successful saloon a few decades ago, rising to compete with the Ford Scorpio, which was very popular in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The Lotus Omega is a high-performance saloon. , with 382 maximum hp of power. This model stands out for overcoming the BMW M5 E34 and snatching the title of the fastest sedan of the moment.
The history of the Lotus Omega began with the acquisition of Lotus by General Motors in 1986. This small English company was in financial distress and was offered to the highest bidder at a fairly competitive price. The relationship of its then CEO with General Motors led to the purchase by the North American giant.
After the purchase, Lotus proposed to the upper echelons of Detroit the production of a luxury saloon. This model was intended to be a car with the essence of an Opel but the behavior and performance of a Lotus. General Motors loved the idea, so they started with the design and development of the project.
The characteristics of the Opel Lotus Omega
The Lotus Omega project was born with a 3.6-liter engine block and installed a huge system of double turbocharging in series, with turbines of the highest quality. In addition, it had a huge intercooler , with reinforcements in the block and forged pistons.
Among its measurements, the Lotus Omega reached the already mentioned power of 382 hp at 5,200 rpm, accompanied by a maximum torque of 567 Nm at 3,800 rpm. By comparison, the BMW E34 of the time achieved a maximum output of 315 hp from a naturally aspirated six-cylinder engine, so the German model was quite afraid of the newborn Lotus Omega.
In terms of aesthetics, the Lotus Omega looked rather menacing, with air vents on the hood and a widening kit for the body. It also had 17-inch wheels and high-performance tires.
