Even supercars share parts with common cars, here’s 10 examples you must know

DEVELOPING a new car involves very high costs, and manufacturers typically employ various methods to reduce expenses.

One of the ways is through rebadging or engine and platform sharing, as seen in examples like the BMW Z4 with the Toyota GR Supra. Another popular option is sharing small components such as interior parts, lights, or side mirrors.

As we know, the development costs of supercars are much higher with minimal production. Therefore, car manufacturers have taken components from regular cars to use in supercars, often unnoticed by many. Let’s take a look at the 10 most interesting examples!

1. Lotus Esprit and Morris Marina – door handles

Lotus is known for cost-saving measures by using components from other cars, such as the Toyota AE86’s taillights on the Esprit Mk3 and the Renault 4’s lights on the first-generation Elise.

Another example is the first-generation Esprit, which used door handles from the less popular Morris Marina.

2. Lamborghini Diablo and Nissan 300ZX – headlights

It’s not uncommon for premium brand vehicles to use components from regular cars. One popular example is the Lamborghini Diablo and Nissan 300ZX. Which components are used? The headlights. The Diablo facelift employed headlights from the Nissan 300ZX.

Furthermore, Lamborghini attempted to hide the Nissan logo with small carbon fiber strips, making it look like a unique Lamborghini component.

3. Jaguar XJ220 and Citroen CX – side mirrors

The Jaguar XJ220 once held the record for the world’s fastest car with a top speed of 349 km/h, but it was developed at a lower cost than expected. The original V12 engine was downsized to a V6, and the car adopted gullwing doors. It also used Rover 200 taillights to further reduce costs.

One of the most notable features is the use of side mirrors from Citroen CX. This was due to the mirrors not being integrated with the doors like in other cars. Additionally, these mirrors were also used in Aston Martin, Lotus, and TVR vehicles.

4. Pagani Zonda and Rover 45 – air conditioning buttons

When launched in 1999, the Pagani Zonda immediately became a hit with its high power and on-track performance. It was powered by a 7.3-liter V12 engine with a top speed of over 320 km/h, boasting exceptional styling that made it unforgettable.

However, in the cabin, the air conditioning control panel of the Pagani Zonda was sourced from the Rover 45.

5. Aston Martin DB7 and Mazda 323 Familia – taillights

Ford acquired Aston Martin in 1989 and simultaneously had investments in Mazda. This led to component sharing between these brands for better financial management.

The Aston Martin DB7 not only used door handles from the Miata but also adopted taillights from the Mazda 323 Familia. Aston Martin added plastic covers to disguise these lights, though they are still visibly recognizable.

6. Dodge Viper and Mitsubishi 3000GT – side mirrors

The Dodge Viper was a wild car when it was launched in 1990. With an 8.0-liter V10 engine (originally from a truck) producing 450hp in the GTS version.

The Mitsubishi 3000GT is also a sports car, albeit in a slightly different category from the Viper. The 3000GT boasts more technology, active aerodynamics, rear-wheel steering, and AWD. Both vehicles are quite different, but they share the same side mirrors.

7. Ferrari California and Chrysler Sebring – infotainment unit

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has been a giant in the automotive industry, leading to inevitable component sharing. For example, the Ferrari California and Chrysler Sebring. Both are FCA group products but are distinct vehicles.

These sports cars once shared the same infotainment unit.

8. Chevrolet Corvette C5 and Oldsmobile Aurora – door handles

The fifth-generation Chevrolet Corvette (C5) is a gorgeous sports car. Launched in 1997, it received better handling and engines than the C4 version, making it much more enjoyable to drive.

On the other hand, the Oldsmobile Aurora is a conventional sedan. It is powered by a front-wheel-drive V8 4.0-liter engine. The Aurora also ‘donated’ its door handles to the Corvette C5.

9. McLaren-Mercedes SLR and Mercedes Sprinter – turn signal stalk

An exemplary instance of how a car manufacturer can be vastly comprehensive is the Mercedes SLR McLaren with the Mercedes Sprinter.

One is a high-tech supercar, while the other is a panel van for commercial use. However, both vehicles share the same turn signal stalk. It is the lever mounted on the steering column.

10. Lotus Evora and Proton Persona – side mirrors

Lastly, here is an example that is particularly close to us Malaysians. As we all know, Proton once owned Lotus. Among the benefits obtained was Proton acquiring engineering knowledge from Lotus, which is why Proton is renowned for its good handling, all learned from the British sports car manufacturer.

But, as seen in the examples above, component sharing occurs. The Lotus Evora once received components ‘donated’ by the 2009 Persona, namely the side mirrors.