In the modern automotive industry, developing a single platform that serves multiple vehicles has become standard practice. This approach significantly reduces development and manufacturing costs, allowing automakers to expand their range while maintaining efficiency.
Historically, shared platforms were kept secret, but today, it’s well known that cars like the Honda CR-V share underpinnings with the Civic, or that Audi and Porsche models occasionally rely on the same architecture.
However, this practice has led to some unusual vehicle pairings, where drastically different models share the same structural DNA. Below, we explore some of the most unexpected platform-sharing vehicles in the automotive world.
1. Mitsubishi Evolution X and Dodge Journey: Performance Meets Practicality
The GS platform, co-developed by Mitsubishi and Chrysler under the Diamond-Star Motors (DSM) partnership, led to some of the most unlikely siblings in automotive history. One of the most striking examples is the pairing of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X and the Dodge Journey.
The Evo X is a high-performance rally-inspired sedan featuring a 291-horsepower turbocharged engine and an advanced all-wheel-drive system, while the Dodge Journey is a three-row crossover SUV built for budget-conscious families.
Despite their vastly different purposes, both vehicles share the same basic underpinnings, proving that performance and practicality can stem from the same source.
2. Lamborghini Urus and Audi A4: A Super SUV and a Compact Luxury Sedan
Lamborghini’s entry into the SUV market, the Urus, may seem far removed from an Audi sedan, but both vehicles are based on Volkswagen Group’s MLBevo platform. This platform underpins luxury SUVs like the Porsche Cayenne, Bentley Bentayga, and Audi Q8.
Surprisingly, the same foundation also supports the Audi A4, a compact luxury sedan. While the Urus boasts a 641-horsepower twin-turbo V8 and supercar-level performance, the A4 is a more subdued 201-horsepower sedan designed for comfort and efficiency. This illustrates how a versatile platform can cater to both extreme performance and everyday usability.
3. Jeep Grand Cherokee and Mercedes-Benz M-Class: Off-Roading Meets Luxury
When Chrysler and Daimler merged, it led to several platform-sharing collaborations, including the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Mercedes-Benz M-Class (later GLE-Class). From 2011 to 2021, the Grand Cherokee’s WK2 platform was a modified version of the Mercedes W166 platform.
While the M-Class was tailored for luxury and urban commuting, the Grand Cherokee maintained its rugged off-road capabilities. Adding to the intrigue, the Dodge Durango also shares this architecture, showcasing how one platform can support both a premium SUV and an adventure-ready off-roader.
4. BMW 7 Series and Rolls-Royce Ghost: Luxury at Different Levels
The relationship between BMW and Rolls-Royce is well known, and one of the most prominent examples of platform-sharing is the Rolls-Royce Ghost’s connection to the BMW 7 Series. The first-generation Ghost was based on the F01-generation 7 Series platform, sharing about 20% of its components.
Despite this, Rolls-Royce’s extensive modifications resulted in a vehicle that feels entirely distinct, with unparalleled craftsmanship and a significantly higher price tag. Although the newer Ghost has transitioned to a Rolls-Royce-exclusive platform, the previous models demonstrate how a foundation can be transformed to cater to vastly different audiences.
5. Audi TT RS and Volkswagen Atlas: Sports Coupe vs. Family Crossover
Volkswagen’s MQB platform is one of the most flexible in the industry, underpinning a wide range of vehicles. Two of the most surprising MQB-based models are the Audi TT RS and the Volkswagen Atlas. The TT RS is a nimble sports coupe equipped with a 394-horsepower five-cylinder engine, capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds.
Meanwhile, the Atlas is a large, family-oriented crossover designed for spaciousness and practicality. Despite their vastly different target markets, both vehicles utilize the same fundamental architecture, showcasing the adaptability of Volkswagen’s platform strategy.
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6. Alfa Romeo MiTo and Ram ProMaster City: Hatchback and Cargo Van Connection
Fiat’s Small Common Components and Systems (SCCS) platform serves as the foundation for a variety of European vehicles. One of the most unusual pairings stemming from this platform is the Alfa Romeo MiTo and the Ram ProMaster City.
The MiTo is a subcompact, stylish hatchback aimed at enthusiasts, while the ProMaster City is a commercial panel van designed for cargo transport. Despite their polar opposite purposes, both vehicles share fundamental structural elements, highlighting the versatility of Fiat’s platform engineering.
7. Nissan 370Z and Infiniti QX70: Sports Car DNA in a Crossover
The Nissan FM (Front Midships) platform has been the backbone of numerous performance-oriented Nissan and Infiniti models. Among its most unexpected applications are the Nissan 370Z sports car and the Infiniti QX70 crossover.
The QX70, formerly known as the Infiniti FX, was marketed as a luxury crossover but featured the same 3.7-liter V6 engine found in the 370Z. This unusual pairing demonstrates how a sports car platform can be adapted for a larger, more practical vehicle while maintaining a performance-oriented edge.
8. Honda Pilot and Ridgeline: A Truck and an SUV from the Same Mold
Honda’s “global light truck platform” serves as the foundation for both the Pilot SUV and the Ridgeline pickup truck. While the Ridgeline is often dismissed as simply a Pilot with a truck bed, it features significant structural reinforcements that make it suitable for hauling and towing.
The platform-sharing approach allows the Ridgeline to retain much of the Pilot’s comfort and refinement while delivering added utility. This strategy demonstrates how automakers can create diverse vehicle types without compromising efficiency.
9. Ford Galaxy and Lincoln Continental: Minivan vs. Luxury Sedan
The Ford CD4 platform is a prime example of how a single architecture can support dramatically different vehicles. On one end of the spectrum, it underpins the Lincoln Continental, a luxury sedan that served as the brand’s flagship model in its final iteration.
On the other end, it supports the Ford Galaxy, a European multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) primarily designed for practical family transportation. While the Continental exudes elegance and prestige, the Galaxy focuses on maximizing interior space and versatility, illustrating the broad applications of platform engineering.
The benefits of platform sharing are clear—cost reduction, streamlined manufacturing, and quicker development times. By leveraging a single platform for multiple vehicles, automakers can maximize efficiency without compromising performance or quality.
However, this approach also presents challenges. Differentiating vehicles enough to appeal to distinct customer bases requires careful engineering and design. Additionally, unexpected compromises may arise when a platform designed for one purpose is adapted for another.
The practice of platform sharing is only expected to grow as automakers seek greater efficiency and sustainability. As electric vehicles become more prevalent, modular architectures will further blur the lines between different vehicle types.
While this strategy has resulted in some surprising pairings, it has also allowed for more diverse and innovative product offerings. Whether it’s a super SUV sharing underpinnings with a luxury sedan or a performance coupe linked to a family crossover, platform sharing continues to shape the future of the automotive industry.
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