Ever since Ford sold off the top jewel in their PAG crown, Aston Martin’s man about town — Dr. Ulrich Bez — has been saying some funny things. You have to read between the lines to hear them (and as an unrepentant Aston-phile I pay closer attention than most) but when Aston Martin’s CEO says, “all options are open” you know anything — literally — is possible. Hence, Project Aligator. Say what? Well, the fact that Bez’s been talking to ‘Benz isn’t news. But the details are. MB powerplants might show up under AM bonnets (like the miraculous AMG 6.2-liter V8). Aston could use Mercedes’ upcoming 8-speed dual clutch ‘box. Collaboration between Aston Martin and Maybach on Rolls-Royce-ish models. Hybrids and diesels (though… a diesel Aston Martin? Nein!) And they may even share entire platforms among their range-topping, non-Maybach models. So, the next SL might be the next Vanquish and vice-versa. And again, they’re calling it Project Aligator. Confused? Excited? Us, too. [Source: CAR]