Autoblog

Aston Martin Cygnet with V12 power possible?

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 10:15:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Aston Martin, Rumormill

As if the Aston Martin Cygnet weren't unlikely enough, rumor is that a Cygnet with the company's 6.0-liter V12 could find its way onto the British automaker's offer sheets. Yes, really. It would undoubtedly be special order or very limited edition, but according to a report in Autocar, Aston is taking it seriously enough to have completed a feasibility study.

The iQ-derived Cygnet minicar uses the 1.3-liter, 97-horsepower motor provided by Toyota, but it's apparently been found that there is room enough in that engine ~~bay~~ shoebox for Aston's 6.0-liter, 510-horsepower V12 "without extensive modifications." The changes necessary to fortify the rest of the Cygnet to handle a detuned iteration of the V12 haven't been divulged, but they are apparently "not insurmountable."

Autocar compares the concept of a V12 Cygnet to that of the Nissan Juke R. But whereas the latter offered Juke roominess with Godzilla power that made us go, "Hey!", the idea of a hot rod Cygnet - a Cygnet, mind you - makes us go, "Hmmm." For now.

Aston Martin Cygnet with V12 power possible? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Oct 2012 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Cygnet videos attempt to show that supermini is worthy of Aston Martin name

Noah Joseph — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Hatchback, Aston Martin, Luxury

What makes an Aston Martin an Aston Martin? Well, it has to be made by Aston Martin, to start with. But just what does that brand stand for? Performance, on the one hand, and luxury on the other, because Aston Martin doesn't exactly build extreme supercars, it crafts luxury GTs with prodigious levels of performance capabilities on tap.

And then there's the Cygnet. Mechanically the same as the Toyota iQ on which it's based, the Cygnet packs less than 100 horsepower - the next model up in the Aston Martin catalog has more than four times that. But Aston is keen to demonstrate that the Cygnet still offers the same levels of exclusivity, elegance, luxury and fine craftsmanship as its bigger brothers.

Whether it succeeds in convincing is up to you, so check out the pair of videos after the jump to see for yourself.

Continue reading New Cygnet videos attempt to show that supermini is worthy of Aston Martin name

New Cygnet videos attempt to show that supermini is worthy of Aston Martin name originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Dec 2011 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston Martin can't build Cygnet fast enough to keep up with demand

Noah Joseph — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, Aston Martin, UK, Luxury

Call it practical, call it luxurious, or call it a thinly veiled dilution of a legendary marque. -Whatever you want to call the Aston Martin Cygnet, at the end of the day, there are apparently a sizable number of customers lining up to drop the approximate equivalent of $50,000 on the tarted-up Toyota iQ. So many, in fact, that Autocar has learned that Aston can hardly keep its supply up with the demand.

The thing is that Aston takes its time building each Cygnet, receiving the chassis from Toyota and trimming them out to order to suitably Aston Martin levels of sumptuous fit and finish. Which sounds nice and all, but apparently customers are less keen to wait to have theirs built than they would be to simply drive one home from the dealership on the spot.

As far as we can recall, Cygnet models were only supposed to be sold to owners of other Aston Martin vehicles, so presumably this demand isn't just the result of regular (if well-heeled) consumers deciding to trade in their current car over something like a Mini Cooper Goodwood.

Aston Martin can't build Cygnet fast enough to keep up with demand originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Stirling Moss gives an Aston Martin Cygnet for his wife's birthday [UPDATE]

Noah Joseph — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Aston Martin, UK, Celebrities, Luxury

An Aston Martin Cygnet for Stirling Moss - Click above for high-res image gallery

Wrapping your head around the cars that Sir Stirling Moss has driven over the course of the many decades in which he drove competitively would be a mind-boggling task. Regarded as the greatest Formula One driver never to win a World Championship, Moss won 212 out of the 529 races he entered, including 16 grands prix. He also competed in sports cars, including countless Maserati, Ferrari and Aston Martin racers.

Oh, the Astons he must have driven over the course of his career. As part of the factory works team, Sir Stirling piloted the likes of the DB3S and DBR1 to championship titles and race wins. But the latest is undoubtedly the most timid.

In celebration of his 82nd birthday at the Royal Automobile Club's "Palace on Pall Mall" in London, Lady Moss and Aston Martin presented Sir Stirling with one of the first Cygnet city cars to be delivered. In celebration of his wife's birthday, Sir Stirling Moss and Aston Martin presented one of the first Cygnet city cars to his wife, Lady Moss. Readied by its oldest dealership - HWM Aston Martin, which actually prepared Stirling's first grand prix cars - the unique city car is decked out in Aston's trademark shade of green with a black interior and silver top stitching.

It's probably just what Stirling and his wife might need to get around London now that he's retired from racing for good, but we can't help but have a little trouble with the notion of one of the world's greatest racing drivers puttering about in reheated Toyota iQ. Details in the press release after the jump.

*UPDATE: Sir Stirling Moss gifted the Aston Martin Cygnet to his wife, Lady Moss... not the other way around.

Continue reading Stirling Moss gives an Aston Martin Cygnet for his wife's birthday [UPDATE]

Stirling Moss gives an Aston Martin Cygnet for his wife's birthday [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jul 2011 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Colette edition makes Aston Martin Cygnet even more exclusive

Noah Joseph — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Design/Style

Aston Martin Cygnet & Colette - Click above for high-res image gallery

Bringing in fashion designers to outfit premium hatchbacks seems to be all the rage these days, whether it's a one-off like the latest Life Ball Mini, a Fiat 500 decked out by Diesel or any of the dozens of examples in between. Now, we've got one more to throw into the mix.

Teaming up with French fashion house Colette, the Aston Martin Works Tailored department has outfitted a limited run of 14 Cygnets with such special touches as a silver paint job with highlights, hand-crafted stainless steel badges and a chocolate brown interior with blue leather throw pillows (though what we'd need those for in the back of a city car is, of course, beyond us).

Just in case the limited availability weren't enough to keep this special edition exclusive, the €48,995 ($70,000 based on current exchange rates) price tag ought to do the trick. So if the Cygnet itself is already a gussied-up Toyota iQ, does this amount to gilding a lily or slapping lipstick on a pig? We'll let you decide from the full details in the press release after the jump and the images in the high-resolution gallery,

Continue reading Colette edition makes Aston Martin Cygnet even more exclusive

Colette edition makes Aston Martin Cygnet even more exclusive originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jun 2011 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston Martin working on Cygnet EV

Zach Bowman — Mon, 16 May 2011 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Aston Martin, Rumormill, Electric, Luxury

Here's a bit of news that's sure to acquaint faces with their respective palms all across the motoring world: word on the web is that Aston Martin is planning to produce an all-electric version of the company's new compact, the Cygnet. This, friends, is why people drink in the morning. The vehicle is all but guaranteed to be a reworked version of the Toyota iQ EV, as you probably figured out all on your own.

Why would Aston Martin, a company that's built its legacy on the aching chords sung by mighty V8 and V12 engines possibly forsake the altar of internal combustion for a battery pack? The same reason every other manufacturer on the planet is dabbling in electrons - to reduce its corporate average fuel economy and slim down emissions at the same time. Does this mean we can expect some other electrified coupes from Aston Martin wearing more appropriately British bodywork? Don't hold your breath.

We can't wait to see what Clarkson has to say about this one.

Aston Martin working on Cygnet EV originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 May 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston Martin configurator launches with Virage and Cygnet

Zach Bowman — Sun, 15 May 2011 17:34:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Etc., Aston Martin, UK, Luxury

If you're anything like us, you've been waiting to unleash the full might of the Aston Martin customization program on the ~~Toyota iQ~~ Cygnet. What colors, both hideous and delicious, will the pint-sized Aston boast? What kind of leather will coddle the behinds of the overpaid and tasteless? Fear not, friends. All these questions and more are now easily answered with nothing more than a visit to the brand-new Aston Martin website. From there, you can easily configure your Cygnet in any fashion possible.

Unfortunately, there are four 16-inch wheels to choose from, so if you want any serious rollers, you're going to need to turn your attentions to the aftermarket. Should you find yourself with a heap of time on your hands, we highly recommend heading over to the new Aston Martin site to wile away the day. The good news is that you can build up any number of the automaker's products, including the sexy new Virage, should the Cygnet fail to inspire.

Gallery: 2012 Aston Martin Virage: First Drive

Gallery: Geneva 2010: Aston Martin Cygnet

Aston Martin configurator launches with Virage and Cygnet originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 May 2011 17:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston Martin prices Cygnet, announces two launch colors

Zach Bowman — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Aston Martin, UK, Luxury

Aston Martin Cygnet Launch Editions - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you've been wondering exactly how much Aston Martin plans on charging for the pleasure of owning its new ~~Toyota iQ~~ Cygnet, wonder no more. The company has officially released pricing details on its first sub-compact. For the lowly price of just £30,995, you can slide behind the leather-wrapped wheel and avoid the hassle of having to shell out for those pesky congestion charges in downtown London.

Seems perfectly justifiable to us.

Aston Martin is offering two special-edition version of the Cygnet to commemorate the car's launch. The first, fittingly called the Cygnet Launch Edition White, is slathered in Snow White paint. If this is Aston Martin's interpretation of the fairest of them all, we'd hate to see the seven dwarves. The exterior also gets plenty of chrome bright work and custom wheels, while the interior gets pearl-white leather and satin chrome accents.

If that's just not naughty enough for you, Aston Martin is also offering up the Cygnet Launch Edition Black. The evil twin is dipped in Magic Black paint that hides shades of green. Matte-black louvers and chrome accents dominate the rest of the exterior, while the cabin is treated to diamond-pattern black leather. Hit the jump for the full press blast.

Gallery: Aston Martin Cygnet Launch Editions

[Source: Aston Martin]

Continue reading Aston Martin prices Cygnet, announces two launch colors

Aston Martin prices Cygnet, announces two launch colors originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Jan 2011 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston Martin displays production-ready Cygnet at Harrods in London

Noah Joseph — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Aston Martin, UK, Luxury

Aston Martin Cygnet at Harrods - Click above for high-res image gallery

Aston Martin is dead serious about marketing the new Cygnet to luxury buyers in crowded metropoli (yes, we made that up...) like London. And to that end, the upscale British automaker is unveiling its new city car at no less prestigious a location than Harrods.

More than an ordinary department store, Harrods is a veritable London institution, with 360 departments spread out over seven floors of upscale shopping. The Cygnet is being shown in a ground-level window display there until December 11.

This marks the first time the production-ready Cygnet is being seen in public, with production set to begin in the new year. Full details in the press release after the jump, with high-resolution images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Aston Martin Cygnet at Harrods

[Source: Aston Martin]

Continue reading Aston Martin displays production-ready Cygnet at Harrods in London

Aston Martin displays production-ready Cygnet at Harrods in London originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Aston Martin Cygnet... it's not a Toyota. Really.

Zach Bowman — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Europe, Videos, Aston Martin, Luxury

Aston Martin swears the Cygnet isn't a Toyota - Click above to watch video after the jump

Aston Martin has begun its PR assault to attempt to assure its customers that the Cygnet is more than a gussied-up Toyota iQ. The company just released a new video detailing exactly what makes the compact fit into the Aston Martin bloodline. Brace yourself for an onslaught of terms like "tailor fit" and "owner-customized." As with the rest of the company's products, buyers will be able to slather their Cygnet in a bevy of custom interior materials and colors, as well as an array of exterior paint colors. We're even assured that the pint-size Aston will smell like the real deal.

And to think we were worried.

All jesting aside, the Cygnet should help Aston Martin significantly raise its average corporate fuel economy in preparation for ever stricter emissions regulations. Still, we don't exactly see James Bond getting the girl from behind the wheel of this thing. Hit the jump to see the video for yourself.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Aston Martin Cygnet... it's not a Toyota. Really.

Video: Aston Martin Cygnet... it's not a Toyota. Really. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Oct 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston Martin Cygnet gets the green light

Noah Joseph — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Aston Martin, Luxury

Aston Martin Cygnet - Click above for high-res image gallery

Niche automakers like Aston Martin are facing increasing difficulties with our overcrowded planet. On the one hand, emissions regulations are tightening, forcing automakers to reduce their carbon footprint across their range. On the other, big GTs like those that Aston builds, svelte though they are, are becoming increasingly inconvenient for navigating crowded city streets. Aston's answer to both these problems is the Cygnet, and it's just been announced for production.

The city car shown until now in concept form is based heavily on the Toyota iQ, but in Cygnet form will be hand-assembled at Aston's factory at Gaydon in Warwickshire, England, alongside the company's Grand Tourers. Production is slated to begin next year in 2011, with pricing and specifications due to be announced later this year. Official announcement in the press release after the jump, updated high-res image gallery below.

Gallery: Aston Martin Cygnet

[Source: Aston Martin]

Continue reading Aston Martin Cygnet gets the green light

Aston Martin Cygnet gets the green light originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Oct 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Aston Martin Cygnet could come to the States

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Aston Martin

Aston Martin Cygnet - Click above for high-res image gallery

We aren't quite sure why the Aston Martin Cygnet exists. What was once an economical Toyota iQ is now a fuel-sipping Aston Martin (weird) with a lavish interior and a price tag that will make your heart skip a beat. We understand that vehicles like this work well in the congested, small-car-friendly cities of Europe, but it remains to be seen if microcars have a place here in the United States. The Smart ForTwo has proved to be a flop in the States, though we'll chalk most of that up to its unimpressive fuel economy and downright awful driving dynamics.

The U.S. is set to get a Scion-badged version of the Toyota iQ in early 2011, but a report from Automotive News states that Aston Martin could import its angry-looking Cygnet counterpart to our shores as early as 2012. It would share the same 1.3-liter gasoline powerplant as the Scion, though an electric-only version with a 60-mile range could arrive in 2013.

We'll wait until Aston Martin gives us the official word before we start jumping to any conclusions, but consider our outlook on a U.S.-spec Cygnet similar to that of a half-empty glass.

Gallery: Aston Martin Cygnet

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Report: Aston Martin Cygnet could come to the States originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston Martin shows off the racier side of the Cygnet

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Hatchback, Aston Martin, Design/Style

Aston Martin Cygnet in Gulf Livery - Click above to enlarge

Aston Martin is an automaker with a history that's indelibly linked with racing... not to mention beautiful styling, attractive colors and, um, James Bond. But the British automaker has more recently signaled its intent to be known for offering a lavishly equipped fuel efficient city car that focus solely on transportation duties and not 0 to 60 times or top speeds.

Mostly. A quick run through the automaker's website shows that its not willing to let the Cygnet degrade its performance and racing image entirely. To wit, the little urban commuter is pictured in a number of scenarios that don't exactly scream "efficient transportation." For instance, there's an orange-helmeted Stig lookalike posing with the Aston in one scene.

Note too that the Cygnet can be customized with three different racing-derived paint schemes, two of which focus on the classic British Racing Green of Aston Martin's current racers and a third that shows the Cygnet painted up in iconic Gulf livery. Feel free to check it out for yourself at AstonMartin.com.

[Source: Aston Martin]

Aston Martin shows off the racier side of the Cygnet originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Aston Martin considering custom vehicle program for customers

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Aston Martin, Design/Style

Aston Martin Rapide Silver Blonde - click above image for high-res image gallery

To many of us here gathered around Autoblog's virtual water cooler, the star of the Geneva Motor Show wasn't the electrified Porsche 918 Spyder, but rather the Touring Superleggera Flying Star, better known as the Bentley Continental Shooting Brake. Disagree? We say to each their own.

And according to the UK's AutoExpress, that's what Aston Martin's saying, too. The legendary British car maker will be offering a custom vehicle program to those with the right mixture of imagination and American Express Black Card. According to the article, Aston Martin has gained so much experience building the One-77 as a stationary object (as opposed to on an assembly line) that building whatever it is on earth a customer wants is no problem. Says design director Marek Reichman, "This means that if we need to, we can swap shapes, interiors, engines or wheels without destroying the production process. It offers us infinite possibilities."

To that we say, "Yes!" We also say, to steal a line, "Mommy, why were we born good looking instead of just rich?" Because we could certainly come up with a hot Aston or two. Like how about a 1978 V8 Vantage Oscar India body riding atop the DBS chassis and internals? That would work rather well, we think. Alternatively, a Lagonda wagon body atop the Rapide would work, too. Oooh! What about a Hayabusa-engined Cygnet? That last one might just be the way to ~~save face~~ go. Unless they build us a fully-operational DB5 from Goldfinger. Sigh...

Gallery: Aston Martin Rapide - Silver Blonde

[Source: AutoExpress]

Report: Aston Martin considering custom vehicle program for customers originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2010: Toyota-based Aston Martin Cygnet "intentionally accelerates" onto show floor

Noah Joseph — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Aston Martin, Luxury

Aston Martin Cygnet - Click above for high-res image gallery

Remember the day when Aston Martins were two-seat sportscars? Yeah, neither can we because a lot's happened since then. The Rapide four-door. The Lagonda crossover concept. And this, the Cygnet.

News first broke that Aston was working on a city car based on the Toyota iQ back in June, with initial details and photos released half a year later. Now the Cygnet has made its official auto show debut here in Geneva, modestly nestled in between the company's Vantages and DB9s.

The idea is to provide existing Aston owners with an urban tender in which to zip around congested city centers like London. Say what you will of the idea, but the fit and finish on the Cygnet look suitably Aston. Just shrunken down and chopped up. With it, Aston Martin just might end up redefining what an Aston Martin is. But a sportscar, good sir, it most certainly is not. Have a look for yourself in the gallery of live shots below, and the stock shots in the gallery below that, complete with Gulf livery and Bape-aping camouflage.

Gallery: Geneva 2010: Aston Martin Cygnet

Gallery: Aston Martin Cygnet

Geneva 2010: Toyota-based Aston Martin Cygnet "intentionally accelerates" onto show floor originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Aston Martin Cygnet tours the streets of London

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:32:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Europe, Hatchback, Aston Martin, UK

Plenty has been written about the Aston Martin Cygnet, and much of it has been less than enthusiastic. After all, how does one connect the dots between a tiny, efficient, low-performance city car and the British sporting brand's super high-performance models? Apparently, that would be with Aston's signature front fascia along with an interior swathed in the requisite leather and unobtanium surfaces. Oh, and a suitably high price tag, no doubt.

Whether or not the Cygnet is a good idea, it certainly seems as if Aston Martin is pushing forward with the launch of the 3+1, which is based on the diminutive Toyota iQ. Proof of such can be seen in this series of spy photos, which show the Cygnet out and about in London's fashion-forward Soho district. The mini-mobile will be offered first to current Aston Martin owners, then it may see a limited release in select European dealerships later this year, assuming sufficient demand is found. Thanks for the tip, Victor!

[Source: Secret New Cars]

Spy Shots: Aston Martin Cygnet tours the streets of London originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Aston Martin could build hybrid Lagonda, all-electric Cygnet

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 10:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, SUV, Aston Martin, Rumormill, Electric, Luxury

Aston Martin Lagonda Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Are hybrid drivetrains befitting of a premium luxury and performance brand? Well, that depends on who you ask. According to such diverse automakers as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, Rolls-Royce and even Ferrari and Lamborghini, the answer is 'yes'. Aston Martin CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez, though, reportedly believes otherwise. "The current hybrid technologies are not suited to the character of Aston Martin sports cars," explains Bez.

We're not so sure we agree, especially since Aston's long-planned Lagonda revival - which may or may not come wrapped in an ungainly SUV package - is rumored to be equipped with a hybrid powertrain. After all, the torque-rich nature of electric motors certainly wouldn't be a bad thing for a luxury tourer.

A few branches up on the green tree, Aston Martin's tiny Toyota iQ-based Cygnet minicar could quite possibly get a fully electric drivetrain, which would seem to make sense given that car's stated mission as an urban runabout for those times when a V12 Vanquish could be considered overkill. Beautiful, sonorous, splendid overkill...

Gallery: Aston Martin Lagonda Concept

[Source: Autotelegraaf.nl via Motor Authority]

Rumormill: Aston Martin could build hybrid Lagonda, all-electric Cygnet originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Aston Martin tries to build street cred with Cygnet

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 19:05:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, Aston Martin, Design/Style

Aston Martin Cygnet - Click above to watch video

Aston Martin will be shepherding perceptions of its forthcoming Cygnet as much as it can, and it will doubtlessly be monitoring the reception that the Toyota-turned-Aston microcar receives as closely as it can.

On that former front, the company has begun video marketing for a car it still only suggests will go into production at the end of this year. The intent, of course, is to make the Cygnet appear as cool as possible, and the method used in this application is the French sport of parkour. Follow the jump to watch the vid and then answer this question for us in Comments: Did it work? Thanks for the tip, Victor!

Gallery: Aston Martin Cygnet

[Source: Aston Martin via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Aston Martin tries to build street cred with Cygnet

Video: Aston Martin tries to build street cred with Cygnet originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Jan 2010 19:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston Martin shows off completed Cygnet, Euro sales in 2010

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hatchback, Aston Martin, Toyota

Aston Martin Cygnet - Click above for high-res image gallery

Earlier this year, we saw photos of Aston Martin designers working on a clay-covered Toyota iQ in the studio and applying typical Aston styling cues to it. Creating a leather clad urban commuter car struck us as a dubious proposition for an upscale brand like Aston Martin, but nevertheless the Cygnet is now complete and Aston has released a fresh batch of photos.

While the Aston Martin face is well suited to the extended nose of a DBS or Rapide, we think it looks more than a bit overwrought on the front of the tiny Toyota. On the inside, virtually all of the available surfaces have been covered in red and black premium leather. For the time being, the Cygnet is a concept only, but Aston says it hopes to have it in production in 2010 for European and UK customers. There's no word yet on price, but in the meantime, you can check out our high-res gallery below and brief press release after the jump.

Gallery: Aston Martin Cygnet

[Source: Aston Martin]

Continue reading Aston Martin shows off completed Cygnet, Euro sales in 2010

Aston Martin shows off completed Cygnet, Euro sales in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston Martin Cygnet (nee Toyota iQ) to hit European city streets next year?

Noah Joseph — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Aston Martin, UK

Aston Martin Cygnet Concept - Click above to enlarge

Most of us would be willing to kill for the opportunity to have an Aston Martin as our daily commuter. (Then again, most of us here at Autoblog are writers and don't commute much of anywhere). But the British purveyor of luxury GTs figures some of its customers - those based in major European metropolitan centers like London and Paris, for example - could use something a little more compact for driving into the city. Hence the Cygnet, which as you may recall is essentially a Toyota iQ with some Aston touches.

News of the car's development broke a few months ago, but the latest reports now indicate that the Aston-badged city car could begin shipping as early as next year. Although no mechanical changes are expected to take place, the pre-assembled units are expected to be shopped to AM's plant in Gaydon, England, where the company will give the citycar its own unique interior, slap on an Aston grille and the requisite badging and raise the price up to $32,000 - about twice the price Toyota fetches for a stock iQ.

Whether Aston's customers bite remains to be seen, but for our part, we still want to see one of these face off against the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari for the exotic supermini crown.

[Source: Automotive News - subs req'd]

Aston Martin Cygnet (nee Toyota iQ) to hit European city streets next year? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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