Aston Martin making a Toyota-based micro car
By Justin Couture
Aston Martin has just released the first photo of its upcoming concept car, and it must be said, it’s unlike anything the brand has ever made before. It’s called the Cygnet, and it’s a Smart-sized vehicle based on the Toyota iQ.
The Cygnet features all the usual Aston Martin styling cues, but they’ve all been condensed and re-proportioned to fit on the Toyota’s pint-sized frame including the famous wing-shaped grille, hood vents and fender vents. Amazingly, the headlamps are unchanged from the stock Toyota units. The car is expected to feature the iQ’s 1.33-litre inline-four engine which develops 96 horsepower and 90 lb.-ft. of torque. A stock Toyota iQ with this engine takes a bit less than 14 seconds to hit 100 km/h from still.
Inside, the car will feature an upscale interior to match the prestige of the Aston Martin brand. Although the iQ’s dashboard, door panels will be the same, these items will be trimmed and upholstered with the same leather and materials used on its sports cars. The standard iQ interior is pictured to the left.
Aston’s decision to partner with Toyota on the project is a bit of a surprise given the brand’s formal ties with Mercedes-Benz. Last year, Aston Martin revealed the Lagonda Concept, which was based on the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. It’s a bit of a surprise that Aston didn’t base its commuter car on the Smart fortwo.
Ulrich Bez, the brand’s chairman says, “Much work is still required, but I am confident that this project could become a reality in the not too distant future. This concept - akin to a luxury tender yacht - will allow us to apply Aston Martin design language, craftsmanship and brand values to a completely new segment.”
With production volumes rumoured to be between 1,000 and 2,000 units per year, the Cygnet would play an important role in reducing the company’s average carbon dioxide fleet emissions.
According to Autocar magazine, Aston Martin is hoping to have the car in production by the end of next year; finished iQs would arrive from Japan, and would be retrofitted with the new exterior and interior at the brand’s flexible production facility in Gaydon, England.
At first, it will initially be offered to existing Aston Martin customers and those waiting to receive their vehicles to retain exclusivity. It will then be offered to the general public. Prices are expected to start at around £20,000 (approximately $38,150). By comparison the iQ ranges from £9,495 to £11,495 ($15,700 - $21,930).
Personally, I can’t help but wonder if James Bond would approve ...
- Click images for higher-resolution
Posted by: Anonymous | 2009-06-30 12:31:21 AM
Um, I just have one question for Aston Martin:
ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR FREAKING MIND?!?!?!?
Posted by: Jimmer | 2009-06-30 11:29:27 AM
Excuse me, but I just lost my lunch. What are they thinking?
Posted by: Justin | 2009-06-30 1:38:57 PM
This is just ridiculous. I understand it's to reduce the company's carbon emission footprint, but still... seems like a half-assed way of doing it.
Posted by: G. Aldridge | 2009-06-30 2:15:22 PM
Mad Dogs & Englishmen! If I have $40,000 Cdn. to spend on a "Luxury Car" it won't be this one but if this is the little wifey's car for their exclusive clientelle to "nip round the shops" they might do OK. Personally I think the IQ is an excellent vehicle idea but then so is the Yaris for the same money.
Posted by: Stan H | 2009-06-30 11:36:30 PM
I think people might be suprised at how well this model will do, I have always maintained that people will be willing to pay a premium price for a luxury small car. Not only do people want the "green" image, but in large cities it is so much easier to drive a mini-car for day-to-day use. Wittness that Toyota's Scion XB has been very popular with seniors, they are more than willing to pay a premium price for a car that is easy to get in and out and practical for everyday errands. As much as I would love a sports car as I age I find that my knees don't like climbing in and out low to the ground cars - that is why I chose the Nissan CUBE over a Mini when I recently purchased a new car.
Posted by: mac smith | 2009-07-02 11:45:02 AM
It's one thing to make an economical small car, but getting people to fork out $40,000 for it is another thing. A Toyota Yaris looks about the same, costs about $15,000 but I'd feel a lot more comfortable going to a Toyota dealership, than the local Aston Martin dealership if it needs repairs. Usually these low-volume cars mean high-priced parts and maintenance. It sounds like a nutty idea.