Rossi:
April fool again?
I think that the following two paragraphs from the Autocar article are more likely explanations:
"Aston insiders concede that adding the car to its range will have benefits for the company's average carbon dioxide emissions, but stress that this isn't the motivation for building the Cygnet."
and:
"The participants in the Cygnet project are silent about its implications for further model co-operation — about Lexus, for instance, providing hybrid powertrains for future Astons. But each is quick to commend the other as a quick-acting and friendly partner. Both believe future co-operation will depend squarely on the success of this project."
fritz
It's NOT a joke. Here is Toyota's press release ....
Tokyo — TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announces it will offer new
versions of the iQ—a four-seater, ultra-compact with outstanding cruising and
environmental performance and air of sophistication borne of unique styling—to cater
to car buyers seeking a means for personal expression.
In Japan, TMC will launch in November through its Netz dealer channel a
limited-edition
1 iQ customized under GAZOO Racing2 for a sporty touch, with
suspension and handling characteristics that take to an even-higher level the iQ’s
agility and cruising stability. Other versions planned for the Japanese market include
those tailored on both the inside and out for female and young drivers.
Overseas, TMC will supply a uniquely styled iQ-based vehicle called the “Cygnet” to
Aston Martin of the United Kingdom through Belgium-based Toyota Motor Europe
NV/SA. Aston Martin plans to sell the Cygnet, designed for people who value
premium quality and individuality, in Europe. This undertaking is the result of Aston
Martin and TMC sharing a corporate philosophy that emphasizes manufacturing cars
of the highest quality that are equipped with innovative technologies.
OMG a sad day!
Guess who's gonna be driving one on his next secret mission... hahaha, can you imagine! "your keys 007, and please try not to scratch it" hahaha!
That aside, I do imagine it could sell well. There is a demand for small but high quality feel cars that is left unfilled.
You guys think this will come before the vaporware car rapid?Man that car was the first 4dore coupe concept shown and it will be the last one out. I guess there is still time to kill it, though and to a 180 to AM IQ!
Jul 2, 2009 10:02:33 AM
Jul 2, 2009 1:01:11 PM
Ok I admit it, I have enquired it at with my dealer. It cost as much as a Golf R32 here, but I can actually justify it. It is only offered to Aston owners initially. I live in the city and I have been considering a Smart but the interior felt a bit low end to me. So I was holding out to see what the Mito GTA is like (500 Abarth not available here). But this could just be the thing. Heck, I buy bikes at 60% of the price of this Cygnet, so i will just think of it as an extension of that.
that is the best damn looking micro car I have ever seen. It might be a bold move from aston but i do get the logic behind it, and since its really expensive and only available to owners (for now) its not like they are compromising the brand image. its more like a big toy for their costumers, it even seems to have a sense of humour about it, not taking itself too seriously.
i like it !
I haven´t seen an Aston with such a big badge on front and back, so the adaption hasn´t worked to full effect.
I do like the idea of such a car and it should work as an extension for existing AM customers, a land vehicle for their yachts and simply for the mentioned CO² fleet reduction. However, I could imagine that they could´ve gone a bit further with their ideas, from the outside it does look too much of an symbiosis of Toyota iQ and AM design details.
Ferdie:
I haven´t seen an Aston with such a big badge on front and back, so the adaption hasn´t worked to full effect.
I do like the idea of such a car and it should work as an extension for existing AM customers, a land vehicle for their yachts and simply for the mentioned CO² fleet reduction. However, I could imagine that they could´ve gone a bit further with their ideas, from the outside it does look too much of an symbiosis of Toyota iQ and AM design details.
its not the badge that is too big, tis the car that got small. thats the same badge from any other aston.
a bit more news on this. i still think its terrible but it does make sense for them to use it as an excuse to lower their fleet emissions.
Dec 17, 2009 11:01:56 PM
OMG i cannot wait to see a "shaped" wealthy business man pull up in this in the parking lot.. i will reserve the right to point, stare and laugh as long as my freedom allows me to.
This cannot be serious? AM is going to suffer from this image.
indeed shifting is ancient technology - so is a fuel burning engine.. I happen to like both :)
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1984 BMW 323i 5spd 2.3L 141 hp (105 kW) More door. Black on black (parting out)
1986 BMW 325e 5spd 2.7L 121 hp (172 lb·ft) Le Mans Blau on Tan leather.
1986 BMW 325is 5spd 2.5L 168 hp (164 lb-ft) White on Tan leather (parted out)
2005 Ford Focus S, 5spd 2.0L 136 hp (120lb-ft) CD silver on grey (sold)
1986 Porsche 944, 5spd 2.5L 150 hp (168lb-ft) champagne gold on grown leather. (sold)
Dec 19, 2009 6:53:19 PM
Absolute herecy. What is AM thinking? Answer - they're not. Would Ferrari or Lambo put their badge on a sub-compact, inexpensive car like this? No way, no how. Having previously owned a number of Aston Martin's myself, seeing this car in the line-up would make me second guess another purchase. Aston is smoking crack if they think a DBS owner would consider being seen driving this clown car around town.
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2009 Porsche Turbo Cab - Cargraphic exhaust, HRE P40's charcoal