Rumormill: Aston Martin working on Cygnet EV

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

Aston Martin Cygnet

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

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

Aston Martin Cygnet configurator screen cap

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

2012 Aston Martin Virage2012 Aston Martin Virage2012 Aston Martin Virage2012 Aston Martin Virage2012 Aston Martin Virage

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

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

Aston Martin Cygnet Launch Editions

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]

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

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

Aston Martin Cygnet video

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]

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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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Report: Aston Martin Cygnet could come to the States

Filed under: Hatchback, Aston Martin

Aston Martin Cygnet could come to the States

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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