Aston Martin Cygnet: Aston Builds A Minicar?

If the clay model shown above looks anything like a Toyota iQ, there's a good reason for it. Aston Martin's latest concept, the Cygnet, is based heavily on Toyota's Smart ForTwo fighter.

Indeed, from this photograph of an early clay model, it seems much of the iQ's design remains untouched. Aston designers are largely playing with the Toyota's front fascia, adding the brand's traditional grille, hood scoops, and an aggressive front fascia.

Given its legacy and portfolio, we wouldn't expect Aston to play in the microcar segment, but the firm believes the Cygnet could appeal to Aston buyers. Like a dinghy or tender on a yacht, a DB9 owner could use a Cygnet for urban commuting, while the sports car could be reserved for open roads and long trips. We imagine there's a second reason behind the Cygnet: If placed in production, it would help improve Aston Martin's overall emission and fuel economy averages.

“Now is the right time for Aston Martin to take this bold first step,” said CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez. “Much work is still required, but I am confident that this project could become reality in the not to distant future.”

Specs 2009 Aston Martin DBS

• ,935 cc 5.9 liters V 12 front engine with 10.9 compression ratio, double overhead cam and four valves per cylinder
• Premium unleaded fuel 91
• Multi-point injection fuel system
• 20.5 gallon main premium unleaded fuel tank 17.1
• Power: 380 kW , 510 HP SAE @ 6,500 rpm; 420 ft lb , 570 Nm @ 5,750 rpm

News : Aston Martin

Founded in 1913 by Robert Bamford and Lionel Martin, Aston Martin began as a joint project between the two men under the name, Bamford & Martin

The first Aston Martin was a 1908 Isotta-Fraschini. Later cars would set world endurance and speed records. After both men left the company, it was purchased by investors who renamed it Aston Martin Motors.



The first Aston Martins to bear the now famous "DB" moniker started in 1955 under owner David Brown Limited whose DB4 and DB5 would solidify the automaker's reputation as a serious racing company. Later, owners Peter Sprague and George Minden would create the first V8 Vantage and Volante in the late 1970s. Ford Motor Company purchased shares in the company in 1987 from then owners Peter Livanos Victor Gauntlett. Later the American automaker assumes full ownership in 1993.

Aston Martin was one of Ford's Premier Automotive Group, joining Jaguar, Land Rover, and Volvo. Note that Lincoln had been part of the group as well, but was pulled out in 2002 as part of the automaker's plans to separate its domestic and import lines. Under Ford's leadership, Aston Martin modernized further its plants, drastically increased its sales, and introduced truly new models like the DB7, V12 Vantage, and V12 Vanquish. The automaker also returned to racing in 2005 with its new division, Aston Martin Racing.

In 2007, in an effort to control it costs, Ford sold Aston Martin to a consortium headed by David Richards of Prodrive. The new owners have approved the production of the Rapide concept which first debuted at the North American International Auto Show in 2006.