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Jun 29, 2009 10:15 AM
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Detroit, 10:14 PM
Tue Feb 9
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The boys from Gaydon, England claimed they'd reveal a new model every year. A new super car? Nope. Actually, their latest concept, the Aston Martin Cygnet, a Toyota iQ-based luxury commuter city car, may even be a bit silly.
A partnership with Toyota lets Aston Martin base the new city car concept on the Toyota iQ and Dr Ulrich Bez, Aston Martin's Chief Executive, seems to be quite pleased with the prospect of offering the ability to purchase a Cygnet with every DBS, DB9 or Vantage. He'd like you to think of this, not as change in focus for Aston Martin, but rather a supplement to their already supple line-up. We're not sure we buy that.
Dr. Bez says;
"Now is the right time for Aston Martin to take this first bold step to embark on this special project - made possible with the support of an organisation of Toyota's stature and capability and the intelligent design and perfect city car package of the iQ.""Much work is still required, but I am confident that this project could become reality in the not too distant future. This concept - akin to an exclusive tender to a luxury yacht - will allow us to apply Aston Martin design language, craftsmanship and brand values to a completely new segment of the market."
Sounds more to us like someone's looking to meet new EU emissions rules.
But more importantly, does this mean we're now entering a world where only a couple of manufacturers have the cash on hand to design their own platforms? One day, will the only cars we can buy be built off either a Toyota, a Ford or a Volkswagen? Time will tell.
Full press release below:
Aston Martin has developed a new luxury commuter concept; the Aston Martin Cygnet Concept which will offer customers a distinctive, intelligent and exclusive solution for urban travel in style and luxury.The concept will offer Aston Martin trademark design in a commuter car package based on the critically acclaimed Toyota iQ with a Euro NCAP 5-star safety package.
The Aston Martin Cygnet Concept represents a creative, environmentally conscious solution, being small, yet with presence - and highly fuel efficient, now combined with the prestige of Aston Martin's luxury brand ownership.
Aston Martin, the world leader in exclusive niche engineering is collaborating on this concept with Toyota the world leader in volume, quality and reliability. Although vastly different in size, Toyota and Aston Martin share the philosophy of engineering excellence and innovation underlined by a strong passion for cars.
Aston Martin Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez said: "Now is the right time for Aston Martin to take this first bold step to embark on this special project - made possible with the support of an organisation of Toyota's stature and capability and the intelligent design and perfect city car package of the iQ."
"Much work is still required, but I am confident that this project could become reality in the not too distant future. This concept - akin to an exclusive tender to a luxury yacht - will allow us to apply Aston Martin design language, craftsmanship and brand values to a completely new segment of the market."
"The offering of a Aston Martin Cygnet with a DBS, DB9 or Vantage is a unique combination of opposites and a novel transport solution allowing intelligent and sensitive mobility on an exclusive and innovative level."
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