New Reveal : 2009 Aston Martin Cygnet Concept

Finally, a new Aston Martin; Well, sort of! Aston Martin announced today an all-new concept called the Cygnet Concept. Aston Martin calls it “luxury commuter concept”. However, it is clearly shown that this is basically a re-badged Toyota IQ, with a DBS grill and hood nostrils.

The photographers at Aston Martin only gave us one photo to look at. To be brutally honest, we don't see the point of the Cygnet Concept. However, Aston says that “Cygnet will offer customers a distinctive, intelligent and exclusive solution for urban travel in style and luxury” and is “based on the critically acclaimed Toyota iQ with a Euro NCAP 5-star safety package.”

So, will this Aston be as fast as an Aston should be? Not exactly! As we say again, this is fully-based on the IQ. That means, the 100 hp 1.3L 3-cylinder is still sits under the Aston Martin Cygnet Concept's hood.

However, is Aston really going to produce the Cygnet? Aston Martin's CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez thinks so. “Much work is still required, but I am confident that this project could become reality in the not too distant future,” said Bez. “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 Toyota iQ donor cars will be built in Japan and then shipped to Aston Martin's Gaydon factory in the UK where they will be "transformed" into Cygnets. The price, it's reported that the Cygents to be priced around $30,000. Which is pretty deeply expensive, since the IQ doesn't cost more than $15,000. At least this Aston would be for the public, much unlike the $2 million One-77.

And you thought GM's badge engineering was ridiculous...

Source : [Aston Martin]