Aston Martin Cars Fan » Toyota http://astonmartincarsfan.com Aston Martin created some of the most beautiful cars in the world -- and we're here to talk about them... Mon, 23 Apr 2012 08:50:15 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v= Aston Martin collaborates with Toyota for iQ-based minicar http://astonmartincarsfan.com/2009/07/aston-martin-collaborates-with-toyota-for-iq-based-minicar/ http://astonmartincarsfan.com/2009/07/aston-martin-collaborates-with-toyota-for-iq-based-minicar/#comments Sat, 11 Jul 2009 09:56:37 +0000 admin http://astonmartincarsfan.com/?p=85 You are reading it right. Aston Martin is working with Toyota to develop a minicar coined Cygnet. A photo of the small hatchback with Aston Martin designers working on its final form leaks on the internet. The Cygnet is derived from the platform of the iQ minicar of the Japanese car maker. Production is expected to have a go by end of 2009.

The Cygnet will have a different look as it carries the Aston Martin badge. According to insiders, the car is being designed for European consumers and can be clearly differentiated from its older sibling the iQ minicar. Aston Martin has not given a hint about its price and production volumes.

Aston Martin Cygnet

The Toyota iQ from which the Cygnet will be based is powered by a 3-cylinder engine and has the 5-star seal of safety from the Euro NCAP. Most attributes of the iQ will be retained in the Cygnet but we can expect the latter to have the feel of luxury of an Aston Martin interior.

The CEO of Aston Martin, Ulrich Bez discussed with the media that the Cygnet still needs a lot of work and the car manufacturer is really excited as it goes into production in the near future.

The partnership between Aston Martin and Toyota was forged so the former can use the technology of the Japanese automaker to meet the fuel efficiency requirements set by European laws that will take effect by 2012.

Aston Martin and other low volume car manufacturers like Lamborghini and Ferrari face a great challenge to meet the tougher fuel and emission regulations. These three car firms produce powerful cars with higher than the standard CO2 emissions. Aston Martin though does not have the luxury of leveling their emissions with a parent company like the Fiat and VW for Ferrari and Lamborghini.

By the way, the Cygnet will only be sold to those who already has an Aston Martin in their garage.

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