What? This seems odd to you? A British luxury sports car builder embarking on a program to develop a small, awkward looking city car?
Well, welcome to the world of corporate average fuel economy (CAFE), a U.S. regulation that now says cars and trucks must meet a combined average of 35.5mpg by 2016. Given that the most fuel efficient model in Aston's lineup doesn't even get 20mpg on the highway, the company is clearly going to need some help to prop up its average.
Enter the Toyota iQ citycar, a pint-sized two-seater (there are rear "seats", but few humans could use them as such) that boasts mileage in the 55-60mpg range. Aston Martin intends to use the iQ as the basis for what it will call the Cygnet. Aston Martin CEO Ulrich Bez says now is the time for Aston to embark on such a project.
"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," said Bez.
According to a Aston Martin spokesperson, the Cygnet won't be sold on the open market. Instead, only those who already own an Aston Martin will be able to purchase the vehicle, sort of like an errand car to use when you want to downplay your conspicuous consumption.
Guess it's only a matter of time until we see a Porsche version of the Volkwagen Up! too.
alman08 says:
07:34 AM, 06/29/09
I have always thought Aston Martin is all about luxury super sport cars... Now I see that even these high end prestige car names want to follow the Japanese automakers' path... a car for every segment. BMW used to have just the 3, 5, and 7 sedans (not counting the special cars like Z1, M1, Z9, etc). Then came the X5, then X3, 6, and the X1.
Side note... Firstwagon is right... everyone is going smaller and more efficient.
albook says:
07:44 AM, 06/29/09
"Guess it's only a matter of time until we see a Porsche version of the Volkwagen Up! too"
I'd say no, seeing as Porche and VW are part of the same company. And I don't think BMW has a car for every market- just A LOT of niche vehicles (i.e. 5 GT, X6, X1). They should have stopped with the X3 and X5.
It is interesting to see how times have changed. It's unreal to think that Aston Martin is going to sell a sub 50k car, let alone rebadge a Toyota...
roar02ram says:
08:32 AM, 06/29/09
You know, I think I could see a future for this, though, if Aston put in a decent engine, luxed up the interior, and added some sophistication to the car's NVH characteristics. There are lots of small cars that would be totally livable were it not for buzzy engines, awful road noise, and cheap suspensions.
This may negate the whole economy aspect a bit, but I think that's necessary for an Aston Martin...
GT5000 says:
08:59 AM, 06/29/09
MT has more info on the Cygnet. It will get a fancy interior, but everything else will be built by Toyota, including the engine. It's estimated price converts to roughly $32,000. I really don't see this doing anything more than help them meet CAFE standards.
billt9 says:
12:56 PM, 06/29/09
Hahaha!
So, they'll give one of these away for free along with each genuine Aston Martin they sell.
The cost of the iQ is probably equal to the penalty then. So Aston Martin loses no money!
estreka says:
06:03 PM, 06/29/09
I'd rather pay a higher premium for a real Aston than degrade the breed and prestige like this...
fixxxer says:
11:14 PM, 06/29/09
I actually think this looks kind of cool. Especially if it just allows them to get out of the CAFE technicalities. Plus, with everyone in the US finally embracing the idea of downsizing, premium small cars may carve out a bit of a niche
TPAWRX says:
10:34 AM, 06/30/09
I think it's a great idea it's a way for (premium) car manufactures to step around CAFE ratings and penalties. Which within a matter of time will have steeper ratings and stricter penalties. It allows them to continue to build the performance cars we love. The idea of only selling to current Austin Martin owners is brilliant limiting the possible impact of tarnishing brand prestige. I think Cygnet works better for Austin Martin a British car builder (think MINI) than say Ferrari. What's better than having a $30,000 bumper sticker that says my other car is an Austin Martin DBS?
I wonder if BMW Motorcycles are included in the corporate average of fuel economy?
lukemc01 says:
02:15 PM, 07/ 1/09
Then again Ferrari could just give out Fiat Abarth 500s with each car they sell...
mrryte says:
10:48 AM, 07/10/09
I know that I'm a little late to the party; but I couldn't pass by this article without commenting.
"According to a Aston Martin spokesperson, the Cygnet won't be sold on the open market. Instead, only those who already own an Aston Martin will be able to purchase the vehicle, sort of like an errand car to use when you want to downplay your conspicuous consumption."
Aston Martin knows damn well that the "average" Aston Martin buyer wouldn't be caught DEAD in public driving a car like the iQ. This car would be the go-kart to drive around on the golf course or the enormous estate.