Follow us on TwitterOfficial Photos of 2010 Aston Martin Cygnet
Really Aston Martin? You’re really going to go through with this? Remember when the guys that owned the rights to the James Bond films thought that Pierce Brosnan was a good idea? What we have here, the coming in 2010 Aston Martin Cygnet is the automotive equivalent of that.
Look, I understand. The world is changing, and you have to keep up. V12 Astons are wonderful cars, but you have to do something green, or at least have some show that you care about the environment, right? But this? This is just a Toyota iQ with a nice interior and some AM styling touches. Is this really what you want to do with your brand?
And who’s going to buy the Aston Martin Cygnet? Are there really that many rich people out there that green conscious AND worried that they look like they’re too rich, but still want to drive an Aston Martin. Have rich people ever wanted to be anonymously rich? I guess Aston thinks there are.
And it looks like Aston is going ahead with it. At least they’re serious enough to release some photos of the Cygnet before it takes its official bow. And those photos show that the Cygnet looks like in detail, which, to me, resembles what a Vantage would look like if some New Guinea headhunters were to get a hold of it.
Aston Martin calls the Cygnet “a new luxury commuter concept car.” And that it very well is, but I’m still unconvinced of the economic viability of the little guy. AM also goes on to say that “the 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.”
Really? Prestige? Like, when you pull up to the ultra-swank restaurant, the valet will say to you, “Oh no sir, please, let’s leave your Aston Martin Cygnet park right out front here so Che’ Adolfo can have even MORE Prestige!”
Aston goes on to say that ” … it is hoped that it will become a production reality initially available to Aston Martin customers in the UK and Europe.”
Source: AutoBlogGreen
PRESTIGE WORLDWIDE.
As much as I think the idea of a reworked Toyota with Aston Martin styling touches is so far and away contrary to everything which an Aston Martin reflects, I have to admit, they’ve done a fine job of it. I mean, really. Just look at that thing. Aside from some marginally appealing wheels, it’s a sharp little car and we all know that, deep down inside, we’re going to be giddy with excitement the first time we see one in person.
Is it irrational to expect that nothing Aston Martin lays hands upon could ever leave the factory being less than flawless? No doubt the Cygnet will be the most luxurious sub-compact runabout on the roads and the mileage gains it provides might allow the DB to remain pure and un-molested with pointless hybrid technology intended to pander to inane sycophants and crushing emissions standards. Let’s just hope Bugatti doesn’t follow suit with their own version of the Yaris!
To me, the biggest problem with the Cygnet is not that it’s a small, economical vehicle, but that the vehicle on which it is based is such a far cry from what many of us perceive is the spirit of Aston Martin. In my mind, Aston Martin reflects grace and class. It is a brand which embodies the highest levels of craftsmanship and devotion to the idea of grand touring.
Ferraris are raucous sophomores who, despite their heavenly voices and astounding athletic ability, are still a bit rough and tumble. The Lamborghini is the prodigal child who went to Germany and became sensible; perhaps too sensible. All the while, the Aston Martin has become more and more refined. Softening the raw performance edge ever so slightly, while tightening up the accommodations (and still capable of bursting into song on a whim).
The Cygnet is a noble effort to take a simple appliance and transform it into something great. It’s like shrinking a 60″ flat panel HD TV down to just 8″ so it will fit on your nightstand. Absolutely possible, but entirely off the point.
If it were up to me, I’d partner with Ford-Mazda and base a smaller car on something which at least hints at the rewards of a well balanced machine meant for driving and the joy of stylish touring. I’d base a new model on the Miata platform and call it the DBM. Actually, I already have…
http://www.dr1665.com/2009/08/the-aston-martin-dbm/