Shock: Aston Martin Minicar

Every time that you think you've seen it all, something comes along that outdoes it. Aston Martin has made an announcement about a new minicar. That's right, a Aston minicar. In collaboration with Toyota via it's iQ small car, no less. What's next, a Rolls-Royce MINI? Err wait - they're going to do that.

While some would immediately be against the idea, I actually think it could be good one if done right.

First of all, the picture looks good, the Aston Martin design cues work well on the car. However, it has to be well differentiated both inside and out (and furthermore, they look like the iQ's headlights to me). Word has it Aston will just be redoing the leather and trimming in the car's interior without a complete redesign. To me, I think it would be better if they could change everything possible.

Aston Martin is saying the car will be made available to existing customers, but doesn't offer any more information about that. Some are saying that exclusivity will only last for a certain period before the car is made available to the general public.

I think it would be making a mistake to make it available to the general public and certainly under any circumstances not at the $33,000 price point speculated about. $33,000 for a Aston Martin? No way. Aston Martin ownership should be the domain of the well-off if they want to protect their brand image.

Aston Martin CEO Ulrich Bez says “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.”

Yes but it only works as the equivalent to an "exclusive tender" to a yacht if it is made available to existing customers only.

This project could be more to do with Aston Martin having to meet certain mileage standards than anything. It seems like a whole lot of speculation is being bandied about that may or may not be true. Some are saying (like it's confirmed) that the car will be going into production next year for a price of $33,000. Far as I know, Aston Martin is still calling it a concept (maybe to gauge reaction) and there was no specifics in any of the press releases about the car.

Anyhow, we should wait and see how this all plays out. If I was Aston Martin though, I would tread very carefully with the way I went I about this.