Aston Martin's Cygnet, The Luxed Up Toyota IQ

<script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=0d650ffe-1ec7-4395-883b-24e806d21a65&type=website"></script><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpjorrTXG6p9TdJgSoDW7R3A3EwcslYZZF-zeoMd_YSmcpiojxBfdKU-_kf29FiOMd5C15s-qfpqNV082J7TDFpyusch3pPobpgDlivtAMnFCzzgnoCh1APKjEdOm_ZnQKg75Gr27HkMhd/s1600/2010-aston-martin-cygnet-9_800x0w.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464990424486157858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpjorrTXG6p9TdJgSoDW7R3A3EwcslYZZF-zeoMd_YSmcpiojxBfdKU-_kf29FiOMd5C15s-qfpqNV082J7TDFpyusch3pPobpgDlivtAMnFCzzgnoCh1APKjEdOm_ZnQKg75Gr27HkMhd/s400/2010-aston-martin-cygnet-9_800x0w.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 533px; height: 274px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSAGz8ThM82nBWlOG8ZAzWYWLjx1tNSNlJjEB943cYYIxsi6_JDbMpk0oxLJqQYcsWU2Z9F94H20xtyspPVXTTshpwRn06fss_kR7VYK51EYyfwqgXSOCd7Fg6we7hB7lRdHelaphU_-cU/s1600/Picture+2.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464998235764184338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSAGz8ThM82nBWlOG8ZAzWYWLjx1tNSNlJjEB943cYYIxsi6_JDbMpk0oxLJqQYcsWU2Z9F94H20xtyspPVXTTshpwRn06fss_kR7VYK51EYyfwqgXSOCd7Fg6we7hB7lRdHelaphU_-cU/s400/Picture+2.png" style="cursor: pointer; width: 533px; height: 153px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkg5q_SOE7W8m_gHhvJObg4L9F7tKSpVrbbaO5lrngym7m8yvt9ep9ZHB3K1bPqJV6NwDydorZH2xS7jwG-M-4I62qdnoyIq6w1SMcsafPUhHKbXtoECulnklTXF-JslZUQIlRukVQ0EXN/s1600/2010-aston-martin-cygnet_800x0w.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464988893479214034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkg5q_SOE7W8m_gHhvJObg4L9F7tKSpVrbbaO5lrngym7m8yvt9ep9ZHB3K1bPqJV6NwDydorZH2xS7jwG-M-4I62qdnoyIq6w1SMcsafPUhHKbXtoECulnklTXF-JslZUQIlRukVQ0EXN/s400/2010-aston-martin-cygnet_800x0w.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 531px; height: 273px;" /></a><br /><br />In my opinion, Aston Martin makes some of the world's sexiest luxury sports cars; The DBS Volante, The DB9, the V12 Vantage and The Rapide. And especially their <a href="http://www.astonmartin.com/eng/thecars/carbonblack">new Carbon Black special editions.</a> Long, sleek, aerodynamic, elegant cars whose profiles' make one drool with desire. Aesthetically graceful enough for women, strong enough looking for men.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW_eKuGPrIoYpWmhgaq0Pmvt9576nJQ8nHi4rR7BoSkm27hXYWAjsn38AoIlaNBaKcZWAGD067LA29w4VuZggZUdKqcECnsYoJP_9SlGVJ1X_kzqki70zYSMjvWpJV1f-HAorKLsWrdqIX/s1600/_V12_vantage.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465001693062238146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW_eKuGPrIoYpWmhgaq0Pmvt9576nJQ8nHi4rR7BoSkm27hXYWAjsn38AoIlaNBaKcZWAGD067LA29w4VuZggZUdKqcECnsYoJP_9SlGVJ1X_kzqki70zYSMjvWpJV1f-HAorKLsWrdqIX/s400/_V12_vantage.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 531px; height: 386px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">clockwise from upper left: the V12 Vantage, The DBS Volante, The DB9 and the Rapide.</span><br /></span><br />So, when I first caught a glimpse of the Cygnet, I was disappointed. It's built on the Toyota iQ (called the Scion IQ in the US) platform. A little quirky european looking commuter car.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFKBYoicWvlX5gOAM5IfK785hsM81AyQLDSIz1HTX24CInB0cBwkm6E-7iz6AZHaqPzFMFEHIMFaHmeCVn9YCEmd0NfAh0j-m6pgcB4rMaPvhsGOoFv4sDoHMY6gx4pcemM2f6sP33JJQQ/s1600/2010-aston-martin-cygnet-4_800x0w.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464990680035751266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFKBYoicWvlX5gOAM5IfK785hsM81AyQLDSIz1HTX24CInB0cBwkm6E-7iz6AZHaqPzFMFEHIMFaHmeCVn9YCEmd0NfAh0j-m6pgcB4rMaPvhsGOoFv4sDoHMY6gx4pcemM2f6sP33JJQQ/s400/2010-aston-martin-cygnet-4_800x0w.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 530px; height: 272px;" /></a><br /><br />It's true, I have a personal bias against cars that look like the need a wind-up key to run. The Mini, the Smart car, the Toyota iQ and even that old Le Car remind me of Barnum and Bailey clown cars. That said, the reason I'm blogging about the Cygnet is the interesting business strategy behind it.<br /><br />First off, if you didn't know, to purchase one of the Aston Martin Cygnets, you must already own a full-sized Aston Martin. Since many of their customers (Aston Martin says approximately 30%) already own a mini car like a Toyota iQ, they are serving their client’s needs while lowering the fleet’s CO2 emissions. Thus, without damaging their brand, they've basically designed a $45,000+* accessory for their customers who own $285,000 cars.<br /><span style="font-size:85%;">*The actual MSRP price has not been released.</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvoaVe51A4fAVOxl8m8bbrmNToe4bQnGdyI9avk6Yu61s5-fwXY37_vQjI9hctHomdo89Di5k2qlAuV30OUZJYhbpcu97nOUzDvWExeklj9P9YkMBblsHsJGJnHvlgyZEsyk-_A-NNeG2Y/s1600/2010-aston-martin-cygnet-2_800x0w.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464994916464347186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvoaVe51A4fAVOxl8m8bbrmNToe4bQnGdyI9avk6Yu61s5-fwXY37_vQjI9hctHomdo89Di5k2qlAuV30OUZJYhbpcu97nOUzDvWExeklj9P9YkMBblsHsJGJnHvlgyZEsyk-_A-NNeG2Y/s400/2010-aston-martin-cygnet-2_800x0w.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 531px; height: 273px;" /></a><br /><br />“Many of our customers have a need for a small car for urban and city use,” says Aston Martin Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez, “The Cygnet Concept brings intelligence, innovation and artistry to the small car market. The Cygnet Concept represents the natural choice for those customers looking for a premium commuter car.”<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0VcN9ATbMK9TvLbOvucbpzxszu-tQ5oi1JrBGyq8nCSi9tA4jnQAhK35oPnpCKy4OseL49rK9n_dddAhoLE-3gxdFWzr-dfN0_V05Ro3koRlR0-5Z_Eg3XApe5Ewi6OrCNdWKf2oK5e6Z/s1600/2010-aston-martin-cygnet-3_800x0w.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464990799097315378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0VcN9ATbMK9TvLbOvucbpzxszu-tQ5oi1JrBGyq8nCSi9tA4jnQAhK35oPnpCKy4OseL49rK9n_dddAhoLE-3gxdFWzr-dfN0_V05Ro3koRlR0-5Z_Eg3XApe5Ewi6OrCNdWKf2oK5e6Z/s400/2010-aston-martin-cygnet-3_800x0w.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 535px; height: 275px;" /></a><br /><br />“Our past, our future and our backbone will always remain sports cars, but the Cygnet Concept will support this by offering our customers a greater degree of freedom in the urban context.”<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQSLZf-CJ99z9LQUlg2VYXyWhidpj6K_gyFb0tJwUNuiGN6eobvcJ-gDjnmgMVgBad67iFo8tYGr4v-ndMM9hPV5obXhuaq-C1OP11nqfkNMUiyKtoqP_hDOIIn4jYNn-EHSFFD3BA4Tbj/s1600/2010-aston-martin-cygnet-10_800x0w.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464990282718921858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQSLZf-CJ99z9LQUlg2VYXyWhidpj6K_gyFb0tJwUNuiGN6eobvcJ-gDjnmgMVgBad67iFo8tYGr4v-ndMM9hPV5obXhuaq-C1OP11nqfkNMUiyKtoqP_hDOIIn4jYNn-EHSFFD3BA4Tbj/s400/2010-aston-martin-cygnet-10_800x0w.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 532px; height: 273px;" /></a><br /><br />The Aston Martin Cygnet Concept is a bold step towards a new form of transportation; the luxury commuter car, a form of personal transportation that sees the company's core values engage with a new environment.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvCuEr8B4PgEAkQ0qLi68pA3hp04HdIAPrD-C_2CowZMKO3iwyi4VlAxp1-rQE7kVQoLbICWmGCuunSZNcaZhtcbtwmlHtfX3J04X4ujV4o9_-aDT02-GVIbtNb89_bdaS6IPPUoipWfo/s1600/2010-aston-martin-cygnet-1_800x0w.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464995276209422162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvCuEr8B4PgEAkQ0qLi68pA3hp04HdIAPrD-C_2CowZMKO3iwyi4VlAxp1-rQE7kVQoLbICWmGCuunSZNcaZhtcbtwmlHtfX3J04X4ujV4o9_-aDT02-GVIbtNb89_bdaS6IPPUoipWfo/s400/2010-aston-martin-cygnet-1_800x0w.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 538px; height: 277px;" /></a><br /><br />The Aston Martin Cygnet Concept is the result of a unique and intelligent collaboration, the coming together of two companies that are leaders in their respective fields. The project has required a close intellectual and engineering partnership, resulting in an inventive solution that unites volume and niche automotive engineering.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMRNxCGRZmmfuj4ufflkfzvltol8PHpSykB4xNPa_2wwj9KkWrqMGA6BtV6lG9OYffYPL_5xJxStwlctW_2MieCfw6oLkT_DCByx53E1xl8nWARdpRq7K7vsqBZU-XOHcFVr0Y7pMvXmr1/s1600/cygnet4_800_e561c469-7c8f-45a2-8cde-27d1e0911f18.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464992578015166370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMRNxCGRZmmfuj4ufflkfzvltol8PHpSykB4xNPa_2wwj9KkWrqMGA6BtV6lG9OYffYPL_5xJxStwlctW_2MieCfw6oLkT_DCByx53E1xl8nWARdpRq7K7vsqBZU-XOHcFVr0Y7pMvXmr1/s400/cygnet4_800_e561c469-7c8f-45a2-8cde-27d1e0911f18.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 530px; height: 365px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwurw9VSnsNPxvoQc4rr09lSxwc8XYbGK3ycYlo482LRAGtF6hGKrRGQy_f_zNGgaKKKKgCzyax_Uxa8i39211GmS4c4ZWWnpvRDvFn4o0o4cJPTDZO5LI2lWHgxwZ6T7UJS2jXc4BoytL/s1600/cygnet6_800_797eaf89-1216-487a-a2d6-30a40c3f4aa5.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464992485466908562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwurw9VSnsNPxvoQc4rr09lSxwc8XYbGK3ycYlo482LRAGtF6hGKrRGQy_f_zNGgaKKKKgCzyax_Uxa8i39211GmS4c4ZWWnpvRDvFn4o0o4cJPTDZO5LI2lWHgxwZ6T7UJS2jXc4BoytL/s400/cygnet6_800_797eaf89-1216-487a-a2d6-30a40c3f4aa5.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 529px; height: 366px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhTldrViP34JpPNUA-KP_MuIDs4ck1LZgx5yYWnOYIi0ymT9cpaehaYaSgekaBPf_Mo2W60gR6pXBPmtX81USGuS-3QdLdfTGYMnug7QEsazqTXJ8kLMFz50lEWU9QjZVto25eQ7c_pO2/s1600/cygnet7_800_5255d832-dd66-428e-915b-493854242fbe.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464991887058577362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhTldrViP34JpPNUA-KP_MuIDs4ck1LZgx5yYWnOYIi0ymT9cpaehaYaSgekaBPf_Mo2W60gR6pXBPmtX81USGuS-3QdLdfTGYMnug7QEsazqTXJ8kLMFz50lEWU9QjZVto25eQ7c_pO2/s400/cygnet7_800_5255d832-dd66-428e-915b-493854242fbe.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 529px; height: 335px;" /></a><br /><br />The Aston Martin Cygnet Concept is small. At just under three metres long (that's 9.8 feet), the car is a highly refined piece of packaging, designed to make fast progress within dense European cityscapes. With four seats and a highly intelligent interior, the car can be configured in a number of different ways, allowing for a 2+2 seating system, a 2+1 seating system or a 2-seater with large luggage area.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvEUqW2DLjOvYC3S71VryI82jwOsr39Btu5BF9NTG0HrEqizU-TjOpXZiRaMjsnyy4-_33nI4-5JDL6_TTNSIo5jnGiW7Kwncq1WyhyGxuaW_X2JuOulVehrmOx9DRzoBTGwCZf1-LrJv/s1600/Aston-Martin-Cygnet-2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464997100315891666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvEUqW2DLjOvYC3S71VryI82jwOsr39Btu5BF9NTG0HrEqizU-TjOpXZiRaMjsnyy4-_33nI4-5JDL6_TTNSIo5jnGiW7Kwncq1WyhyGxuaW_X2JuOulVehrmOx9DRzoBTGwCZf1-LrJv/s400/Aston-Martin-Cygnet-2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 529px; height: 378px;" /></a><br /><br />The Aston Martin Cygnet Concept has a 1.3 litre 4-cylinder engine, offering CO2 emissions of 110g/km and combined fuel economy figures of 58.9 mpg, with a power output of 98bhp. The Aston Martin Cygnet Concept has a six-speed manual gearbox, with the MultidriveTM CVT system available as an option. The Aston Martin Cygnet Concept comes with an acclaimed technology package as standard, including a satellite navigation system, iPod integration and a powerful six-speaker radio/CD player.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVZRqFhcKxziL0RIQoaW2yfq1M_GE9_3dE1V9DC8rexK1YHN1cYNI5RNuFLl07h3R75DFh3cE2CswbXO3piuG11XKPL-861kO4kjcEx_BVXO5tI1S3ncl6Ko-jlZmB2kNa4TE7bKjQ22v2/s1600/2010-aston-martin-cygnet-8_800x0w.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464990555024740034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVZRqFhcKxziL0RIQoaW2yfq1M_GE9_3dE1V9DC8rexK1YHN1cYNI5RNuFLl07h3R75DFh3cE2CswbXO3piuG11XKPL-861kO4kjcEx_BVXO5tI1S3ncl6Ko-jlZmB2kNa4TE7bKjQ22v2/s400/2010-aston-martin-cygnet-8_800x0w.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 529px; height: 343px;" /></a><br /><br />The Cygnet Concept enhances the marque, pointing to a future of ongoing innovation, design and technology; allowing Aston Martin customers a greater degree of freedom without compromising the levels of design, quality and innovation that embody the brand.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEY-d-jDOdPbj2HwuWO0Zvv8MLz-nsz521CdsMOEX7Myok82YIO6PJb3xActW6nffPyUqP2ds50LWqSkdW-NMsl3d65qbrJsCfTUgA3VD6TxcIgijq1PXY9G9mfS9RQ7np8XihUPLG5sNu/s1600/cygnet8_800_bfe67c41-9dbd-4156-a6d7-61241ed575e2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464991793939027698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEY-d-jDOdPbj2HwuWO0Zvv8MLz-nsz521CdsMOEX7Myok82YIO6PJb3xActW6nffPyUqP2ds50LWqSkdW-NMsl3d65qbrJsCfTUgA3VD6TxcIgijq1PXY9G9mfS9RQ7np8XihUPLG5sNu/s400/cygnet8_800_bfe67c41-9dbd-4156-a6d7-61241ed575e2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 530px; height: 367px;" /></a><br /><br />An Aston Martin delivers the pleasure and exhilaration of driving combined with an appreciation of craftsmanship, design and technology. But Aston Martin is also about innovation, forging new links and associations; and bringing the brand's qualities to new sectors of the market.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvQYbPAcGeNlXyqJElVH8v9OE6fEOUDkWugCk2vpQ3Nws5pP29miCzRC-rjHapVUWilZd3o0brxhLUf9n4qRSXbYGFo03_ryimxu1KbgEmcWj62Agx071nAyHRsV-SVATQOp00RQwrpwdx/s1600/cygnet5_800_9868c9f7-f588-44a1-abab-3fd3385e0674.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464993985072104658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvQYbPAcGeNlXyqJElVH8v9OE6fEOUDkWugCk2vpQ3Nws5pP29miCzRC-rjHapVUWilZd3o0brxhLUf9n4qRSXbYGFo03_ryimxu1KbgEmcWj62Agx071nAyHRsV-SVATQOp00RQwrpwdx/s400/cygnet5_800_9868c9f7-f588-44a1-abab-3fd3385e0674.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 532px; height: 357px;" /></a><br /><br />The Cygnet Concept is a demonstration of Aston Martin's unrivalled skill at creating hand-crafted interiors. The rich blend of hand-stitched leather, Alcantara and aluminium is shared with Aston Martin's sports cars. The company's extensive experience of traditional processes and richly detailed craftsmanship gives each Aston Martin a unique feel, bringing together detailed design work, high technology and exquisitely tactile materials.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQuPnMCl00Nz-snyss27WiPYGNqnidOcDQ0-yfn9IT4ZTd0PSbHbbRLHeXFjmUptSK_e7-bVCTG9UGMqa8FLbprtBNJYojc7tVq6rD1evQIJVUsQe5ufbTMug-IRjWc4hRd_Zz4TTeTyzE/s1600/cygnet2_800_bc995db0-95ac-46a7-8b93-9c2ba2989dee.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464993080328726306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQuPnMCl00Nz-snyss27WiPYGNqnidOcDQ0-yfn9IT4ZTd0PSbHbbRLHeXFjmUptSK_e7-bVCTG9UGMqa8FLbprtBNJYojc7tVq6rD1evQIJVUsQe5ufbTMug-IRjWc4hRd_Zz4TTeTyzE/s400/cygnet2_800_bc995db0-95ac-46a7-8b93-9c2ba2989dee.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 527px; height: 314px;" /></a><br /><br />As a luxury commuter car that can slip easily and unobtrusively into the city, the Cygnet Concept is a highly intelligent solution to urban mobility. Using tried and tested technology, together with Aston Martin's acclaimed levels of personalisation and customisation, material quality, craft skill and tactile delight, the Cygnet Concept is innovative and forward-thinking, a genuine solution for future mobility and a natural partner for Aston Martin's line-up of acclaimed luxury sports cars.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdKnmVZxDctIQ7_ze6-ZzzLyvYiJf90xXLrwVMZc4cTwAytEe7_5jsws6Uh4z1UR5l50jnNR_6Zd3-4pSC_4vS8zUmqkTxMCKEejNbFIOTQwvDvk3v2a3RPoFi_yIzzVIj57xeMZ0ZJfb5/s1600/cygnet1_800_254513ac-6782-4e37-8db2-bb409d4bddb6.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464993335489837026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdKnmVZxDctIQ7_ze6-ZzzLyvYiJf90xXLrwVMZc4cTwAytEe7_5jsws6Uh4z1UR5l50jnNR_6Zd3-4pSC_4vS8zUmqkTxMCKEejNbFIOTQwvDvk3v2a3RPoFi_yIzzVIj57xeMZ0ZJfb5/s400/cygnet1_800_254513ac-6782-4e37-8db2-bb409d4bddb6.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 529px; height: 310px;" /></a><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.astonmartin.com/eng/thecars/cygnet/registeryourinterest">register your interest in the Cygnet to receive the latest news and info here</a><br /><br />official images and information of the Aston Martin Cygnet courtesy of <a href="http://www.astonmartin.com/">Aston Martin</a> and <a href="http://www.topspeed.com/">Top Speed.</a><br /><br />I told you I love Aston Martin cars, so be sure to check out the world's most expensive and exclusive <a href="http://ifitshipitshere.blogspot.com/2008/08/i-cant-stop-drooling-aston-martin-one.html">Aston Martin One-77 here.</a>

Aston Martin's Cygnet, The Luxed Up Toyota IQ

In my opinion, Aston Martin makes some of the world's sexiest luxury sports cars; The DBS Volante, The DB9, the V12 Vantage and The Rapi...

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Aston Martin Releases New Film About The One-77 Design

<script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=0d650ffe-1ec7-4395-883b-24e806d21a65&type=website"></script><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_MIX15kY09v7DMcQiSU0uu-jto9Bsfw3zQdf3B-tbUNQTQYooWL0Lc1yfvmT_L-8gV4js9xadk4t5CvOfabHWG0IvCYy6ufFci94f97mE6es7JuzD1X5GBVsYZ6DIwnbqAm8m-Z6Ry7xb/s1600-h/Picture+25.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252943379656712850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_MIX15kY09v7DMcQiSU0uu-jto9Bsfw3zQdf3B-tbUNQTQYooWL0Lc1yfvmT_L-8gV4js9xadk4t5CvOfabHWG0IvCYy6ufFci94f97mE6es7JuzD1X5GBVsYZ6DIwnbqAm8m-Z6Ry7xb/s400/Picture+25.png" style="cursor: pointer; width: 531px; height: 367px;" /></a><br /><br />The stunning Aston Martin One-77 has just released the first in a series of online films talking about the design and creation of this exclusive automobile.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg95eB_wCvZIyw6l3HDQW9iCm2x_gt7FJ_I2xZ9QYNfgxrTnWd1Cv4Qm-OTQ6XxbFmRa1kJwmfqCsT0AC5EAoTWedwFKfS7YyXyDtlE0BuOOSGFs2PBy0se-FjpC3wTvuKQKIqUsHqLYIg1/s1600-h/Picture+16.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252944537564225074" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg95eB_wCvZIyw6l3HDQW9iCm2x_gt7FJ_I2xZ9QYNfgxrTnWd1Cv4Qm-OTQ6XxbFmRa1kJwmfqCsT0AC5EAoTWedwFKfS7YyXyDtlE0BuOOSGFs2PBy0se-FjpC3wTvuKQKIqUsHqLYIg1/s400/Picture+16.png" style="cursor: pointer; width: 528px; height: 318px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk1ujvNkUrWEz7pYHiJaWchHiSbTVLkWdCnhGYGi5RvAzkFe51cepMTwNV98mv3HMgz3KwtFLxSSuAiGPdnH730xnloPeMaJ54lFM1wDbVxlMMDxc8VERfm9PatIDYDOjVmqNhknMx5BYS/s1600-h/Picture+28.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252944253476287794" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk1ujvNkUrWEz7pYHiJaWchHiSbTVLkWdCnhGYGi5RvAzkFe51cepMTwNV98mv3HMgz3KwtFLxSSuAiGPdnH730xnloPeMaJ54lFM1wDbVxlMMDxc8VERfm9PatIDYDOjVmqNhknMx5BYS/s400/Picture+28.png" style="cursor: pointer; width: 528px; height: 344px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_5J_2SbAD_kdKodvwAgyegQgSTjiNW0SiqyD1dhWxrhErODmhAsSh4SrAyxh4MfY7KOy_n1XlSWloQb5xFWBntbt-OziFZmxfAQgk6yN5sfnmG4WmaQEndgIWu27wPRb0Nasaq8VocNVy/s1600-h/Picture+23.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252952252352837074" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_5J_2SbAD_kdKodvwAgyegQgSTjiNW0SiqyD1dhWxrhErODmhAsSh4SrAyxh4MfY7KOy_n1XlSWloQb5xFWBntbt-OziFZmxfAQgk6yN5sfnmG4WmaQEndgIWu27wPRb0Nasaq8VocNVy/s400/Picture+23.png" style="cursor: pointer; width: 527px; height: 322px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTeWzYfpI0X9Li2k6gGoUIsoCwwHfRNOuIytpUJyDqduDo6sj9mg-YeGgx1MVESN1P7HawXwPeqBdeY9lActnLTHVv1k4lLTnYDjiXd1bD8kZO3AvK6g6Ks8u9inOr0kGt-xeNlDQ3qRA/s1600-h/Picture+17.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252943636774690338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTeWzYfpI0X9Li2k6gGoUIsoCwwHfRNOuIytpUJyDqduDo6sj9mg-YeGgx1MVESN1P7HawXwPeqBdeY9lActnLTHVv1k4lLTnYDjiXd1bD8kZO3AvK6g6Ks8u9inOr0kGt-xeNlDQ3qRA/s400/Picture+17.png" style="cursor: pointer; width: 527px; height: 321px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLSWoDwuZ77Puu6Nli0F7r-fY-iN-SYCqyIUOMtogslMytfn6hZOVU6RwvmuM5lXvhP_Mc1ICtk4TouA3S2y8nc0ypXhZfg952kddAEFohxrVoxEAhcO-xKA_TtkBe5cAQENBd9NTHCf_e/s1600-h/Picture+31.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252947658160247394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLSWoDwuZ77Puu6Nli0F7r-fY-iN-SYCqyIUOMtogslMytfn6hZOVU6RwvmuM5lXvhP_Mc1ICtk4TouA3S2y8nc0ypXhZfg952kddAEFohxrVoxEAhcO-xKA_TtkBe5cAQENBd9NTHCf_e/s400/Picture+31.png" style="cursor: pointer; width: 524px; height: 146px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYpXuzOK9RTehuSSGFxFZEqUFc6HSj6ThAEK2yL4KYcjdmVNIY-iBqT4VaSyPlzGhJ_EwFNgkZZj43Uxc0ntyEQAnBVbjvvJ_vFb7AGlC45Mv3gJDpDvvrGdF-KYbQ6lLZ4YcDLyFYtMod/s1600-h/Picture+34.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252947360414163090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYpXuzOK9RTehuSSGFxFZEqUFc6HSj6ThAEK2yL4KYcjdmVNIY-iBqT4VaSyPlzGhJ_EwFNgkZZj43Uxc0ntyEQAnBVbjvvJ_vFb7AGlC45Mv3gJDpDvvrGdF-KYbQ6lLZ4YcDLyFYtMod/s400/Picture+34.png" style="cursor: pointer; width: 521px; height: 304px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiK8NICzJfKuVnge241NT1jMxSLnB9_QVB8dSASZOHzfXveONczLKgSrTwMdD-fqiyeu76opjwHbGa8g1_8lEDW_gwXc9_wGVX3b999VAbgx_8zWYK5-8oaJls_3Pf-NLNJ723eyUOUxbo/s1600-h/Picture+30.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252947796260099170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiK8NICzJfKuVnge241NT1jMxSLnB9_QVB8dSASZOHzfXveONczLKgSrTwMdD-fqiyeu76opjwHbGa8g1_8lEDW_gwXc9_wGVX3b999VAbgx_8zWYK5-8oaJls_3Pf-NLNJ723eyUOUxbo/s400/Picture+30.png" style="cursor: pointer; width: 524px; height: 144px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF46YwkwTLRMKID-D4-2wNzso9HKTADHbBLKH9ujumO8mqtuEkaofvBNFnVLoMN67zH0l7G5thkAg1zgC95O5_WPT2zEjtFR5BQo-KCPlPqFue9lLRPJDlAF70Xd8crOe7CGBTacBf5X8_/s1600-h/610x224_The_Company_Aston_Martin_Meets_Art_2_ea5dda7e-972b-4b99-98c3-b6e5f79a6d9d.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252947252995739682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF46YwkwTLRMKID-D4-2wNzso9HKTADHbBLKH9ujumO8mqtuEkaofvBNFnVLoMN67zH0l7G5thkAg1zgC95O5_WPT2zEjtFR5BQo-KCPlPqFue9lLRPJDlAF70Xd8crOe7CGBTacBf5X8_/s400/610x224_The_Company_Aston_Martin_Meets_Art_2_ea5dda7e-972b-4b99-98c3-b6e5f79a6d9d.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 523px; height: 192px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7tP-8lquqVJhbKmSMT1D5GZprEK-3hG_UhliVc1a9LCCQrt2kUKEziydE2vMM-tWnEO1z8DZEkzkdm-DKYTSCetFZRnxtIi9KslE1mPVNBVnKNUzj8pnzuQLiOwIIbf9_-j4HBGWKnk3i/s1600-h/rear.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252948202947497650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7tP-8lquqVJhbKmSMT1D5GZprEK-3hG_UhliVc1a9LCCQrt2kUKEziydE2vMM-tWnEO1z8DZEkzkdm-DKYTSCetFZRnxtIi9KslE1mPVNBVnKNUzj8pnzuQLiOwIIbf9_-j4HBGWKnk3i/s400/rear.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 523px; height: 294px;" /></a><br />The second will air online november 11th, 2oo8.<br /><a href="http://www.one-77.com/flash.html">See the film here.</a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5yb51DytAGwm8xwwdhgNxv3PQCK-7UurxIt_7-FsJwxFKuH15uK30Y318ptb8sAaEVURMl2IipSGYzPnwme8PCcWQCmJk6ATCzALLKqUcAzb91VrEMK8PkAhzXjptzGiCXIXBm7rWTVN0/s1600/Picture-8.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466746668098653282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5yb51DytAGwm8xwwdhgNxv3PQCK-7UurxIt_7-FsJwxFKuH15uK30Y318ptb8sAaEVURMl2IipSGYzPnwme8PCcWQCmJk6ATCzALLKqUcAzb91VrEMK8PkAhzXjptzGiCXIXBm7rWTVN0/s400/Picture-8.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 525px; height: 387px;" /></a><br />My original post now has many <a href="http://ifitshipitshere.blogspot.com/2008/08/i-cant-stop-drooling-aston-martin-one.html">new updated photo of the Aston Martin One-77, see that here.</a><br><br>

Aston Martin Releases New Film About The One-77 Design

The stunning Aston Martin One-77 has just released the first in a series of online films talking about the design and creation of this exclu...

Read more »

A Louis Vuitton Aston Martin? Not so fast...

<span style="font-family:arial;">No, I don't mean the car is not so fast, I mean don't get too excited about this news. Yet.<br /><p>Three of my favorite blogs,<a href="http://www.luxist.com/" style="font-family: arial;">Luxist</a><span style="font-family:arial;">, </span><a href="http://www.highsnobiety.com/" style="font-family: arial;">High Snobiety</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> and </span><a href="http://www.notcot.org/" style="font-family: arial;">NOTCOT</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> reported today the exciting news that LVMH (the parent company of Louis Vuitton) had purchased Ford's Aston Martin Company.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">This, of course, sent visions of LV leather-clad Aston Martins touring around in our heads.<br /></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmL8w2p5L_UFOesvlEthsz-NK0EeoRm8dwSx2SOIH_Xj3A9DugjYVXezJwqC0uvRpbRFKnZ6TfQz4nOvFQur9U1GyntBgl_Yq0QMD2eXQTAtb5CBt6I7WefD_RWh7OHjFJjkDbeYzBA6bL/s1600-h/aston-lv.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5027485434020270594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmL8w2p5L_UFOesvlEthsz-NK0EeoRm8dwSx2SOIH_Xj3A9DugjYVXezJwqC0uvRpbRFKnZ6TfQz4nOvFQur9U1GyntBgl_Yq0QMD2eXQTAtb5CBt6I7WefD_RWh7OHjFJjkDbeYzBA6bL/s400/aston-lv.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">But according to Motor Trend, the reports are a bit premature. Can't blame these bloggers, they report the latest news and as of yesterday, that was the latest. However, the sale is now in question according to the latest from Motor Trend. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Read on:</span><br /></p><h3 style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Motor Trend: Aston Martin sold, but maybe not to LVMH</span> </h3><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;" >Posted Feb 2nd 2007 7:25PM by Alex Nunez</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;" >Motor Trend is disputing yesterday's published reports that Brit luxury/sports car manufacturer Aston Martin will be sold to Louis Vuitton. According to MT, which cites "well-placed" UK sources, Aston's bags are packed and ready to leave Ford, but they do not have that iconic "LV" logo on them. Apparently the buyer is a group of high-finance types we've never heard of. They're set to pony up around $1 billion for the storied automaker.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;" >The sale is said to include the factory, and Ford is still expected to retain a stake in the company. Motor Trend can't resist needling Autobild and the blogosphere for (supposedly) getting the buyer wrong. (Marketwatch, the major outlet that ran the story yesterday, gets a pass.) Somewhat ironically, MT uses its own blog to get its version of the Aston saga out to the public.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;" >UPDATE: MT has updated their post to reference the Marketwatch story that many outlets (including Autoblog) picked up on and reported.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://www.motortrend.com/"><span style="font-style: italic;">[Source: Motor Trend]</span></a><br /><br /></span><div style="font-family: arial;" class="blogs_single_post_paragraph"><p>But it does look as if an Aston sale is pending. The buyer will be a private investment firm with no names familiar to anybody outside the high-finance banking community. Rumored price is just a tad less than $1 billion.<br /><br />LVMH did take a look at Aston late last year, but passed. One problem with a non-automotive buyer is that there’s a lot of cost and potential liability associated with purchasing a small automaker based in England. The Aston deal will include the factory, good news for the buyer, but that also includes the workers, which may not be. </p></div> <div style="font-family: arial;" class="blogs_single_post_paragraph"><p>As mentioned in the LVMH rumor, Ford should retain some interest in the sport-luxury brand, if for no other reason than to provide parts and components that could be shared with Jaguar and Land Rover. </p></div> <div style="font-family: arial;" class="blogs_single_post_paragraph"><p>The bottom line is the rumors of Ford selling Aston look solid. It’s the buyer that <a href="http://www.autobild.de/"><em>Autobild</em> </a>(picked up by <em>Marketwatch</em> and our friends in auto blogosphere) has wrong. Stay tuned for the latest on the Aston Martin sale drama from <a href="http://www.motortrend.com/">Motor Trend</a> as the story develops.</p></div><br /></span>

A Louis Vuitton Aston Martin? Not so fast...

No, I don't mean the car is not so fast, I mean don't get too excited about this news. Yet. Three of my favorite blogs, Luxist , Hig...

Read more »