Aston Martin DBX: Two Poles Envision Aston’s Future

In terms of coolness, Aston Martin’s are ice cold, baby. You have proper classics like the DB5 and the DB4GT Zagato and modern classics like the Vanquish and DBS. The less said about the Cygnet the better. So now there’s a new kid on the block, the Virage, for those who want something a little faster than the DB9 but not quite as fast as the DBS.

So that’s that, then? Well, no quite. You see, it’s getting to the stage where you need a trainspotters guide to tell one Aston model from another. They’re great cars, though without a tape measure and an eye for subtle differences in head- and taillights and body vents, they’re very similar looking. Too similar, one might say.

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Aston Martin Cygnet: $30k - €25k Mini Based on the Toyota iQ and it's Official!

We know what you're thinking but you couldn't be more wrong; this is not some funky replica kit but an official concept for an Aston Martin mini car! The Cygnet is based on the Toyota iQ and it is expected to go on sale before the end of next year with an estimated base price somewhere around £20,000 or about $30,000 - €25,000. The initial plan is for the Cygnet to be offered only to current and future Aston Martin owners but a general release could follow at a later date.

"Now is the right time for Aston Martin to take this first bold step to embark on this special project - made possible with the support of an organisation of Toyota's stature and capability and the intelligent design and perfect city car package of the iQ," said Aston Martin Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez.

The British automaker did not disclose any specific details, but from the official teaser shots released by Aston Martin it is evident that the Cygnet will feature a new skin while retaining the basic shape of Toyota's iQ citycar. Expect to see a new interior adorned with Aston Martin-esque details.

"Much work is still required, but I am confident that this project could become reality in the not too distant future," said Bez. "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."

There's no word on the powertrain options but it is believed that the Cygnet will be us the iQ's 1.33-liter four-cylinder petrol that makes 100HP at 6,000 rpm and peak torque of 125Nm at 4,400rpm. It is possible that Aston Martin's engineers will tweak the iQ's suspension and brake system.

"The offering of a 'Cygnet' with a DBS, DB9 or Vantage is a unique combination of opposites and a novel transport solution allowing intelligent and sensitive mobility on an exclusive and innovative level," Bez noted.

The Toyota iQ donor cars will be built in Japan and then shipped to Aston Martin's Gaydon factory in the UK where they will be transformed into Cygnets.

And you thought GM's badge engineering was ridiculous...

READ MORE - Aston Martin Cygnet: $30k - €25k Mini Based on the Toyota iQ and it's Official!

Aston Martin Shows Off Finished One-77 at Concorso D'Eleganza

Aston Martin whisked the covers off the finally-final concept version of its limited run One-77 V12 supercar at this weekend's Concorso d'Eleganza at Villa d'Este. And while a trip to sunny Italy would have been more than welcome for anyone here at Carscoop, unfortunately we're secluded in our office on top of our laptops. But anyway, until Aston Martin decides to share the complete One-77 with the rest of the world, you can enjoy a full set of live photos that include images of the interior over at 'Omniauto' by clicking the link below. Also, for more details on the surprisingly dashing One-77, click here.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

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Aston Martin to Show Finished One-77 with Interior and Running V12 at Villa d'Este

The ongoing saga of the presentation of Aston Martin's limited production One-77 will continue at this weekend' famous annual classic car show, Concorso d'Eleganza at Villa d'Este, with the world debut of the complete concept version. We remind you that Aston has been revealing prototype (...) models of the One 77 Concept for quite a while now, that latest being at the Geneva Motor show in March. This time, the British firm claims that the final concept version on show at Lake Como will include the interior which we have yet to see and a full running powertrain.

"The One-77 demonstrates the unique capabilities of our company – it encompasses engineering excellence with a great passion from our engineers, designers and technical partners. This is a major step in One-77's engineering program, showing the first complete car, and will demonstrate new benchmarks in many different fields of automotive design," said Aston Martin Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez.

Overall, Aston Martin plans to build a maximum of 77 units of the limited edition supercar - hence the name, each one priced at around 1.1 million pounds or with the current exchange rates, US$1.45 million or €1.1 million. The One-77 is powered by a normally aspirated 7.3-liter V12 engine derived from the 6.0-litre V12s fitted to the DBS, DB9 and new V12 Vantage models, delivering a tad over 700HP to the rear wheels through the firm's sequential-manual gearbox.

The British automaker claims that the supercar sprint from zero to 60mph (96km/h) in around 3.5 seconds and go on to over 200mph (321 km/h).

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

READ MORE - Aston Martin to Show Finished One-77 with Interior and Running V12 at Villa d'Este

Lagonda Concept Crossover Live Photos and Video from Geneva

If there's one thing most will agree upon is that Aston Martin's conceptual attempt to revive the Lagonda brand with the blandly named Concept was one of the top attention-grabbers at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. However, this was mainly due to the Concept's controversial (to say the least...) styling and because no one actually understood what the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class-based vehicle represents - Is it a sedan? Is it a crossover? Is it a mix-mash of ideas? If you're imaginative enough, maybe you can answer that question by following the jump to watch the video from the unveiling as well as live photos from Aston Martin's stand.

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Aston Martin One-77 with 7.3-liter V12 Breaks Cover in Geneva

Showcasing its engineering and design expertise, Aston Martin lifted the covers off the One 77 at the Geneva Show today. The full size model previews the production model that will be built in a limited number of 77 units. Believe it or not, Aston Martin says that when it began developing its most exclusive supercar, it took a good look at the cars of the DTM racing series.

"We wanted to create something that wows you as much when you see what's under the skin as the exterior styling itself," said Chris Porritt, One-77 Programme Manager. "We started by identifying the most technologically exciting front-engined, rear-wheel drive cars in the world: those from the DTM race series. We then applied the principles and technology that feature heavily in their design and translated it to a road car application."

The One 77 structural core is a lightweight yet extremely rigid carbon fibre monocoque which was conceived and designed at Aston Martin's Gaydon HQ, and built in partnership with Multimatic (MTC).

Aston Martin's enginners fitted the One 77 with a double wishbone suspension and fully adjustable dampers featuring Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve (DSSV) technology, a world-first for a road car application according to the British firm. These special valves are state-of-the-art even at the highest levels of motorsport,

Underneath its elongated bonnet, the One 77 gets a naturally aspirated 7.3-liter V12 engine derived from the 6.0-litre V12s fitted to the DBS, DB9 and new V12 Vantage models. Aston Martin projects that it will deliver over 700HP offering the car a projected top speed in excess of 200mph (321 km/h), with a 0-60mph (96km/h) time in approximately 3.5 sec.

READ MORE - Aston Martin One-77 with 7.3-liter V12 Breaks Cover in Geneva

Supercar Concepts from the Swansea Metropolitan University Degree Show

Automotive design students from UK's Swansea Metropolitan University tapped into the deepest wells of their imagination to create their final year projects and exhibit them at the 2010 Degree Show, which was held in July at the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea Marina. Thanks to the crew over from 'Car Body Design', we can show you some of the conceptual projects that were on display.

These include the Alfa Romeo Stradale 50, a mid-engined supercar said to combine the curvy lines of the 8C Competizione with the more angular detailing of the 159 and Brera; the Duesenberg 2100 that revives the iconic brand from Indiana with a futuristic take on the Art Deco theme; the exotic BMW Formula 1; the Ginetta G80 sports coupe and last but not least, the Aston Martin Viceroy. Follow the jump below for the photo gallery.

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Xenatec Shows Off its "Dream Cars": Bentley SUV, BMW 6-Series Sedan and More

Now that their limited production Maybach 57S Coupe (see here) has made the rounds, here are some of the other proposals from Xenatec. Since the company's specialty is chassis modification (and the necessary body work thereafter), they've got some ideas for a lengthened (and shortened) "dream cars".

Have a look at the gallery below and see what tickles your fancy. The SUV limos are a bit much, but the rag-top conversions don't look too bad (especially the CLS and 300).

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READ MORE - Xenatec Shows Off its "Dream Cars": Bentley SUV, BMW 6-Series Sedan and More

Aston Martin Gauntlet Design Concept by Ugur Sahin

*Be Warned: The ass-end of this car looks positively divine.

Ugur Sahin Design, the firm behind the (still upcoming?) Z03 which was to be built by Mallett, decided to update Aston's lineup with a design study called the Gauntlet.

The intent was "to design a car which is technically almost identical to the existing production Aston Martins while defining a design character that outmost respects the impressive history of the brand and combine the timeless lines of the past Aston Martins with the modern interpretation of the existing styling."

Here's how I see it: a car like the DB9, but with a coach-built look and feel.

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Aston Martin Shows Cygnet in Geneva, Wants Kids to Know it's What's on the Outside that Counts [with Gallery]

Aston Martin is calling its Cygnet a "tailor-made solution" to the city transportation equation, a personal luxury commuter "designed for the heart of the city", the result of a collaboration between "two companies that are leaders in their respective fields".

Really, it's an Aston-skinned Toyota (a name they mention ONCE in the entire 1600+ word press release ... DENIAL AIN'T JUST A RIVER IN AFRICA, PEOPLE!).

That means this AMiQ retains the same basic layout of Toyota's version, allowing for a few different seating arrangements: 2+2, 2+1, or just plain 2. It also has the same 98bhp 4-cylinder engine with either a 6-speed stick or optional CVT.

But enough already. For any major facts such as dimensions, feel free to check out our posts on the Toyota iQ, because we're here to discuss how this Cygnetic parasite differs from its Japanese host.

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READ MORE - Aston Martin Shows Cygnet in Geneva, Wants Kids to Know it's What's on the Outside that Counts [with Gallery]

Aston Martin Veloce: Conceptual Study for a DB9 Replacement

The Aston Martin Veloce is a well executed styling exercise for a more dynamic replacement to the British brand's DB9 supercar and it was sent to us by Marouane Bembli, a 24-year old industrial design student from Sweden. You may remember him from one of his previous works that we showed you here on Carscoop back in November '09, the Audi R10 V10 supercar concept study. Hit the jump for the gallery and why not, leave a comment with your take on the concept.

Design: Marouane Bembli

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VIDEO: Aston Martin goes Viral with Cygnet Mini

To begin with, there's no official information about this short film, but unless someone managed to sneak into Aston Martin's headquarters in Gaydon, we have to assume that the British supercar maker and soon-to-become a re-badger of Japanese minis, created the viral video to ignite some online attention on its controversial Cygnet mini.

The Aston Martin-ized Toyota iQ is shown towards the end of the clip and after a minute or so of some guys practicing the French freestyle/urban sport of Parkour that involves negotiating obstacles using just the human body.

To gear heads like ourselves, this film makes as much sense as Aston Martin's decision to go ahead with the Cygnet project... Video after the break.

Via: Autoblog.com

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