OK, words don’t even begin to describe our reaction to the news that Aston Martin is considering rebranding the upcoming Toyota iQ city car as a Aston Martin. No joke. We’re like not even joking. Multiple sources are reporting that Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin, is seriously considering introducing this badge-engineered Toyota into the Aston lineup. In a press release describing the Cygnet concept, Bez describes it as “akin to an exclusive tender to a luxury yacht … allow[ing] us to apply Aston Martin design language, craftsmanship and brand values to a completely new segment of the market.”
In the photo above, you see the Aston designers photoshopping crafting a marque grille onto the diminutive 117.5 inch coupe. Word is it will still be powered by the Toyota engine, a 998cc 3-cylinder that makes all of 67 horsepower. Best of all, the price is set to be roughly double what the Toyota version, the iQ, will sell for in the UK … $33,000 versus $15,000. The photo below shows the Toyota iQ.
This is totally insane. We’ll keep you posted about what pans out with this modern-day Cadillac Cimarron case study.
[Source: Various, including NYT]
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