When Aston Martin first introduced the Cygnet, a rebranded version of the Toyota/Scion iQ city car, in 2011, the automotive community had mixed reactions.
The Cygnet was developed to help Aston Martin meet the European Union’s fleet average emissions target set for 2012. Similar to its Toyota counterpart, the Cygnet featured a 1.3-liter inline-four engine that delivered a reasonable 97 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and 91 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 RPM.
Unfortunately, after a subdued production span of two years, during which Aston Martin sold only 150 units in the U.K. and around 300 worldwide—far short of the anticipated 4,000 units a year—the car was discontinued in September 2013.
Fast forward five years to the present, Aston Martin has rekindled interest in the city car by showcasing a V8-powered Cygnet at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this weekend. This unique version was crafted by the company’s bespoke Q division.
Unlike the original model, this special Cygnet replaces the underwhelming 1.3-liter engine with a robust 4.7-liter naturally aspirated V8, which generates an impressive 430 horsepower sourced from the previous-generation Vantage S. While the standard Cygnet transferred power to the front wheels through either a traditional six-speed manual or an optional CVT, this revamped model directs power to the rear wheels using a six-speed automated-manual transmission.
In terms of design, this one-off Cygnet replaces its small 16-inch wheels with striking 19-inch alternatives fitted with sturdy tires. These larger wheels house substantial brake rotors complemented by eye-catching yellow calipers. To make this agile vehicle street-legal, Aston Martin added carbon-fiber wheel arch extensions to accommodate the wider design.
The front end of the Cygnet has been extensively modified to fit the larger engine. It utilizes front and rear subframes from the Vantage S, which also supplied the engine. Additionally, the car features a completely renovated front bulkhead, transmission tunnel, and a partial interior, including a roll cage and bucket seats taken from the Vantage S.
At the rear, Aston Martin has engineered a custom exhaust system positioned just below the fuel tank. Remarkably, despite the potentially hazardous exhaust placement, this bespoke Cygnet remains fully road-legal.
While the original Cygnet sold for approximately £30,000 or about $40,000 back in 2011, there’s no expectation for this exclusive concept vehicle to go into production anytime soon..
