Aston Martin used the engine and frame of the Toyota iQ to speed up production of their first subcompact car. 06/21/2011
Aston Martin plans to release the Cygnet, which is the British car company's first subcompact vehicle, onto the market this month. Starting at $50,500, the new car has a leather-bound interior that is made from approximately seven cowhides, which sets it apart from other cars in its category, according to BusinessWeek. Even the steering wheel is decked out in leather, and Aston Martin will offer buyers millions of color combinations to choose from for the trim and body of the car.
The Cygnet looks extremely similar to Toyota's iQ, and that is because Aston Martin struck a component supply deal with the Japanese auto maker. Aston Martin's subcompact car looks like the iQ because it has the same frame. The two cars share the same engine and transmission as well, but the Toyota iQ costs less than half of what Aston Martin is asking.
Toyota's minicar is available for sale in the U.S., but it is disguised as a Scion iQ, reports Motor Trend. People who want to buy a new car, but cannot quite afford the Aston Martin model, can purchase a Scion iQ for under $15,000.