Aston Martin Launches Cygnet with Two Special Editions, Priced from $49,600 / €36,700

To celebrate the start of production of its new Toyota iQ-based Cygnet city car, Aston Martin has announced two special launch edition models called White and Black.

Set to go on sale in April, both are offered with the iQ's 1.33-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine producing 98HP, matched to either standard 6-speed manual gearbox or optional CVT automated transmission, and each will be produced for a strictly limited run.

The British automaker says the Cygnet with the manual gearbox completes the 0-62mph (100km/h) sprint in 11.6 seconds while returning an estimated combined fuel economy of 56.5 mpg UK, equal to 47 mpg US and 5.0 lt/100km.

The White edition is finished in Snow White paint with a mix of silver mesh, chrome brightwork and White Diamond turned alloy wheels. Inside, it features seats hand trimmed in Pearl white leather with perforated Alcantara inserts, complemented by satin chrome.

The opposite Black edition of the Cygnet comes with a Magic Black metallic paint with a specially developed deep sea green effect, offset by matt black louvers and chrome brightwork. The seats and dash are clad in pure black full grain leather, perforated in a specially-developed diamond pattern, while dark chrome accents adorn the cabin.

Both launch edition come with a bespoke and tailored made Bill Amberg five-piece luggage set in a combination of black leather with technical fabric, comprised of a glove box bag, removable door pocket bag, holdall, garment bag and a collapsible tote bag.

The new Cygnet goes on sale now through Aston Martin’s European dealership network, with the company stating that it is "actively working on expanding market availability by 2012".

Prices for Aston Martin's new entry-level model start from £30,995 (equal to US$49,600 and €36,700 at current exchange rates), or some £19,000 ($30,800 / €22,500) more than Toyota's iQ 1.33.

Launch Edition Black includes:

• Magic Black paint finish
• Twin Matt Satin Stripes
• 16" 16 – spoke diamond turned alloy wheels with black finish
• Chromed exterior mirror caps
• Pure Black leather
• Diamond shaped perforated leather inserts
• Dark chrome finishes
• Black Wings

Launch Edition White includes:

• Snow White paint finish
• Twin Matt Satin Stripes
• 16" 16 – spoke diamond turned alloy wheels with white finish
• Chromed exterior mirror caps
• Pearl White leather
• Rectangular shaped perforated Alcantara inserts with silver backing
• Satin Chrome finishes
• White Wings

Both Launch Edition Black and Launch Edition White include:

• Bespoke 5 piece luggage set, designed exclusively for Cygnet by Bill Amberg. The set comprises: a uniquely designed glove box bag, a removable door pocket bag, a holdall, a garment bag and a collapsible tote bag–each piece carefully hand crafted in black leather with technical fabric highlights
• Bespoke Launch Edition sill plaques
• Badging of a Cygnet head to identify the special nature of these cars
• Garage Door Opener
• First Aid Kit

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2011 Toyota iQ with Euro5 Engines Available for Order in the UK

Starting from today, Toyota UK is accepting orders for its modestly updated iQ mini, which will make its debut at this week's Paris Motor Show. Priced from £10,158 on the road, the 2011 model year iQ benefits from some barely noticeable changes inside and an engine lineup that has been revised to meet Euro 5 emissions standards.

Along with the introduction of a new gray interior with contrasting black upper trims on the doors and toning fabric upholstery or optionally with Kuru black leather upholstery, the iQ's cabin also gets new soft-touch materials on the dashboard and the door panels.

Other updates include the "manta ray" motif panels on the door and center console that adopt a new black finish and a new scarlet surround on the center console.

For 2011, the 1.0-liter VVT-i and 1.33-liter Dual VVT-i petrol engines have been revised to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, with Toyota claiming the changes had no impact on performance or fuel efficiency. As such, the 1.0-litre (manual) model delivers 99g/km and 64.2mpg UK on the combined cycle and the 1.33-liter (manual) with Stop & Start returns 113g/km and 57.6mpg UK.

Tokyo '09: Toyota to Show FT-EV II Battery-Powered Concept Based on the iQ

While the FT-86 RWD Coupe will be the superstar at Toyota's Tokyo Motor Show stand, the Japanese firm will also showcase the FT-EV II, a battery-powered micro car that is more radical than the first-version of the concept model that broke cover at this year's Detroit Show in January. The FT-EV II, which stands for "Future Toyota Electric Vehicle II", is powered by an electric motor that draws energy from a lithium-ion battery which provides a driving range in excess of 90km (60 miles).

The Japanese automaker claims that the FT-EV II can reach a top speed of a little over 100km/h or 62mph.

Like the FT-EV I, the second generation concept is based on Toyota's iQ mini car. But even though it's shorter measuring only 2,730 mm (107-in.) from nose to tail, the company says that it can seat up to four people - just don't expect any wonders for the rear tunas passengers.

Other highlights of the FT-EV II include the twin sliding doors and the absence of steering wheel or foot pedals as the urban model is controlled by a joystick - welcome to the automotive world of gamers...

Toyota iQ gets Tuned by Gazoo Racing, Production Limited to 100 Units

Gazoo Racing, which had prepared the two Lexus LF-A race cars for this year's 24 hours of Nurburgring, has joined forces with Toyota to develop a sporty edition of the iQ minicar. Available exclusively in Japan in a limited run of just 100 units, the Toyota iQ Gazoo Racing MN is based on the JDM front-wheel drive iQ 130G.

While the 1.3-liter engine remains stock, Gazoo replaced the JDM model's CVT with a 6-speed manual gearbox and upgraded the brakes and chassis with a stiffer sport suspension that lowers the mini's ride height by 30 mm while the car also gets a sport exhaust system.

The special edition iQ rides on blacked out 16-inch alloy wheels wrapped in beefier sport tires while there's also a new bodykit with front and rear aprons as well as side skirts and a roof spoiler plus optional racing decals. Interior mods include newly styled gauges, aluminum pedals and sport seats.

The iQ GR MN is available for order now in Japan with first deliveries expected in November.

While the sporty iQ won't be making it outside Japan, according to recent reports, Toyota's premium city car could go on sale in the States under the Scion brand in the fall 2010.