Geneva Preshow: Toyota iQ Pure-Electric Prototype

An all-electric prototype of the Toyota iQ will make its European debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The iQ EV is equipped with an electric motor fed through a newly developed, flat and compact lithium-ion battery that is mounted under the car's floor. According to Toyota, the battery pack doesn't reduce the regular iQ's load area or passenger space. The all-electric version of Toyota's mini car is said to have a potential driving range of up to 65 miles or about 105 kilometers.

The EV prototype is currently being tested on European roads, with a potential market launch through a leasing programme in 2012. The Japanese company will also bring the car in the USA (as a Scion) and is also investigating its viability in other regions.

The iQ EV prototype will join three more new models at the firm's Geneva Salon stand including Yaris HSD hybrid concept, the European market variant of the Prius+ minivan with seven seats, and a closer to production concept of the FT-86 rear-wheel drive coupe.

READ MORE - Geneva Preshow: Toyota iQ Pure-Electric Prototype

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 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

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

Toyota Releases iQ3 with New 100HP 1.3-liter Engine and Start&Stop System

For the first time since the IQ's launch, Toyota is extending the mini's range with the introduction to the line-up of a new 1.33-litre gasoline engine (previewed in Geneva). Featuring a Dual VVT-i control of both intake and exhaust valves, the four pot produces a maximum output of 100HP at 6,000 rpm and peak torque of 125Nm at 4,400rpm, launching the iQ3 from nought to 62mph (100km/h) in 11.8 seconds when equipped with the standard 6-speed manual gearbox, and in 11.6 seconds with the optional Multidrive CVT transmission. Top speed is rated at 106mph or 171km/h.

The iQ3 also features Toyota's Stop & Start system that automatically shuts down the engine when the car comes to a halt and the gear shift is moved to neutral. The Japanese firm claims that with the manual transmission, the iQ3 returns an official 58.9mpg UK (4.8lt/100km or 49mpg US) in combined cycle driving, and 113g/km of CO2 (120g/km with the CVT).

In the UK, the iQ3 is on sale now with prices starting from £11,495 ($18,650 at today's exchange rates) for the six-speed manual version and £12,495 with Multidrive. Standard equipment features include nine airbags, automatic headlights and wipers, climate control, electric folding and heated door mirrors, Smart Entry and Start, auto-dimming rear view mirror and a six-speaker sound system.

We remind you that Toyota's Scion division is planning to release a U.S market variant of the iQ in the States in the very near future. Earlier in April, Scion unveiled a tuner-modified version of the 3+1 seater at the 2009 New York Auto Show.

READ MORE - Toyota Releases iQ3 with New 100HP 1.3-liter Engine and Start&Stop System

Toyota to Bring Numerous Race Cars at Goodwood Including a 700HP Celica GT4-X and the Lexus LF-A

At next month's Goodwood Festival of Speed that runs from July 3 to 5, Toyota plans to bring a variety of race cars led by the Lexus LF-A that will be making its first appearance on British soil. The V10-powered supercar will be joined by another competition Lexus, the racing IS F that competed along with the LF-A at this year's Nurburgring 24-hour endurance race.

Panasonic Toyota Racing will be back at Goodwood with the TF108, the last F1 Toyota to be designed before FIA introduced its current restrictions on wing sizes and additional aerodynamic elements. Toyota's F1 driver Timo Glock will be present at the event to drive the TF108.

The Toyota Sprint Series will be represented for the first time on the hill climb with the 700HP Fensport Celica GT4-X AWD. Other Toyota cars that will be on show (but won't compete) at the Goodwood event include Alain Prost's Andros Trophy Auris that features a carbon fibre bodywork and a tuned version of the Lexus RX 3.0-litre V6 engine, the Aygo Crazy and iQ Gazoo plus various rally cars such as the Group B Celica Twin-cam Turbo, Celica ST185, Celica GT4 ST205 and the WRC Corolla.

READ MORE - Toyota to Bring Numerous Race Cars at Goodwood Including a 700HP Celica GT4-X and the Lexus LF-A

Aston Martin's Low-iQ Cygnet Caught on the Streets of Düsseldorf

If we had to give a prize for the most ridiculous new car of 2010, it would go hands down to Aston Martin's Cygnet luxury mini. The British firm's pint-size model is nothing more than a Toyota iQ (Scion iQ in North America) decorated with fancy-pansy wraps - something like those silly replicas we show you from time to time with an even sillier price tag.

The Cygnet won't go on sale before early 2011, but apparently, Aston Martin has already began shipping cars in Europe, most likely for use by the firm's dealers, though this particular example may have been used by a company exec. This here left-hand drive example with British license plates was spotted by a forum member of Autogespot on the roads of Düsseldorf, which is the capital city of the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia. For more photos of the Cygnet, follow the break.

READ MORE - Aston Martin's Low-iQ Cygnet Caught on the Streets of Düsseldorf

Scion Reveals iQ Concept 'pimped' by Five Axis in New York: Gallery with 70 High-Res Photos

What you see here is in essence a tuner-modified version of Toyota's iQ minicar that is already sold in Japan and Europe, and it officially confirms the Japanese automaker's interest in importing the 3+1 seater in the States under the Scion moniker. Toyota's goal with the presentation of the modified iQ that would seem more fit for a show like SEMA than New York, was of course to demonstrate the vehicle's potential for personalization which is a typical feature of all Scion models.

"We believe the Scion iQ micro-subcompact concept is the future of transportation," said Jack Hollis, Scion vice president. "If it should join our future line-up, I think it could reach iconic status like our xB. Its styling will attract attention and if it's a Scion, you know it'll be easy to personalize."

The concept's design is the work of California-based tuner, Five Axis. Among other things, Five Axis 'decorated' the iQ with a wide bodykit, custom 18-inch wheels with a nickel finish and high-intensity LED driving lamps. Interior upgrades includes illuminated door handles, iridescent green and gray honeycomb upholstery covering the door panels and seating areas along with a 10-inch panel LCD screen on top of the center cluster that serves as the main entertainment console and navigation system interface.

For whatever reasons, Toyota decided to hold back on any mechanical upgrades with the iQ concept retaining the production version's 1.3-liter four-cylinder VVT-i petrol engine that produces an output of 100HP.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

READ MORE - Scion Reveals iQ Concept 'pimped' by Five Axis in New York: Gallery with 70 High-Res Photos