Well, it looks to be official now: Aston Martin is moving forward with the Cygnet. Apparently, they are under pressure of future EU emissions requirements that will require certain average emissions levels for the entire range of a car maker. Although this is less of a problem for manufacturers that make both performance cars and more eco-friendly cars, it will be a problem for a company whose range consists of the Vantage, DB9, DBS, and One-77. I'm in favor of being environmentally conscious but, as a car guy, I don't like the direction in which things are going. I wonder if Aston will need to merge with another car manufacturer (Mercedes?) in order to comply with the proposed requirements.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/11/a...e-green-light/

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/12/b...rcedes-tie-up/

 

Merging with Mercedes wouldn't be a bad thing. Imagine having the 6.2L V8 or even the new 5.5L TT as options in the Vantage...either option would make the car MUCH faster than either the current V8 or V12 engines. Plus, improved ergonomics, nav, new technologies, etc.

 

I have respect for the environment and efforts to preserve the planet but I resent the politics that bring about these drastic regulations. It's one more "lesson" we're being taught by holier-than-thou politicians who probably have huge carbon foot prints. I have no problem with AM doing this. In fact, this reeks of a slap in the face to those who would like to control the auto market. AM isn't making any effort to change the core direction of what they are about. I would rather see them license an ugly little car to offset their sports cars than create some Frankenstein Hybrid. It's like artificial cheese or fat free ice cream. So I hope they sell enough of these to ensure the purity of their brand for years to come. I get the idea of merging but just look what's happening to Porsche now that they have "merged" with VW. There are 20 variants of the 911's. There is going to be a gulf based entry car and a mini-suv. From what I hear the goal is to double the already non-exclusive quantity of cars that they are making now. I would hate to see the "real" Aston's being affected.

 

am i the only one who thinks its pointless to try to control the emissions of supercars? how many of those are there actually on the road compared to old economy cars with broken catalytic converters that are also burning oil and coolant? I know in my city i see maybe an aston martin a month, but i see old cars burning oil daily!

 

Valid point.

 

Well, the cars certainly could benefit in some areas (and the current nav is a perfect example!), but I share Jay's concerns about what happens to the company once it loses its independence. Then again, I hate to think what would happen to AM in light of these new rules if they remain independent. I can't help but think that there is not a big market for a ridiculously expensive Toyota iQ. If I'm right, it is highly unlikely that they could comply with the rules without going to smaller, turbo-charged engines, hybrids, etc.

 

Agreed, although I doubt many, if any at all, will be sold in the US. I think these are going to be European-only cars...and they make at least a little sense in areas like London where parking is so difficult and streets are tight. I also believe I read that they would only be available to current Aston Martin owners, although they may back away from that.

 

Also agreed, but I wonder how many will be sold anywhere, given the relative high cost. I don't know what the final price will be, but I assume you'd be able to buy 2-3 similarly sized cars for what it'll cost for a Cygnet. I realize that some prefer luxury, but I just don't know if a luxury micro car makes sense. I guess we will see in 2011!

 

AM seems to have fared very well under Ford's ownership. You wouldn't be driving your Vantage if it wasn't for them.

 

True, although I tend to agree with Jay on Porsche/VW. I don't claim to be an expert on Porsche, but I too question some of their (or VW's) more recent decisions. I guess being acquired can turn out to be good or not so good.

 

May be, may be not. Just remember, under Ford's ownership, they used steering wheels from the F150, lights from the escort and a bunch of other spare parts. Another buyer at the time may have put AM in a better pace the way Prodrive has done. Also, the time was different R&D money was easier. Now, all we hear about is synergy and shared engineering. Look at all of the joint platforms: Lambo/R8, Cayenne/VW. Can you imagine a 6cyc vantage that gets 25mpg selling for 45k?

 

Nooooooo!

 

Can't think of one anywhere....

 

Personally I feel they should have taken an electric route, something akin to the Tesla to make up their emissions requirements.

 

Question, AM is going with the Cygnet to comply, but what about other supercar companies? Ferrari, Lamborghini, Pagani? I saw the green 599 in one of the shows early this year, is that the approach? It's frustrating really..

Ferrari CEO: We were forced to go green, hybrid model coming in 2015



is that it? all Supercars will go down that road from now on? Would AM also go down that road?