Thursday 12 July 2018, Goodwood: Aston Martin, renowned for its luxury and performance grand tourers, has unleashed an unexpected creation that redefines the concept of a city car. Debuting at the 2018 Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Aston Martin V8 Cygnet is a one-off masterpiece born from the marque’s bespoke ‘Q by Aston Martin – Commission’ service. This audacious project takes the diminutive Cygnet and infuses it with the heart of a Vantage S – a potent 4.7-litre, 430bhp V8 engine, proving that intelligence in automotive design can come in the most surprising packages. Dubbed by some as the ‘ultimate expression of an Aston Martin Iq Car, this V8 Cygnet is not just a car; it’s a statement.
David King, Aston Martin Vice President & Special Operations Officer, perfectly encapsulates the spirit of this project: “The V8 Cygnet showcases the playful essence of Aston Martin and our discerning clientele. It stands as a testament to the exceptional engineering prowess within our company. Integrating the Vantage’s V8 engine into the Cygnet’s compact architecture was a significant feat. I am confident that its debut at the Festival of Speed will leave spectators astonished and exhilarated by its sheer presence and sound.” This bespoke creation truly embodies the freedom of expression that ‘Q by Aston Martin – Commission’ offers, pushing the boundaries of personalization and performance in a city car format, and solidifying its position as a truly intelligent Aston Martin car choice for those seeking the extraordinary.
The journey of transforming a standard Cygnet into the V8 beast began with a right-hand drive Cygnet steel body shell. Aston Martin’s engineers embarked on a comprehensive in-house development program, starting by welding a roll cage directly to the shell. This cage became an integral structural component, enhancing chassis rigidity. To accommodate the substantial 4.7-litre naturally aspirated V8 Vantage S powertrain, a new front bulkhead and transmission tunnel were meticulously fabricated from sheet metal. This bespoke approach ensured a harmonious integration of the larger engine and drivetrain within the Cygnet’s compact frame. Furthermore, subframes and suspension elements were borrowed and adapted from the previous generation Vantage, guaranteeing performance to match the power. Even the fuel system received a substantial upgrade, with a steel fuel tank housing ingeniously placed in the boot area, maximizing every available inch of space. This meticulous engineering demonstrates the high IQ approach Aston Martin took in creating this unique vehicle.
Despite the extensive mechanical overhaul, the V8 Cygnet retains the unmistakable charm of its original silhouette. The front fascia, including the iconic Aston Martin grille, remains largely unchanged, preserving the Cygnet’s familiar face. Subtle modifications, such as a black mesh insert for the grille, hint at the performance lurking beneath. However, the widened stance is a clear visual cue to the car’s enhanced capabilities. To house the significantly wider front and rear tracks necessitated by the Vantage-derived underpinnings, striking carbon composite flared wheel arch extensions were custom-fabricated. These extensions not only serve a functional purpose but also add an aggressive flair to the Cygnet’s profile. Nestled within these arches are new forged, five-spoke, diamond-turned wheels, upsized from 16” to 19” in diameter, further emphasizing the car’s sporting intentions and intelligent design choices.
The rear of the V8 Cygnet makes a bold statement with its centrally mounted twin exhaust pipes, a defining feature that distinguishes it from its standard counterpart. The exhaust system is a bespoke creation, featuring twin underfloor mufflers and catalytic converters, meticulously engineered to optimize both performance and acoustics. Due to the short exhaust routing, the V8 Cygnet emits a powerful and evocative sound that belies its compact dimensions, a testament to the automotive IQ invested in its development. The heart of this extraordinary city car is the 4.7-litre, naturally-aspirated V8 engine, borrowed directly from the previous-generation Vantage S. Unleashed in its full glory, the engine produces an impressive 430bhp and 490Nm (361lb ft) of torque. Bespoke intake trunking and twin conical air filters were designed to ensure optimal engine breathing within the confines of the Cygnet’s engine bay. Power is channeled through a seven-speed Sportshift II transmission, also sourced from the V8 Vantage S, and delivered to the rear wheels via a miniature torque tube and robust 9.5” rear wheels shod with 275/35 Bridgestone tires.
Weighing in at a mere 1375kg when fully fueled, the V8 Cygnet boasts a remarkable power-to-weight ratio of 313bhp/tonne. This translates to exhilarating performance figures, allowing the V8 Cygnet to outpace even the V8 Vantage S in acceleration, reaching 0-60mph in a blistering 4.2 seconds. Its top speed is electronically limited to 170mph, a staggering figure for a car of its size and type, and over 60mph faster than the standard Cygnet. Braking is equally impressive, with 380mm front discs clamped by six-piston monoblock calipers and 330mm rear discs with four-piston calipers, most components derived from the V8 Vantage S braking system, ensuring confident stopping power. The calipers are finished in a striking yellow, contrasting beautifully with the Buckinghamshire green bodywork. The interior of the V8 Cygnet is purposefully designed, reflecting its performance-oriented nature.
Beyond the integrated roll cage, the cabin features a fully FIA-compliant fire extinguisher system and composite, fixed-back Recaro bucket seats with four-point harnesses, underscoring its track-ready capabilities. The alcantara-clad steering wheel is removable, and behind it sits a bespoke carbon fiber dash housing the familiar Vantage instrument cluster. Despite its performance focus, the interior retains subtle touches of luxury, including leather pull straps on the unique carbon door cards and twin USB ports integrated alongside bespoke air conditioning controls. This exceptional one-off Cygnet serves as a potent reminder of the original Cygnet’s innovative concept – bringing luxury to the city car segment. With prices of standard Cygnets appreciating, this V8 version is poised to become an instant classic, embodying the ultimate ‘pocket rocket’ and a true testament to Aston Martin’s ingenuity and the intelligent application of high performance in an unexpected form factor, truly deserving the title of an Aston Martin IQ car. Its enthusiastic reception at the Goodwood Festival of Speed cemented its place as a firm favorite and a remarkable chapter in Aston Martin’s history.
