Aston Cygnet launch events in London, Paris & Milan

Those are some photos from Aston Martin's launch events that took place in London, Paris and Milan. 

More photos after the jump!

Aston reveals first launch editions of iQ-based Cygnet

Well, it's not only Gazoo and MN having a play with Toyota's iQ, but also Aston Martin with its version called Cygnet (シグネット). To celebrate the commencement of production in April 2011, the new Aston Martin Cygnet will be available in two special launch edition models, White and Black. Both will be available with either the standard manual or optional CVT automated transmission and each will be produced for a strictly limited time. Prices are starting at £30,995!

According to the press release, "Cygnet Launch Edition White brings together a serene exterior; finished in Snow White paint with a mix of silver mesh, chrome brightwork and White Diamond turned alloy wheels. The interior of the White edition features seats hand trimmed in Pearl white leather with perforated Alcantara inserts, complemented by satin chrome. On the exterior, Aston Martin’s attention to detail is exemplified with the iconic wings badge appearing in matching white.

In contrast, Cygnet Launch Edition Black features Magic Black metallic paint with a specially developed deep sea green effect, offset by matt black louvers and chrome brightwork. Inside, the seats and dash are finished in pure black full grain leather, perforated in a specially-developed diamond pattern. Dark chrome accents adorn the cabin, while the wings badges are rendered in black throughout.

Both Cygnet Launch Editions also come with a bespoke Bill Amberg five-piece luggage set, especially designed for and tailored to Cygnet. Available in a contemporary combination of black leather with technical fabric, the set comprises glove box bag, removable door pocket bag, holdall, garment bag and a collapsible tote bag."

More photos after the jump!

GRMN iQ Racing Concept in action!!!

Toyota GRMN iQ Racing Concept presented at 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon

The 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon has opened today and Toyota, along with Gazoo Racing, presented a number of interesting concepts. The first one is the GRMN iQ Racing Concept tuned by MN. Power output has been increased with the use of a supercharger.

More photos after the jump!

Toyota displays iQ-based EV in Japan

Toyota displayed its iQ-based EV (earlier post) at Eco-Products 2010 in Japan. The capacity and the voltage of the lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery are about 11 kWh and 270 V respectively. The drive range of the vehicle is 105 km under the JC08 test mode.

The charging time is about 10 hours with AC100V input and about four hours with AC200V input (in the normal charging mode). Under the CHAdeMO charging standards, which are promoted by Japan's CHAdeMO Association, the EV can be charged up to 80% capacity in about 15 minutes. The connectors for normal charging and rapid charging are located on the front side of the vehicle.

The actual car is scheduled to be mass-produced and released in the Japanese, US and European markets in 2012.

[Source: Tech-On!]

A spiced up Toyota iQ!

Toyota can be exciting...?! Check this iQ out!!! This is a supercharged racing concept parked outside Toyota Europe's HQ.

[Source: Scott Brownlee - Head of PR and social media for Toyota and Lexus in the UK]

Toyota officially outlines eco-car plans & battery research progress

Following the post about Toyota's "eco" future lineup, the company has now officially announced details of its plans for “eco-car” development and launches (confirming what has already been posted), as well as the progress in next-generation secondary-battery research.

1. Hybrid Vehicles: TMC plans to introduce 11 models by the end of 2012, consisting of all-new models and redesigned models.  Of the planned new models, one is a compact with fuel efficiency in excess of 40 km/L under the 10-15 Japanese test cycle.

2. Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles: By early 2012, TMC plans to begin sales of a “Prius”-based PHV, mainly in Japan, the United States and Europe.  Sales are targeted at more than 50,000 units annually, and the price for Japan is expected to be in the 3-million-yen range.

3. Electric Vehicles: In 2012, in addition to the U.S. market, an iQ-based EV will also be introduced in Japan and Europe.
• Launch preparations call for road trials in Japan, U.S., and Europe starting in 2011.
• Launch in China is also being considered, with road trials planned for 2011.

Separately, the “RAV4 EV” concept, which was developed jointly with Tesla Motors, will be on display until November 28 at the Los Angeles Auto Show in Los Angeles, United States.

Toyota's "eco" future lineup

Toyota plans to introduce eleven (11) new hybrid models (one is the next-gen Camry - earlier post) by the end of 2012, consisting of all-new models and redesigned models.

By early 2012, Toyota plans to begin sales of a "Prius"-based PHV (mainly in Japan, USA & Europe.) Sales targeted at more than 50,000 per annum.

In 2012, in addition to the U.S. market, an iQ-based EV will also be introduced in Japan and Europe (earlier post).

Toyota, please don't mesh up with the FT-86....

[Source: Scott Brownlee - Head of PR and social media for Toyota and Lexus in the UK]

Toyota demonstrates iQ EV prototype

Toyota prototyped an electric vehicle (EV) based on the iQ and demonstrated it yesterday in Shenzhen, China. The demonstration took place along with the 25th World Battery, Hybrid and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Symposium and Exhibition (EVS25), an international symposium on electric vehicles.

Though the company announced the iQ-based EV at the 2009 North American International Auto Show, this is the first time that the vehicle has driven in a public place. Its release date has not been determined yet.

Japanese automakers are really keen when it comes to hybrids and EVs and Nissan has already revealed that in the next four years, three new EV models will be introduced (including an electric Infiniti car, a small commercial van and a small urban car).

[Source: Tech-On!]