First Drive: 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6

Motor Authority - blog Tag: IQ

  • Aston Martin Cygnet: Handcrafted, too?

    Aston Martin Cygnet: Handcrafted, too? July 6th, 2009 By Marty Padgett Marty Padgett, Executive Editor, July 6th, 2009 Marty Padgett 7 Comments

    Aston Martin Cygnet: Handcrafted, too? Whatever you make of Aston Martin's wacky plan to take the Toyota iQ city car and turn it into a swan of its own, you have to credit the British luxury automaker. Not only will it take on the green movement with a four-seat, 1.0-liter car badge engineered from the Toyota - it will do it with the bespoke ordering customary to all Aston Martin owners.

    Britain's AutoExpress magazine reports that Aston Martin Cygnet owners will be able to outfit their very, very small Astons with as much special trim as any other of the company's models, from the new Rapide to the stunning Vantage roadster.

    Aston guru Dr. Ulrich Bez says there will be "no... Whatever you make of Aston Martin's wacky plan to take the Toyota iQ city car and turn it into a swan of its own, you have to credit the British luxury automaker. Not only will it take on the green movement with a four-seat, 1.0-liter car badge engineered from the Toyota - it will do it with the bespoke ordering customary to all Aston Martin owners. Britain's AutoExpress magazine reports that Aston Martin Cygnet owners will be able to outfit their very, very small Astons with as much special trim as any other of the company's models, from the new Rapide to the stunning Vantage roadster. Aston guru Dr. Ulrich Bez says there will be "no compromise" for buyers interested in the ultra-luxury urban commuter, which Toyota introduced last year to European consumers. By no compromise Bez said that would mean everything from wood, leather and carbon-fiber trim for the interior of the new vehicle. Still, under the hood, the Aston Cygnet will sport the same 1.0-liter engine and 60-mpg capability that's a stark contrast to the usual V-8 and V-12 engines that charge the performance of other Astons. The key to the Cygnet, though, won't be the performance angle--a somewhat astonishing statement from a brand that's known for sheer performance, not to mention the gadgetry of the James Bond cars. Bez says instead, the Cygnet will be an "intelligent purchase for people concerned about the environment." And based on that, he expects to sell 4,,000 copies of the Cygnet each year.Aston Martin Cygnet Read More

  • Aston Martin working on Toyota iQ-based minicar

    Aston Martin working on Toyota iQ-based minicar June 29th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, June 29th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 16 Comments

    Aston Martin working on Toyota iQ-based minicar This is not a joke. Aston Martin has joined forces with Toyota to develop a new minicar model called the Cygnet and this is the first official image of the bespoke hatch, taken as designers at Aston Martin’s Gaydon headquarters refine its final shape. The Cygnet is based on Toyota’s iQ minicar and although it’s still in the concept stage, the green light for production is expected to be given before the end of the year.

    As revealed by the teaser image, the Cygnet will adopt some very distinct Aston Martin trademarks to differentiate it from its Toyota sibling. The vehicle is being designed for Europe but other details such... This is not a joke. Aston Martin has joined forces with Toyota to develop a new minicar model called the Cygnet and this is the first official image of the bespoke hatch, taken as designers at Aston Martin’s Gaydon headquarters refine its final shape. The Cygnet is based on Toyota’s iQ minicar and although it’s still in the concept stage, the green light for production is expected to be given before the end of the year. As revealed by the teaser image, the Cygnet will adopt some very distinct Aston Martin trademarks to differentiate it from its Toyota sibling. The vehicle is being designed for Europe but other details such as the launch date, price and production volumes have not been decided. The car on which it is based, the iQ, measures just three meters in length, is powered by a three-cylinder engine and has a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. The Cygnet is expected to keep most of these attributes, but its interior is expected to be as luxurious as that found in any other Aston Martin model. In an official statement, Aston Martin CEO Ulrich Bez said: "Much work is still required, but I am confident that this project could become reality in the not-too-distant future." The reasoning behind the partnership is to enable Aston Martin to comply with tough new fuel economy and emissions regulations coming into effect in Europe by 2012. The biggest hurdle for automakers will be to meet a target for fleet average CO2 emissions from new vehicles of 120g/km by 2012. Low volume automakers such as Aston Martin, Ferrari and Lamborghini, which only sell powerful vehicles with high CO2 emissions will be hit hardest. Unlike Aston Martin, however, rivals like Ferrari and Lamborghini can group their CO2 emissions levels with their respective parent companies, in this case the Fiat and Volkswagen groups. However, not just anyone will be able to buy a Cygnet. In order to be eligible to buy one, customers must already own an Aston Martin. The luxury automaker has identified that around 30% of existing customers have small cars such as a Mini or Smart ForTwo in their garages for city traffic.2010 Toyota iQ minicarAston Martin Cygnet Read More

  • Volkswagen Golf Mark VI declared 2009 World Car of the Year

    Volkswagen Golf Mark VI declared 2009 World Car of the Year April 9th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, April 9th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 7 Comments

    Volkswagen Golf Mark VI declared 2009 World Car of the Year Not to be outdone by the North American Car and Truck of the Year awards from the Detroit Auto Show, the organizers of the New York Auto Show are heavily promoting their own ‘World’ and ‘Performance’ titles and today revealed the winners for this year’s awards.

    We already saw the Nissan GT-R and Honda FCX Clarity take out the respective Performance and Green car titles, and now we can confirme that Volkswagen’s Mark VI Golf, which will be coming Stateside in just a matter of months, has been declared the 2009 World Car of the Year.

    The Golf VI was chosen from an initial entry list of 51 entries... Not to be outdone by the North American Car and Truck of the Year awards from the Detroit Auto Show, the organizers of the New York Auto Show are heavily promoting their own ‘World’ and ‘Performance’ titles and today revealed the winners for this year’s awards. We already saw the Nissan GT-R and Honda FCX Clarity take out the respective Performance and Green car titles, and now we can confirme that Volkswagen’s Mark VI Golf, which will be coming Stateside in just a matter of months, has been declared the 2009 World Car of the Year. The Golf VI was chosen from an initial entry list of 51 entries nominated by 59 World Car jurors from 25 countries throughout the world. The jurors observed that, “The new Golf VI employs a Scirocco styled grille and headlights and larger tail lights. However, it also feels more expensive than other family hatches, thanks to its solid build and high quality cabin. Customers get a choice of nothing less than six engines including the punchy and efficient 158hp 1.4L TSI unit that features both a turbo and supercharger. The Golf is also available with VW’s new 2.0L common-rail diesel motor with either 108 or 138hp. It goes without saying that choosing between the slick 6-speed manual and superb DSG twin-clutch gearbox can be difficult. Sitting on an outstanding chassis, the VW is more refined than its rivals, especially when highway cruising. Wind, road and engine noise are kept to a minimum, making the Golf a relaxing long distance companion.” The WCOTY organization has been choosing its award winners since 2005, starting with the Audi A6. Since then the BMW 3-series (2006), Lexus LS460 (2007), and Mazda2/Demio (2008) have won the overall award. 2009 Overall World Car of the Year finalists: - Audi A4 / Avant - BMW 7 Series - Citroen C5 Sedan / C5 Tourer - Fiat 500 - Ford Fiesta - Honda Fit / Jazz - Jaguar XF - Mazda Atenza / Mazda6 - Nissan GT-R - Toyota iQ - Volkswagen Golf VIVW Golf Mark VI official photos Read More

  • Scion-branded iQ hatch concept rolls into New York Auto Show

    Scion-branded iQ hatch concept rolls into New York Auto Show April 8th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, April 8th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 7 Comments

    Scion-branded iQ hatch concept rolls into New York Auto Show The iQ hatch has been winning hearts and awards ever since its debut at last year's Paris Motor Show thanks to its cute face and its innovative design. Now it is catching second looks as it shows up in New York wearing a Scion badge and a special urban look.

    Targeted directly at Scion's already urban-biased customer base, the iQ offers Toyota's best bet for a small and functional city car. Building it as a Scion gives it the style and pop it will need to have a shot in the U.S., where simply being small, efficient and cute isn't always enough.

    “Traditionally small vehicles have been thought of as being basic. The iQ concept is just... The iQ hatch has been winning hearts and awards ever since its debut at last year's Paris Motor Show thanks to its cute face and its innovative design. Now it is catching second looks as it shows up in New York wearing a Scion badge and a special urban look. Targeted directly at Scion's already urban-biased customer base, the iQ offers Toyota's best bet for a small and functional city car. Building it as a Scion gives it the style and pop it will need to have a shot in the U.S., where simply being small, efficient and cute isn't always enough. “Traditionally small vehicles have been thought of as being basic. The iQ concept is just the opposite with its innovative features and iconic urban design, and we believe it fits in well within the Scion brand," said Jack Hollis, Scion's VP. "Our young, trendsetting buyers are creative and innovative forward thinkers, and we think they will appreciate what iQ has to offer." Mechanically, the car is identical to the iQ, meaning it can fit into tiny parking spots, handle city traffic speeds deftly and even cruise the suburbs with relative ease. For more on the underlying iQ platform, check out our previous coverage of the iQ's migration to the Scion brand. Though disguised as a 'concept' the Scion iQ is more of an advance look at what Scion will be doing with the car for the U.S. market. “We believe the Scion iQ micro-subcompact concept is the future of transportation,” said Hollis. “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.” A few unique changes have been made for the U.S. Scion iQ, leaving behind the somewhat bland styling of the Toyota version for a wide-bodied and fender-flared version that actually looks quite sporting. With the aggressive front clip and relatively huge wheels, the car certainly looks ready to engage a young, urban, forward-looking audience - much more so than its staid Toyota basis.Scion iQ Concept Read More

  • Scion badged Toyota iQ headed to New York Auto Show

    Scion badged Toyota iQ headed to New York Auto Show April 1st, 2009 ByKenneth Hall Kenneth Hall, Author, April 1st, 2009 Kenneth Hall 1 Comment

    Scion badged Toyota iQ headed to New York Auto Show Toyota’s new iQ minicar has gone on sale in Japan and most parts of Europe already, but there are now indications that the diminutive hatch could make its way to the United States. A Scion badged version of the car has been snapped by spy photographers on the back of a truck as it was heading to the New York Auto Show.

    The version spotted is a concept and not a production model, although this is the strongest indication yet that the diminutive hatch will finally be heading to U.S. showrooms. One reason why it likely won’t be badged as a Toyota is because its low fuel consumption rating could end up luring away customers from the... Toyota’s new iQ minicar has gone on sale in Japan and most parts of Europe already, but there are now indications that the diminutive hatch could make its way to the United States. A Scion badged version of the car has been snapped by spy photographers on the back of a truck as it was heading to the New York Auto Show. The version spotted is a concept and not a production model, although this is the strongest indication yet that the diminutive hatch will finally be heading to U.S. showrooms. One reason why it likely won’t be badged as a Toyota is because its low fuel consumption rating could end up luring away customers from the more expensive Prius , as well as the slightly bigger Yaris. The iQ could be a perfect addition for the Scion brand. Its expected price tag of less than $15,000 coupled with its young and hip styling could generate the same excitement that the original xA and xB models did when they were launched earlier this decade. Compared to the semi-successful 'smart' minicar, the iQ is also more practical and is expected to be more fuel efficient. One of the biggest hurdles is that the car would need to be modified extensively to meet American safety standards. The iQ is fitted with a total of nine air-bags, including the world's first rear-window curtain air-bag, but if it were to be sold in the U.S. it would need better reinforcements at the back. One solution is to remove the back seat and make the car a strict two-seater in the same vein as the Smart ForTwo but Toyota is keen to keep the four-seat layout. All should be revealed next week at the New York event.2010 Toyota iQ minicar Read More

  • Red Dot design awards winners revealed for 2009

    Red Dot design awards winners revealed for 2009 March 20th, 2009 ByKenneth Hall Kenneth Hall, Author, March 20th, 2009 Kenneth Hall 2 Comments

    Red Dot design awards winners revealed for 2009 Innovative and interesting designs are rewarded each year with a 'red dot', from world renowned design institution, the Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen, one of Europe's oldest and most highly reputed design centers.

    This year a number of interesting entries in the automobile category came away with red dots, including the Kia Soul - the first Korean car to have ever been given a red dot award. Other awards went out to BMW's stunning new Z4 roadster, as well as other BMW's such as the K1300R and K1300S motorbikes.

    BMW's new F01 7-Series limo also managed to garner an award, giving BMW a total of four red dots from the Design Zentrum. The... Innovative and interesting designs are rewarded each year with a 'red dot', from world renowned design institution, the Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen, one of Europe's oldest and most highly reputed design centers. This year a number of interesting entries in the automobile category came away with red dots, including the Kia Soul - the first Korean car to have ever been given a red dot award. Other awards went out to BMW's stunning new Z4 roadster, as well as other BMW's such as the K1300R and K1300S motorbikes. BMW's new F01 7-Series limo also managed to garner an award, giving BMW a total of four red dots from the Design Zentrum. The new Volkswagen Golf also received a red dot award, as did the handsome new Opel Insignia and the Ford Fiesta. The new Honda Insight also won an award - the only Japanese car to have been awarded a red dot. Other Japanese cars, such as the Toyota iQ, received honorable mentions, which recognize certain aspects of design that are innovative and interesting. Other honorable mentions include the Alfa Romeo MiTo and the new Mercedes E-Class. The process behind choosing the winners is exhaustive, with design experts from all over the world collaborating to evaluate each entry in the competition's numerous categories. The design experts are constantly changed every year, and the selection process is made as impartial as possible to ensure that the awards remain an effective indicator of good design.2010 BMW Z4 Roadster Read More

More Headlines


  1. 1
  2. 2