Aston Martin’s Q commission service has produced a one-off Cygnet that uses the 430bhp V8 engine and running gear from the previous-generation Vantage S.
The custom hatchback, which was demonstrated at this weekend’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, shoehorns its Vantage S-sourced 4.7-litre atmospheric eight-cylinder under the front bonnet.
The Cygnet’s chassis, which is based on that of the Toyota IQ, has been extensively modified with a new bulkhead and transmission tunnel, providing space for a seven-speed Sportshift II (also taken from the previous Vantage) automatic gearbox and shortened Vantage driveshaft to power the rear wheels.
There’s also a welded-in FIA-compliant roll-cage and race-spec cabin with Recaro Pole Position bucket seats and a cabonfibre dashboard, helping to trim the kerb weight to 1375kg, meaning power to weight is actually better than that of the Vantage S. It therefore accelerates from 0-62mph six-tenths quicker than the discontinued sports car, taking 4.2sec. Top speed is 170mph, which is 64mph quicker than the standard, 1.3-litre-engined Cygnet could manage.
The car also stops more effectively thanks to 380mm front discs with six-piston calipers and 330mm rear discs with four-piston calipers, while the suspension set-up comprises independent double wishbones at the front and rear. There are lightweight 19in wheels (up from 16s on the standard car), which are mounted on a widened track that requires the carbonfibre wide arches that have been produced specifically for the car.
