Aston Martin Gauntlet Design Concept by Ugur Sahin

*Be Warned: The ass-end of this car looks positively divine.

Ugur Sahin Design, the firm behind the (still upcoming?) Z03 which was to be built by Mallett, decided to update Aston's lineup with a design study called the Gauntlet.

The intent was "to design a car which is technically almost identical to the existing production Aston Martins while defining a design character that outmost respects the impressive history of the brand and combine the timeless lines of the past Aston Martins with the modern interpretation of the existing styling."

Here's how I see it: a car like the DB9, but with a coach-built look and feel.

Trying not to be too retro or futuristic, the look comes off as clean and really appealing to the eye. Key features include those sexy, organic headlights, a new take on Aston's wide-mouth grill (previewed on the One-77 hypercar), and - claimed to be cribbed from the DB3S - "high rear and front fenders".

Personal favorites include:

1) brake-heat extractor vents' lines flowing into the tail spoiler
2) mirrors emulating the sharp shape of the window surrounds
3) rear windscreen that's been molded to flow with the roof's lines (we've already seen it's possible with Peugeot's RCZ)
4) creased line down the side (in some pics) which makes the car look like it's wearing an opera mask.

And, last but not least, the artsy/design PR speak: "The name 'Gauntlet' refers to the way lines and surfaces overlap or complement each other, not literally but rather emotionally. This visually suggests the feel of wearing a protective armor which its full power and potential is in control of the driver."

Whatever guys, it looks great.

By Phil Alex

Photos: Ugur Sahin Design , Via: Seriouswheels

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Aston Martin Shows Cygnet in Geneva, Wants Kids to Know it's What's on the Outside that Counts [with Gallery]

Aston Martin is calling its Cygnet a "tailor-made solution" to the city transportation equation, a personal luxury commuter "designed for the heart of the city", the result of a collaboration between "two companies that are leaders in their respective fields".

Really, it's an Aston-skinned Toyota (a name they mention ONCE in the entire 1600+ word press release ... DENIAL AIN'T JUST A RIVER IN AFRICA, PEOPLE!).

That means this AMiQ retains the same basic layout of Toyota's version, allowing for a few different seating arrangements: 2+2, 2+1, or just plain 2. It also has the same 98bhp 4-cylinder engine with either a 6-speed stick or optional CVT.

But enough already. For any major facts such as dimensions, feel free to check out our posts on the Toyota iQ, because we're here to discuss how this Cygnetic parasite differs from its Japanese host.

Other than the uniquely Aston face, where the Cygnet shines (Aston is quick to point this out) is its personalization and interior. The firm claims everything and anything can be hand-picked by its owner via the their personalization program, meaning owners can have a "mini-me" version of their V8 / V12 Aston sports car. Neat, in a novelty kind of way.

Aston Martin also believes that there's a market for the Cygnet - albeit pretty small, limited to "between 2,000 and 4,000 Cygnets... in Europe alone".

So who exactly does Aston think is silly enough to buy these? Their very own customers, of course. The Cygnet would be "a supplementary product that exists in tandem with the company's range of luxury sports cars... [by] forming a natural extension of existing Aston Martin ownership." Whatever you say, guys.

-By Phil Alex

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