Goodwood, UK – Aston Martin has once again demonstrated its unparalleled bespoke capabilities with the creation of the V8 Cygnet, a truly unique and outrageous city car. Unveiled at the 2018 Goodwood Festival of Speed, this one-off commission redefines the concept of a compact urban vehicle by injecting it with the heart and soul of a sports car. This audacious project, born from the ‘Q by Aston Martin – Commission’ service, showcases the fun side of the iconic British marque and the extraordinary engineering talent within.
The V8 Cygnet is not just a Cygnet with a bigger engine; it’s a complete transformation. Starting with a standard right-hand drive Cygnet bodyshell, Aston Martin’s engineers embarked on an ambitious journey to integrate the powertrain from a previous-generation Vantage S. This meant significant structural modifications. A roll cage was meticulously welded into the steel body, becoming an integral part of the chassis, enhancing rigidity and safety. To accommodate the larger V8 engine and its ancillaries, a new front bulkhead and transmission tunnel were fabricated from sheet metal.
The heart of this beast is a naturally aspirated 4.7-litre V8 engine, the same powerplant that graced the Vantage S. This compact yet potent engine delivers a thrilling 430bhp and 490Nm of torque, figures that would be impressive in a sports car, let alone a city car. Mated to a seven-speed Sportshift II transmission, also borrowed from the Vantage S, the V8 Cygnet sends power to the rear wheels via a custom torque tube.
The subtle yet aggressive front grille of the Aston Martin Cygnet V8, hinting at the power within.
Despite the extensive mechanical changes, the V8 Cygnet retains the recognizable charm of the original Cygnet from the outside. The front fascia remains largely unchanged, maintaining its diminutive and approachable appeal. However, keen observers will notice the subtly widened wheel arches. These are not just cosmetic enhancements; they are beautifully crafted carbon composite flared extensions, necessary to house the significantly wider front and rear tracks. These extensions accommodate larger, forged, five-spoke, diamond-turned 19-inch wheels, a considerable upgrade from the standard 16-inch wheels.
At the rear, the V8 Cygnet’s true nature is revealed. Central twin exhaust pipes, a bespoke system with underfloor mufflers and catalytic converters, exit proudly. The short exhaust path ensures that the V8 Cygnet’s voice is as potent as its performance, a stark contrast to the demure sound of a typical city car.
The distinctive twin exhaust pipes of the V8 Cygnet, a clear indication of its performance upgrade.
The interior of the V8 Cygnet is a blend of motorsport functionality and Aston Martin luxury. Recaro bucket seats with four-point harnesses and a fully integrated FIA-compliant fire extinguisher system underscore its performance intent. The alcantara-clad steering wheel is removable, and behind it sits a bespoke carbon dash, housing the familiar Vantage instrument cluster. Despite the track-focused elements, luxury is not forgotten. Leather pull straps on the unique carbon door cards and USB ports alongside bespoke air conditioning controls provide a touch of Aston Martin refinement.
The performance figures of the V8 Cygnet are astonishing. Weighing in at just 1375kg, it boasts a power-to-weight ratio of 313bhp/tonne, surpassing even the V8 Vantage S in this metric. This translates to blistering acceleration, with 0-60mph achieved in a mere 4.2 seconds. The top speed is equally impressive at 170mph, making it significantly faster than the standard Cygnet. Braking is handled by substantial 380mm front and 330mm rear discs, clamped by six and four-piston calipers respectively, ensuring confident stopping power to match the car’s exhilarating speed.
The interior of the V8 Cygnet, combining racing elements with Aston Martin’s signature luxury.
The Aston Martin V8 Cygnet is more than just an engine swap; it’s a testament to Aston Martin’s engineering prowess and the boundless possibilities offered by the ‘Q by Aston Martin – Commission’ service. It takes the original Cygnet’s concept of a luxury city car to an entirely new dimension, creating what can only be described as the ultimate ‘pocket rocket’. This one-off creation not only turned heads at Goodwood but also served as a reminder of the Cygnet’s original ambition to bring luxury to the city car segment. As prices for standard Cygnets rise, the V8 Cygnet is undoubtedly destined for classic status, embodying the spirit of innovation and exhilarating performance in a compact and unexpected package. It’s a truly intelligent approach to city driving, proving that even the smallest car can possess supercar DNA.
V8 Cygnet – Technical Specification
Body:
- RHD Cygnet steel bodyshell and panels with integrated welded-in cage
- Sheet metal fabricated front bulkhead and transmission tunnel
- Vantage subframes
- Steel fuel tank housing mounted in the boot area
- Carbon composite flared wheel arch extensions
- Mesh front grille
- Dark exterior hardware
- Body painted Buckinghamshire Green
- Yellow brake calipers
Interior:
- Two seat configuration
- Fixed back Recaro composite driver and passenger seats with Adjustable seat runners driver’s side, fixed position passenger side
- Four-point harnesses
- Bespoke carbon composite instrument panel incorporating Vantage instrument cluster
- Bespoke HVAC controls
- Twin USB ports
- Bespoke carbon fibre door cards with leather pull straps and Cygnet door release handles
- Full FIA compliant fire extinguisher system
- Removable alcantara steering wheel
Engine:
- All-Alloy Quad Overhead Camshaft, 4.7-litre V8
- Dry sump lubrication
- Front mid-mounted engine, rear-wheel drive
- Vantage S cooling system
- Twin conical air filters on bespoke intake trunking
- Bespoke exhaust system with twin underfloor mufflers and catalytic convertors
- Twin centre exit tailpipes
- 30-litre ATL Savercell fuel tank
Electrical System:
- V8 Vantage S electrical architecture
- Cygnet front and rear lights
- FIA compliant cut off and isolation system
- Rear mounted battery
- Bespoke lightweight HVAC system
Performance
- Maximum Power: 430bhp
- Maximum Torque: 490Nm (361lb ft)
- Maximum Speed: 170 mph (274 km/h)
- Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 4.2secs
Transmission:
- V8 Vantage S seven-speed Sportshift II gearbox
- Bespoke torque tube with steel propeller shaft
- Limited-slip differential
Suspension:
- Front Independent double wishbone, coil springs, anti-roll bar and passive dampers
- Rear Independent double wishbone, coil springs, anti-roll bar and passive dampers
Wheels and Tyres:
- Lightweight forged five-spoke silver diamond turned wheels
- Bridgestone tyres
- Front 8.5×19” 235/40/19
- Rear 9.5×19” 275/35/19
Brakes:
- V8 Vantage S braking system with ABS and fixed brake bias valve
- Front 6-piston monoblock calipers, 380mm 2 piece floating ventilated discs
- Rear 4-piston monoblock calipers 330mm 2 piece co-cast ventilated discs
- V8 Vantage derived pedal box with bespoke brake pedal
Dimensions:
- Length: 3708mm
- Width: 1920mm (excluding door mirrors)
- Height: 1500mm
- Wheelbase: 2020mm
- Front Track: 1570mm
