Aston Martin's Low-iQ Cygnet Caught on the Streets of Düsseldorf

If we had to give a prize for the most ridiculous new car of 2010, it would go hands down to Aston Martin's Cygnet luxury mini. The British firm's pint-size model is nothing more than a Toyota iQ (Scion iQ in North America) decorated with fancy-pansy wraps - something like those silly replicas we show you from time to time with an even sillier price tag.

The Cygnet won't go on sale before early 2011, but apparently, Aston Martin has already began shipping cars in Europe, most likely for use by the firm's dealers, though this particular example may have been used by a company exec. This here left-hand drive example with British license plates was spotted by a forum member of Autogespot on the roads of Düsseldorf, which is the capital city of the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia. For more photos of the Cygnet, follow the break.

Source: Autogespot

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It Came from eBay Hell: V6 Powered Ferrari Fiero-rossa auf Deustchland zukommt*

Suppose you are a used car buyer in Germany, with €9,990 (US$13,199) to spend on some new wheels. Would you - even in your darkest, most masochistic hour - consider buying this...this thing? Let’s run down the list of why you shouldn’t buy this car:

1. It’s a Pontiac Fiero. Yes, it’s mid-engined and built in the good ol’ U.S.A., but it was built in the good ol’ U.S.A. in the 1980s and has a body made of plastic. That’s like saying, “She’s Latino and has a great body, but she has rotten teeth and herpes.”

2. The owner has made some modifications, including the addition of Ferrari Testarossa-style side strakes and a pair of Lotus Type 47-inspired snorkels that look like they’re made of old drainpipes. Classy.

3. The price is ludicrous. You can pick up an immaculate, first generation Toyota MR2 for half that. And a dozen better cars, to boot.

More worrying than the above though is the V6 modification the owner has carried out and the fact the registration papers have expired. Why? Well, it’s a Fiero. Fiero owners, by their very nature, rarely make their cars “better”. And the expired registration papers imply, to me at least, that the car is no longer roadworthy.

So, dear readers, I leave it up to you. Is this V6-engined Ferrari-wannabe a God or a dog? Your verdict, gentlemen and ladies...

* That’s, “from Germany” for those not as savvy with Google Translate as moi.

By Tristan Hankins

Link: eBay Germany

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It Came From Japan: Ferrari F40 Stretch Limousine

Pop quiz, hot shot; what’s better than a replica Ferrari F40? If you said an actual Ferrari F40, then you are dead wrong. The correct answer is a replica Ferrari F40 limousine. Fortunately (for us), such things actually exist.

So where would one find such an automotive monstrosity? In Japan, of course! You know, the country that brought us the Mitsuoka Orochi, melon flavored chocolate and a pillow shaped like a kneeling woman’s lap.

With an asking price of just ¥580 (US$6.90) - which is either a misprint or how much confidence the seller has in this vehicle’s worth - this remarkable collision of Japanese underpinnings and European style comes with a CD changer, air conditioning, power steering and windows, keyless entry, sunroof, ABS, an anti-theft system, 19-inch wheels and leather bucket seats. Not to mention the “hearty” 1.6 L powerplant under the hood.

Admittedly, it’s probably nothing more than a Honda Accord or Toyota Corolla under all that new bodywork (the seller says it's a 1989 model), but come on - for US$6.90, what did you expect? As always, take a look at our gallery and let us know your opinion in the comments section below.

By Tristan Hankins

Link: Goo-Net

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Car Spotting: Ferrari Fortwo makes Aston's iQ look like a Work of Art

If anything else, you can't blame Smart Fortwo owners for not having a sense of humor. Snagged on the streets of London by Carscoop reader Rob J., the Smart-tuned-into-Ferrari Fortwo comes with all the latest advancements in aerodynamic technology such as the individual, F1 style front and rear spoilers that keep the car firmly on the ground, even when people pass by and sneeze. Intrigued? Run through the jump for more tantalizing pics.

Hat tip to Rob!

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Proton Rebadges Lotus Europa to Create Lekir Sports Concept

Taking center stage at Proton's 2010 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show booth alongside the Mitsubishi Lancer EVO-esque Jebat study, is yet one more concept model based on another manufacturer's vehicle, the Lekir. This time, Proton looked into its own car bin and in particular, Lotus, which it acquired back in 1994, as the Lekir is essentially a rebagded Europa coupe. Mind you, it's not the first time we've seen the Europa wearing different logos as Dodge displayed an EV concept of the model at the 2009 Detroit Show.

Depending on which part of Proton's description of the car you read, the Lekir is powered either by a 2.0-liter turbocharged unit or a 1.6-liter engine with some 220-ponies (167kW). Malaysia's state-controlled carmaker didn't say whether it plans to resurrect the Europa as a Proton.

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New Subaru Trezia Adds Impreza Face to Toyota Verso-S MPV

Meet the all-new Trezia, the latest in a long line of Toyota models turned into Subarus as part of the ongoing partnership between the two Japanese automakers. It's essentially a rebadged version of the Toyota Verso-S (called Ractis in Japan), which was introduced in Europe at this year's Paris Motor Show.

The differences between the Trezia and its Verso-S twin are limited only to the Impreza-like front grille, the chrome treatment on the tailgate trim and of course, Subaru's logos. Everything else, including the interior and even the alloy wheel and hub cover designs remain unchanged.

Like the Toyota Ractis in Japan, the Trezia will offer buyers a choice of a 1.3-liter or a 1.5-liter engines as well as front- or all-wheel drive layouts. Prices in Japan range from 1.36 million Yen to 1.87 million Yen.

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