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# V8-Powered City Cars
The Aston Martin Cygnet Packs a Powerful V8 Engine and 430 Horsepower

By Justin Lam | Published 2018-07-16 | Autos
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cygnet
References: [cnet](https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/aston-martin-v8-cygnet/) & [driving](https://driving.ca/auto-news/news/aston-martins-stuffed-a-430-hp-v8-into-a-cygnet-city-car)

Aston Martin may be known for its speed-focused roadsters but this hasn't stopped the British automaker from venturing into new territory with its Aston Martin Cygnet. The vehicle is based off the [Toyota](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hydrogen-engine) iQ but features a re-trimmed body. However, unlike the iQ, the Aston Martin model packs a [V8](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aston-martin-valour) into the [compact city car](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compact-electric-microcar). The V8 in the Cygnet provides 430 horsepower and transforms the three-seat car into a 275km/h mini monster.

The upgraded V8 engine in the Aston Martin Cygnet quadruples the output of vehicle and as such Aston Martin‘s Q division had to equip the car with an improved construction. These improvements include a new roll cage and a firewall and transmission tunnel built from scratch. The suspension and subframes have also been bolstered and massive wheel arches were added to accommodate traction-focused tires.

Image Credit: Aston Martin

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 0.9/10
- Popularity: 2% | Activity: 16% | Freshness: 8%
- Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X
- Top markets: Europe

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos)

## Key Themes

### Why This Trend Is Growing

- **V8-powered City Cars:** Automakers are exploring the idea of fitting city cars with V8 engines to increase performance and appeal to speed enthusiasts.
- **Customized Compact Cars:** Automakers are developing customized compact cars by retrofitting existing models with high-performance engines and upgraded features.
- **Redefining City Driving:** Automakers are challenging traditional perceptions of city driving by incorporating high-performance engines into compact cars, enabling speed, power, and maneuverability in urban environments.

### Industries Being Reshaped

- **Automotive Industry:** Automakers can capitalize on the trend of V8-powered city cars by releasing their own customized versions, appealing to consumers seeking high-performance vehicles designed for city driving.
- **Performance Auto Parts:** Enterprises can develop innovative parts and systems to retrofit existing compact cars with higher-performance engines and improved features, serving the demand for customized city cars with enhanced power and speed.
- **Urban Transportation:** Urban transportation providers can explore the potential of V8-powered city cars to enhance their fleets, offering speed and agility to navigate congested city streets and increase customer satisfaction.

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