Aston Martin Cygnet V12: denied

There are rumours circulating that Aston Martin is contemplating cramming its 6.0-litre V12 into the Cygnet city car – and might in fact already have done so.

The resulting creation would combine the firm’s biggest engine with by far its smallest ever car, resulting in the hot hatch that might just trigger Armageddon. But don’t start to panic just yet…

Gallery: when carmakers go mad

On Bing: see images of the Aston Martin Cygnet

The Aston Martin Cygnet is a heavily revamped version of the Toyota iQ. It’s just over 3m long – almost exactly the same as a classic Mini – with a 2m wheelbase. We cannot even begin to comprehend what driving something that compact with potentially in excess of 500hp would actually be like, but it probably wouldn’t be pretty.

Fortunately – or not –  it’s also probably irrelevant. We asked a source at Aston Martin about the rumour, and they told us it was pure speculation.

Should we believe them? Given the lack of evidence to the contrary, there’s no reason not to. And if you stop and think about it for a moment, exactly how would a Cygnet V12 physically work anyway?

The standard Cygnet is tiny and front-wheel drive. The Aston V12 is massive and powers the rear axle of every car it’s currently fitted to.

The poor unfortunate driver would surely either have to steer the thing from the back seat, or share the cabin with the motor. And though that engine most definitely sounds a delight in its latest Vanquish and DB9 disguises, such sonic harmonies are of little use if your eardrums have been perforated…

First Drive Review: Aston Martin Vanquish (2013 onwards)

First Drive Review: Aston Martin DB9 (2013 onwards)

First Drive Review: Nissan Juke R (2012 onwards)

Gallery: when carmakers go mad

On Bing: see images of the Aston Martin Cygnet