When it comes to cars, manufacturers put some real effort into coming up with a model name. Over the years, the naming of vehicles has played a vital role in shaping the automotive industry. A fantastic car name can enhance the brand visualization and help improve the longevity of the model. Famous names that buyers trust enable models to last for decades, while names that struggle to sell fade away quickly.
Auto design and marketing teams commit immense resources into product naming. They consider various factors such as the looks of the car, its target market, and the company's history. And while some cars have failed to live up to their awesome names, enthusiasts would buy any of these ten cars just because they have cool names.
10 Dodge Swinger
One of the things that everyone forgets about the Swinger is that it was among the first muscle cars to feature real luxury features. When it debuted at the 1969 Chicago Auto Show, the vehicle sported several updates from its predecessor, the Dodge Dart. While it was an incredible vehicle, its name, the Swinger, became the absolute icing on the cake.
Dodge changed this car's name to Swinger Special before changing it to the Dodge Demon. Although the Demon was a cute name that lived up to its character, Swinger sounded pretty sweet.
9 Jensen Interceptor
Few car names make exceptional use of imagery like the Jensen Interceptor. The name suggests massive power and drama. And most gearheads agree that the name is one of the coolest of all time. This grand tourer was hand-built by Jensen Motors in West Bromwich, near Birmingham, England.
Being the handiwork of Alan and Richard Jensen, the name Interceptor was coined, making the model sound very impressive. Although the Interceptor was among the fastest British sports cars of the '60s, its name contributed to it making an indelible impression.
8 Triumph Spitfire
Triumph derived this cool name, the Spitfire, from a famous British fighter plane of WW2. The first model of the Spitfire was called the Bomb, and it promptly became a household name. Following a takeover by the Leyland Motor company, the Triumph Spitfire grew to become one of the most memorable classic two-seaters of the '60s and the '70s.
Like its charming name, this car caught the attention of many buyers and became a big hit in America's sports car market.
7 Lancia Stratos
It is said that Italian and Spanish names sound better in English-speaking countries. And Lancia Stratos is a proof of that. This sports car made by Italian manufacturer, Lancia, has enjoyed massive success since its inception.
While the name is one of the fanciest in the Auto industry, designers Marcelo Gandini and Bertone ensured that its futuristic bodywork matched the narrative. From the snowy roads of Monte Carlo, forest roads of Canadian rally, the dirt tracks of Acropolis to the African Savannah, the Stratos has proved to be more than just a fancy name.
6 Corvette Stingray
In 1953, Chevrolet conducted an employee car naming contest. Myron E. Scott submitted the striking name Corvette. Reminiscent of World War II's small and fast ships, the car was quick and maneuvered seamlessly.
The Corvette Stingray is a popular name among enthusiasts. Myron suggested that the name Corvette did roll off the tongue nicely. Stingray was later introduced in 1959 as a one-off concept and an engineering testbed. The C2 was introduced in 1963 as the first production of the Stingray.
5 Ferrari Testarossa
Meaning "redhead" in Italian, the Testarossa draws inspiration from the Ferrari valve covers' red finish. The car paid homage to the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa, a sports car with a fantastic racing history. The legendary name has been used by iconic models for decades, including the Ferrari Testarossa of the 1980s.
Undoubtedly, Ferrari designers and engineers are the best at what they do, but the pretty name of this beauty contributed significantly to its immeasurable success. Thanks to its global popularity, the Testarossa is one of the highest mass-produced Ferraris of all time.
4 Dodge Viper
The Viper was inspired by the Viperidae, a snake family known for its lethal venom. And the Dodge Viper, owing to the snake's reputation, has often been described as the "most dangerous" sports car ever made.
And it's not just the danger; the name Viper is as sweet to mention as it is fun to drive the car. The name came about when the design team led by Tom Gale and Chris Theodore decided to develop a snake-inspired name in honor of the Shelby Cobra.
3 Bugatti Veyron
When it comes to the naming of supercars, Bugatti has become a master in coming up with cool names – attractive names that match the cars themselves. For example, the Veyron is named after Pierre Veyron, a development engineer for the company. Veyron was also a prominent race car driver and a war hero.
The terms Veyron and Bugatti combine and blend perfectly to give an enticing name. The model continues to steal the spotlight despite the colossal competition from other models in its class.
2 Ford Mustang
The appealing name of Ford Mustang has been instrumental in shaping its identity and brand. It is widely believed that the car was named after a World War II fighter plane. Designer John Najjar is credited with the naming and co-designing of the prototype alongside Omaha, a Nebraska native.
The Ford Mustang has many admirers due to its affordability and stylish appearance. Its name, however, embodies a unique model and makes it the most memorable of all cars built by Ford. Now a household name of the Ford family, the Mustang name is renowned worldwide.
1 Mercury Marauder
This fascinating name, Marauder, was introduced in 1958, marking the first time that the Ford Company unveiled a new family of V8 engines. The automobile nameplate was used by cars produced by the Mercury wing of Ford Motor Company.
The Marauder earmarked the most potent engines produced by the Mercury line. As brilliant as the name sounds, it is worth noting that high-performance was a vital feature of the car in equal measure. The Mercury Marauder is a captivating car, and many gearheads would love to sit behind its wheel.