The Most Curious Car Names

Due to the linguistic and cultural differences of the brand, these nine models were baptized in a way for which they have been the object of jokes and ridicule

The most curious car names

Many cars stand out for their design and power, but some models go down in history for their unfortunate – or not at all – names. Next, we show you our list with the 9 most curious car names.

Mitsubishi pajero

In 1982 Mitsubishi announced the official launch of its new model: the Mitsubishi Pajero (in the photo that opens this article). Without a doubt, this has been the initial starting point of a success story for the Japanese company. However, it has also marked a before and after in the history of the most curious car names in the world.

When this ‘little problem’ reaches Mitsubishi’s managerial intelligence, the company will rename its powerful vehicle. So, the model has been ‘renamed’ with the name of Montero in Spanish-speaking countries. Fortunately, his success has lasted longer than the jokes.

Mazda laputa

This Mazda model with an unfortunate name was never marketed in Spain or in other European countries, so many do not know it.

It is a 4 × 4 vehicle with urban style that was launched in 1999 in the United States. As its first format has not been very successful, the model has been redesigned as a minicar. Name? It has remained.

Volkswagen jetta

In this case, Volkswagen would have saved time and money in renaming this vehicle with a simple consultation with the RAE. According to the definition of the Royal Academy, jeta is a “cheeky, cheeky and scoundrel”. Subsequently, the model has been renamed in Spain and Chile as ‘Bora’.

Nissan moco

Again, cultural and linguistic differences have ‘betrayed’ Asian brands. Let’s imagine that, logically, the great creatives of Nissan did not understand the meaning of ‘muco’ in the Spanish language. Otherwise, they would hardly have launched a car with such a name.

Another curiosity is that the images to promote its launch presented the vehicle in just green. And its official presentation at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2005 also highlighted this ‘brat’ tonality. Certainly a terrible coincidence.

Kia borrego

This 4 × 4 model created by Peter Schreyer was launched on the United States market in 2008. According to the RAE, lamb is a “two to three year old lamb.” And in Spanish popular culture, the term is used colloquially to designate a simple and ignorant person.

Three years earlier, the same company had launched the prototype of this vehicle at the Detroit Motor Show under the name Kia Mesa. Little is known about the reason for the name change, but the result has not been exactly satisfactory.

Audi Q3

While it goes unnoticed by many, the Audi Q3 is also among the most curious car names. This medium SUV launched in 2011 was the first model of the German brand manufactured in Spain.

Unfortunately, its name sounds almost identical to ‘cu-tres’, which means “miserable, dirty or of poor quality,” according to the RAE. An inappropriate choice to promote a vehicle from the prestigious Audi.

Lamborghini Reventón

Lamborghini is one of the most recognized and awarded automotive brands in the world. But few people know that their models are named after famous bulls, who are recognized for their bravery and strength.

In this case, the bull Reventón participated in an unfortunate episode that culminates in the death of the bullfighter Félix Guzmán. An unfortunate choice for a powerful vehicle that reaches 340 km / h and requires a lot of responsibility when driving.

Studebaker Dictator

The Studebaker brand probably wanted to convey that its launch would impose a new paradigm on the automotive industry. But doing it through the Dictator name was not a good idea.

Opel Manta

This is another example where a consultation with the RAE could have saved many investments and subsequent efforts. According to the Royal Academy, blanket means “to be lazy or to have no ability for a function”. Definitely not a suitable choice to promote a new vehicle.