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Top 10 strangest car names of 2021

A lot of work goes into determining a new car name – however, some brands just go left of field.


There's a lot of science involved in choosing a new car name. Some manufacturers employ external brand companies, while others take inspiration from within. For example, the Ford Taurus was named by two of the company's executives – after their wives' star signs.

We've seen some doozies in the past. Who could forget when Mazda brought out the 'Titan Dump', or when Subaru named its Brumby ute the 'Brat' in the US? You have to wonder where these manufacturers got their inspiration from.

The peculiarity continues for 2021 and beyond, with plenty of the big players releasing some questionable nameplates. Below is a list of our picks of odd car names.

Feel free to share any strange car names you've come across in the comments below.

GWM Ute

You know that phrase 'less is more'? Well GWM has taken that concept to a whole other level, naming its ute, Ute. Three spec levels are available: Cannon, Cannon L and Cannon X – and, in the words of our very own Kez Casey, "so then, why not just the GWM Cannon?" Agreed.

GWM Baja Snake

Even though it won't be released in China until later this year, we just had to include it. GWM is taking inspiration from American muscle car maker Shelby to produce a ute which will be aimed at the Ford Ranger Raptor.

Alfa Romeo Tonale

The problem here with the Tonale is that not everyone will pronounce this with an Italian accent. This may leave people unfortunately questioning why the brand named its car after a toenail!

The launch was originally planned for this year, hence why we've included it in this list, however it has recently been delayed to early 2022.

Haval Big Dog

I'll give it to Haval for matching the name to its rough looking exterior, but we still find the name very 'out there'. The Big Dog is a retro-styled medium-sized SUV, sitting on a unibody platform with room for five on board.

Haval Tank 300

It's clear what road Haval is travelling down and just like the Big Dog, this rugged-looking medium SUV has the task of battling Jeep.

The Haval Tank 300 promises to be a serious off-roader, with 224mm of ground clearance, front winch compatibility and an off-road cruise control function. This all sounds great, but we still think the name is wacky.

Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Willys Edition

Having 'Unlimited Willys' in a car name is definitely odd. Priced from $61,941 before on-road costs, just 130 examples of the Wrangler Unlimited Willys Edition will be offered across local Jeep showrooms, built to pay homage to the Willys Overland CJ-3A of 1948.

Haval Jolion

We don't mind the look of this car at all, but it wears another Haval name we aren't too fond of. It only just recently arrived in Australia, priced from $27,990 drive-away.

MG Cyberster

The MG new electric concept car looks pretty cool, but we'll pass on the name. The Cyberster is a sleek roadster featuring 'Magic Eye' headlights that open when turned on, LED strip lighting down the side and LED tail-lights reminiscent of the Union Jack.

Audi E-Tron GT

The Audi E-Tron GT was unveiled earlier this year, and is due to arrive in Australia in the third quarter of 2021.

We've already heard the E-Tron nameplate before, but it just had to be included as E-Tron roughly translates to 'turd' in French. You must wonder what sales are like in France, but personally I wouldn't like this written on the tailgate of my car.

Hyundai Bayon

Hyundai's Bayon is a Venue-sized light SUV, revealed for Europe earlier this year with i20-inspired styling, a high-tech cabin and mild-hybrid engines under the bonnet.

We prefer the names Hyundai has chosen for other models, but Bayon isn't high on our list.

Tell us what you think in the comments section below.

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Emma Notarfrancesco

Emma has been on our television screens for over a decade. Most of her time in the industry has been spent at racetracks reporting at major motorsport events in Australia - from TCR and Superbikes to Porsche Sprint Challenge and Supercars. Emma has also hosted various MotoGP and F1 events interviewing the likes of Daniel Ricciardo and Jack Miller. Having previously presented on an automotive show, she made her move to the Drive family in 2020. Fiercely proud of her Italian heritage, Emma is a coffee loving, stylish-black wearing resident of Melbourne.

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