Car model: Difference between revisions

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	] model: ], ] and ] ]]		] model: ], ] and ] ]]

			A '''car model''' (or '''automobile model''' or '''model of car''') is the name used by a manufacturer to market a range of similar cars. The way that car manufacturers group their product range into models varies between manufacturers.
	An '''automobile model''' (or '''car model''' or '''model of car''', and typically abbreviated to just "model") is a particular brand of vehicle sold under a ] by a manufacturer, usually within a range of models, usually of different sizes or capabilities. From an engineering point of view, a particular car model is usually defined and/or constrained by the use of a particular car ]/] combination or the same ] or platform although sometimes this is not the case, and the model represents a marketing segment.

	A model may also be referred to as a ''']''', specifically when referring to the product from the point of view of the manufacturer, especially a model over time. For example, the ] is the oldest automobile nameplate in continuous production, dating to 1934 (1935 model year), while the ] was (until its demise in 1996) the oldest North American car nameplate. "Nameplate" is also sometimes used more loosely, however, to refer to a brand or division of larger company (e.g., GMC), rather than a specific model.		A model may also be referred to as a ''']''', specifically when referring to the product from the point of view of the manufacturer, especially a model over time. For example, the ] is the oldest automobile nameplate in continuous production, dating to 1934 (1935 model year), while the ] was (until its demise in 1996) the oldest North American car nameplate. "Nameplate" is also sometimes used more loosely, however, to refer to a brand or division of larger company (e.g., GMC), rather than a specific model.

	This engineering frame may have derivatives, giving rise to more than one ] for a particular car model. For example, the same model can be offered as a four-door ] (saloon), a two-door ], a ] (estate), or even as a folding-roof convertible, all derived from essentially the same engineering frame. An example of this is the ].

	Fully specifying an automobile can involve many levels of detail, most basically: manufacturer (company), model (brand, product name), and model year. Often, these further details are included: body style (e.g., 2-door, 4-door), trim level (often denoted by lettering after the model name), and individual options (e.g., a sunroof). In North America, formal reference to automobiles (e.g., in police reports) specify "year, make, model", i.e., model year, manufacturer, and product, as in a "2000 Toyota Camry."

	== Common characteristics ==		== Common characteristics ==
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	In some cases, a manufacturer has marketed a body style as a separate model — for example the ] and the ], which are based on the ] and ] platforms respectively.<ref>{{cite web\|title=2019 Volkswagen Jetta Preview\|url=https://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/volkswagen_jetta_2019\|website=www.thecarconnection.com\|accessdate=4 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|title=2018 BMW 4 Series Convertible Review\|url=https://www.topspeed.com/cars/bmw/2018-bmw-4-series-convertible-ar173950.html\|website=www.topspeed.com\|accessdate=4 April 2018}}</ref>		In some cases, a manufacturer has marketed a body style as a separate model — for example the ] and the ], which are based on the ] and ] platforms respectively.<ref>{{cite web\|title=2019 Volkswagen Jetta Preview\|url=https://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/volkswagen_jetta_2019\|website=www.thecarconnection.com\|accessdate=4 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|title=2018 BMW 4 Series Convertible Review\|url=https://www.topspeed.com/cars/bmw/2018-bmw-4-series-convertible-ar173950.html\|website=www.topspeed.com\|accessdate=4 April 2018}}</ref>

			<gallery caption="BMW 3 Series (E36) body styles" widths="150px">
			File:1996-1998 BMW 323i (E36) sedan 02.jpg \| sedan
			File:1999 e36 329iS coupe.jpg \| coupe
			File:BMW 320i Cabriolet (E36 2C, Facelift) – Heckansicht, 8. Juni 2011, Wülfrath.jpg \| convertible
			File:BMW E36 Touring Heck.JPG \| wagon
			File:1998 BMW 316i (E36) hatchback (2011-11-18) 02.jpg \| hatchback
			</gallery>

	==Regional variations==		==Regional variations==

Revision as of 23:32, 4 April 2018

For scale models of automobiles, see Model car.

A car model (or automobile model or model of car) is the name used by a manufacturer to market a range of similar cars. The way that car manufacturers group their product range into models varies between manufacturers.

A model may also be referred to as a nameplate, specifically when referring to the product from the point of view of the manufacturer, especially a model over time. For example, the Chevrolet Suburban is the oldest automobile nameplate in continuous production, dating to 1934 (1935 model year), while the Chrysler New Yorker was (until its demise in 1996) the oldest North American car nameplate. "Nameplate" is also sometimes used more loosely, however, to refer to a brand or division of larger company (e.g., GMC), rather than a specific model.

Common characteristics

Given that the interior equipment, upholstery and exterior trim is usually determined by the trim level, the car model often defines the styling theme and platform that is used. The model also defines the body style(s) and engine choice(s).

Some models have only one body style (e.g. the Mazda 2 hatchback), while other models are produced in several body styles (e.g. the Audi A3, which has been produced in hatchback, sedan and convertible body styles). Similarly, some models have a single engine/powertrain specification available (eg the Chevrolet Volt), while other models have multiple powertrains available (eg the Ford Mustang, which has been produced with inline-4, V6 and V8 engines).

In some cases, a manufacturer has marketed a body style as a separate model — for example the Volkswagen Jetta and the BMW 4 Series, which are based on the Volkswagen Golf and BMW 3 Series platforms respectively.