Misplaced Pages

Car model

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by MrsSnoozyTurtle (talk | contribs) at 23:12, 4 April 2018 (re-write with references). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Revision as of 23:12, 4 April 2018 by MrsSnoozyTurtle (talk | contribs) (re-write with references)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff) For scale models of automobiles, see Model car.
Body styles available for the Ford Focus model: sedan, station wagon and hatchback

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 marque 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 chassis/bodywork combination or the same monocoque 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 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.

This engineering frame may have derivatives, giving rise to more than one body style for a particular car model. For example, the same model can be offered as a four-door sedan (saloon), a two-door coupé, a station wagon (estate), or even as a folding-roof convertible, all derived from essentially the same engineering frame. An example of this is the BMW 3 Series.

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

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.

Regional variations

The same car model may be sold by the automaker in different countries under different model names. Examples includeMitsubishi Pajero / Montero, Mazda MX-5 / Miata, Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit and Ford Everest / Endeavour

Trim level

Main article: Trim level (automobile)

For a particular model, the trim level identifies the level of equipment or special features.

Model years

Main article: Model year § Automobiles

See also

References

  1. "2017 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback – Driven Review". www.topspeed.com. Retrieved 4 April 2018.
  2. "2017 Honda Civic Hatchback First Drive: Incremental Business or Next Big Thing". www.motortrend.com. Retrieved 4 April 2018.
  3. "2019 Kia Cerato hatch styling revealed". www.whichcar.com. Retrieved 4 April 2018.
  4. "Mazda to Unveil Updated Mazda6 Wagon at Geneva Motor Show". www.mazda.com. Retrieved 4 April 2018.
  5. "Trim levels 101: All about trims, styles, options and packages". www.edmunds.com. Retrieved 4 April 2018.
  6. "Mazda 2 review (2018)". www.autocar.co.uk. Retrieved 4 April 2018.
  7. "2017 Audi A3 Hatchback". www.topspeed.com. Retrieved 4 April 2018.
  8. "2018 Ford Mustang". www.caranddriver.com. Retrieved 4 April 2018.
  9. "2019 Volkswagen Jetta Preview". www.thecarconnection.com. Retrieved 4 April 2018.
  10. "2018 BMW 4 Series Convertible Review". www.topspeed.com. Retrieved 4 April 2018.
  11. "Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero". www.hemmings.com.
  12. "Mitsubishi Montero/Pajero SUV Redesign Delayed, PHEV Possible". www.motortrend.com. Retrieved 4 April 2018.
  13. "2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata may be getting 181 hp". www.autoblog.com. Retrieved 4 April 2018.
  14. "2007 Volkswagen Rabbit". www.caranddriver.com. Retrieved 4 April 2018.
  15. "Ford Endeavour facelift spied in Thailand". www.autocarindia.com. Retrieved 4 April 2018.
  16. "2018 Ford Endeavour/2018 Ford Everest (facelift) spied testing for the first time". www.indianautosblog.com. Retrieved 4 April 2018.
Categories: