Manufacturers introduce new model designations as powertrain options increase

11 October 2017

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is to press ahead with new model designations to help easily identify fuel types and power outputs, with changes to naming scheduled to begin in 2018.

The move will see conventional JLR names continue, with new letter and number additions afterwards. The move has already been revealed on the Range Rover Velar, which features the designation D180. The D stands for Diesel, while the 180 is the power output in brake horsepower. Similarly, a new Jaguar F-Type has been spotted with the nomenclature P380 on the back.

The Jaguar I-Pace, launching next year, as well as plug-in hybrid versions of the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport will also require new naming designations, with E400 expected for the I-Pace.

Jaguar is not the only company adding new designations to its naming conventions. Audi has also revealed a new numbering system for its vehicles. The company’s whole range will feature the fresh nomenclature by summer 2018, with the manufacturer keen to distinguish between its traditional range and upcoming electric and hybrid models.

The names of Audi models will remain the same, with A1, A3, Q5 and so forth continuing, but different variations of these existing models will use two-digit numbers representing their power output, alongside existing badges representing various engine types, such as TFSI and TDI.

However, unlike Jaguar, the two-digit numbers aren’t direct transplants of the car’s power output in any particular measurement. Instead, Audi has chosen a handful of non-related numbers that will apply to certain cars based on their power outputs measured in kW. As an example, all cars with a power output between 81kW and 96 kW (108bhp to 128bhp) will be badged as 30 models. As an example, the entry level A3 1.0 TFSI will become the A3 30 TFSI.

The double-digit system will increase in increments of five, right up to 70 for range-topping cars with power output over 400kW (537bhp). High-performance S and RS cars won’t be affected by the change and will continue using their same names. The first model to use the new naming system will be the new Audi A8. The 3.0-litre TDI model will be known as the A8 50 TDI, with the more powerful petrol car distinguished by receiving a 55 designation.

Meanwhile, BMW has revealed a new black and white logo that reads ′Bayerische Motoren Werke’ that will be used on its premium models. The new badge will take the place of the traditional blue and white logo which is currently being used across the range.

The reworked logo harks back to a style that was used by the company over 100 years ago. According to BMW, the new black and white badge with the full name displayed ′will underscore the German brand’s long and proud history.’

Photograph courtesy of Jaguar Land Rover