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SEE | Adam, Elise, Sharan - These five cars are named after people linked to its brands

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<i>Image: Newspress</i>
<i>Image: Newspress</i>

The origin of a car's name stems from a variety of things. It can include an animal, like the Ford Mustang, or even just after an average Joe like Adam for example.

Maybe the automaker simply ran out of names for their models, but most are a tribute in someone special's honour.

What's behind a name

Names already well-known throughout the world is the Ferrari Enzo, named after the Italian automaker's founder, and also the Ferrari Dino which is named after Enzo Ferrari's first son Alfredo who passed away in 1956.



Have we missed any other car names? Email us and let us know


Others coin their names from winds and weather conditions while othes are just completely random like the Fiat Multipla because it can seat six people.

SEE | The Matrix, 300, Bullitt - These five cars are named after much-loved Hollywood movies

Below are a few models derived from ordinary names you might have heard or know by that name.

1. Opel Adam

Opel Adam

                                                                          Image: Net Car Show

This is a pretty common name throughout the world. From the bible kind to Hollywood celebrities., in 2012 Opel decided to badge one of their compact hatchbacks with it after the brand's founder, Adam Opel.

The local version sports a turbocharged 1.0-litre engine with a power output of 85kW and 170Nm. Fancy an Adam? It retails for R283 000 in SA.

2. McLaren Senna

                                                                              Image: Newspress

Any true petrolhead will know who this car is named after. McLaren paid homage to the late Ayrton Senna with the aptly named supercar following his success with the McLaren Formula 1 team in the late 80s to early 90s.

This monster of a car makes use of a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine pushing out 588kW and 800Nm.

3. Lotus Elise

Lotus Elise

                                                                           Image: Net Car Show

According to Motoring Research, The Elise was named after Elisa Artioli, the granddaughter of Romano Artioli who was chairman of Lotus and Bugatti at the time of the car's launch.

Known for its nimble handling and ideal power to weight ratio due to its mid-engined layout and low kerb weight, it became the weapon of choice for racing enthusiasts.

4. Volkswagen Sharan

Volkswagen Sharan

                                                                             Image: Net Car Show

While most of Volkswagen's cars are named after winds across the world, they also have one that is named after a person. Although some might argue about the pronunciation, the 'Sharan' is not named after a woman but derived from a Persian word meaning "Carrier of Kings".

It was a glorified family car that didn't really impress in the looks department but under the bonnet was a familiar 2.8-litre engine, the exact same that powers the MK3 Jetta and Golf VR6.

5. Ferrari Sergio

Ferrari Sergio

                                                                              Image: Net Car Show

Perhaps you've never heard of or seen this car anywhere and the reason for that is because Ferrari only built six units of it starting in 2015, and sold it to handpicked customers.

It was created by Italian design house Pininfarina as a tribute to the former chairman of the company and automotive designer, Sergio Pininfarina, who passed away in 2012. It makes use of a 4.5-litre V8 and runs from 0-100km/h in 3.4-seconds.
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