Kyle’s Corner (FYI) Can you name that car without going too far?

July 9, 11:26 AMAutomotive ExaminerKyle Busch

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In this time of “Great Recession” and mucked up economics that are not
easily understandable, can carmakers name that car without going too far?

For example, it is hard to understand why BMW has started to complicate
how they name their vehicle. In the past, the Bavarian automaker used
numerical terminology such as 2000, 2500, 2800, etc. to designate the
engine size of the vehicle.

More recently, the automaker used the first number of the name
to represent a vehicle’s series (size) – 3, 5, 7 series and two additional
numbers to represent the engine size – 25 representing 2.5-liter; 30
representing 3-liter; 50 representing 5-liter, and so on. Additionally,
the all-important “i” represented fuel injection. It was clean and
straightforward, and it seemed clear that BMW was spending its time
on building the “Ultimate Driving Machine” rather than putting
resources into name that car.

As of late, the naming has become well, like walking backwards!
For example, the 3-series 3-liter twin-turbo is named the 335i. No
3.5-liter here (I wish that BMW would bring back in a modern
iteration the 3.5-liter 6-cylinder engine). The new BMW Z4
with the 3-liter twin-turbo engine is named the Drive 35i. What
an ugly name for a good-looking car! Again, the name is off of
the mark!

Back in the 80s, BMW used an “e” designation (528e) to represent
economy even though the engine was fuel injected. Bottom line –
the engine was poor and it really hurt BMW!

The iDrive console in some BMWs was supposed to be a “technological
masterpiece.” It was complicated and most auto journalists abhorred the
system. BMW was forced to make it “less complicated” and even
discontinued it on some models.

In this world wind of financial mess that even many professionals do
not understand, drivers want it simple and straightforward. They want
a vehicle that is well engineered and great to drive. Throughout the
years, BMWs have provided this most of the time.

Lets get back to names that are on the mark and focus on cars that love
to run!

Kyle Busch is the author of “Drive the Best for the Price…” He
welcomes your comments or car questions at his auto web site:
www.DriveTheBestBook.com.

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