A
Aftermarket
- Upgraded power version of a standard model; upgraded aerodynamics of a standard model; upgraded suspension parts of a standard model; usually made to appeal to the tuner marketplace; made to look like a dealer tuner car; body kits, hoods, larger exhaust, wheels, low profile tires, upgraded interior, cold-air intake, increased power; nearly any exterior, interior or under the hood modification made to a standard model to enhance its handling, power or looks
Example: Volkswagen Golf GTI
- Upgraded power version of a standard model; upgraded aerodynamics of a standard model; upgraded suspension parts of a standard model; usually made to appeal to the tuner marketplace; made to look like a dealer tuner car; body kits, hoods, larger exhaust, wheels, low profile tires, upgraded interior, cold-air intake, increased power; nearly any exterior, interior or under the hood modification made to a standard model to enhance its handling, power or looks
Example: Volkswagen Golf GTI
ALV: Active Lifestyle Vehicle
- A unibody AWD or FWD multi-use vehicle; purpose built for on road use only; sport appearance; coupe profile layout; raised saloon or a sport appeal crossover; built for a single car driveway family or intercity cruisers; people who want to have the appeal of a sports car without having the space of a sports car; larger than a sedan; sleeker than a hatchback; lower than a CUV
Example: Ford Mustang Mach-E
- A unibody AWD or FWD multi-use vehicle; purpose built for on road use only; sport appearance; coupe profile layout; raised saloon or a sport appeal crossover; built for a single car driveway family or intercity cruisers; people who want to have the appeal of a sports car without having the space of a sports car; larger than a sedan; sleeker than a hatchback; lower than a CUV
Example: Ford Mustang Mach-E
C
Coachbuild
- product built off of a pre-existing product; new design skin overtop of an existing product; a product which utilizes the frame of a pre-existing product
Example: Boldmen CR 4 (built from a BMW Z4)
- product built off of a pre-existing product; new design skin overtop of an existing product; a product which utilizes the frame of a pre-existing product
Example: Boldmen CR 4 (built from a BMW Z4)
Compact
- comfy interior size; favorable exterior size; limited trip sized trunk
Example: Toyota Corolla
- comfy interior size; favorable exterior size; limited trip sized trunk
Example: Toyota Corolla
Convertible
- two-door version of a standard sedan; purpose built two-door model built off of a standard platform; built for cruising ability; speed is not top priority
Example: Mercedes-Benz S-Class Convertible
- two-door version of a standard sedan; purpose built two-door model built off of a standard platform; built for cruising ability; speed is not top priority
Example: Mercedes-Benz S-Class Convertible
Coupe
- two door version of a standard sedan; purpose built two-door model built off of a standard platform; built for cruising ability; speed is not a top priority
Example: Toyota Camry Solara
- two door version of a standard sedan; purpose built two-door model built off of a standard platform; built for cruising ability; speed is not a top priority
Example: Toyota Camry Solara
Cross-Trek
- A unibody AWD or 4X4 utility inspired vehicle; built off of an existing product platform; raised suspension for better ground clearance; added protection all around for mild off-road use; multi-use product; built for adventurous customers who are willing to go off the beaten path
Example: Subaru Cross-Trek
- A unibody AWD or 4X4 utility inspired vehicle; built off of an existing product platform; raised suspension for better ground clearance; added protection all around for mild off-road use; multi-use product; built for adventurous customers who are willing to go off the beaten path
Example: Subaru Cross-Trek
Crossover
- A unibody FWD or AWD multi-use vehicle; built for maximized interior space; taller than a standard wagon; lower than a standard van; taller than a standard hatchback; built for consumers who like to maximize the space of their vehicle; looks are not a top priority; AWD option outweighs the need for a van
Example: Dodge Journey
- A unibody FWD or AWD multi-use vehicle; built for maximized interior space; taller than a standard wagon; lower than a standard van; taller than a standard hatchback; built for consumers who like to maximize the space of their vehicle; looks are not a top priority; AWD option outweighs the need for a van
Example: Dodge Journey
CUT: Crossover Utility Truck
- A unibody FWD, AWD or 4X4 vehicle; dedicated open box layout on the back; integrated box into body; free flow design; free from add on box layout; better gas mileage than a standard truck; city inspired design; build for consumers who occasionally require an open box to move product;
Example: Hyundai Santa Cruz
- A unibody FWD, AWD or 4X4 vehicle; dedicated open box layout on the back; integrated box into body; free flow design; free from add on box layout; better gas mileage than a standard truck; city inspired design; build for consumers who occasionally require an open box to move product;
Example: Hyundai Santa Cruz
CUV: Crossover Utility Vehicle
- A unibody AWD or FWD utility vehicle; purpose built for mild off road ability; large raised hatchback profile; raised ground clearance
Example: Honda CRV
- A unibody AWD or FWD utility vehicle; purpose built for mild off road ability; large raised hatchback profile; raised ground clearance
Example: Honda CRV
E
EV: Electric Vehicle
- A vehicle whose power source comes from electric power only; supplied via a battery pack; required to be charged to restore power to vehicle; usually front plug in port along side or in the center of the front grille; usually lack a standard grille; require better cooling for under carriage of vehicle; cool air underneath required to cool battery;
Example: Tesla Model S
- A vehicle whose power source comes from electric power only; supplied via a battery pack; required to be charged to restore power to vehicle; usually front plug in port along side or in the center of the front grille; usually lack a standard grille; require better cooling for under carriage of vehicle; cool air underneath required to cool battery;
Example: Tesla Model S
Executive
- more than enough interior size; passenger compartment built for nearly every size to fit into; enough for five (5) people in comfort for long distance travelling; truck has adequate for the travel of five (5) people; higher end power units (V6 - V10)
Example: Dodge Charger
- more than enough interior size; passenger compartment built for nearly every size to fit into; enough for five (5) people in comfort for long distance travelling; truck has adequate for the travel of five (5) people; higher end power units (V6 - V10)
Example: Dodge Charger
Extended / Long Wheelbase
- a stretched version of an executive or full size product; additional room for luggage; room for more passengers when sold as CUV, SUV, Van or Crossover versions.
Example: Chevrolet Suburban
- a stretched version of an executive or full size product; additional room for luggage; room for more passengers when sold as CUV, SUV, Van or Crossover versions.
Example: Chevrolet Suburban
Exotic
- Vehicle built for design purpose only; use of exotic materials; ground breaking design; speed is not a top priority; built for flash appeal
Example: Lamborghini Sesto Elemento
- Vehicle built for design purpose only; use of exotic materials; ground breaking design; speed is not a top priority; built for flash appeal
Example: Lamborghini Sesto Elemento
F
Full Size
- required interior size for most sizes of passengers; easy access exterior size; large overhangs front and rear; trunk size is enough for long trip for a family of four (4) or five (5); ample rear passenger room; larger engine size (V6 - V8)
Example: Nissan Maxima
- required interior size for most sizes of passengers; easy access exterior size; large overhangs front and rear; trunk size is enough for long trip for a family of four (4) or five (5); ample rear passenger room; larger engine size (V6 - V8)
Example: Nissan Maxima
G
GT: Grand Touring
- Luxury inspired sports car; built for cruising comfort; speed not required as creature comforts are top priority; high output engine for power on demand; seating for up to four (4) people
Example: Maserati Gran Turismo
- Luxury inspired sports car; built for cruising comfort; speed not required as creature comforts are top priority; high output engine for power on demand; seating for up to four (4) people
Example: Maserati Gran Turismo
GTS: Grand Touring Sports
- Sport inspired grand touring model; built for speed and fun; sports car appeal; standard interior quality and soundproofing; engine class V8 or V10; 400 - 600hp; short stance built for speed and comfort; seating for only two (2) people
Example: Porsche Carrera 4 GTS
- Sport inspired grand touring model; built for speed and fun; sports car appeal; standard interior quality and soundproofing; engine class V8 or V10; 400 - 600hp; short stance built for speed and comfort; seating for only two (2) people
Example: Porsche Carrera 4 GTS
H
High End
- top tier for any product; fit and finish is exclusive to the customer; built to customer demands; full personalization options; limo size; larger than an executive and premiere; most costly not purpose built for speed product from any segment
Example: Rolls Royce Ghost
- top tier for any product; fit and finish is exclusive to the customer; built to customer demands; full personalization options; limo size; larger than an executive and premiere; most costly not purpose built for speed product from any segment
Example: Rolls Royce Ghost
Hydrogen (H2)
- Power generated by electricity; electricity generated by a hydrogen power unit; hydrogen fuel is required to power the electric power unit; similar fueling to a gasoline powered vehicle; electricity powers the vehicle for longer distance drives; power is not lost when towing a trailer
Example: Nikola TRE
- Power generated by electricity; electricity generated by a hydrogen power unit; hydrogen fuel is required to power the electric power unit; similar fueling to a gasoline powered vehicle; electricity powers the vehicle for longer distance drives; power is not lost when towing a trailer
Example: Nikola TRE
Hybrid (HY)
- A gasoline powered vehicle with an added electrical power source; requires a battery pack; battery pack is charged via a regenerative power source only; electric regenerative power unit allows for limited electric drive ability; once battery power is depleted the vehicle will switch over to its combustion power source
Example: Toyota Prius
- A gasoline powered vehicle with an added electrical power source; requires a battery pack; battery pack is charged via a regenerative power source only; electric regenerative power unit allows for limited electric drive ability; once battery power is depleted the vehicle will switch over to its combustion power source
Example: Toyota Prius
Hypercar
- A hybrid or alternative fuel power source supercar; built for the sole purpose of speed; speeds in excess of 200mph
Example: Lotus Evija
- A hybrid or alternative fuel power source supercar; built for the sole purpose of speed; speeds in excess of 200mph
Example: Lotus Evija
M
Mid-Size
- standard interior size; favorable exterior size; enough room for any standard trip with friends; ample room for four (4) occupants; enough power for most; mid-range for power source (4cylinder - V6)
Example: Honda Accord
- standard interior size; favorable exterior size; enough room for any standard trip with friends; ample room for four (4) occupants; enough power for most; mid-range for power source (4cylinder - V6)
Example: Honda Accord
Mini Sports
- Micro sized sports cars which fall into the Kei-Car category in Japan. Small size compared to standard coupes or sports cars. Very good on gas. Good for short day trips due to the limited cargo space.
Example: Daihatsu Copen Coupe
- Micro sized sports cars which fall into the Kei-Car category in Japan. Small size compared to standard coupes or sports cars. Very good on gas. Good for short day trips due to the limited cargo space.
Example: Daihatsu Copen Coupe
P
Panoramic Roof
- Fixed glass ceiling panels which allows light in and a view of the sky (ie. car skylight); most are tinted to reduce the increase in the temperature and to help with sun rays on passengers eyes; usually built out of two (2) separate panels; can be single of double; will run the width of the roofline; costly to replace
- Fixed glass ceiling panels which allows light in and a view of the sky (ie. car skylight); most are tinted to reduce the increase in the temperature and to help with sun rays on passengers eyes; usually built out of two (2) separate panels; can be single of double; will run the width of the roofline; costly to replace
PHEV: Plug-In Hybrid
- A gasoline powered vehicle with an added electrical power source; requires a battery pack; battery pack can be recharged by being plugged in or through a regenerative power source; includes an electric motor used for regenerative power supply; dual power source; dual refill ports; electric port is usually at the front of the vehicle; still requires a combustion engine for longer distances; is able to go further than a standard hybrid; battery pack larger
Example: Kia Sportage PHEV
- A gasoline powered vehicle with an added electrical power source; requires a battery pack; battery pack can be recharged by being plugged in or through a regenerative power source; includes an electric motor used for regenerative power supply; dual power source; dual refill ports; electric port is usually at the front of the vehicle; still requires a combustion engine for longer distances; is able to go further than a standard hybrid; battery pack larger
Example: Kia Sportage PHEV
Porthole Roof
- Multiple glass panels in the ceiling of the passenger compartment; separate from each other; allows a viewing area for each passenger; tinted or clear glass; usually tinted to reduce a temperature increase in the interior
Example: Ford Flex
- Multiple glass panels in the ceiling of the passenger compartment; separate from each other; allows a viewing area for each passenger; tinted or clear glass; usually tinted to reduce a temperature increase in the interior
Example: Ford Flex
Premiere
- Size is comparable to executive products; fit and finish is over and above what is available in the executive market; lower end priced product from a high end production company; shares underpinnings with executive products from parent family; power is over the top (V8 - V10); luxury features are above what you would find in a executive product
Example: Bentley Continental
- Size is comparable to executive products; fit and finish is over and above what is available in the executive market; lower end priced product from a high end production company; shares underpinnings with executive products from parent family; power is over the top (V8 - V10); luxury features are above what you would find in a executive product
Example: Bentley Continental
S
Special Editions
- an addition to a standard product; made to celebrate an anniversary, media tie-up (movie or tv show), or product tie-up; over and above addition to a product line; will include cosmetic changes to the paint layout; usually no increase in power; updated interior and features; alternate logos; alternate name for product
Example: Ford F 150 Harley Davidson
- an addition to a standard product; made to celebrate an anniversary, media tie-up (movie or tv show), or product tie-up; over and above addition to a product line; will include cosmetic changes to the paint layout; usually no increase in power; updated interior and features; alternate logos; alternate name for product
Example: Ford F 150 Harley Davidson
Speedster
- Purpose built vehicle with no roof or a limited space between the windscreen and back headrests; Lack of windshield will be present or at the least a limited sized windscreen will be present; Built for open top track times or backroads drives; Standard sports cars with a speedster option will have a limited roof opening which will not extend fully onto the rear of the vehicle; Behind the headrests will be a purpose build aero addition behind the seats; Similar to a targa top, but with a lower windscreen and back rests. Small windscreen between headrest aero.
Example: McLaren Elva
- Purpose built vehicle with no roof or a limited space between the windscreen and back headrests; Lack of windshield will be present or at the least a limited sized windscreen will be present; Built for open top track times or backroads drives; Standard sports cars with a speedster option will have a limited roof opening which will not extend fully onto the rear of the vehicle; Behind the headrests will be a purpose build aero addition behind the seats; Similar to a targa top, but with a lower windscreen and back rests. Small windscreen between headrest aero.
Example: McLaren Elva
Spyder
- Similar to a speedster, but with less of an emphasis on the headrest aero addition, a spyder is essentially a convertible version of a GTS or Mid-Touring sports car; Front windscreen runs in line with the rear of the vehicle in some cases for spyders.
Example: Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spyder
- Similar to a speedster, but with less of an emphasis on the headrest aero addition, a spyder is essentially a convertible version of a GTS or Mid-Touring sports car; Front windscreen runs in line with the rear of the vehicle in some cases for spyders.
Example: Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spyder
Sub-Compact
- limited interior size; short overhangs; short exterior size; rear doors more than half over doors; limited trunk space
Example: Ford Fiesta
- limited interior size; short overhangs; short exterior size; rear doors more than half over doors; limited trunk space
Example: Ford Fiesta
Sunroof (Moonroof)
- Moveable glass roof panel usually over the front seats of a vehicle; Varies in size and function; partial opening or full opening; will retract over top of the roof of the vehicle or into a compartment built into the ceiling of the passenger compartment; Can be either clear glass or tinted to reduce the sun glare; Includes a retractable cover which slides into the ceiling and is made of the same material; Optional front wind flares to reduce the disturbance of airflow over the top of the vehicle
- Moveable glass roof panel usually over the front seats of a vehicle; Varies in size and function; partial opening or full opening; will retract over top of the roof of the vehicle or into a compartment built into the ceiling of the passenger compartment; Can be either clear glass or tinted to reduce the sun glare; Includes a retractable cover which slides into the ceiling and is made of the same material; Optional front wind flares to reduce the disturbance of airflow over the top of the vehicle
Supercar
- Purpose built vehicle for speed; internal combustion engine powered; speeds in excess of 200mph;
Example: Ferrari F40
- Purpose built vehicle for speed; internal combustion engine powered; speeds in excess of 200mph;
Example: Ferrari F40
T
T-Top
- Removable mid-section roof panels, which will leave a central reinforcement beam; Allows for cool air to enter the passenger compartment without the loss of the rear seats or trunk; Two (2) panels which can be put into the trunk (boot)
Example: Chevrolet Camaro T-Top (1980's)
- Removable mid-section roof panels, which will leave a central reinforcement beam; Allows for cool air to enter the passenger compartment without the loss of the rear seats or trunk; Two (2) panels which can be put into the trunk (boot)
Example: Chevrolet Camaro T-Top (1980's)
Targa
- Removable mid-section of a standard coupe version of a vehicle; Can include sports cars, supercars and grand tourers; Will have a fixed section which is in line with the windshield; One step down from a T-Top roof layout; No middle reinforcement; Single panel
Example: Porsche 911 Targa
- Removable mid-section of a standard coupe version of a vehicle; Can include sports cars, supercars and grand tourers; Will have a fixed section which is in line with the windshield; One step down from a T-Top roof layout; No middle reinforcement; Single panel
Example: Porsche 911 Targa