When Does a Vehicle Become a Separate Model?

"Wobbles the Mind" (wobblesthemind)
06/23/2016 at 21:59 • Filed to: Question

Is the Mercedes SL just a vehicle that ranges from $85k to close to $250k, or does it become a separate model?

This is one of those questions that’s difficult to explain, but at some point you have a vehicle with a high trim level and a vehicle that is a different model. Example: I think we all agree that the Subaru WRX is a separate model from the Impreza. But what about the Focus? I think we all see the Focus RS as a separate model instead of a very high end trim level. And yet, google places the RS as above the Titanium trim hatchback while the ST is a separate model. Most people will tell you a GMC Sierra is just a Chevrolet Silverado trim level with a large appearance package.

So when does a vehicle separate from a trim level to a separate model? Is it power, appearance, pricing, buyers, or just whenever the marketing team says it is? I’m thinking instances such as Audi A, S, and RS models or maybe Mercedes S class variants.

DISCUSSION (15)

Raphael Orlove > Wobbles the Mind
06/23/2016 at 22:05

distinctions are a lie

all things are union in existence

blessings

yitznewton > Wobbles the Mind
06/23/2016 at 22:07

Growing up with this next to the 2nd-gen CRX, this confused me.

Kinja'd!!!

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > Wobbles the Mind
06/23/2016 at 22:09

Now that I’m thinking about it, you’re right, I see the WRX as its own model. But for some reason I see the Focus RS and ST still as Focus variants, maybe because even the base car is kinda sporty and fun?

Actually, I know why that one is. Its because as far as I'm concerned, the base Impreza doesn't exist...I'm sure I've seen one in my life, but I can't remember the last Impreza I noticed that wasn't a WRX.

nafsucof > Wobbles the Mind
06/23/2016 at 22:10

For the focus it shares the same chassis which is already excellent and just adds awd. The Impreza is a different platform that the wrx though isn’t it? I think once there are major platform changes its a different car, but I can't think of any other cars that this would be a thing for?

RT > Wobbles the Mind
06/23/2016 at 22:16

I guess you could say it’s when the purpose of a car changes.

The new Focus RS is a performance track machine whereas the standard Focus is a family car. It just hasn't got a reputation yet because it's still a bit too new for most people to notice it. Give it a few years and it'll look like a WRX, Evo or Escort Cosworth.

Wobbles the Mind > nafsucof
06/23/2016 at 22:17

How about Volvo V60 v V60 Cross Country v XC60? Toyota 86 v Subaru BRZ?

Wobbles the Mind > RT
06/23/2016 at 22:19

Bingo! This is what I’m thinking as well. Hence why none of us argued when McLaren said a 570S is a different model from the 570GT. But then you start thinking about it and have to ask, “is it really a different model, or is McLaren trying to make it seem like they have more vehicles than they actually do?” How about 650S v. 675LT v. Spyder variants?

ranwhenparked > Wobbles the Mind
06/23/2016 at 22:20

When it is no longer badged and marketed as part of another model line. The Focus RS is still a Focus, since it carries the Focus name. The WRX is it’s own model, since it is no longer branded as an Impreza and is sold by Subaru as a separate line.

FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com > nafsucof
06/23/2016 at 22:28

The WRX is still the same platform as the Impreza. In fact they share the same front doors and trunk lid, though the rest of the body panels are unique. Inside they are basically identical except for the front seats and some fancy stitching in the WRX. That said, Subaru calls the WRX a separate model from the Impreza now (used to be called Impreza WRX, now just WRX), and think you can make the argument that it is... The suspension has been tuned for a totally different feel and the base WRX engine is over 100 hp more powerful than the only lump offered in the Impreza. But in reality even the STi is closer to the Impreza than the ST is to a base Focus.

FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com > ranwhenparked
06/23/2016 at 22:35

Eh I think it’s a little more nuanced than that. Subaru claims that the Crosstrek isn’t an Impreza, but it is clearly just an Impreza with plastic cladding and a small lift. Subaru also says the Forester isn’t an Impreza, but it’s pretty obviously just the wagon version of an Impreza with a small lift. The WRX can stand on its own because it has been modified enough to have a different character and because Subaru says so. If Ford decided to rename the Focus RS just the Ford RS, we’d probably all go along with it. But if they did the same with the ST, I'd have a hard time not seeing it as part of the Focus line no matter what Ford said about it.

ranwhenparked > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com
06/23/2016 at 22:39

Doesn’t matter. At one time, all automakers used pretty much the same chassis and body shell for their entire model line, but they still treated each model as separate and distinct. Subaru found a way to spin three distinct models out of the Impreza’s body, good for them. They build them, they sell them, they decide whether they should be separate models or not, and by calling them “Impreza”, “XV CrossTrek”, and “WRX”; instead of “Impreza”, “Impreza XV CrossTrek”, and “Impreza WRX”, they have.

FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com > ranwhenparked
06/23/2016 at 22:52

This raises and interesting question - what if Ford decided that all their crossovers were just going to be one model called Ford Experience or some dumb marketing BS like that and the Escape, Edge, and Explorer were all trims of that despite being different platforms. Would there be push back from regulators? For instance police might be upset that they need a BOLO for a Ford Experience by matching a suspect to DMV records of make/model, but they could be 3 totally different cars.

ranwhenparked > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com
06/23/2016 at 23:07

Toyota did the same thing with the Corolla and Camry for years - bundling obviously different cars together under the same model name in order to inflate sales numbers (eg, Corolla Tercel, Corolla Matrix, Camry Solara).

To a certain extent, Ford already does it with the F-Series - the F-150 and F-Series SuperDuty are actually very different trucks.

FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com > ranwhenparked
06/23/2016 at 23:20

I was thinking something more extreme - yes Toyota styled the Camry/Solara differently and marketed them differently and just lumped them together for sales figures, but they are still on the same platform - but I was thinking along the lines of if they sold the FJ40 and J200 alongside each other as Land Cruiser LX and EX. I suppose the registrations would pick up on the trim. I guess this is a dumb thought though, because no modern car company would try to make it look like they actually have fewer models than they do.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Wobbles the Mind
06/23/2016 at 23:57

I think we all agree that the Subaru WRX is a separate model from the Impreza.

I don’t. An Impreza WRX is a form or trim of Impreza, the same as any other car. Only when we get to the level of CLK/CLK GTR do I consider them separate. But a WRX is absolutely an Impreza, and the ST and RS are absolutely still Focuses. A Sierra isn’t a trim of Silverado because it has a different manufacturer badge.