Behind the Badge: Striking Similarities Between the Dodge Demon & Hellcat Logos

For the past month, we’ve been on the edge of our seats waiting for the upcoming reveal of the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon in March as the automaker reveals more and more salacious details. One of those attractive bread crumbs we’ve been fed is the emblem of the upcoming Demon variant. Considering its name–and that…

Behind the Badge: Decoding the Misunderstood Chrysler Pentastar & FCA's New Logo

How did this original Chrysler logo originate? And what does the Pentastar represent? Despite being purchased by Fiat and forming a new corporation, Chrysler’s iconic logos still persist in our memory to this day–especially the company’s signature Pentastar. But what do Chrysler’s logos mean? You’ll be surprised to discover they’re not what you think. [wptab…

Behind the Badge: Yes, There's Meaning Behind the smart Car Emblem & Name

A couple months ago, I encountered a cross-country caravan of smart cars parked outside an automobile museum. After marveling at the various decorative styles adorning each different car, I also began noticing the same design element proudly adorning each grille: the circular arrow badge. It reminded me of the power button on an electronic device; but did the smart…

behind the badge Archives

Back in 2014, Chevrolet introduced its “flowtie,” a slight variation on the… Ever wonder what the meaning behind your favorite automotive company’s logo is?… Being that it’s a European brand, those of us in the United… For the past month, we’ve been on the edge of our seats… Welcome back again to In the Rearview,…

Behind the Badge: Analyzing Secret Messages in the Toyota Logo!

Toyota takes a lot of pride in its current logo, even attributing much of the company’s success to the recognizable emblem. This pride is well-founded, as the company’s emblem quickly became one of the most recognizable automotive logos around the globe. The Japanese automaker put a lot of thought into its name and emblem, including…

Behind the Badge: Why Alfa Romeo's Logo Features a Snake Eating a Guy

There are boring automotive logos–like the completely uncreative Kia badge – and there are clever ones –  like the many hidden messages in Toyota’s emblem. Then there are a couple automotive logos that are just…weird. Have you ever taken a close look at Alfa Romeo‘s badge, specifically the right portion showing a giant snake devouring a…

Behind the Badge: The Origins of the Lexus Name and Logo

You see automotive emblems adorning the grilles and trunks of vehicles every day, but do you ever wonder where they come from? The latest study in our Behind the Badge series uncovers the fascinating story of the Lexus name and its connection to the Lexus logo. Read on to learn something new about your favorite…

Behind the Badge: The Fascinating History of the Mazda Logo

Have you ever stopped and looked at the Mazda logo? Photo: Justine Ellifrits Unless you’re a graphic designer, you probably didn’t realize a lot of thought goes into auto brands’ logos. For instance, Mazda’s current badge might remind you of those simplified cartoon sketches of birds in flight. Look! It’s a flock of Mazdas! While…

Behind the Badge: The Mysterious Origin of Chevy’s Iconic Bowtie

In the world of automotive branding, there are boring logos…there are lazy text-based logos…there are run-of-the-mill logos…there are complex logos…and then there’s the Chevrolet bowtie. For a hundred years, this symbol of American automotive ingenuity has remained unparalleled in brand identity around the globe. Arguably, it’s the best out there. Everyone agrees that the iconic…

Behind the Badge: What Logo Will Hyundai Use for Its Genesis Motors Luxury Brand?

For years, people wondered why the luxurious Hyundai Genesis sedan possessed a different badge than the rest of Hyundai’s lineup. While other sedans and crossovers posses the recognizable Hyundai “H” emblem (which you can learn all about here), the Genesis was given a distinctly different one. Now it all makes sense. Hyundai Motors recently announced its…

Behind the Badge: The Ferocious Jaguar Emblem and What It Represents

Don’t mess with this cat! If there’s one automotive brand’s badge that perfectly imitates its company’s name, it’s the Jaguar. This leaping feline is easily one of the most recognizable and beloved emblems on the road. For years, this sleek, silver sculpture has adorned premium British performance cars around the globe. But where did the…

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Behind the Badge: Mystery of the Missing Oldsmobile Logo!

Wait a minute…something is missing from the front of this car!!! Oldsmobile has the most intriguing story behind its logo compared to any other auto brand. It’s tied heavily to the company’s history, its innovations, and its last-minute attempt at rebirth. The defunct automaker’s 100-year legacy can be traced through its drastically-changing logos. However, all traces of the…

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Behind the Badge: Uncovering the Inspiration for Buick's Three Shields Emblem

Back in the 1990s, the Schechter Group noted, “among car marketers, GM’s Buick gained an astounding 53 percent in positive image with its tri-shield symbol.” Clearly, the world embraces the brand identity of this century-old automaker through its respected, recognizable badge. But what exactly does Buick’s Tri-Shield logo represent? Where does it come from and what…

Behind the Badge: Take a “Stab” at What the Maserati Logo Means

One automaker has a sharp logo design that pierces through the bland emblems of its competitors. Want to take a stab at which automaker we’re talking about? The Maserati company was founded in December 1914 by the brothers Maserati. Unlike other popular brothers in automotive history, there were not two or three Maserati brothers, but a whopping…

Behind the Badge: Revealing the Secrets of Pontiac's Emblem

It’s a shame the defunct Pontiac brand didn’t make it out of the Great Recession. After developing a hundred-year legacy of stylish, affordable vehicles, the automaker’s doors were closed by General Motors in 2010. Even though no new Pontiac models are arriving at dealerships anymore, the “zombie” brand still lives on in its recognizable, pointed…

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Behind the Badge: Historic Meaning of Plymouth's Sailboat Emblem

We recently discussed the Chrysler Pentastar logo and its perceived tie to its many divisions–including Plymouth. Known for some unforgettably iconic models over the years, like the Barracuda and Road Runner, the Plymouth brand had its own emblem its models proudly displayed–before its demise in 2001. But what was Plymouth’s logo and where did the…

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Behind the Badge: Is That Henry Ford's Signature on the Ford Logo?

Back in 1903, the world changed forever when the legendary Henry Ford began his own automotive company in Dearborn, Michigan. Today, the brand has over 100 manufacturing facilities across more than 30 countries, with every model parading the iconic blue oval. But where did the design for this “hallmark for reliability and economy” come from?…

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Behind the Badge: How Dodge’s Logo Became Ram’s Emblem

Few automotive emblems are as recognizable and revered as the ram’s head logo. Although it started off as the badge on Dodge vehicles and has since become the symbol adorning RAM trucks, the history of Dodge logos goes back much further than the horned mammal. Many fascinating, mysterious logos have been used by Dodge throughout…

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Behind the Badge: Origin of Ferrari's Prancing Horse Logo

Why is the Ferrari logo a horse? Find out the truth! Photo: Yahya S. via CC Many automobile logos incorporate animals, especially premium European brands who have been around for almost a century. One of the most recognizable–Ferrari’s prancing horse–may look like a simple design, but its has a thoughtful, historic significance behind it. A…

Behind the Badge: Where Cadillac Got Its Crest (and Ducks)

The luxury Cadillac brand has existed for over a century, and in the 110+ years of its existence, its logo has endured nearly 40 distinct reinventions. Following the company’s Art & Science design philosophy, each new badge continues to remain modern. Since the company’s establishment by Henry Martyn Leland in 1902 and acquisition by General…

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Behind the Badge: Does the Tesla Emblem Represent More Than the Letter 'T'?

Tesla Motors’ T-shaped badge Photo: EV Stories Despite many of its own fans wishing Tesla Motors didn’t use a badge on its cars–to go even further against the norms of the automotive industry–the electric vehicle company does indeed possess its own logo, as practically every business does. This sleek, modern emblem, designed by Prado Studio, adorns the grille of…

Behind the Badge: Kia's Korean Logo Is So Much Cooler!

If you had to pick the most boring automotive brand logo on the road today, you might think of Honda’s simplistic “H” or Nissan’s hamburger-shaped badge…but most likely you’re going to choose Kia’s text-based oval. Apart from the horizontal line of the “A” missing, there’s nothing terribly creative about the design–at least Ford’s emblem has…

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Behind the Badge: Mercedes-Benz's Star Emblem Holds a Big Secret

Some automakers’ logos change every decade as they struggle to establish a credible brand identity, while others have remained consistent for a century. One emblem that has come to represent quality, innovation, and tradition in the automotive industry is Mercedes-Benz’s three-pointed star. This iconic design has adorned the grilles and radiators of quality vehicles for…

Honda Picks Up Three “New York Daily News” Auto Awards

The New York Daily News Auto Awards were announced today, with Honda picking up three trophies as a result of this year’s rankings. The 2017 Honda CR-V, Fit, and Pilot all took top honors in their respective categories. The panel of eight Daily News automotive journalists chose vehicles that best represented the specific “DNA” of…

2015 Kia Sedona Overview

The 2015 Kia Sedona combines affordability with luxury, offering a variety of standard features for a lower price. With standard sliding seats and unbeatable connectivity, the 2015 Sedona makes it easy to become a soccer mom. Add the powerful 3.3-liter V6 engine and you won’t be bothered when it’s your turn to carpool. Related: The History…

Ford Reveals Mustang 60th Anniversary Package

2024 Mustang 60th Anniversary Appearance Package is the swingingest Photo: Ford April 17 is one of the most meaningful days on the Ford holiday calendar, and not because it’s within striking distance of Rex Manning Day. It’s National Mustang Day, and this year marks the 60th anniversary of the legendary pony car’s debut at the…

Chevy Colorado Archives

Chevrolet just won its second MotorTrend award of 2023, adding to a… The 2022 Chevrolet Colorado delivers strong capabilities, rugged styling, and modern tech… The 2021 Silverado 1500 gets most of the attention in Chevrolet’s truck… Back in June 2020, General Motors kicked off production of its 2021… As the second half of 2020 begins,…

2016 Porsche 911 Overview

2016 Porsche 911 GT3 RS The 2016 Porsche 911 is a rear-engine sports car with a starting MSRP of $89,400. The Porsche 911 has been in production since 1963 and it’s currently in its sixth generation, competing in the same segment as the Chevrolet Corvette, Nissan GT-R, and Mercedes-AMG GT S. The 2016 Porsche 911…

EV Archives

Even if HondaLink is a good system, it will never be as good as the smartphone tech developed by Apple or Google… A next-generation lithium-ion battery capable of 620 miles of range has been revealed to be due in 2026, followed by solid-state batteries with 900 miles of range… Ford is not alone in raising…

2019 Ford Mustang Overview

The iconic Ford Mustang is here once again, bringing back everyone’s favorite sports car in 2019. After recently hitting the milestone of 10 million Mustangs built, Ford continues to create Mustangs that live up to its reputation, 54 years later. With the 2019 Mustang, the classic performance car only continues to get better. The 2019…

Lincoln Officially Reveals 2016 MKX

Ladyyyy in Reeeeeed Lincoln has officially released all the goods on the 2016 MKX, which is scheduled to hit the stage at the 2015 North American International Auto Show later this morning. As was expected, the MKX will serve as the launching pad for Lincoln’s incorporation of the Revel® audio system into its vehicles, feature…

2017 Audi A4 Overview

The 2017 Audi A4 is a European luxury sedan that carries a starting MSRP of $37,300. While the A4’s main competitors may be the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and BMW 3 Series, the new Audi A4 is in a league of its own when it comes to technology. The A4 offers 21 different driver-assistance technologies and it’s…

Ford UK Archives

Police in the United Kingdom will have a powerful new ally on… The sporty and stylish Ford Puma is on its way to the… Ford maintained its position as the top-selling brand in the United Kingdom… Ford Motor Company is testing out a new delivery service in London… Production got underway at the Bridgend Engine…

2017 Ford Escape Overview

The 2017 Ford Escape is a small crossover utility vehicle that carries a starting MSRP of $23,600. The Ford Escape has been significantly restyled for the 2017 model year. Changes to the vehicle include updated exterior styling, new entertainment technology, and more powerful engine options. The new Escape competes in the same segment as the…

car logo Archives

Ever wonder what the meaning behind your favorite automotive company’s logo is?… Do you find yourself confused about which car brand is which? Or… Being that it’s a European brand, those of us in the United… For the past month, we’ve been on the edge of our seats…     Car badges may have begun…

[Photos] 2018 Chevrolet Traverse Looks Fancy, Gets High Country and RS Trims

Chevrolet has revealed the all-new 2018 Traverse in the wee hours leading up to the kick-off of the 2017 North American International Auto Show, boasting a redesigned SUV that the brand anticipates will provide best-in-class third-row legroom, maximum cargo room, and passenger volume in addition to its snazzy new look. “The all-new Traverse offers the…

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[Photos] 2022 Ford Mustang Gets New Stealth Edition Package

The 2022 Ford Mustang Stealth is real deal Jessica Biel Photo: Ford All of you fans of the 2005 film Stealth, this one’s for you. Ford is bringing an all-new Stealth Edition Appearance Package to the 2022 Mustang, and it’s every bit as action-packed, bold, and memorable as that Jessica Biel about a bomber plane…

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