Reviving Historic Names: The Current Trend
In the auto industry, a recent trend has emerged where manufacturers are reviving classic nameplates and using them for their new models. The all-electric Ford Capri, the Acura Integra, Honda’s new Prelude and RSX, the Vauxhall Frontera, and the Renault 5 are notable examples. However, not every brand is jumping onto this bandwagon. Volkswagen (VW) has so far abstained from this trend, but the company is open to the idea of bringing back old model names under one condition: it must make sense.
The VW Approach
Volkswagen’s approach to reviving historic nameplates is led by a strict principle. According to VW’s chief executive, Thomas Schafer, new models with old names must share the same genes as their predecessors. In other words, the new models should reflect the original car’s DNA. If this condition is not met, VW would rather assign a new name to the model.
The Case of Scirocco
Recently, Schafer specifically mentioned the Scirocco, a classic VW model, stating that its nameplate will be protected and will not be applied to any new models that do not adhere to this principle. This statement brings relief to current Scirocco owners, ensuring them that there will not be any Scirocco crossover or SUV launched in the near future. However, there is a possibility that the Scirocco might be revitalized as an electric sports car.
Ford Capri: A Mistake?
In a discussion with Autocar, Schafer was asked about his opinion on Ford’s decision to name their new electric SUV as Capri. Schafer labelled this move as a “mistake” because, to him, a name should truthfully represent the model’s properties.
Future Possibilities
There are reports suggesting that a new Scirocco could hit the market in 2028 if it gets approved. In the hypothetical scenario, the revived Scirocco could feature a pair of powerful electric motors and possibly outperform the VW Golf R. However, considering the financial strain that VW is currently under, such a model is unlikely to be high on the company’s priority list.
