Automobiles have long drawn inspiration from the natural world, particularly animals, whose traits like strength, agility, and endurance mirror the qualities many automakers aim to instil in their vehicles. Naming cars after animals not only adds character but also serves as a symbolic reference to performance and design. Over the decades, several car manufacturers have used animal names to create a strong identity for their models. Here are ten examples of models named after cars which are currently sold in India, while a few have been discontinued.
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First introduced in June 2002, the Mahindra Scorpio is an SUV named after the scorpion. Although the Classic Scorpio continues to be on sale in India, its latest iteration with a contemporary design and tech - the Scorpio-N - was launched in June 2022. It is available with a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol or a 2.2-litre diesel engine, paired with a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission.
The Volkswagen Tiguan was first launched in India in 2017. The name ‘Tiguan’ combines the names of two animals, tiger and iguana, which was chosen through a public naming contest. In India, the model is available in its R-Line version, powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine.
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The Tata Altroz was named after the albatross, a seabird known for its long-distance flying ability. The Altroz is a premium hatchback which was first introduced in January 2020. A facelifted version of the Altroz hatchback will be launched in India soon, with petrol, diesel, and CNG options available.
The Porsche Macan, whose name means "tiger" in Indonesian, is a compact luxury SUV, also called the mini-version of the Porsche Cayenne. Introduced in 2012, it is available in India with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine and also comes in an all-electric version.
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While Lamborghini is often associated with the bull -- reflecting founder Ferruccio Lamborghini’s zodiac sign, Taurus -- the Urus is named after the aurochs, an extinct wild ancestor of cattle. In India, the SUV is offered in three variants: the hybrid Urus SE, the Urus S with a twin-turbo V8, and the track-focused Urus Performante.
Part of BYD’s "Ocean Series," the Seal sedan draws its name from the marine mammal. It was introduced in India in early 2024 and comes with two battery options: a 61.44 kWh pack offering a claimed range of 510 km and an 82.56 kWh pack with a 650 km range.
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Another model from BYD’s Ocean Series, the Sealion 7, arrived in India in February 2025. It features an 82.5 kWh battery, with the single-motor variant offering a claimed range of 587 km and the dual-motor Performance AWD version providing 542 km.
The Lamborghini Revuelto takes its name from a Spanish fighting bull that battled in the Barcelona arena during the 1880s. The bull gained notoriety for its rebellious nature, famously breaking away from the ring multiple times during the fight. The Revuelto was launched in India back in December 2023 and is powered by a 6.5 litre V12 engine mated to three electric motors.
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Named after the insect due to its rounded shape, the Volkswagen Beetle became one of the most iconic cars of the 20th century. With over 21 million units produced, it holds a special place in automotive history. Although no longer in production, the third-generation Beetle came to India in 2015. It was powered by a 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine.
The Ford Mustang takes its name from the wild Mustang horse of North America. First introduced in the 1960s, India received the Ford Mustang in its sixth generation in 2016. A 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine was powering the vehicle.
