These Are The Dead Cars You'd Revive As An EV

The big push to electrification is here, and as of late, it appears it's too much to ask of automakers to come up with new names. That's why we're seeing an influx of new electric vehicles with names paying tribute to old models. Look no further than the Mustang Mach-E, GMC Hummer EV and Chrysler Airflow for examples.

That's why we asked you yesterday what brand or nameplate you'd revive next, and we got some really good answers.

Let's see just how good your naming chops really are. Also, if you didn't provide me with a dumb electric-ish name for the new car, I took the liberty of doing it myself.

I'll be unoriginal and say that Gattica already had the best answers for this question, Studebaker Avanti and Citreon DS.

Gattaca is one of my all time least-favorite movies, but since you guys all seem to like it, I'll get it it out of the way and put it first in the slideshow.

No, this isn't one of the electric Avantis from the movie. We couldn't get the rights.

Submitted by: MaximilianMeen

Bring back a city icon. Taxi service is a good fit for electric vehicles. It's primarily city driving, where electric cars excel, and being fleet maintained/charged addresses a major issue with mass urban adoption of electric vehicles.

Retro styling isn't as hot as it once was, but it hasn't gone away, and the Checker is double-dipping in retro, oozing nostalgic charm for anyone over... let's say 40.

I'm honestly sort of split on if this name/revival is a good idea or not. The days of Checker taxis ended long ago. That being said, an electric Crown Vic would be pretty great. It'll be an improvement on the Nissan vans they've got everywhere now.

Submitted by: smalleyxb122

If Honda were to bring out an Element EV, I think that'd sell like hotcakes. At least around here. In fact – it's really an un-developed sector on the whole: EV Adventure vehicles. Not SUVs, per se. Not off-roaders. But something practical and roomy, with decent range and the ability to throw all manner of dirty / wet / grimy gear in the back.

The Element is cool as hell and would have been even cooler with an electric powertrain. Sort of the same vibes as the VW ID. Buzz. I like it.

Submitted by: TheWalrus

That's an interesting assignment. And after a minute of duckduckgoing, I think I've found one that'll make certain marketing types slap their foreheads. I'm referring to the 1940 Chrysler concept, the Thunderbolt:

https://kustomrama.com/wiki/1940_Chrysler_Thunderbolt

Now I'm not crazy about this ultra-streamlined art deco upside-down bathtub, but damn—wotta name.

So yes, I propose Dodge Ram, uh, Ram come out with an electric pickup and name it "Thunderbolt".

What a natural to oppose the Lightning in the truck EV sales....

Ram has stuck it to Ford with the TRX and the easter eggs in the truck where they're needling Ford, so here's a chance to one-up Ford in the truck naming game. Not only is "Thunderbolt" easier to articulate than "Lightning", but it's got more of an action-oriented connotation than that of a big electric spark. Keeping with the macho naming tradition of pickups.

The Ram Thunderbolt EV truck...how can they not do it?

That's excellent. Stellantis has to jump on this. Sure, the Airflow is a cool name. But this... this is better.

Submitted by: the 1969 Dodge Charger Guy

VW should bring back the Bug as a RWD short range commuter car. They could price it inexpensively due to using less batteries and could call it the "Lightning Bug"

Another good idea right here. However, I demand they make it look like the New Beetle from the early 2000s... for the memes.

Submitted by: boneheadotto

Something smaller than an SUV, usable as a daily (back seats, decent cargo space) with sporty aspirations without needing to be a barn burner: How about a new, retro-inspired Toyota CELLica.

This would be cool, but Toyota would sell like 10 of them... which is a shame.

Submitted by: Dake

Imagine a smooth, quiet British Luxury EV that is positioned below Jaguar but more upmarket than Ford and Vauxhall.

Nah, this sounds like a nightmare. Don't do this @theBritish.

Submitted by: TheDriveress

Saab as a whole, but more specifically the 99 Turbo. Then put them back in Rally like nature intended.

Saab is an excellent brand. I would honestly love to see this. Hell, they can even keep the Turbo name. Porsche does it. Why can't Saab? That being said, the company would need to change its name to Seeb. I don't make the rules.

Submitted by: travelnman

Not a car perse, but I always thought GM could bring Pontiac back as a tesla fighter, Pontiac was the excitement division (not that it really was all the time lol), usually featured tech not found on other gm's, and gosh I miss pontiac..

Could bring back the GTO, G8, etc.... Vibe ev?

God this slideshow is making me realize how many brands GM has churned through over the years. Poor Pontiac. You deserve better than this.

Submitted by: brett

Obviously Dymaxion. I'd throw some cladding on it, call it a luxury midsize SUV and sell millions.

What in the name of ever-loving fuck is this thing?

Submitted by: stoke

Make it a dedicated economy car – Room for two adults and a weeks worth of groceries, 250 mile range, 75 mph top speed, 0-60 in 8-10 seconds, minimal amenities.

Would probably work better in Europe or Asia than America.

This is an unserious suggestion. Think about what you've done. Aside from the Pinto there's probably no car in America with a worse reputation.

Submitted by: Earthbound Misfit I

Porsche 928.

There's been unsubstantiated rumors of Porsche contemplating a 2-door Taycan, let's do it!

I hate to break it to you, but there's a better chance I get a raise tomorrow than Porsche making a new 928. The Panamera already holds that position in the lineup.

But shit, it would be cool.

Submitted by: Earthbound Misfit I

I want a long, low gentleman's coupe.

Jaguar XJS.

You know who would buy this car? Literally no one. That being said, I'd still want it. I know the XJS isn't everyone's cup of tea, but I love the way it looks. Add a smooth EV powertrain and baby, you're cooking with gas... figuratively.

Is it too much to ask for a reasonable sized sedan in EV form that doesn't have a ton of gimmicky crap like fancy door handles or farting sound effects or a dumb LED bar across the front of the car? I want an EV 1999 Camry. Have it look exactly like the ICE version, but with batteries and motors.

Since the Camry isn't dead. I'll opt for a 2015-2017 Chrysler 200 in EV form please and thank you

This car would be so boring, but hey this is your answer not mine. Also, that generation of 200 doesn't get enough love for being as pretty as it is.

Yeah, I said it.

Submitted by: i86hotdogs

There aren't enough fun city car sized EV's (at least here), and what's better for the city than a Metropolitan?

I hate the Metropolitan.

Submitted by: Maymar

Toyota BB/Scion XB (first gen). In fact bring back the Scion name as Toyota's "cheap and cheerful" EV brand.

Brining back Scion is a neat idea. I mostly feel that way because I forgot it existed. The xB was a dreadful little box. Maybe an electric drivetrain could fix that.

Submitted by: Aliens Ate My Buick

Ford Thunderbird as a pretty awesome electric coupe/convertible.

Even the name works for electrification, Thunderbird.

No notes. This is a good and correct answer. EV American boats are the way forward, my friends.

Submitted by: Garlos Chosn (in honor of Mergio Sarchionne)

Isuzu Vehicross.

A small ev offroader that does not weigh as much as two suns would surely sell well. especially if it was also good to commute in, relatively easy to park in ect. Always loved this truck but finding one that is well taken care of is unobtanium today.

Vehicross rules, and so does this answer. I want one very badly ,but they are mostly all dead at this point.

Submitted by: bassracerx