http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=102804

 

I still say that DCX "branding" an engine lineup has been one of the greatest marketing moves in recent automotive history!

That is an AMAZING penetration percentage into the build for that engine!

The next closest engine "branding" that I can think of is "Northstar", but it's not even close to the effect that "HEMI" has had.

 

You are right about that.

 

If only Chevy would start promoting a name for their V8 engines I bet when the next camaro comes around it will help sell a few extra V8's.

 

I actually saw a Charger R/T w/ a Hemi today in a parking lot, they look better in person, but hmmm... the front end is strikingingly similar to that of the Dodge Magnum, and the rearend is dare I say a slight image of the Dodge Stratus??? And people are insulting the Pontiac GTO?

 

You would never confuse the Charger with either of those cars.

 

DCX did this so well they can barely keep up with the v8 demand. 5 to 7 years ago, this would not have happened. The Hemi has helped put v8's back on the map.

 

Just the name Hemi just stands out. Its short, its sweet, and its to the point. Vortec is too long, and so is Northstar. Vortec, Vtec..whatever...but HEMI with HEMI badges on the side, and HEMI on the fenders and doors and windshied...its just ALWAYS in your face. It doesnt say VORTEC on the side of Chevy trucks.
Maybe GM should get into the habbit of putting the displacement on the side of the car
Have Vortec and then under it have "5.3" or "6.0". Thats a better looking badge then a GM.

 

they have done a great job, I hope GM is taking good notes.

 

Vortec has a awesome looking logo I 2nd them using that logo on the trucks with the engine size. They could really market the Vortec engines as having the best fuel economy undenied class leading power and torque. It could be a good selling point for Chevy and GMC trucks for that matter. Also I think a cool looking LS4 V8 badge on the Monte/Impala would look awesome.

 

Vortec sounds too much like vtec. Never liked it myself.

 

I wonder how this will affect their CAFE numbers. The Magnum is (ridiculously) counted as a truck, I believe (like the PT Cruiser is and the HHR will be), because it meets the flat load floor (and removable seat? technically you could remove it, with wrenches...) criteria. So even the fuel thirsty (for a car) hemi Magnum is a CAFE booster for the trucks.

Surely the Charger is not going to be counted as a truck (and surely the 300C is not, also)...

 

LT1 and LS1 always had great marketability...I dunno why they didn't push those names even more. Or just slap "Corvette Engine" on any small block powered vehicle...everyone knows the "Corvette Engine."

 

GM doesn't really need a name for their engines. The enthusiasts and others know all about the capabilities of the GM small block. The LSx line of motors is most certainly well-known (who the heck on enthusiast boards like these, no matter which make, doesn't know what an LS1 is?)

The Hemi has been fabulous for DCX in that it has quite a few posers lining up for it as well as the enthusiasts. I see women driving 300C's quite a bit...do you think they all know what's so significant about a Hemi? Most likely not. Hemi is ALL about marketing, and it will be interesting to see if GM makes a dent in the image by completely annihalating the Hemi in terms of power with the motors in the new GMT-900s.

 

It irritates me to no end that there are "car guys" out there that actually believe the "HEMI" is somehow related to the true legendary "HEMI". Shocks most of them when I tell them it's a cast iron rip-off of the LS1.

GM needs to find a way to effectively communicate their pushrod superiority. IMO leveraging the Corvette connection would be a good start.