In any industry, one sure way to get a glimpse of future product plans is to query the U.S. patent office for various automaker names and brands. We already told you about the Infiniti G37, FX37, and M37. Well, we did a little more digging, and found a number of fascinating product name trademarks that hint to new products that could be just around the corner. Lincoln MKV? Mercedes GLK? It’s all after the jump…

Below are some recent filings with the U.S. patent office:

Lincoln MKV (March 1, 2006)
This name clearly follows Lincoln’s new “Mk” or “Mark” naming scheme. Lincoln has announced the MKS (a new sedan), the MKZ (the Zephyr) and the MKX (the Aviator). So what is the MKV? Lincoln once had a Continental called the MKV. Could the Lincoln Continental Concept be coming to life? An answer to the 300C? Perhaps related to Ford‘ rear-wheel-drive sedan? Alternatively, it could be a new name for the Navigator. No one knows for sure, but time will tell.

Mustang GT-R (March 7, 2006)
The name “Mustang GT-R” was first conceived in February, 2004. However, it was just opened for opposition on March 7, 2006. What could this be?

Mercedes GLK-Class (March 14, 2006)
Mercedes first filed for the GLK-Class name in July, 2005. This February, it also registered the name GLK63, to reflect its new 6.3 liter AMG engine. The GLK name was also opened to opposition on March 14, 2006. This suggests Mercedes plans to use the GLK for its compact SUV, rather than MLK. The MLK name was last touched in 1996.

Mercedes CLK550, E550, CLS550 (December 12, 2005)
Is Mercedes considering dropping the new V8 engine from S550 into the CLK-Class, CLS-Class, and the E-Class. This looks like a strong possibility…

Cadillac BLC (2005)
At the same time Cadillac filed for the “BLS” name — which it now uses — it also filed for the name BLC. Is a coupe version of the BLS in the works? Perhaps…

Camaro Z28 (2006)
At the same time Chevy revived the trademark on the Camaro name, it also revived the name “Z28.” Will the new Camaro have a “Z28″ model like the classics did? Or is this just a precautionary measure?

Lexus LX600, LX590, LX570, LX550, LX520 (February 21, 2006)
Ok, so we know a new Lexus LX is coming. But that’s about it. We’re sure some of the above engine configurations will be used, but not all of them.

Mercury Cougar ZN (March 21, 2006)
This name was first filed in 2001, when the Mercury Cougar ZN debuted. The Mercury Cougar coupe, in its latest form, existed between 1999 and 2002. On March 21, 2006, there was some activity with this filing. Is Ford planning a new Cougar to bring some youth appeal back to Mercury? Or is this just an echo from the past?

Infiniti G37, M37, and FX37 + JX, AX, VX (2005-2006)
For more information on the Infiniti G37, M37, and FX37, see our original report. In 2005 and 2006, there was also some activity surrounding the JX, AX, and VX names. The names could be used by Nissan or Infiniti. In 2005, there were rumors Lexus planned to use the “VX” name. Perhaps this was a counter-measure?

BMW Z1, Z5 (2006)
On January 17, 2006, BMW published the names Z1 and Z5 for opposition. Is BMW working on some new roadsters?

On January 13, 2006, Saturn registered the tagline, “Like Always. Like Never Before.”

Sometimes, automakers scrap applications entirely. Other times it cannot obtain the rights to the name. Below are some recently killed applications:

Buick Invicta (Dead: March 21, 2006)
Just recently, there were rumors that the new Zeta-platform-based Buick sedan would be called the “Invicta.” However, GM’s outspoken Bob Lutz said the car would be called the “Statesman.” Looks like Mr. Lutz was right.

Chevrolet Bel Air (Dead: January 15, 2006)
In 2002, Chevrolet showed the Bel Air convertible concept. It looks like this car will never see the light of day — at least not under the Bel Air name.

Ford GT Mark VI (Dead: December 11, 2005)
We already know the Ford GT is dead. Is this the nail in its coffin?

Chrysler New Yorker (Dead: September 4, 2005)
The name “Imperial” was re-registered by Chrysler just before this trademark was killed. We suspect “New Yorker” was an alternate name considered for the Imperial Concept.

Ford Equator (Dead: December 31, 2005)
In 2000, Ford showed the Equator concept. This year, another Equator concept was shown. We doubt Ford has scrapped plans for this car. Rather, it looks like they may not have been able to secure the name.

In late 2004, BMW registered names relating to the 4-Series, including 425, 435, and M4. However, it has since been reported that BMW scrapped plans to use the name, and will instead continue to refer to its new coupe and convertible as 3-Series models.

    Print This Post