Lamborghini

In a break from Lamborghini tradition of bullfighting-inspired model names, Countach is an Italian exclamation for something beautiful, striking and dead sexy. It was that very interjection at the sight of an early example that led to one of the best car names. For those unfamiliar with Italian colloquialisms, it also became one of the most mispronounced car names. Enlightenment sometimes has a trickle-down effect, and it's been years since we've heard anyone call it a "cown-tack."

Dodge Viper

Dodge was an unlikely candidate for a serious performance car in the early '90s, but thanks to an impressive car and a great name, Viper is worthy of its place as one of the best car names. Known as Copperhead in prototype form before adopting its production name, the reptilian references were just a nod to the look of the car's front end. The Viper name quickly signified more though, as an untamed creature on the edge of control.

Chevrolet Corvette

Some have shrugged this off as an imaginary name that just sounds cool and nothing more, but it's a real term for a small warship. Not so far out of place, when you think about it. Harley Earl may have designed it and Zora Arkus Duntov later refined it, but it was GM employee Myron Scott who christened the two seat for fiberglass curiosity. Over half a century later, it's more or less impossible to think Corvette without thinking speed. That's indeed a sign of one of the best car names.

Bugatti Veyron

The Bugatti name is magical to enthusiasts, so it takes a great model name -- and one breaking from the "EB" designation and to stand well with the marque. However, one of the best car names is not necessarily as far removed from the automaker as you might think. The car's name comes from Pierre Veyron, Bugatti wheelman and winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1939.

Porsche Carrera

One of the best car names has never enjoyed continual presence. Since the now-famous script appeared on the fenders of a few special Porsche 356s in 1956, the Carrera (Spanish for "race") name has generally denoted a special, even more potent edition. Even if you didn't know what the name meant, it simply sounded fast. Seen most recently on the over-the-top Carrera GT, it's one of the best car names and also one of the most enduring.