The letter "i" in a car's name most commonly stands for fuel injection, a system that replaced carburetors to deliver fuel more precisely to the engine. This single letter signifies a major leap in automotive technology, leading to better performance, improved fuel efficiency, and lower emissions. You'll see it used prominently by brands like BMW and Audi, though its specific meaning can vary slightly between manufacturers.
For BMW, the "i" is a core part of its model naming convention, paired with numbers that indicate engine displacement and performance. In Audi's case, the "i" specifically denotes gasoline (petrol) engines, differentiating them from "T" for turbocharged or "TDI" for diesel models. Other brands, like Hyundai with the "i30," use it more as a brand identifier. The key takeaway is that "i" almost always points to a more advanced, computer-controlled fuel delivery system.
| Brand | Model Example | Primary Meaning of "i" | Secondary/Nuanced Meaning |
|---|
| BMW | 330i | Fuel Injection | Part of the internal combustion engine model nomenclature (e.g., i vs. xi for AWD). |
| Audi | A4 2.0TFSI | Gasoline Engine (from "inspiration" for intake stroke) | Used to distinguish gasoline models within a lineup. |
| Hyundai | i30, i20 | Brand Identity / "Intelligent" | Represents a specific model series focused on innovation and design. |
| Subaru | BRZ (no "i") | N/A | Often denotes a specific trim level (e.g., "i" trim vs. "Sport" trim in some older models). |
| Lexus | IS 350 | N/A | The "i" is integrated into the model name (IS, ES, LS) and doesn't carry a separate meaning. |
| Infiniti | Q50 | N/A | Similar to Lexus, the "i" is part of the brand name, not the model designation. |
Ultimately, while "fuel injection" is the historical and technical root, today the "i" is often a styling cue that suggests a vehicle is modern, efficient, and technologically advanced. When you see it, you're looking at a car that benefits from decades of engine management evolution.
