Hey fellow gearhead! Have you ever noticed just how many iconic, innovative and important automobiles over the years have sported model names starting with the letter D? From rugged SUVs to opulent luxury cruisers to track-hungry sports cars and beyond, vehicles badged with a D represent a special mix of storied histories and forward-looking engineering.
In this article, I‘ll provide an in-depth look at some of the most intriguing D-cars ever produced. We‘ll explore design stories, engineering feats, timeless aesthetic details and key attributes that made these models stand out. My aim is to spotlight exactly why these machines deserve appreciation from auto enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike. Hopefully you‘ll discover – or rediscover – an affection for these four-wheeled icons!
Why Review Cars Starting with D?
So what‘s behind this seemingly arbitrary focus on D-cars? It turns out that across automotive history, model lines with names opening in D contributed seminal designs, pioneered innovations and upended expectations in their respective eras. From icons like the Ford Model T to visions of the future such as the gullwing Mercedes 300SL, cars carrying the letter D made an outsized impact.
Legendary designer Virgil Exner summarized the phenomenon: "For some reason, D seems to be a letter that implies performance and dash and daring in motorcars." Whether evoking earlier German racecars or symbolizing ambition, D-badging aimed to signal excellence.
While most brands utilize an array of first letters, those starting in D do populate many "greatest hits" lists. The following sections will showcase some stunning examples. From Dodge Vipers to Datsun 240Zs, modern Diablos to vintage DB5s, models opening in D stir hearts. Now let‘s explore the histories!
Sport Utility Vehicles
Land Rover Discovery Sport
As a midsize luxury SUV carrying forth the Land Rover ethos of capability blended with comfort, the popular Discovery Sport debuted in 2014 aiming to broaden appeal. And based on a steadily rising sales trajectory that reached over 100,000 units in 2019, the versatile family transport succeeded on all fronts.
Motoring journalist Dan Neil captured Discovery Sport‘s balanced proposition: "A masterclass in automotive multitasking, the vehicle combines on-road civility and off-road talent like none other. Take your kids to school then go spelunking in Moab? No problem."
From a visual standpoint, Disco Sport (as fans call it) telegraphs refined toughness via short overhangs, protective cladding and Land Rover‘s iconic "stadium seating" driving position. An efficient 2.0L turbo engine delivers 237hp, while available advanced tech like WiFi and wellness settings heighten family-friendly focus. Overall versatility, smart packaging and crossover styling keep Discovery Sport ever popular.
Nissan Dualis
Bridging passenger cars with SUVs, the Nissan Dualis (Qashqai in Europe) arrived globally for 2008 boasting clever engineering, spaciousness and style catering to adventurous urbanites.
Dualis chief designer Steve Bunbury described its creation: "We built in cues connecting Dualis to positive memories of sports cars in Nissan heritage. Prominent wheels, a coke bottle shape and front end graphic tie to historic greats."
Dimensionally slots between compact and midsize segments, Dualis‘ right-sized footprint enables maneuverability not matched by larger SUVs. A 140hp 2.0L 4-cylinder teams with continuously variable transmission for smooth power delivery. Intuitive controls and clever storage reveal Dualis‘ functionality, while high seating enhances outward vision. All up, Dualis balances attributes making it a globally popular entry level SUV.
Isuzu D-Max
As a workhorse pickup built to excel across rugged terrain, the Isuzu D-Max lives up to its tough nameplate. Since debuting back in 2002, the D-Max established unrivaled durability credentials underpinning impressive 120,000 global monthly sales today.
Renowned truck journalist Matt Degen contextualized D-Max‘s standing: “Sure, flashier trucks from Ford and Chevy crowd headlines in America. But talk to folks who cover real work sites globally and one pickup rules – the mighty Isuzu D-Max. This thing just cannot be stopped or broken. A genuine legend beloved by owners."
Isuzu’s precision engineering shines through the D-Max’s rigid ladder frame, meticulously prepared drivetrain and long-travel suspension. A torque-rich 3.0 liter turbo diesel teams with 6-speed manual or automatic gearboxes, hurtling the D-Max from 0-60mph in under 11 seconds. Clever four wheel drive modes plus clever storage and tuning options make D-Max simply unbeatable for workhorse duties.
Passenger Vehicles
Aston Martin DB5
Even among revered Gran Turismo classics, the sleekly seductive 1960s Aston Martin DB5 coupe secured eternal pop culture notoriety. Propelled by early Bond flick appearances plus endless cinematic cameos since, DB5 became visual shorthand for Anglo elegance and charisma.
Yet the car earns legend status on its own gorgeous merits too. Clothed in hand-fashioned Italian aluminum bodywork, the DB5 coupe encapsulated GT ideals of long-legged cruising, spirited performance on demand plus hypnotic allure.
A bespoke inline-6 pumping out 282-hp joined race-proven chassis components, imbuing DB5 with sports car responses cloaked in tailored British besuitment. Even inspecting DB5’s beautifully spartan cockpit reveals meticulous craftsmanship through every surface and control. Glance at DB5 values today exceeding $1 million and its enduring appeal speaks for itself!
Lamborghini Diablo
For shear provocative excess, 1990s Lamborghinis like the outrageous V12-powered Diablo wrote the book. Following the Countach must have intimated designers, but Gandini‘s team delivered a successor melding origami folds, transparent engine cover and even wilder wing doors.
At launch the 492hp Diablo immediately seized fastest production car bragging rights. In the words of Evo magazine: “Acceleration induces sweats — 60mph vanishes in under 4 seconds. But its also the last non-assisted Lambo, demanding serious driver skills to avoid danger."
Developed into numerous hotter SV and GT variants, the flagship Diablo dialed its visual drama past rational bounds. Eventually wielding over 550-hp for its final iterations, Diablo maintained otherworldly presence right through a decade long lifespan. Even today, its sheer spectacle symbolizes Lamborghini excess for many admirers.
Rolls-Royce Dawn
If the luxury convertible brief aims for wind-in-hair freedom blended with first class comfort for four, the superb Rolls-Royce Dawn lands the proposition with peerless panache.
Rolls-Royce Bespoke designer Sonja Vandrey characterized Dawn’s ethos: “We envisaged Heart of the Desert hues rippling through hand-woven silk roofs, Damascus Steel fascia vents channeling ancient swords and Gold Glassflake hoods shimmering in sunlight." That sense of craftsmanship bordering art partners 6.6-litres of almost silent V12 motivation.
Capable Rolls-Royce chassis engineering ensures Dawn wafts down roads unfazed by bumps, while self-closing umbrella storage and length-adjusting seats pamper passengers. When top lowered, occupants bask under optical fiber constellations embedded above. Really, Dawn is sensory overload only a Rolls can deliver so sublimely.
Why D-Cars Deserve Respect
I hope you‘ve enjoyed this homage to phenomenal four-wheeled creations opening with the letter D! It‘s clear companies often imbue important new models with a D designation, knowing what came before and hoping to contribute positively to legacies. From driver engagement, design leadership, motorsports dominance and pop culture resonance, these cars in aggregate have contributed enormously to automotive advancement and passion over decades.
So next time you hear about a 911 or Mustang grabbing headlines, remember cars starting with D historically gave them serious competition! Diablos, DB5s, Defenders, Darts and the like deserve recognition for pushing limits and bringing joy equally.
Now get out and grab life by the steering wheel my friends!
