• Business
  • cars

This Might Be the Secret to the Perfect Car Name

1 minute read

Randall Munroe, known for his web-comic XKCD, has published a comic on his website, xkcd.com, that may reveal the secret to creating the perfect car name.

Munroe charted the relative frequency of letters and numbers used in car models as compared to those used in regular text. The characters used most frequently in car models he dubbed “car-like,” an those used most frequently in regular text he called “English-like.”

He assigned each figure a score, and he rated car names as either successful or unsuccessful based on their average letter scores. The least successful name he came up with was “Doody,” and the most successful was “Cervixxx.”

It seems like a foolproof method, but it may have some flaws. Although “CrashMaster 500” would rate highly on Munroe’s scale, it’s unlikely to be a top seller.

Check Out the Coolest Cars From the 2015 Detroit Auto Show

Acura introduces the new NSX at the (NAIAS) on January 12, 2015 in Detroit.
Acura introduces the new NSX at the (NAIAS) on January 12, 2015 in Detroit.Scott Olson—Getty Images
Detroit Auto Show 2015
The Mercedes-Benz F 015 Coupe is presented during the media preview at the Cobo Arena on Jan. 12, 2015 in Detroit.Uli Deck—dpa/Corbis
Detroit Hosts Annual North American International Auto Show
Smart shows off their Electric Drive Coupe during the media preview on Jan. 13, 2015 in Detroit.Scott Olson—Getty Images
Chevrolet unveils a new concept car bolt during a press preview on Jan. 12, 2015 in Detroit.
Chevrolet unveils a new concept car bolt during a press preview on Jan. 12, 2015 in Detroit.Bao Dandan—Xinhua Press/Corbis
The Infinity Q60 concept car is displayed during the press preview on Jan. 13, 2015 in Detroit.
The Infinity Q60 concept car is displayed during the press preview on Jan. 13, 2015 in Detroit.Jewel Samad—AFP/Getty Images
Ford Motor Co., Executive Chairman Bill Ford, left, and President and COO Mark Fields stand next to the new Ford GT on Jan. 12, 2015 in Detroit.
Ford Motor Co., Executive Chairman Bill Ford, left, and President and COO Mark Fields stand next to the new Ford GT on Jan. 12, 2015 in Detroit.Carlos Osorio—AP
Inside The 2015 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS)
The Honda Motor Co. UNI-CUB B personal mobility device is demonstrated on Jan. 13, 2015 in Detroit.Bloomberg/Getty Images
Detroit Hosts Annual North American International Auto Show
Toyota shows off their FT-1 concept car during the media preview on Jan. 13, 2015 in Detroit.Scott Olson—Getty Images
Detroit Hosts Annual North American International Auto Show
The Bentley GT Speed Convertible is displayed at the Mercedes exhibit on Jan. 13, 2015 in Detroit.Bill Pugliano—Getty Images
USA - Business - 2015 NAIAS - 2014 Mini Superleggera Vision Concept
Harkening back to the Sixties, the Touring Carrozzeria explores the idea of an Italian Barchetta merged with a British sports car in the MINI Superleggera Vision. Jan. 12, 2015 in Detroit.Car Culture/Corbis
US-DETROIT-NAIAS-AUTO SHOW
Lexus unveils its 2016 GS F during a press preview on Jan. 13, 2015 in Detroit.Bao Dandan—Xinhua Press/Corbis
Scheduled for release in 2016, the Infiniti Q60 Coupe will have a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 in a stunning aluminum body on Jan. 12, 2015 in Detroit.
Scheduled for release in 2016, the Infiniti Q60 Coupe will have a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 in a stunning aluminum body on Jan. 12, 2015 in Detroit.Car Culture/Corbis
Acura introduces the new NSX on Jan. 12, 2015 in Detroit.
Acura introduces the new NSX on Jan. 12, 2015 in Detroit.Scott Olson—Getty Images

More Must-Reads From TIME

Contact us at letters@time.com