You Probably Missed These Hidden Easter Eggs Secretly Designed Into Vehicles

Modern Auto 1/29/24

Easter eggs are hidden messages appearing in various products, typically video games and movies. Carmakers aren't strangers to Easter eggs, often using them to make their vehicles cooler. Like in video games and movies, these messages signify some historical fact about the brand or pay homage to certain parts of automotive history. Let's uncover some secrets, shall we?

Tesla "S3XY CARS"

Source: Tesla

Elon Musk is perhaps the biggest dreamer in the world right now. However, he is also an achiever - most things that he dreamt of are already a reality. There is a certain exception, though - Tesla's SEXY car range. Musk wanted the first lineup of Tesla passenger cars to contain the Model S, Model E, Model X, and Model Y.

Sadly, Ford already trademarked the name Model E and had to go with the Model 3 instead. Still, that's probably enough to suggest that the brand's EVs are appealing. An interesting fact from the story is that Musk called Ford "some sort of fascist army marching across the alphabet," which is not totally unexpected from him.

This is not the only Tesla Easter egg we have on the list

Tesla Model S - Car-Shaped Key Fob

Source: Tesla

Tesla obviously thought that naming its model range "SEXY" wouldn't cut the mustard and designed another easter egg. Namely, the first car that was fully designed and developed in-house, the Model S electric sedan, came with a key that's shaped like the body of the car.

Car-shaped keys aren't new to the industry, but they've typically appeared paired with very expensive supercars. Meanwhile, other premium brands, such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, and Lexus, used regular designs for their key fobs. What's more interesting is that Tesla was only warming up - more easter eggs follow from the brand in this list.

Jeep Renegade Ciao Baby! Spider

Here is one interesting Easter egg, and one that we could only speculate as to what it means. Namely, when you open the fuel filler cap on the Renegade, you'll find a small spider and a caption that reads "Ciao Baby."

It's quite an interesting message and one that probably indicates Fiat's ownership of the Jeep brand (now both under a new conglomerate named Stellantis), since ciao is an Italian word, and Fiat has some Spider models in its range. However, there is also a belief that spiders are very attracted to gasoline - Mazda even recalled some vehicles because gas-loving spiders weaved a web inside the engine.

Honda Civic 10th Generation Center Console Mat

Photo by Michael Simari for Honda

Honda is one of the most successful names in racing, with many victories, including in Formula 1. To commemorate its success, the Japanese brand thought of an interesting Easter egg on the center console mat.

Curiously, it was the engineers and designers that had the idea and obviously, didn't contact the PR team about it. Anyway, you can find the hidden message inside the latest-gen Honda Civic. The designers developed four different designs. Notable racing cars and bikes include Jenson Button's RA106 F1 car, Marc Marquez's RC123V Moto GP machine, McLaren Honda's MP4/5B F1 car, and even the ASIMO robot.

Jeep Renegade Map of Moab, Utah

Source: Stellantis

The Jeep Renegade is an Easter egg paradise, so much so that it probably warrants its own article. However, in this article, we'll focus on the most interesting ones, like the map of Moab, Utah, inside the small cubby on the center console.

Now, you certainly asked yourself how Jeep is connected to Moab, and the answer is - they are the perfect match! Jeep owners love to take their vehicles on adventures in the area, which has some great scenery on offer. Moab and Jeep SUVs are so intertwined that when you Google "Moab," most images will be with Jeeps on them.

GMC Hummer Sea Of Tranquility

Source: GMC

The Hummer EV is still in the development phase, but it already created a significant buzz in the automotive world. With 1,000 HP from three electric motors, 0-60 time of 3.0 seconds, and 350-miles of range, the monstrous electric truck is certainly an attention-catcher.

However, GMC's ultra truck can amaze in other ways, like with some interesting Easter eggs. Notably, the truck manufacturer used several nods to the Moon, including the "Sea of Tranquility" relief map on the speaker grilles. Specifically, that's the place where Apollo 11 landed, bringing the first humans to the Moon's surface.

Jeep Wrangler Lizard

Source: Stellantis (Jeep)

Another slide, and another Jeep with showing off with an Easter egg. This time, the iconic brand entrenched a small 3D wizard on the plastic housing below the front wipers. The detail certainly looks interesting, but what's the catch here?

Well, the company already used the Lizard for its desert-ready Wrangler's in the past, named Mojave. These models came with lizard decals on the body, implying their excellent desert-driving capabilities. Most recently, Jeep launched a Mojave version of the Gladiator, featuring specially-tuned FOX™ 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks with external reservoirs, front hydraulic jounce bumpers, one-inch suspension lift, a reinforced frame, and 33-inch Falken Wildpeak all-terrain tires.

Dodge Viper SRT Race Tracks

Source: Stellantis

Dodge doesn't produce the Viper anymore to the dismay of many fans, although it still has some other sporty models in its lineup. However, what Dodge's muscle cars are missing is track-oriented handling - most of them are primarily designed for the drag strip.

You might argue that point, but even Dodge knew that the Viper was a real track weapon. The brand even etched popular racetracks on the rubber mat under the center cubby, including the Nürburgring Nordschleife and the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. You can find the Easter egg on the SRT-branded models.

Willys Grille in Jeep Headlights & Taillights

Source: Stellantis

If you thought that we were done with Jeep Easter eggs, think again! We still haven't covered the homage to the brand's first SUV, the Willys. You can find a tribute to the iconic off-roader in almost every model from the brand, but perhaps the most subtle, yet classy is the Willys grille in Renegade's headlights and taillights.

While many won't consider it an Easter egg, since Jeep openly shares images of the small detail, we think that it's a great example of how to deliver a hidden message. And it also looks cool, doesn't it?

Another nod to the Willys follows next.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk - Red Willys Wheels

Source: Stellantis

The Willys is so epochal that most people will recognize not only the grille but also the side profile. Jeep used this fact and entrenched a red Willys in the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk's wheels. Once again, it's a subtle and classy homage to the brand's history and to the world's first real off-roader.

With this Easter egg, Jeep wants to show the world that it's the most experienced SUV manufacturer in the world. Other popular nameplates, such as the Toyota Land Cruiser and Land Rover Defender, followed Jeep's leadership for a long time, and it all started with that little red thing.

Volvo XC90 Honorary Seat Belts

Source: Volvo

Modern cars have all sorts of safety features that help mitigate accidents or reduce the chances of injuries if they happen. However, neither would work properly if you don't put your safety belt on, and you should thank Nils Ivar Bohlin for that. The Swedish mechanical engineer patented and developed the 3-point safety belt in 1959, selling it quickly to Volvo.

Nils later worked at Volvo's Central Research and Development Department. To commemorate one of the most important engineers in automotive history and his invention, Volvo stamped "SINCE 1959" on the seatbelts of the Volvo XC90 SUV. A nice Easter egg, indeed.

Ford GT: 100th Anniversary Headlights

Source: Ford

The Ford GT is one of the most popular nameplates in the supercar world, dating back to the 60s. However, Ford as a brand is much older, dating back to 1903. On its 100th anniversary, the American brand introduced the first-gen GT supercar as a direct successor to the GT40.

Since the launch coincided with Ford's 100th anniversary, Ford prepared an interesting Easter egg inside the headlights of the supercar, which were arranged as "100" on the left headlight. As a result, the right headlight read "001", but only when you viewed it head-on - it was still "100" in the rearview mirror.

Tesla Model X Christmas Light Show

Source: Tesla

The best thing about Tesla's is that the company constantly upgrades them via OTA updates, often improving performance and adding new features. However, the company also uses those updates to sneak some Easter eggs inside. This time, Tesla has put some Christmas spirit inside the Model X, using the lighting and speakers for a festive show.

Now, sure, the EV didn't just start blinking on itself - that would be inappropriate. Instead, the driver needed to hold the "T" button and then enter the code "holiday" in the infotainment to experience the magic. Along with the flashy light show, the Model X played the "Wizards in Winter" by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

The next Easter egg will warm your heart

Tesla Romance Mode

Source: Tesla's Twitter Handle

Another interesting Easter egg that arrived at Tesla owners via an OTA update is the Romance Mode. This time, the EV manufacturer honored Model 3 owners with a fireplace on the center screen.

Curiously, the brand suggested that the Romance mode accommodates up to five people in the tweet, though we think two will be more appropriate. Nonetheless, the feature might be great for those cold winter days, of course, paired with the Model 3 heating system. Now we eagerly await to see what Tesla prepares for the summer. A large ice cube? A waterfall? Only time will tell.

Chrysler Pacifica Center Console Mat

Source: Stellantis

Brands that operate under Stellantis today and previously FCA (Fiat Chrysler) are no strangers to Easter eggs, putting them in almost every model. Chrysler put one in the all-new Pacifica minivan, precisely on the rubber mat below the center cubby.

Looking closely, you can easily discern that Chrysler commemorated the three generations of the Dodge Caravan, a minivan it succeeded in 2017. Today, Dodge doesn't have a minivan in its range, so it's good to see its cousin celebrate one of its most popular models in the 80s and 90s.

Jeep Renegade SINCE 1941

Source: Stellantis

Another Easter egg coming from Stellantis, and again inside the Jeep Renegade. The small crossover/SUV is packed with hidden messages, and some of them are quite obvious, like the "SINCE 1941" sitting on top of the infotainment screen.

With this Easter egg, Jeep celebrates its beginnings. In 1941, the company started producing the Willys MA SUV for the US Army, which later became one of the most iconic vehicles. The Willys not only spanned multiple civilian Jeep's but was also as a basis for SUVs from other carmakers. We guess it makes Renegade owners proud of the vehicle they own.

Can any car list go without a Mercedes-Benz in it?

Mercedes-Benz Signature Logo

Photo by Sportstick via MB World Forum

Mercedes-Benz is perhaps the most popular automotive brand and probably doesn't need Easter eggs to show off. Nonetheless, you can still find some, like the signature of Carl Benz on the windshield, the man that developed the first passenger automobile.

Some vehicles also have the signature of Gottlieb Daimler, the man that invented the internal-combustion engine that worked on liquid petroleum. You might also find "Mercedes" handwritten on the windshield, signifying the brand's craftsmanship. Whatever the signature, it shows the rich history of Mercedes-Benz, and more importantly, that the automotive world wouldn't have been the same without them.

Škoda Umbrella

u/hhh333/reddit

Umbrellas in cars are nothing new, with Rolls Royce putting them almost since its inception. However, despite numerous automotive engineering advancements, most vehicles still don't have an umbrella as part of the equipment. And honestly, they should have. It's a cheap add-on, yet incredibly clever.

Škoda is a brand that works under the motto "Simply Clever" and one that puts umbrellas in most of its models. The umbrella is carefully tucked inside the door panel and easily reachable when it rains. What's interesting is that Škoda markets itself as a value-oriented brand, yet it offers features usually found in high-end luxury cars.

Škoda "Glassware" Crystal Headlights

Source: Skoda

The Czech Republic is a country known for many things, but perhaps most popular for its Bohemia Crystal Glass. Bohemia is actually an area inside the country with centuries-worth of exquisite glass craftsmanship.

Škoda used similar techniques when designing the gorgeous headlights on some of its new models, including the Superb and Kamiq. The Škoda Crystal Headlights are a clear nod to Bohemian Glass, with exquisite detailing and craftsmanship. The Czech brand reckons that glass is a huge source of emotion and that creates a stunning ambiance, especially when light travels through, and we can wholeheartedly agree.

This is not the last surprise from the Czech brand

Škoda Octavia Ice Scraper

Source: Škoda

Another Škoda feature that makes us question why other automakers haven't thought of it, is the ice scraper on the fuel cap door. It's a small plastic piece that takes absolutely no place and adds no significant weight, yet it can prove very useful.

Now, sure, you can buy an ice scraper at every gas station. However, there is no place in most vehicles for an ice scraper, meaning it will probably wander around. Škoda's solution is infinitely better since it uses an otherwise unoccupied area rather than creating clutter in the trunk or the cabin.

Hyundai Veloster Blue Max Video Game

Source: Hyundai

Here is one Easter egg that we approach with mixed feelings. Namely, Hyundai has put a game called Blue Max in the 2013 Veloster hatch, but it wasn't your run-of-the-mill video game. Instead of entertaining you while stationary, the game was there to advise you on how to drive in a greener manner.

The Blue Max Video Game gave the driver a score based on how efficient was the drive. The more efficient (slower) the drive, the higher the score. Now, the game surely increased the mpg number, but we'd argue it lowered the fun factor of driving a lightweight hatch.

Hyundai Genesis Welcome Floor Logo

Source: Genesis

Hyundai's Genesis brand produces some really excellent luxury cars lately, with the G80 sedan being a primary example. Sales are still behind established premium manufacturers, like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, and Lexus, but continue to get better.

Genesis uses every weapon from its arsenal to lure classy buyers, and one of the most exquisite is the welcome floor logo. Namely, the Genesis G80 projects the brand's logo on the ground each time the driver approaches the vehicle. It's a great way to remind the owner that he has an extravagant car at his disposal.

Jaguar has an even more interesting welcome logo

Jaguar E-Pace Cub

Source: JLR

Jaguar also puts welcome lights on its vehicles, but in this case, it went a bit further. Namely, the welcome logo on the E-Pace crossover features a drawing that has some certain "Lion King" vibes to it, with a bigger Jaguar and his/her cub following behind.

The outline is a nod to the E-Pace's position in Jaguar's lineup. Currently, it's the smallest crossover from the British manufacturer, placed below the larger F-Pace. Thus, the E-Pace is the cub that follows the larger Jaguar F-Pace. Owners can also find the same drawing imprinted on the windshield.

BMW Z4 Sife-Profile "Z"

Source: BMW

BMW is one of the few manufacturers that continues to produce roadsters. While drivers today seem to prefer coupes, the roadsters' open-top nature is definitely irreplaceable. Thus, drivers that want the most exhilarating driving experience often go for Z-branded BMWs, mostly the Z4.

The BMW Z4 returns the favor with excellent driving dynamics and rewarding driving experience, but also some Easter eggs. Notably, the first-gen car launched in 2003 featured a side profile that clearly contained the letter "Z." You can find the nod on the front wing - there is a diagonal line that connects the upper body to the lower body. It not only indicates the model but also looks very cool doing it.

Dodge Viper Brake Light Logo

Source: Stellantis

The Dodge Viper has another cameo on our list of hidden Easter eggs. This time, it's the rear logo, which serves as the third stoplight. Thus, when you hit the brake pedal, the logo lights up, showing off the viper snake inside.

While this Easter egg is not so hidden, many owners didn't know about it until reading on the internet. When you think about it, owners usually drive their vehicles and rarely look at the back while driving. That's especially true with the Dodge Viper, which is a supercar that wants to be driven.

Up next: Pause, Stop, Play

Renault Twingo RS Pedals

Source: Renault

When I started teaching my kids how to drive a manual, the first thing they asked me was: how do you press on three pedals with only two legs? Well, Renault has the perfect answer. The rightmost pedal is for acceleration, and the perfect analogy for that is the play button. Meanwhile, the leftmost pedal is intended for changing gears, thus pausing you from the action. Ultimately, the middle pedal is the brake, thus stopping you from the action.

Using three icons that are entrenched into our everyday reality, Renault explained how the manual transmission functions spot-on. Doesn't it make you wonder why other carmakers don't use the same iconography?

Aston Martin Vanquish "Logo" Headlights

Source: Aston Martin

Aston Martin makes some of the best-looking cars in the world, and it has been doing that for over a century. The Vanquish family of supercars from the brand is particularly sexy, with gorgeous body lines. The latest model is perhaps the most impressive to date, and not only because it looks handsome as a whole.

Namely, Aston Martin designed the taillights to recall its famous logo. You might overlook that at first, but look closer, and they clearly look like wings. Put them together, and the resemblance is uncanny. The move only makes us wonder what tricks Aston Martin has in store for future models.

Mazda RX-8 Wankel Triangles

Source: Mazda

Mazda was the last manufacturer to adopt a Wankel or rotary engine in the RX-8. These units are known for extracting a lot of power from small displacement, making them an excellent solution for lightweight sports cars. For instance, the RX-8 had 238 HP under the bonnet, extracted from only a 1.3-liter capacity.

Mazda was so proud about using a rotary engine in its sports car that it designed the whole car around that engine. Specifically, you can find many nods to the rotor and stator inside the Wankel engine, like on the headrests, engine cover, center console, and the stick shift handle.

Another Japanese coupe also has an engine-related Easter egg.

Toyota GT86 86mm Exhaust Tips

Source: Toyota

Not to be outdone by its fierce competitor, Toyota also used an Easter egg of its own in the popular GT86 coupe. The lightweight sports car was a spiritual successor to the Corolla AE86, which is considered the first affordable drift car.

However, Toyota designed the whole car around the "86" mantra. For instance, the 2.0-liter boxer engine sourced from Subaru has a bore and stroke of 86x86mm, and even the exhaust tips have a diameter of 86mm. Meanwhile, the vehicle's logo features the same number, along with opposed pistons on the sides, just like in a boxer engine.

Dodge Challenger Cupholders Under the Bonnet

Source: Stellantis

The Dodge Challenger is certainly one of the coolest vehicles on sale today. It looks stunningly good, packs a lot of power under the bonnet, and drives well in the corners. However, Dodge is also known for quirky add-ons and features, and the Challenger has tons of them.

We are particularly talking about the cupholders under the bonnet, positioned above the headlights. Now, these might suggest that the owner will spend a lot of time with an opened bonnet due to mechanical issues, but we're sure that's not the case. Instead, the Challenger has some of the best V8 engines under the hood, and we won't bother having a beer while marveling at them.

Volkswagen Passat Rear Camera Under the Logo

Source: Volkswagen

Rear cameras are in almost every new vehicle today, helping drivers be better at parking their vehicles. However, the small camera units often spoil the looks on the back of the cars. For that reason, Volkswagen hid the rearview camera under the rear logo. Then, when the driver put the transmission into reverse, the logo would flip to open the camera.

Some might think that the solution is unnecessary and overcomplicated, but we think it's a cool showstopper. Besides, it gives the Passat CC the "premium" credentials it strived for when it launched.

Up next: the Italians and their quirky design

Fiat Panda Text Pattern

Source: Stellantis

Fiat Chrysler (FCA), operating under Stellantis today, probably hid an Easter egg in each of its models. We've already seen that Jeep loves hiding messages, but Dodge and Chrysler are also not far behind. Now, it's time for a small city car from overseas from the same company, the Fiat Panda.

Fiat's smallest vehicle packs some very intelligent features in a tiny footprint, but also quirky design traits. The one that catches the most attention is the texture on the door panels, composed of the letters P, A, N, D, and A, a nod to the city car's name.