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A tiny red drawing of a Willys MB is hidden on the wheels of the 2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon – just one of many “Easter eggs” found in the automotive world.
It’s usually gone in an instant: A quippy bit of dialogue or visual reference that teases the audience, ever so slightly breaking the fourth wall. “Did you see that? Did you hear that?” the eagle-eyed will exclaim. These days it’s hard to watch or read anything without someone pointing out one of these covert tidbits, better known as “Easter eggs.” They populate nearly every medium, providing a way for creators to share an inside joke or subtle reference with their audience, from spotting the Pizza Planet truck in a Pixar film to finding the “Dirty Harry” reference in your favorite video game. Easter eggs have become a mainstay of popular culture – so much so that several automakers have taken note. From nods to a marque’s heritage, clever digs at rival manufacturers and hidden graphics, these secret surprises share the fun of automotive design. Here are just a few of our favorites – go check them out at your local dealership and see if you can find them!
The 2021 Ram 1500 TRX Launch Edition features a number of cheeky hidden messages.
2021 RAM TRX
Let’s get the obvious out of the way first: The TRX (pronounced T-Rex) name is a lighthearted poke at Ford’s Baja-conquering F-150 Raptor. But, beyond the name, the TRX goes a step further. Hidden under the hood and beneath a removable plastic cover, the TRX features a graphic of its Late Cretaceous namesake quite literally chomping down on a Velociraptor. It’s an image straight from the ending of Steven Spielberg’s “Jurassic Park” film, one that’s sure to reveal a toothy grin on all who find it. But wait – there’s more! Tucked away in the Tyrant Pickup King’s center console you’ll find yet another poke at Ford’s Raptor. A size comparison chart, complete with man, the TRX, its namesake – the Tyrant Lizard King – and a velociraptor, all drawn to “correct scale.” Ram surely knew its target audience and, with 702hp on tap, we can’t wait to see how Ford’s Raptor answers the challenge of the Ram TRX.
A Willys MB Jeep climbs the corner of the windshield on some models.
JEEP
The Jeep brand has become known in the automotive industry for its quirky “Easter eggs” hidden throughout its vehicle portfolio, maintaining that the hidden images add more fun to the ownership experience. The company started the tradition with the 2011 Grand Cherokee, when they added small Jeep grilles inside the headlamp bulb shields. A refresh on the Wrangler saw the addition of a small side profile of a Jeep climbing up from the corner of the windshield. On the 2017
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By: Barrett-Jackson
Title: PLAYFUL DESIGN: Fun Hidden Messages and Treasures on Modern Vehicles
Sourced From: www.barrett-jackson.com/Media/Home/Reader/easter-eggs-in-the-automotive-world/
Published Date: Wed, 28 Apr 2021 16:54:38 +0000
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