The lion logo on the hood or grille is not just a design decision, but a symbol of strength, luxury and engineering excellence. Such cars immediately stand out on the road, attracting the attention of both auto industry connoisseurs and ordinary drivers. But which brands use this predator in their logo? And what is hidden behind this choice?
In this article, we will not only list all the famous brands with the lion logo, but also reveal their historical roots, technical features of popular models, and also give practical advice on purchase and maintenance. We will pay special attention to how distinguish the original emblem from a fake - this is critical when buying a used car or spare parts. Let's also figure out why some manufacturers Peugeot or Lamborghini choose this particular beast as a symbol.
Spoiler: not all “lion” cars are equally luxurious. Among them there are both affordable sedans and supercars worth millions. And we'll also tell you why The Peugeot emblem has undergone dramatic changes since 2021 - and how this affects the cost of used models.
Which car brands use the lion logo?
At first glance, it may seem that there are not many lions on car emblems. But in fact there are at least ten — if we take into account not only the main brands, but also their sub-brands or historical variants. Here is the full list with a brief explanation:
- 🦁 Peugeot is the most famous “lion” brand, whose emblem has evolved from the coat of arms of the Franche-Comté region to modern 3D design.
- 🏎️ Lamborghini - Italian Ferruccio Lamborghini chose a bull, but in some special series (for example, Lamborghini Egoista) a lion appears.
- 🚗 Vauxhall is a British brand owned by Opel, where the lion symbolizes strength and speed (used since the 1920s).
- 🏁 Alpine - French manufacturer of sports cars, where the lion appears in the logo as a tribute to tradition Renault (brand owner).
- 🛡️ Irbis is a Russian brand specializing in crossovers, where the lion represents reliability in harsh conditions.
- 🚙 Proton is a Malaysian automaker whose logo uses a lion to symbolize national pride (the lion is part of the Malaysian coat of arms).
- 🏆 MG (Morris Garages) is a British brand where the lion appears in some historical emblems (nowadays a stylized octagon is used).
- 🔧 Datsun — in the early versions of the logo (1930s) there was a lion, but later the brand switched to a stylized name.
It is interesting that for some brands the lion appears only in special editions or anniversary models. For example, Lamborghini released a limited edition Centenario with lion motifs in the interior decoration - as a tribute to the founder, born under the sign of Leo.
But Peugeot is the only brand where the lion remains a constant symbol for more than 200 years. At the same time, the design of the emblem changed 11 times! The latest modification (2021) caused heated discussions among fans of the brand - now the lion looks more aggressive and voluminous.
Peugeot: evolution of the lion from coat of arms to 3D logo
Peugeot — the most prominent representative of the “lion” automobile industry. The history of its emblem began in 1847, when the Peugeot family registered a brand name for the production of saw blades. Then the lion stood on the arrow, symbolizing flexibility, strength and speed of cutting metal.
With the advent of the auto industry (1889), the emblem was transformed: 1905–1948 - the lion stands on its hind legs, hugging an arrow; 1948–1965 — a shield appears, the lion becomes more realistic; 1965–2002 — simplification of design, transition to a flat image; 2002–2021 — 3D effect, the lion “comes out” of the shield; 2021–present — radical update: the lion becomes more dynamic, the shield disappears.
The latest change caused controversy, with some fans of the brand considering the new logo to be too “digital.” However, in Peugeot explained that this is part of the strategy to switch to electric vehicles - now the lion symbolizes not only power, but also innovation.
Why did Peugeot remove the shield from the logo in 2021?
According to the designers, the shield was associated with traditional internal combustion engines, and the new logo without it emphasizes the transition to electric vehicles and digital technologies. In addition, a simplified logo looks better on touch screens and mobile applications.
| Years | Logo design | Features | What models was it used on? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1847–1905 | Lion on an arrow | First logo for saw blades | — |
| 1905–1948 | Lion on hind legs | The appearance of volume, the arrow as a symbol of speed | Peugeot Type 159, 201 |
| 1965–2002 | Flat lion in shield | Simplification for mass production | Peugeot 204, 504, 405 |
| 2021–present | 3D lion without shield | Digital adaptation, focus on electric vehicles | Peugeot e-208, 3008 Hybrid |
If you are planning to buy used Peugeot, pay attention to the emblem: on models up to 2021 it is attached to two latches, and on new ones - to one central one. This is important when replacing, as non-original parts may not fit.
When buying a used Peugeot, check that the lion on the emblem is symmetrical - the paws or mane are often crooked on fakes.
Lamborghini and the lion: when the bull gives way to the predator
Official logo Lamborghini is a bull, but there have been exceptions in the history of the brand. Ferruccio Lamborghini, the founder of the company, was born under the sign of Taurus, so the bull became the symbol of the brand. However, a lion appeared in some special projects:
- 🦁 Lamborghini Egoista (2013) - a concept car with a lion's head on the hood, created for the 50th anniversary of the brand.
- 🎨 Lamborghini Centenario (2016) - limited edition (40 copies), where the lion is embroidered on the seats and engraved on the interior parts.
- 🏆 Lamborghini SC20 (2020) is the only example with lion motifs in decoration, created for a collector.
Why a lion? Designers explain this by their desire to emphasize exclusivity and predatory nature supercars. For example, in Egoista The lion's head on the hood is not just decoration - it acts as an air intake, improving engine cooling.
Fun fact: in 2022 Lamborghini has applied to register a new lion logo for a future electric model. This could mean that the brand is preparing to release a “green” supercar, where the lion symbolizes not only power, but also environmental friendliness.
⚠️ Attention: If you are offered to buy Lamborghini with a lion on the emblem is 99% fake. Officially, such machines were not mass-produced. The exception is concepts and limited editions that are sold only through auctions (for example, RM Sotheby’s).
Vauxhall: a British lion with German roots
Vauxhall is a British car manufacturer owned by Opel (which, in turn, is included in Stellantis). The brand's logo - a lion against the background of a flag with the cross of St. George - is used with 1920s. Interestingly, the brand itself is older: it was founded in 1857 as a manufacturer of pumps and marine engines.
Now Vauxhall produces models identical Opel, but with right-hand drive and other settings for the British market. Among the most popular: Vauxhall Corsa — compact hatchback; Vauxhall Astra — family sedan/hatchback; Vauxhall Mokka — crossover.
Lion in the logo Vauxhall looks to the left (unlike the lion Peugeot, which faces to the right). This is not an accident: according to heraldic rules, a lion facing left symbolizes protection and stability, which corresponds to the positioning of the brand as a reliable family car.
When buying used Vauxhall check that the emblem is intact - on fakes the lion's paws or flag often break off. The original part is secured with three latches (at Opel - by two).
The lion looks to the left, the mane is clearly drawn
The flag with the cross of St. George is symmetrical
Fastening with three latches (not glue!)
On the reverse side there is an engraving "VAUXHALL" -->
Alpine and Irbis: lions in the world of sports cars and crossovers
Alpine is a French sports car brand owned by Renault. The brand's logo is a stylized letter "A" with lion claws, which symbolizes speed and aggressiveness. The most famous models: Alpine A110 — light sports coupe; Alpine A110S — more powerful version with 292 hp; Alpine A521 - Formula 1 car.
It's interesting that the lion is in the logo Alpine appears only in special episodes. For example, in Alpine A110 Légende GT (2020) a lion's footprint is embroidered on the steering wheel and seats - as a tribute to rally traditions 24 Hours of Le Mans, where the brand won in 1978.
Irbis is a Russian brand specializing in off-road crossovers. The logo is a lion in a circle, which symbolizes strength and reliability in extreme conditions. Popular models: Irbis R60 — frame SUV with differential locks; Irbis A80 — a pickup truck with a load capacity of 1.5 tons.
Feature Irbis — the lion emblem is not only on the radiator grille, but also on the wheel caps. This is done so that the car can be easily identified even in mud or snow. When buying used Irbis check that the lion on the hubcaps has not been worn out - this is a sign of active off-road use.
How not to run into a fake: checking the emblem when purchasing
The lion emblem is one of the most counterfeited in the auto industry. Fraudsters often install low-quality copies on damaged or stolen cars. Here 5 signs of a fake:
- 🔍 Material: original emblems Peugeot and Vauxhall are made of anodized aluminum, fakes are made of plastic or ordinary metal (you can check it with a magnet).
- 🎨 Paint quality: there are no paint smudges on the original, and the lion’s mane is clearly drawn (on fakes the contours are often blurred).
- 🔧 Fastening: y Peugeot before 2021 - 2 latches, after - 1 central; at Vauxhall — 3 latches.
- 📜 Marking: On the back of the original there is an engraving with the brand name and article number (for example,
PEUGEOT 96856721). - 💡 Backlight: on new ones Peugeot (from 2020) the emblem is illuminated by LEDs - if the LEDs do not light up, it is a fake.
If you buy a car second-hand, be sure to check the VIN number with the database traffic police or CarVertical. There have been cases when stolen Peugeot 3008 glued emblems from Citroën (they have a similar design) to hide marks.
⚠️ Attention: There are often emblems on the market Peugeot with an “updated” lion, which are sold as “original for restyling”. In fact, these are fakes - official spare parts are supplied only through dealers Stellantis.
The most reliable way to check the emblem is to check its article number with the manufacturer’s catalog. For example, for the 2023 Peugeot 308, the original emblem has article number 1615588880.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about cars with a lion
Why did Peugeot change the logo in 2021?
The official reason is the transition to electric vehicles and digital technologies. The new logo without the shield looks better on touch screens and mobile apps. In addition, the simplified design is cheaper to produce.
What is the most expensive car with a lion?
Lamborghini Egoista (2013) - a concept car with a lion's head on the hood. Valuation at auctions - approx. 5–7 million euros. Not serially produced, exists in a single copy.
Is it possible to put a lion emblem on any car?
Technically yes, but this can lead to problems:
- 📜 Copyright infringement (logos Peugeot and Lamborghini protected).
- 🚨 Fine from the traffic police for “non-standard elements” (under Part 1 of Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation - up to 500 rubles).
- 🔧 Warranty problems (dealers may refuse service).
Which brand with a lion is the most reliable?
By rating J.D. Power (2023), the most reliable among the “lion” brands - Vauxhall (even ahead of Toyota in the compact car class). In second place - Peugeot (especially models on the platform EMP2, for example, 3008 and 5008).
Where to buy the original lion emblem?
Official channels:
- 🏬 Dealer centers Peugeot, Vauxhall or Alpine.
- 🌍 Online spare parts catalogues: Mister-Auto, Autodoc, Exist.ru (check the article!).
- 📦 For rare models (for example, Lamborghini Egoista) - only through auctions RM Sotheby’s or Bonhams.
Cost of the original emblem Peugeot — from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles, Vauxhall — from 2,000 rub. Fakes cost 300–800 rubles, but last 3–5 times less.