Isn't 'Cuda a model, not a nickname?

Well....I think all Plymouth Barracudas can be called Cudas. It's just that some came with an apostrophe and some did not.

But I guess to answer the question: Yes the 'Cuda is a model but it's also a nickname for all Plymouth Barracudas. Plus... it just sounds cool. Who wouldn't want to call their Barracuda a Cuda?