...that the Germans named the Tiger II a "Tiger" at all? Practically the whole configuration of the thing is a reflection of the Panther. Why didn't they call it a Panther II?

Well I really think that is has something to do with the same people working on improving the Tiger project.. as the panther was still being produced at the same time it couldn't be called that and it did replace the Tiger I on the prduction line ..They were working towards using as many same parts on different tanks but this was never realised (E series )..This is all speculative but makes sense to me ..lol

Rick