Tesla’s $35,000 Car Will Be Called Model 3
Teslas first attempt at an affordable electric car will be called Model 3.
CEO Elon Musk revealed the name in an interview with AutoExpress. The car, which will be based on an all-new platform, is projected to cost $35,000 and go on sale in 2017. Musk said its battery should have a range of about 200 miles with strong performance, and the car will come with free access to the companys Supercharger network.
The name will carry a familiar ring for customers looking to buy a compact luxury car in that price range. Teslas 3 should compete head-on with the BMW 3 Series, which has long been a leader in the class.
Despite the name, Model 3 wont technically be Teslas third model. If you count the Roadster as its first and Model S as its second, the third will actually be Model X, the $70,000 all-electric luxury SUV that is going into production this year. But Tesla considers the 3 its third-generation vehicle because the Model S and Model X are built on the same platform.
http://www.slate.com/blogs/future_tense/2014/07/16/tesla_model_3_third_generation_tesla_gets_a_name_and_it_s_not_model_e.html