https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/845278449811939328.
When asked why he named it Model 3 in that thread, his response was: "Because I was a dumb idiot and didn't realize at the time that it would cause confusion".
This mistake seems to have stuck with him -- he made a joke about it two months later when talking about naming his boring machines: https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/860378029515718660
But I heard that some people didn't like the idea of S/E/X...
But "Tesla S" doesn't roll off the tongue as nicely.
Tesla Type T
Tesla Version V
Tesla Mark III M
Tesla Ausf. A
I S3XY
Then the next version of the roadster... the Model M (play off BMW M series...ubiquitous already for performance)
IM S3XY
HI S3XY
But model 3 is $35k vs Model S @ $80k-$120k. These feel like two very, very different markets.
"Model 3 is designed and built as a mass market, affordable electric vehicle. Although it will be our newest vehicle, Model 3 is not “Version 3” or the most advanced Tesla. Like Model S, it is designed to be the safest car in its class."
If they want to sell more Model S, perhaps they should go check out a bottom of the line, zero options 3series/A4/CClass and see if they can bring their interior details and quality up, from below, to match those lower end cars.
Also, style and taste continue to march on ... large flat panels in your face, circa 2005, were a sign of luxury and sophistication. In 2017 it is the absence of panel displays that are a sign of luxury and sophistication.
1) They're still selling as many model S vehicles as thye can make. Perhaps the market will soften after Model 3 introduction or increase on Tesla's manufacturing capacity.
2) Any heavy add-on increases the weight of the vehicle and decreases the rated distance on a single electric charge. From their point of view it's better to let the aftermarket for interior accessories to develop, as then any add-on is at owner's discretion.
3) People who shop on interior will still go to their local Mercedes, BMW or Lexus dealer. Even other luxury brands (Infiniti, Cadillac, Acura) have had a tough time competing with decades of experience.
$35,000
This is an important distinction.
The point of trim is bundling useless overpriced crap you don't want to pay for with stuff that you do want to pay for. This is a huge money-maker for auto manufacturers, and I would be shocked if TESLA takes a pro-customer position on it.
Not really thinking well done as I feel like it misses and possibly alienates both markets.
And 2 displays wow! What a premium feature.
Call it the way I seat it. /sorry
At least the first two intentionally mislead. The should have made the last one more damaging too!
Yep, the first thing I noticed was the pictures with the number of inches being compared.
Tesla has no comparison in the auto industry. The Model S is a $35k upcharge, minimum, over comparable traditional automobiles, just for the electric powertrain. The Model 3 might get that number down to $15k. Nothing we've seen about the Model 3 looks like it should start at $35k, beside the hype around electric powertrain.
My question is: Who can get that number down to $5k first? Tesla? Or BMW, Toyota, or GM?
He says that we'll have fully self driving cars this year, astronauts on Mars in 2022, human comouter nueral interface in 2025, and a settlement with cheap tunnels ok Mars in 2030.
These guys are going to have a decade of disappointment and hyperbole thrown at them.
Tesla has to convince people that they actual want an S. Not just want a Tesla.