No, it was because Ford holds the trademark for Model E: http://insideevs.com/ford-motor-company-filed-for-model-e-tr...

Why not drop Model from the name? Porsche 911 vs Porsche Model 911. Tesla S vs Tesla Model S.

To me that looks more like a mistake from Porsche than an idea to replicate

I set it as no more a mistake than "Boeing 747" is over "Boeing Model 747" or "Mazda 626" or "Nissan GTR"

But "Tesla S" doesn't roll off the tongue as nicely.

Turns into 'tessless'

Ironically, the Porsche 911 was originally supposed to be the 901, but Citroen owned 901 so Porsche had to rename.

Someone needs to put together a history of vehicle naming conventions. Like things in the military, it's kind of fascinating how things wind up getting called what they do.

That, or they could try switching up the descriptor:

Tesla Type T

Tesla Version V

Tesla Mark III M

Tesla Ausf. A

So now we have S3X, which is much more 'elite' for the tech crowd ;)

Future Y crossover makes it "S3XY". I love a billionaire with a cheeky sense of humor.

Just wait for the Tesla Pickup... Model I ;)

I S3XY

Then the next version of the roadster... the Model M (play off BMW M series...ubiquitous already for performance)

IM S3XY

Model H

HI S3XY

Musk liked that joke but Ford has the "Model E" trademark