REUTERS/Beck Diefenbach
Apple names its phones to let customers know which model is newest - the iPhone 7 is newer than the iPhone 6S which is newer than the iPhone 6, for example.
The Model 3 is not the sequel to the Model 1 or the Model 2. The Model 3 is Tesla's lower-cost sedan that should start being delivered to customers later this year.
Tesla's other cars are named the Model S and Model X.
Musk:
(However, Apple never released an "iPhone 2" or "iPhone 3.")
Why would Musk name one model after a number and other models after letters? Musk has a self-deprecating and funny reason:
Turns out, the Model 3 was supposed to be called the Model E, but Ford didn't like that. That opened the door for Musk to make a funny, juvenile joke about Tesla's entire naming convention:
Am noticing that many people think Model 3 is the "next version" of a Tesla, like iPhone 2 vs 3. This is not true.
- Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 24, 2017Model 3 is just a smaller, more affordable version of Model S w less range & power & fewer features. Model S has more advanced technology.
- Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 24, 2017@jDaz Because I was a dumb idiot and didn't realize at the time that it would cause confusion
- Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 24, 2017Model 3 was going to be called Model E, for obvious dumb humor reasons, but Ford sued to block it, so now it is S3X. Totally different :)
- Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 24, 2017