Model M could also stand for "Midsize", a good description for what I imagine Gen III will end up being.
I think Model C is probably the best bet, as it's clear that Tesla is using category names. I'm expecting Model C and Model R for the coupe and new roadster, respectively.
Gen 3 is not necessarily going to be a coupe. Probably first a sedan then a coupe and then a convertible. Who knows if they will do a wagon from it or not ....
Keep the name as it is. GEN III implies the 3rd Generation of (electric) car. Leafing the current generation of ICE powered cars as the second, the steam or electric powert cars a century ago as the first generation.
This would be fine as a 2 door version of the Model S but not the Gen3. Gen3 needs to be distinctive and obviously a Tesla but not just a smaller Model S. That would be way too boring for me.
I suspect Gen III will look something like this. And hey, if it gets 200+ miles and does 0-60 in 5 sec and costs $30-$35k it will sell like mad.
@brianstorms Sorry but I would prefer a smaller Model S. - - - Updated - - - @aronth5 I wouldn't get bored with a smaller Model S. I think that you never get bored with Model S. Most important thing is that new options (ACC, AWD, blind spot, power folding mirrors) will be implemented both on Model S and Gen III.
I don't mind a smaller 2 door Model S and it would sell well. I just want the Gen3 to stand out and not just be a smaller copy of the S.
I know these are just renderings but I think it's worth pointing out: If 21" rims don't look "way too big", then they've made the Gen III vehicle too large.
I do expect more radical design changes but I'd be OK if it looked like those renderings. Probably correct, but I'd be fine with a 2 door vehicle.
IMO, Tesla should get away from this "Model something" business after the X. That naming scheme is rather limiting. I wouldn't mind it being called "Tesla Falcon" (if we aren't tired of all the falcon references in Elon's world) or some such catchy thing.
Sorry, Ford (Australia) have dibs on the Falcon name for 50 years. Ford Falcon Although it will end soon I think Ford will hold onto the naming rights for a while. I would go with Tesla Model N (For Nikola or New)
Of course, and it isn't even genIII but Gen2 in "third" alternative configuration, Model X being the second, and Wagon the fourth. IMHO if/when TM wants to sell >200k GenIII vehicles/annum they will have to offer more than one configuration. The base will be 5 door sedan/hatchback, wagon as first option and coupe as second option. It is just that I'm in love with a coupes, IMHO they are the apex of driver's cars. Not to harsh and limiting as roadsters or cabriolets but still not school buses like 'station wagons'.
As good-looking as 2-doors are, I wouldn't buy the Gen-III if it's 2-door only. I've gotten used to the practicality of a four-door, and with the numerous high-performance sedans on the market (the Model S being among them) there's little if any sacrifice in performance anymore for the added practicality.