The scene has been abuzz with rumors and information regarding Tesla’s future BMW 3-Series-sized car. It’s still nowhere near close to production, but since the Model S has been such a big hit, you can imagine the prospect of a smaller, cheaper car with the same qualities would definitely arouse interest.

Now, we have yet more news on the new Tesla sedan, which won’t as we first suspected, be called Model E, since that would infringe upon a Ford patent. AutoExpress says it spoke with Tesla CEO and co-founder, Elon Musk, who confirmed this along with the new name for the upcoming vehicle – “Model III,” as in the Roman numeral 3.

Musk added that the new model would be first shown to the public in 2016, with production slated to commence one year later. Interestingly, the same source also suggests that the Model III would not necessarily use cut down version of the Model S and Model X platform, possibly riding on new underpinnings designed by former Aston Martin engineer Chris Porritt.

Model III would have a “realistic range of over 200 miles,” or 320 km, obviously have free access to the ever-expanding Supercharger network. The sales figure they’re aiming for with the model is 35,000 units per year

By Andrei Nedelea

Rendering via RMdesign