pro tip: one of the things you think is definitely not right =)
For those arguing about price, you are thinking about things too linearly. I’m guessing this is a situation where Cervelo will let the bikes speak for themselves.
The S3 is higher in price than the Team S5 likely because of mold costs and carbon quality. Cervelo will likely leave it in the line up for people who like the more traditional looks, the comparable weight to the VWD with a smaller price and it’s different geometry.
I agree the line up is “jumbled” but I wouldn’t expect Cervelo to go dumbing down the pedigree of the S3 just to make it “fit.” It’s a bike that is popular and has gained acceptance. It’s a light aero frame, that is more traditional that the S5. There is still a market for the S3 at $4500 even with the various forms of the S5.