I got my numbers crossed - I was remembering 8.9 second for the Elio. My mistake.
But I don't think 9.6 seconds is too slow, really -- it is plenty quick. And it gets 84MPG on the highway!
We'll find out the real world performance if and when the start selling the Elio. I don't think people will pass it up because it is "slow".
If you want quick - go electric.