Quote:
Originally Posted by doclees
IIRC you have proof of concept, mule, prototype and then first run production line. So the P4 is still a mule and not the prototype. So summer comes with a new engine and tranny. Run it hard and long to see what breaks and correct it for production. As long as its OS is not Windows based all should be good.
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Yes - having followed the Elio pretty closely for about a year now, it looks like the P3 was more an advanced mule than a prototype. The P4 definitely has a more advanced body, with improved aerodynamics, and they've adjusted the front suspension so it is covered by the main body shell, not outside catching wind. P3 and P4 still use the "borrowed" Geo Metro power train.
I do believe the P4 has internal body construction closer to the intended production version. FWIW.
IAV has designed the new engine. That's a good thing; apparently IAV has designed engines and trannies for most of the major auto manufacturers. The new ELIO engine that was shown in recent months was a very costly 3D print, which was damaged or destroyed when an inebriated show attendee knocked into it. I'm sure IAV has built one or more actual engines for testing, but we won't see it in the prototype till June 2014. Current specs are for 55 or 60 hp.
Does that help?