Elio Motors, The Next Big Thing?!!...

[NeilBlanchard]

My Scion xA is rated 0-60 mph in 9.3 seconds. I have *never* needed to go that quick, ever. ~103HP 1.5L in a 2,530 pounds (or so). The Elio will be quicker, and it will get significantly better MPG.

[doclees]

I know my math is weak but I don't know how 9.6 is faster than 9.3. Elio will be quicker! I'm thinking Triumph Rocket 3 engine in keeping with the 3 cyl format. Using the 0-60 calculator at 140 hp and 950 lbs - magic 3.5 sec.
After doing some plug and play into the 0-60 calculator I've got to assume that the slow 0-60 in the Elio is due to gearing. The other possibility is that the engine is a torque-less wonder. Maybe it is an old Lotus engine?

[NeilBlanchard]

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.

[doclees]

I don't think I would consider it slow, just average. I have hi hopes for this thing. Its a cheap starting point with the possibility to make it more the way the buyer wants it. There are no perfect vehicles yet. But some real nice beginning platforms .

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

It doesn't seem slow.

[NeilBlanchard]

Some new pictures of the Elio (Trikke?):

[freebeard]

Those upper A-arms are at about 45°. That's a lot of camber change on deflection.

[NeilBlanchard]

You're right, they are a bit extreme. Maybe this is how they are keeping it stable in hard cornering?

[doclees]

Seems that there is something embarrassing under the hood and in the cabbin since they haven't shown them. So maybe polar bear covered seats and child labor under the hood? Eh, at $6800 I don't care.

[HydroJim]

Docless- In response to your question about the interior: