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

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

So, is it supposed to be finally production-ready?

[NeilBlanchard]

This is the P5 prototype with the intended Elio engine - so getting closer to production, but not there yet. We'll see what design changes they worked into the P5 vs the orange P4. And we will hopefully see actual MPG numbers.

[Vman455]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

So, is it supposed to be finally production-ready?

I'm looking forward to the tell-all book six or seven years from now, "Elio-centric: A Man, A Plan, and the Harsh Realities of Economics (or, The Rise and Fall of Elio Motors)."

[freebeard]

Do you have any vested interest one way or the other?

If the Elio flops would that engine ever make it into anything else? Would the supply chain that is being created not switch focus to another design or company?

I actually had/have more hope for the Edison2, with it's in-hub suspension.

[Vman455]

Originally Posted by freebeard

Do you have any vested interest one way or the other?

Nope; I would love to see them succeed, but am expecting otherwise, and am very amused by the constant optimism in the meantime. When your business model depends on selling 250,000 units/year of a vehicle there doesn't appear to be much of a market for, has been delayed multiple times and likely will be delayed several more times, and for which development has not concluded nearly two years past the first promised on-sale date--it will be a miracle if they manage to start selling vehicles, and even more of a miracle if they survive long-term. But, I do hope this goads the established manufacturers into offering smaller, lighter, cheaper, more fuel-efficient cars.

[user removed]

I'm with vman on whether they succeed or not. I did not see any "vested interest" requirement for posting on this thread. Apparently soliciting funds without any predictable progress procession or even promises with successful accomplishments are just another Paul Mollar scheme and that's been going on my whole adult lifetime.

regards
mech

[Frank Lee]

I'm still hoping Ford or Honda or ? comes out with a cheaper VW XL1 someday soon.

[freebeard]

I was trying not to imply there are paid trolls in here. I understand not thinking Elio won't fail. But once you say that where do you go from there. Just say it over again whenever anyone posts?

I think it is an interesting play, beyond the actual vehicle (payment plans and such). I'd rather see Local Motors clone the Volkhart-Sagitta and the Schlorwagen. With their Cds of 0.17 or 0.18, they'd be a 4-passenger car and a van that get 84mpg. With Local Motors 3D printed bodies they might no be much more than the Elio's $6800.

[user removed]

The year 2027 might get interesting, but I'll be 77 and it won't change much for me.

regards
mech

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by freebeard

If the Elio flops would that engine ever make it into anything else? Would the supply chain that is being created not switch focus to another design or company?

Probably the blueprints could be sold to some random engine manufacturer and it would then become available as a crate engine for stationary/industrial applications.

Anyway, if Elio succeed, maybe they could also offer crate engines for special equipment too. Traditional automakers such as Fiat, Ford and GM already do it.