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

[NeilBlanchard]

An interesting tidbit from the Oliver Kuttner video I posted in the Edison2 thread is that he mentions that a quality small displacement complete engine system from the fuel injection to catalytic convertor is available from several manufacturers for about $1,000. So one of the most expensive pieces of the Elio seems to be reasonably in line with their $6800 price.

[bhtooefr]

Granted, I'm pretty sure the engines that Oliver is referencing are engines like the ones found in the Tata Nano, and such Chinese creations as the Snyder ST-600C. Quality control is something to be concerned about, there.

[doclees]

Originally Posted by HydroJim

Docless- In response to your question about the interior:

Yeah a CAD drawing doesn't cut it. Photos please.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by bhtooefr

Granted, I'm pretty sure the engines that Oliver is referencing are engines like the ones found in the Tata Nano, and such Chinese creations as the Snyder ST-600C. Quality control is something to be concerned about, there.

In such case I'd rather get a Kawasaki Versys 650 engine, which at least has some better reputation. Altough I'd actually rather want some 2-cyl industrial Diesel from 500 to 800cc.

[bhtooefr]

The problem with the industrial diesels is that they're *HEAVY* for the power output.

And, an 800 cc industrial diesel, you're looking at around 20 hp assuming watercooled, until you turbo it.

For diesels, the 800 cc 3-cyl used in the Smart ForTwo is an excellent choice - very lightweight with good power density and emissions compliance.

[niky]

Whatsit make? About 40 hp?

[bhtooefr]

40 hp for the oldest ones, 54 hp for the latest ones.

(Mind you, that isn't US emissions compliance, but it's emissions compliance SOMEWHERE.)

[niky]

54 hp is pretty good for a diesel of that size. Could probably go up to 70 or more with a high pressure fuel system and VGT, but that would likely double the cost of such a small motor.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by bhtooefr

The problem with the industrial diesels is that they're *HEAVY* for the power output.

That's true, but I can find some V-Twin 800cc air-cooled non-turbocharged Diesels with 18hp and half the torque of a VW Beetle, which could be enought for a city-commuter and, depending on the gearing, even for some highway traffic. And adding a turbocharger can be considered too

For diesels, the 800 cc 3-cyl used in the Smart ForTwo is an excellent choice - very lightweight with good power density and emissions compliance.

I like this one, but it's nearly impossible to LEGALLY get one here in Brazil

[bhtooefr]

I'd avoid those, they have mediocre quality.

The Ruggerini MD191 and Lombardini 25LD425-2 (same engine, really) are better options if you can find them. Significantly lighter weight, significantly better build quality.

And, not sure how Brazil's laws are, but in the US, running one of those on public roads is just as legal as running a diesel Smart engine - that is, not at all. (Unless you build a three-wheeler, and then license it as the one EPA-exempt motorcycle that you are allowed to build in your lifetime. Or, if you make a serial hybrid, with the generator not being a part of the vehicle, then it only needs to meet off-road emissions standards.)