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

[freebeard]

So they will roll their own? Total control of the assembly process and integration into the product then, no shipping, made in USofA. Sweet.

Crate motors for the unwashed masses?

[seanof30306]

I don't like the idea of them building their own engine. If they use an existing product, they (and the owners) benefit from years of sophisticated engineering development, and parts are as near as a dealership or parts store.

To the people complaining about difficulty of ingress/egress to the back seat, etc., they made it clear on the CNBC and Good Morning America interviews I saw that these were designed for single occupant use; which represents the great majority of driving. I've driven 8,000 miles or so in my Jeep Cherokee in the past year; I'd bet 7,900 of those miles were by myself, and the other 100 were lugging my dog Lily to the vet. This would be perfect for me.

I'm very interested in this, but their building their own engine concerns me. What I'd really like to see is a CNG version. You'd probably be looking at 120 mpg(e), and with a home-fill, a cost of about 1.00 per gallon (equivalent) (at least, here in Oklahoma).

As far as the name, I say "Asp". You could then have a sport package called the "Asp Kiquor"

[brucepick]

Re. whether building their own engine is a good idea - designer IAV seems to have excellent credentials. Engine design consultants to many of the biggest names in auto manufacturing. Beyond that, I'd guess its all about the execution.

Remember, we're talking about an approx 1.0 liter automotive engine. Not a bike engine or industrial. I think there are precious few of those in NA. Add to that the fact that any maker of an existing engine would have Elio over a barrel as far as price and availability of spare parts. If an engine maker is a major player (i.e. a quality manufacturer with a reputation worth wanting their engines for), they would be competing with Elio for "car" sales and will want Elio to fail. So they would get no deal from Honda, GM, etc etc.

Getting a buildable design from the likes of IAV is probably Elio's best option.

[Daox]

The new Mitsubishi Mirage comes will be coming to the US and Canada with a 1.2L engine, and a 1.0L is available overeseas (as are many engines from almost any maker really, just not here in the US).

[rmay635703]

Originally Posted by Daox

The new Mitsubishi Mirage comes will be coming to the US and Canada with a 1.2L engine, and a 1.0L is available overeseas (as are many engines from almost any maker really, just not here in the US).

the best would be from a G1 insight minus the IMA, 500,000 miles plus lean burn would make this a 200mpg hypermiler machine.

[Daox]

Haha, yeah that would be pretty awesome.

[doclees]

Just was at King of Prussia to visit the Elio. I now do want one and will put down a deposit. haven't read all the replies so If I mention something already known forgive me. 90% will be US made. The engine is a redesigned Geo Metro. Transmission will be an Triptronic type auto only. Those ugly headlights will be gone and molded into the nose flush with higher lumens. A hatch will be added for access to "trunk". Hood opens as one should with hinges opposite from windshield so engine bay access is easier than my Wrangler. I'm 5'6" at about 150 lbs. I felt access to rear seat was very easy will lots of room. Saw a good 6' 180 lbs guy hop in and out easy. Front seat will be different to make access even easier. Front seat slid forward to crush my knees and back so I could't touch controls. That will fit my 5' wife fine. Composite body ala Corvette. For those that like to tinker it looked easier to take apart than a modern plastic encased crotch rocket. Heater core and a/c condenser is accessed through engine bay and firewall. Wet weight about 1000 lbs. "Vast majority" of parts are off the shelf from other applications so your Elio may have a Ford radiator hose or Chrysler half shaft. I think that's it. Oh expected first run due out next fall(?) of 250k. To think I was expecting like 10k max. How small I do think.

[Frank Lee]

Oh expected first run due out next fall(?) of 250k.

What?

[freebeard]

A hatch will be added for access to "trunk".

I like this:

[doclees]

Originally Posted by freebeard

I like this:

Maybe not as big but yes much like that. Yes I was told they are bumping the delivery to be later than July but that could change.