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

[freebeard]

HydroJim -- It all comes down to the bolt pattern around flywheel. Worst case you use an adapter plate. It's got to be available as a crate engine if there is a viable service model.

My reading of the videos popping up like mushrooms on Youtube is that a massive order that goes straight out through Shreveport to the Panama canal to Eastern Asia will solidify Elios financial position. Why not, it worked for Japan in the '70s.

Old Tele man -- I saw that and thought 'log manifold'. Am I right?

edit: module-->model

[NeilBlanchard]

I don't think they are building their own engine in the production version. The Metro engine is for the prototype only; I'm fairly sure. The front suspension looks revised from earlier prototypes.

[HydroJim]

most exterior changes that you see were for aerodynamic changes.

-Headlights now mounted flush with body
-pushrod suspension instead of exterior mounted shocks
-aerodynamic wheel pontoons instead of draggy fenders

I think they're doing a good job regarding customer feedback and I hope they end up putting out a quality product.

Their engine, designed by IAV, is a .88 Liter, 55 Horsepower, 3 cylinder that is designed very similarly to the Suzuki G10 engine. whether the engines share any parts is all speculation at this point.

I foresee some legal troubles in certain states regarding this vehicle's status. If they can maintain motorcycle status, then they can certainly afford to produce these vehicles with a base price of $7,000. If it is labeled as a car, I believe the company will be doomed.

[doclees]

Originally Posted by HydroJim

I foresee some legal troubles in certain states regarding this vehicle's status. If they can maintain motorcycle status, then they can certainly afford to produce these vehicles with a base price of $7,000. If it is labeled as a car, I believe the company will be doomed.

The company web site has a PDF link showing helmet laws for some states which is different than that of consumer reports 2013 listings. So I am assuming they are holding motorcycle status in all states as of this time with some states granting special status regarding helmets. This suggests that some states will still require the use of a helmet while enclosed in the Elio. Given the MPGs this should get I will be able to drive around those states.

Although the web site says 4th quarter 2014 production the most current press release said 2015. I have emailed the company for clarification.

Oh I think I see where the new headlights are going. Looks like they may be integral to the hood.

[DIMS]

$7,000 84-mpg Elio car moves forward with new production plant

[Xist]

I did not see this on here:

Gas 2 | What is the future of fuel? What's new? What's next? Since 2007, Gas 2 has covered a rapidly changing world coming to terms with its oil addiction.

They expect their workers to assemble vehicles in five hours, for $34 an hour.
They expect to sell 250,000 vehicles per year, but with 120 stores, and five employees per store, each costing $67,500 in salary and benefits. This math is mine: If they work nine-hour days, you would only have two or three working at any given time, without a service department or support staff.
They would need to sell 174 trikes per dealership per month, almost six a day, with only two or three employees working at a time.

[Frank Lee]

Math has no place in this. Rah Rah Future Imaginary Trike!

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Arragonis

Actually the only eco car company I can think of working is Axiam but they have keyed into a market in the EU - people under 18 area allowed to drive them.

I have already seen some pictures of those micro cars, known in Portugal as "qualified quadricycles". They look decently-built, with an interior space comparable to an early Ford Ka, but the speed limitation is what makes them not so practical for some folks who would rather need a vehicle with better all-around performance.

This company used to be quite large, but failed in the 1970s.

I like those British post-war tricycles

[doclees]

This ought to be good for 10k units in Malibu alone. With current unemployment rates and new car sales falling hard for younger drivers, I'm ready to take that wager this does go into production. I'll take the point spread between $6,800 and $10k though.

the real question is how many of us will buy one at $6,800? I'd be in for a least one if not two.

[UltArc]

Originally Posted by doclees

Attachment 14394

This ought to be good for 10k units in Malibu alone. With current unemployment rates and new car sales falling hard for younger drivers, I'm ready to take that wager this does go into production. I'll take the point spread between $6,800 and $10k though.

the real question is how many of us will buy one at $6,800? I'd be in for a least one if not two.

If I didn't have an Insight, I'd be in for it. But for what one gets for half the price- I don't know :/

I'd love for it to come to be, but it does seem unlikely to work out.