Elio ?
 

Been a while since I started a new thread and this looks like something that a lot of people have been wanting for quite some time.

I am not sure how viable it is as it does have limitations but I really like it. The concept alone is an interesting one.

Ultra High Mileage Car : Elio Motors

Thoughts???

Very neat little car- and surprisingly inexpensive- especially if it does earn the 5 star crash rating.

I would like to see a shot of the engine bay and know what company makes the engine and if it will be liquid cooled. I also wonder if it carries a spare tire.

The company's literature states it is liquid cooled.

I'll call basjoos first... but, uhh... good try?

From the website:
Power in Numbers: An inline, 3 cylinder, 1 liter, 70 HP, fuel-injected, DOHC gas-powered, liquid-cooled, automotive engine.

Seems a bit overpowered... basically the same power-plant as an original Insight.

15" wheels? I'll trade up for some 13" VXes please. :D

comes with windshield wipers and defrost standard!

When I saw that paragraph my first thought was "man they're really stretching here...that they're proud of THOSE features doesn't make it sound too impressive" but then I decided that they're probably going after markets where those things aren't standard, fringe motorcycle/golf cart stuff.

Also, is it my imagination or does that look a WHOLE lot like a Can Am with an enclosed cockpit? I guess that makes sense...same problem same solution, convergent evolution.

The first thing I thought of was a Can-Am Spyder too.

Thanks for the liquid cooled spec- I missed that.

One difference is that the can am rear is wheel drive with the driver straddling the engine. This vehicle is supposed to be front wheel drive- and it looks like the engine must be up front.

I bet cruise control is an expensive add on- but one that most people would really want.

If it wasn't for the DOHC cylinder head, one would wonder if they were "recycling" some 20 year old rebuilt 1.0 liter 3 cylinder geo metro xfi engines that had been hoarded over the years.... :lol:

Sounds like it might be the engine out of the Smart fortwo, made by Mitsubishi. I know Smart recommends premium, but it can run on regular.

A convergence of incentives and low loan rates means I'll be getting a Sonic by the end of the month. If that falls though, I'll consider reserving one. The HHR is at 125k miles, and the Sable is going to be 12 years old soon.

They are having their own motors built. They have updated the website showing who makes what parts. I sat in the 1st prototype car when it toured, it was a nice looking contraption at that time and it seems to have gotten better in the last 9 months.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messerschmitt_KR200 describes another three-wheeler from days of yore.