Elio Motors unveils prototype 3-wheeler
09 May 2013
Startup Elio Motors unveiled its prototype 3-wheeler at a press event in Michigan. The car is powered by an inline, 3-cylinder, 1-liter, 70 hp (52 kW) gasoline fuel-injected, SOHC engine and has projected fuel economy of 84 mpg (2.8 l/100km) on the highway and 49 mpg (4.8 l/100 km) in the city.
The engine is mated to a 5-speed manual or automatic transmission. Top speed is in excess of 100 mph (161 km/h), and the 0-60 speed is under 9.6 seconds. Equipped with a 8-gallon (30-liter) fuel tank, the car has a range of around 672 miles (1,081 km). Projected price of the car is $6,800.
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| The 3-wheeler. Click to enlarge. |
Each Elio comes equipped with a Safety Management System that includes three airbags, a reinforced roll-cage frame, Anti-Lock Braking System, and 50% larger crush zones than similar vehicles. Preliminary safety tests on computer models anticipate a 5-Star safety rating.
Elio is planning to produce the car at a former GM plant in Shreveport, LA, if it can raise sufficient funds.
Seems to be a worthwhile asset for a very low price of $6,800.
This could become a useful fun vehicle for young drivers and all those who refuse to grow old?
It is probably very light to get such high mpg and strong acceleration with a 70 hp ICE?
Posted by: HarveyD | 09 May 2013 at 12:52 PM
Super commuter (but how do you see out the back??).
Posted by: Nick Lyons | 09 May 2013 at 01:59 PM
"Projected price of the car is $6,800." - looks safer than a motorcycle & 84 mpg is better.
Even if there's a rear-view camera, a lift hatch covering a "three grocery bag size" passenger could be useful.
Posted by: kelly | 09 May 2013 at 02:41 PM
They don't even mention what you'll save on tire replacement.
Posted by: Calgarygary | 09 May 2013 at 03:23 PM
It looks g a y.
Posted by: ejj | 09 May 2013 at 05:14 PM
This looks like what the "fly the road" (now Persu) was supposed to be, only this one's a tadpole configuration.
(I used to follow that site closely. After leaving in disgust after a redesign left the concept looking like a Harley trike, I'm happy to see that the current version is much cleaner and true to the original. But it's still not shipping.)
Posted by: Engineer-Poet | 09 May 2013 at 06:28 PM
I bet a reliable >60 mpg, $7,000 two seater could sell, esp. with youth.
The front wheel drive might handle well. Could be light enough that [a] wheel motor(s) and 1/2 a Leaf or C-MAX battery EV could get over 100 urban mile range.
Posted by: kelly | 09 May 2013 at 07:15 PM
What a cheap way to travel !
Posted by: Gumby | 12 May 2013 at 12:29 PM
Sounds a bit to good to be true. Show me the product, and they will come!
Posted by: william g irwin | 13 May 2013 at 03:31 PM
I've had a love of three wheeled cars ever since my grandfather let me drive his Morgan.
Posted by: ai_vin | 13 May 2013 at 07:04 PM