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84 mpg three wheel $7000 car made in USA due in 2015

Discussion in 'Everything Else (off topic)' started by BrianK, Jan 20, 2014.

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  1. BrianK

    BrianK

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    Anyone watching the development of Elio Motors? I've been following them a while. Here's the latest from their blog:
    New Elio Design is Here!
    Posted by eliomotors on January 18, 2014
    Posted in: Uncategorized. 2 comments
    It seems like just yesterday we were talking about building the new prototype but that was over 4 months ago. Today is the big day and, as promised, we have revealed our new vehicle to the world!

    Here are some pictures of P4 as the vehicle left Detroit for the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah.

    [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG]

    And here are some pictures from the reveal at Sundance. We are a big hit, again, a pattern is developing!

    [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG]

    Great lines. Cool interior. Say hello to Elio!

    We have updated pictures on the website also, click here. Stay tuned for more pictures as we start showing off this beautiful machine!
     
    BrianK, Jan 20, 2014
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  2. BrianK

    BrianK

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    0-60mph in 9 seconds, 100mph top speed. With 8 gallon tank it will go 640 miles between refills. Target price is $6800 and they are hoping to offer a no money down credit card type purchase plan. They will have regional sales locations and contract with a national chain of auto service centers for repairs and warranty work.

    I'm going to be starting a part time job that requires a hundred to 150 mile round trip several days a week. If this thing makes it to market it would pay for itself in fuel savings real quick in my case. My Expedition gets 18mpg on the highway , my Taurus gets 23.
     
    Last edited: Jan 21, 2014
    BrianK, Jan 21, 2014
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  3. Goose

    Goose

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    I think it looks amazing. I am contemplating a job right now that requires a 100 mile each way commute. This ride would save me an enormous amount of money.

    What concerns me is when I meet my daily driver (a Toyota Tundra) or yours on the road in an unfortunate accident.
     
    Goose, Jan 21, 2014
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  4. BrianK

    BrianK

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    They're anticipating a 5 star crash rating. The construction is essentially a big roll cage with body panels and 3 air bags. The only other thing I know of that's big enough to haul me at highway speeds and getting close to that kind of mileage is the Honda NC700 motorcycle and I know its safer than that. Plus with front wheel drive and the engine over the front tires it's supposed to do ok in bad weather too.

    Anything under four wheels is licensed as a motorcycle in the USA so they are exempt from auto safety regs. That's how they're keeping the weight at 900lbs. So far they have managed to get exemptions from helmet laws in all but 4 or 5 states and they expect to secure exemptions in the rest too.

    I'm seriously considering this vehicle for a commuter if they pull it off with the advertised price and mpg.
     
    Last edited: Jan 21, 2014
    BrianK, Jan 21, 2014
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  5. bogydave

    bogydave

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    Should to be great in the snow,
    all chained up . :)
     
    bogydave, Jan 21, 2014
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  6. BrianK

    BrianK

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    I'd probably hold onto my Expedition for anything more than snow flurries. Even with studded snow tires a 900lb car won't be much of a winter driving machine. But imagine what you could do with a hand break on that single back wheel in the snow?
     
    BrianK, Jan 21, 2014
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  7. the GOAT

    the GOAT Banned

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    That thing would bounce off of my f350 without me even feeling it -- think flea vs elephant. :)


    Does it have a rear passenger seat?
     
    the GOAT, Jan 21, 2014
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  8. BrianK

    BrianK

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    Yes, plus a small hatch:
    [​IMG] back seat.jpg
     
    Last edited: Jan 21, 2014
    BrianK, Jan 21, 2014
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  9. BrianK

    BrianK

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    They have some decent schematic explanations in this video about how they hope to achieve the 5 star safety ratings with crumple zones, race car style roll cage etc.
     
    BrianK, Jan 21, 2014
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  10. papadave

    papadave

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    Right where I want to be.
    Reminds me of the Can-Am 3 wheel vehicle/motorcycle, but with a cabin.
    Interesting commuter type vehicle.
    My wife would have a problem being in the back seat.;)
     
    papadave, Jan 21, 2014
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  11. BrianK

    BrianK

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    My brother has a Can Am Spyder, and I've put a few miles on it. Completely different animal, because the Can Am is rear wheel drive and you sit on it, not in it. This thing is front wheel drive so all the weight is on the drive wheels with a lower overall center of gravity.

    The geometry has a lot of potential. Think of pulling that little three cylinder engine and dropping a Hyabusa engine in there.
     
    Last edited: Jan 21, 2014
    BrianK, Jan 21, 2014
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  12. charlie

    charlie

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    It does remind me of the Can Am as well, my first thoughts when I saw the car..
     
    charlie, Jan 21, 2014
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  13. papadave

    papadave

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    Yeah, I'm aware they're completely different.
    I was only commenting that the look reminds me of the Spyder.
     
    papadave, Jan 21, 2014
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  14. charlie

    charlie

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    Reminds me of getting into a Super Cub plane..... How about a diesel,,, 120 mpg :eek:
     
    charlie, Jan 21, 2014
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  15. charlie

    charlie

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    For $6800 and 84 MPG, I think they'll be back ordered... Bet it's fun to drive as well..
     
    charlie, Jan 21, 2014
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  16. BrianK

    BrianK

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    :emb:
     
    BrianK, Jan 21, 2014
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  17. BrianK

    BrianK

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    They are taking deposits. According to their website:

    Number of current reservations: 7586
    (As of Jan 17, 2014)​
     
    BrianK, Jan 21, 2014
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  18. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

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    0-60 is a tick over 9 seconds. Prolly more fun downhill. :rofl: :lol:

    Interesting little buggy tho. Show me one that auto-drives while I nap and I'm in! :thumbs:
     
    MasterMech, Jan 21, 2014
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  19. raybonz

    raybonz Moderator

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    If they can make this so no helmet is required I will buy one! I drive 100 miles a day and this would be a perfect commuter car and cheap too! Love it!

    Ray
     
    raybonz, Jan 21, 2014
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  20. BrianK

    BrianK

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    I'm looking at subcompacts:

    2012 Nissan Versa 0-60: 9.4 sec., mid 30s HWY MPG, ~$15,000
    2014 Mitsubishi Mirage 1.2 5-Door 0-60 mph 11.5 sec., mid 40s HWY MPG ~$13,000
     
    Last edited: Jan 21, 2014
    BrianK, Jan 21, 2014
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