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

You're good to go in MA.

There are only 4 or 5 states left that technically require a helmet with this vehicle, since its licensed as a motorcycle. They've managed to get exemptions in numerous states already.

 

There's a message on their Facebook page that someone posted that says it has a timing chain:
https://www.facebook.com/ElioMotors...comment_id=5903114&offset=0&total_comments=37

I haven't been able to figure out where that info came from but if I'm seeing it right in this video, it looks like a timing chain?

 

There are two active forums devoted to the Elio:
http://www.elioclub.org/forums/index.php
http://elio3wheel.com/vb/forum.php

 

Take a look at the engine video I just posted. Is that a timing chain on the overhead cam sprocket?

 

Sure does look like it.

 

Hard to believe that they can sell it for 7k!

Gary

 

I'm actually fairly interested in this thing, if it can handle snow.
Love to see one in Olive Drab with a shark grill- "Flying Tigers" sorta thing.

 

One of the after market tuners has already looked at the motor specs and done a computer simulation that shows that with a 10psi turbo boost and 89 octane gas he could get peak HP into the 140 area. That would be fun. I'd give up 25 mpg for a 0-60 time in the 6 second range and still net 60mpg on the highway

 

I'm even more interested now. If it was quick enough to avoid a problem, get out of the way of "something", that's a bonus.

 

Mattracks up front, a ski in the rear. Ooooh....

 

No worse than any light weight front wheel drive car. I think with studded snow tires it would do just as well as most subcompact front wheel drive passenger cars with all season radials on snow and ice. Without aggressive snow tires I agree, it probably wouldn't go far. Manufacturer is claiming it will do fine in all season driving.

 

I've seen that paint scheme suggested already.

I've been following the development of this vehicle for about a year and a half. I'd buy it right now if it was on the market.

 

They have a real novel business plan and financing option too:

Payment Options: This is the Coupe de Gras. Along with the traditional methods of paying for vehicles, we wanted to add something else unique; a credit card payment plan. It will allow you to drive off with your new Elio with no money down. You simply sign an agreement to use the Elio credit card for all of your gas purchases. We, in turn, charge your credit card three times the amount of the fuel (most likely less than what you were paying for fuel on your existing vehicle). The simplicity is the difference. Two-thirds of the bill is your car payment the remaining third of the bill is the original fuel cost.

Let’s give an example: You put $50 worth of fuel in your new Elio. Your credit card will be billed for three times the amount, or $150 due in full. The breakdown is simple; two-thirds ($100) is the Elio payment, one-third ($50) is the fuel. Details on minimums and the like are being worked out with several banking institutions, but the reality is simple. Drive off with a new Elio for no money down and pay for it with the massive fuel savings you have over your existing vehicle!​