Photo: Elio Motors
Finally, we have some news from Elio Motors, the startup company that promised to build an affordable 84 mpg three-wheeler commuter. They just announced to unveil their new engine prototype next month, simply because they couldn’t find one on the market to tick all the boxes.
This means Elio Motors could so be the first automaker in 60 years to develop and build their own engine since Nash Motors in 1951. Smells like writing in the automotive history book here if they manage to do so.
"When you are on a monumental journey such as the launch of a new transportation company, sometimes you have to blaze your own trail," Elio said. "We looked at existing engines and couldn't find anything that met our needs. We challenged IAV to develop something from the ground up and they delivered. We believe this engine is the heart and soul of this vehicle."
On February 6th, 2015, Elio Motors said to unveil their new 0.9-liter three-cylinder engine prototype at a private event for investors, suppliers and media only in Plymouth, Michigan at engine developer IAV’s offices.
Apart from offering an envisioned 84 mpg (2.8 l/100 km) fuel consumption, the Elio three-wheeler will reach a top speed of over 100 mph (160 km/h) and reach 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 9.6 seconds.
Elio plans to offer the vehicle on multiple markets, so the US won’t be the only place where you could get one of these. It’s true that’s the first place where it will hit the shelves, but solo commuters will be able to order one in a few years or import it.
The company was founded by Paul Elio in 2008 and las year it managed to raise enough money to start setting up its first manufacturing site in Shreveport, Los Angeles. There’s still no word when we’ll see their creation in stores, but if all goes well with the engine prototype, the opportunity could come next year.
"When you are on a monumental journey such as the launch of a new transportation company, sometimes you have to blaze your own trail," Elio said. "We looked at existing engines and couldn't find anything that met our needs. We challenged IAV to develop something from the ground up and they delivered. We believe this engine is the heart and soul of this vehicle."
On February 6th, 2015, Elio Motors said to unveil their new 0.9-liter three-cylinder engine prototype at a private event for investors, suppliers and media only in Plymouth, Michigan at engine developer IAV’s offices.
3 cylinders for 3 wheels
The IAV team used a simple 3-cylinder architecture to which they added Elio-specific components, including the cylinder block, heads, cam cover, front cover, oil pan, camshaft, valvetrain, pistons, connecting rods, bearings and water pump to offer the required fuel economy and flexibility.Apart from offering an envisioned 84 mpg (2.8 l/100 km) fuel consumption, the Elio three-wheeler will reach a top speed of over 100 mph (160 km/h) and reach 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 9.6 seconds.
Elio plans to offer the vehicle on multiple markets, so the US won’t be the only place where you could get one of these. It’s true that’s the first place where it will hit the shelves, but solo commuters will be able to order one in a few years or import it.
The company was founded by Paul Elio in 2008 and las year it managed to raise enough money to start setting up its first manufacturing site in Shreveport, Los Angeles. There’s still no word when we’ll see their creation in stores, but if all goes well with the engine prototype, the opportunity could come next year.
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