Tech Talk: Your Top Questions Answered

[Cali Chris]

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[Cali Chris]

Here is this weeks Tech Talk:

Elio Motors Tech Talk v9
View this email in your browser

The Most Frequently Asked Preview Tour Questions Answered

As the Elio Motors 2014 Preview Tour across the United States is now in full swing, we wanted to respond to the most popular list of questions the Tour Team is asked on a regular basis. And although the majority of general questions can be answered by visiting eliomotors.com, the ones below prove to be a bit more specific, intriguing, and even…quite unexpected.

Driving Performance

How does the Elio handle?
Chances are that the Elio handles just like or better than the vehicle you currently drive. Because of the low center of gravity (CG) that is inherent in the design, the Elio is consistent with traditional four-wheel vehicles on the road. Only difference is the Elio is much more exciting to drive. Click here for a video of P3.

Is it rear wheel drive?
No, it is a front wheel drive (FWD) vehicle. We chose to go FWD to have better handling characteristics in all weather conditions, including snow. Front wheel drive has a huge advantage over rear wheel drive especially on a reverse “trike” configuration. This is because pulling the vehicle from the “base” of the triangle is much more stable than others who push the vehicle from the single “point” of the vehicle. Imagine a string attached to the base of the vehicle “pulling” the vehicle around corners. Now imagine pushing the same vehicle with your finger behind the rear wheel. The vehicles rear wheel will always try and lead the two front wheels, making the configuration much less stable.

How easy is it to tip/roll over?
This is a very stable ride vehicle given the Elio has the same front track as seen in many vehicles on the road today. The wide front wheelbase (110” from center of front wheels to center of rear wheel), the wide front wheel track (66.8” center rim to center rim) and its overall length (160.5″) share similar measurements found in traditional four-wheel vehicles. Because of this, we have engineered a very high lateral “g-force” capability in the Elio. In fact the lateral “g’s” exceed many other “performance” vehicles on the road today.

Can I safely merge onto the freeway?
Yes. This is accomplished easily in your Elio due to the over 55 foot pounds of torque that powers the vehicle and its ability to get from 45mph – 70mph much quicker than “economy minded” vehicles on our roads today. This was a major consideration in the design knowing that owning an ultra-high mileage vehicle will most likely mean a lot of interstate road trips requiring our Elio owners to be merging on and off the freeways safely.

Does it blow around on the highway when trucks pass it?
The high MPG achieved in the Elio is due, in large part, to its amazing aerodynamics. What aerodynamics do for us is manage the air around the vehicle. This same ability to “slice” through the air is what helps the Elio to remain stable in most high wind situations, including large vehicles passing by. Will there be buffeting of the vehicle? Yes. Will it affect its stability? The Elio will remain stable.

How does it do in the snow?
Elio has great traction action which enables it to handle nicely in the snow. Additionally, its physical makeup of the front engine design placing the majority of the weight over the front two tires, front wheel drive, traction control, stability control, ABS and a low center of gravity, all help its driving performance in such weather conditions.

What is the ground clearance?
Ground clearance is 5.75" which is consistent with other vehicles on the road such as the Toyota Corolla, the Honda Accord EX and even the Mercedes S550.


Exterior
What is the length and width and how does that compare to other vehicles on the road?
The width of the front two tires is 66.8” and is the same width as the Ford Taurus. As for the overall length, it is 160.5” similar to the Honda Accord.

Why only one door?
It often takes a bit to realize this is in fact the case given we are accustomed to always having at least two functional doors. However, only one door is needed in the Elio since the occupant seats are tandem. More importantly, it is also a benefit from a safety standpoint. One door allows us to have three full sides that are continuous reinforced steel roll cage.

Why is the gas fill on the curbside?
Every little detail is evaluated to ensure we are producing the best quality vehicle within the $6800 price tag. In doing so, it was realized that to route the gas tank on the right side of the vehicle versus the left provided additional efficiencies (i.e., cost savings) due to the overall design of the vehicle.

How easy is it to remove the fenders?
Very simple. All it requires is that you remove a few bolts, four to be exact, and the fenders are easily lifted off.


Why no window in the back and why no rear view mirror?
In a typical four-wheel vehicle, the driver is able to see between the rows of seats. The Elio on the other hand has tandem seating — one seat in the front and one seat in the back. Therefore, the headrest has to be high enough to accommodate safety restraints. This in effect makes the rear glass obsolete as imagine sitting in your current vehicle and lowering the sun visor. What do you see? Due to the position of the vanity mirror being where our “rear view mirror” would typically be, all you would see is your own smiling face.


Interior

How many does the Elio seat?
The Elio seats two occupants tandem — driver and back seat passenger. To ensure the comfort and safety of both occupants, the interior was designed to comfortably accommodate a 6’ 2”, 220 lb person (minimum) by providing plenty of legroom and headroom for those daily commutes and road trips.

Are the back windows functional?
No. The design is such that the front power windows are expansive to provide adequate airflow for when a passenger is present. Similar to most coupes.


How do you get in the back seat?
The driver seat easily slides and folds forward in one motion for easy entry and exit. This is just one example of the many surprises people find when experiencing the Elio in person. The spaciousness of entry to the roomy backseat is quite deceiving when viewing the vehicle from the outside.

Caring for your Elio

How easy is it to change the tire?
Easy if you know how to change one. Simply remove the front fenders off of the vehicle by removing the four bolts, and follow the same steps you would with any other vehicle. The rear wheel will have an opening/removable panel for access to the rear tire and suspension components.

Does it come with a spare?
Similar to most new vehicles on the market today, the Elio will not come with a spare tire. A charged can of tire sealant will be included with your Elio to assist in getting you safely to the nearest tire repair facility.

How often between oil changes?
We recommend that the oil is changed every three months or 3,000 miles to keep your Elio running as good as new.

How does it get towed?
Like any other vehicle, a tow truck would place the vehicle on a flat bed or would lift up the front two tires and drag the rear tire.

How does it get serviced in a service bay?
Like any other vehicle, the Elio would be lifted into the air by attaching a two-arm lift, which are traditional in most repair facilities.


And, just in case you are wondering…

Does it float?
The Elio can do a great many of things. Floating is not one of them.

Can my dog fit?
If your dog fits within the range for which the interior space was designed to accommodate (6’ 2” and 220 pound person), your best friend will most definitely be going for many more rides.

So, how do you back up in the Elio?
You put it in reverse just like any other vehicle.

Is this for real?
Yes, yes it is.


Copyright © 2014 Elio Motors, All rights reserved.
You signed up to receive updates from Elio Motors where you filled out a form including your name and email address!

Our mailing address is:
Elio Motors
2942 North 24th Street
Suite 114-700
Phoenix, AZ 85016

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[Jim H]

Great information that fills in many of the "knowledge" gaps. Thanks.

 

[raybonz]

LOL I asked some of those questions..

 

[jetpack54]

Here is this weeks Tech Talk:

Elio Motors Tech Talk v9
View this email in your browser

The Most Frequently Asked Preview Tour Questions Answered

As the Elio Motors 2014 Preview Tour across the United States is now in full swing, we wanted to respond to the most popular list of questions the Tour Team is asked on a regular basis. And although the majority of general questions can be answered by visiting eliomotors.com, the ones below prove to be a bit more specific, intriguing, and even…quite unexpected.

Driving Performance

How does the Elio handle?
Chances are that the Elio handles just like or better than the vehicle you currently drive. Because of the low center of gravity (CG) that is inherent in the design, the Elio is consistent with traditional four-wheel vehicles on the road. Only difference is the Elio is much more exciting to drive. Click here for a video of P3.

Is it rear wheel drive?
No, it is a front wheel drive (FWD) vehicle. We chose to go FWD to have better handling characteristics in all weather conditions, including snow. Front wheel drive has a huge advantage over rear wheel drive especially on a reverse “trike” configuration. This is because pulling the vehicle from the “base” of the triangle is much more stable than others who push the vehicle from the single “point” of the vehicle. Imagine a string attached to the base of the vehicle “pulling” the vehicle around corners. Now imagine pushing the same vehicle with your finger behind the rear wheel. The vehicles rear wheel will always try and lead the two front wheels, making the configuration much less stable.

How easy is it to tip/roll over?
This is a very stable ride vehicle given the Elio has the same front track as seen in many vehicles on the road today. The wide front wheelbase (110” from center of front wheels to center of rear wheel), the wide front wheel track (66.8” center rim to center rim) and its overall length (160.5″) share similar measurements found in traditional four-wheel vehicles. Because of this, we have engineered a very high lateral “g-force” capability in the Elio. In fact the lateral “g’s” exceed many other “performance” vehicles on the road today.

Can I safely merge onto the freeway?
Yes. This is accomplished easily in your Elio due to the over 55 foot pounds of torque that powers the vehicle and its ability to get from 45mph – 70mph much quicker than “economy minded” vehicles on our roads today. This was a major consideration in the design knowing that owning an ultra-high mileage vehicle will most likely mean a lot of interstate road trips requiring our Elio owners to be merging on and off the freeways safely.

Does it blow around on the highway when trucks pass it?
The high MPG achieved in the Elio is due, in large part, to its amazing aerodynamics. What aerodynamics do for us is manage the air around the vehicle. This same ability to “slice” through the air is what helps the Elio to remain stable in most high wind situations, including large vehicles passing by. Will there be buffeting of the vehicle? Yes. Will it affect its stability? The Elio will remain stable.

How does it do in the snow?
Elio has great traction action which enables it to handle nicely in the snow. Additionally, its physical makeup of the front engine design placing the majority of the weight over the front two tires, front wheel drive, traction control, stability control, ABS and a low center of gravity, all help its driving performance in such weather conditions.

What is the ground clearance?
Ground clearance is 5.75" which is consistent with other vehicles on the road such as the Toyota Corolla, the Honda Accord EX and even the Mercedes S550.


Exterior
What is the length and width and how does that compare to other vehicles on the road?
The width of the front two tires is 66.8” and is the same width as the Ford Taurus. As for the overall length, it is 160.5” similar to the Honda Accord.

Why only one door?
It often takes a bit to realize this is in fact the case given we are accustomed to always having at least two functional doors. However, only one door is needed in the Elio since the occupant seats are tandem. More importantly, it is also a benefit from a safety standpoint. One door allows us to have three full sides that are continuous reinforced steel roll cage.

Why is the gas fill on the curbside?
Every little detail is evaluated to ensure we are producing the best quality vehicle within the $6800 price tag. In doing so, it was realized that to route the gas tank on the right side of the vehicle versus the left provided additional efficiencies (i.e., cost savings) due to the overall design of the vehicle.

How easy is it to remove the fenders?
Very simple. All it requires is that you remove a few bolts, four to be exact, and the fenders are easily lifted off.


Why no window in the back and why no rear view mirror?
In a typical four-wheel vehicle, the driver is able to see between the rows of seats. The Elio on the other hand has tandem seating — one seat in the front and one seat in the back. Therefore, the headrest has to be high enough to accommodate safety restraints. This in effect makes the rear glass obsolete as imagine sitting in your current vehicle and lowering the sun visor. What do you see? Due to the position of the vanity mirror being where our “rear view mirror” would typically be, all you would see is your own smiling face.


Interior

How many does the Elio seat?
The Elio seats two occupants tandem — driver and back seat passenger. To ensure the comfort and safety of both occupants, the interior was designed to comfortably accommodate a 6’ 2”, 220 lb person (minimum) by providing plenty of legroom and headroom for those daily commutes and road trips.

Are the back windows functional?
No. The design is such that the front power windows are expansive to provide adequate airflow for when a passenger is present. Similar to most coupes.


How do you get in the back seat?
The driver seat easily slides and folds forward in one motion for easy entry and exit. This is just one example of the many surprises people find when experiencing the Elio in person. The spaciousness of entry to the roomy backseat is quite deceiving when viewing the vehicle from the outside.

Caring for your Elio

How easy is it to change the tire?
Easy if you know how to change one. Simply remove the front fenders off of the vehicle by removing the four bolts, and follow the same steps you would with any other vehicle. The rear wheel will have an opening/removable panel for access to the rear tire and suspension components.

Does it come with a spare?
Similar to most new vehicles on the market today, the Elio will not come with a spare tire. A charged can of tire sealant will be included with your Elio to assist in getting you safely to the nearest tire repair facility.

How often between oil changes?
We recommend that the oil is changed every three months or 3,000 miles to keep your Elio running as good as new.

How does it get towed?
Like any other vehicle, a tow truck would place the vehicle on a flat bed or would lift up the front two tires and drag the rear tire.

How does it get serviced in a service bay?
Like any other vehicle, the Elio would be lifted into the air by attaching a two-arm lift, which are traditional in most repair facilities.


And, just in case you are wondering…

Does it float?
The Elio can do a great many of things. Floating is not one of them.

Can my dog fit?
If your dog fits within the range for which the interior space was designed to accommodate (6’ 2” and 220 pound person), your best friend will most definitely be going for many more rides.

So, how do you back up in the Elio?
You put it in reverse just like any other vehicle.

Is this for real?
Yes, yes it is.


Copyright © 2014 Elio Motors, All rights reserved.
You signed up to receive updates from Elio Motors where you filled out a form including your name and email address!

Our mailing address is:
Elio Motors
2942 North 24th Street
Suite 114-700
Phoenix, AZ 85016

Add us to your address book


unsubscribe from this list

update subscription preferences





Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

My faith has been renewed!!!

 

[jetpack54]

That official statements from EM did calm the nerves and cleared up some confusions and or misconceptions about this trike. Then again a word of caution that these are mostly simulations with + - margin of error. Until EM verify all this on real world testing comes June then I would really see a big jump on orders. Also, it'll be nice if EM update us on the 20+ prototypes that they're suppose to build in preparation for the crash testing whenever that maybe. It should be done even before the first one roll off the assembly line to confirm if they meet the 5 star crash rating. Again some don't even care about it but it'll sell much faster if it did.

 

[raybonz]

That official statements from EM did calm the nerves and cleared up some confusions and or misconceptions about this trike. Then again a word of caution that these are mostly simulations with + - margin of error. Until EM verify all this on real world testing comes June then I would really see a big jump on orders. Also, it'll be nice if EM update us on the 20+ prototypes that they're suppose to build in preparation for the crash testing whenever that maybe. It should be done even before the first one roll off the assembly line to confirm if they meet the 5 star crash rating. Again some don't even care about it but it'll sell much faster if it did.

I believe the cars aren't crash tested until after production begins and taken randomly off production line.. Maybe I am wrong about this?

Ray

 

[Cali Chris]

They will produce roughly twenty with the near final prototype and pay an outside company to independently conduct crash tests. That way post production, random crash tests will have results that they anticipated. This will not occur till after June because they will need the IAV engine and drivetrain to get accurate results.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[RogWild]

I believe the cars aren't crash tested until after production begins and taken randomly off production line.. Maybe I am wrong about this?

Ray

'raybonz', that is the normal NHTSA method for 'certifying' automobiles, Elio Motors said that they will submit (not sure to 'who') some 'prototypes' for crash testing BEFORE production..... to validate their computer simulations. Then testing for 'certification' will take place AFTER production (probably about 6 months) from 'random' vehicles from 'Dealer's lots'. Not sure how this will happen with the Elio's Reservation system.

 

[jetpack54]

I believe the cars aren't crash tested until after production begins and taken randomly off production line.. Maybe I am wrong about this?

Ray

They will produce roughly twenty with the near final prototype and pay an outside company to independently conduct crash tests. That way post production, random crash tests will have results that they anticipated. This will not occur till after June because they will need the IAV engine and drivetrain to get accurate results.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I can wait that long!