Future Elio Models

[Ekh]

We do keep trying to turn the Elio into everything it is not!

 

[larryboy]

Yes, but less than the benefit of tapering to the rear, provided you haven't developed turbulent air or vortexes. Nothing aerodynamic is simple.

A more flat rear would be less actual area facing upward, but for the extra square area (in2) more area for low pressure to operate on.

The goal of an aero-form is to have the lowest pressure for forward facing areas, higher pressure for rearward facing areas, up and sideways as ambient-neutral as possible. i.e everything as ambient-neutral as possible, you can look at it that way.

If Elio produced a model with an enlarged rear end it would probably do little damage to the in town mileage and probably not bring the highway miles down below the 75 mpg figure. That would make it a much better delivery vehicle and those that wanted extra space for road trips could have it. I understand Elios desire to have as few models as possible to save money so how about making the wide body Elio just in white with the auto transmission to start. This would raise the number of models to be stocked from 14 to 15. That cannot be a deal breaker. The white sides would be good places for a sign, logo or wrap and if it sold well other colors and the manual transmission options could be added. Configure the back so it could be sealed off from the front, insulated, and either heated or cooled depending on if Dominos or Jimmy Johns wanted to use it as a delivery vehicle. Those who wanted to try to travel with another person could have a rear seat and space on either side of the passenger for sleeping bags. Tent and cooler and other camping equipment in the "trunk". Get a good divorce lawyer on speed dial and you are all set

 

[JEBar]

If Elio produced a model with an enlarged rear end it would probably do little damage to the in town mileage and probably not bring the highway miles down below the 75 mpg figure. That would make it a much better delivery vehicle and those that wanted extra space for road trips could have it. I understand Elios desire to have as few models as possible to save money so how about making the wide body Elio just in white with the auto transmission to start. This would raise the number of models to be stocked from 14 to 15. That cannot be a deal breaker. The white sides would be good places for a sign, logo or wrap and if it sold well other colors and the manual transmission options could be added. Configure the back so it could be sealed off from the front, insulated, and either heated or cooled depending on if Dominos or Jimmy Johns wanted to use it as a delivery vehicle. Those who wanted to try to travel with another person could have a rear seat and space on either side of the passenger for sleeping bags. Tent and cooler and other camping equipment in the "trunk". Get a good divorce lawyer on speed dial and you are all set

the key word is future .... for the present the reality is, they can't consider such changes .... they have to go into production with the plans they have in house .... down the road, such changes are possible and if they see a substantial market they would be likely .... there is more to enlarging the rear than changing the shape of the truck lid .... they would have to look at suspension and frame upgrades along with possible ones to the drive train and tire/rim .... their total focus is refining the P5 so as to take it into production and that has to be the case for now

 

[Coss]

the key word is future .... for the present the reality is, they can't consider such changes .... they have to go into production with the plans they have in house .... down the road, such changes are possible and if they see a substantial market they would be likely .... there is more to enlarging the rear than changing the shape of the truck lid .... they would have to look at suspension and frame upgrades along with possible ones to the drive train and tire/rim .... their total focus is refining the P5 so as to take it into production and that has to be the case for now

Another option is to leave the body mods to the aftermarket people. Just like they've done full and partial kits before to change the form and function; it can be done again with a good base vehicle.

 

[imageon]

I would like to see them be able to drop a turbo charger in if desired as the car goes down the assembly line. I think that was in the realm of possibility if I remember the turbo threads. Which said there was a place in the plant reserved for their construction and that the engine could facilitate the mounting of one.
MK

 

[JEBar]

I would like to see them be able to drop a turbo charger in if desired as the car goes down the assembly line. I think that was in the realm of possibility if I remember the turbo threads. Which said there was a place in the plant reserved for their construction and that the engine could facilitate the mounting of one.
MK

that is how I remember it as well .... a turbo is supposed to become an option at some point down the line and the trikes produced until then are supposed to be designed to accommodate a retrofit

 

[Coss]

that is how I remember it as well .... a turbo is supposed to become an option at some point down the line and the trikes produced until then are supposed to be designed to accommodate a retrofit

Just as I remember it also. Paul has stated that the first Elio is what it is, period. In future models they will have additional options when it comes to drivelines and engine performance (something like an Elio SS or an Elio TDI); but none of those changes will happen from the factory for the first edition.

 

[imageon]

So, I'd have to get it put on after I take delivery? But it should be able to be put on the "as is" (first run) Elios?
MK

 

[Coss]

So, I'd have to get it put on after I take delivery? But it should be able to be put on the "as is" (first run) Elios?
MK

You would be able to fit it to your Gen 1 after it comes out and not void the warranty.
If you use something other than the factory unit, you're on your own.

 

[John Painter]

If Elio produced a model with an enlarged rear end it would probably do little damage to the in town mileage and probably not bring the highway miles down below the 75 mpg figure. That would make it a much better delivery vehicle and those that wanted extra space for road trips could have it. I understand Elios desire to have as few models as possible to save money so how about making the wide body Elio just in white with the auto transmission to start. This would raise the number of models to be stocked from 14 to 15. That cannot be a deal breaker. The white sides would be good places for a sign, logo or wrap and if it sold well other colors and the manual transmission options could be added. Configure the back so it could be sealed off from the front, insulated, and either heated or cooled depending on if Dominos or Jimmy Johns wanted to use it as a delivery vehicle. Those who wanted to try to travel with another person could have a rear seat and space on either side of the passenger for sleeping bags. Tent and cooler and other camping equipment in the "trunk". Get a good divorce lawyer on speed dial and you are all set

Oh fiddle-faddle, if EM just put a 5th wheel hitch on the back it would solve all our problems.