Manual Or Power Steering?

[goofyone]

I would say that if it's an update to the information that was previously presented there, then it's definitely a change in course. Perhaps they found a way to incorporate PS without compromising either fuel economy or cost. It it's true, I'm almost disappointed, because I was looking forward to re-visiting the manual 'positive steering' days of the 50's and 60's British sports cars.

I happen to own a Triumph Spitfire which does not have power steering. With a curb weight of 1750 lbs it is a fair bit heavier than the Elio will be yet it really has no need for power steering except for a little extra steering effort when the vehicle is completely stopped and even then I can turn the wheel lock to lock with one hand without issue.

 

[Ryan]

I happen to own a Triumph Spitfire which does not have power steering. With a curb weight of 1750 lbs it is a fair bit heavier than the Elio will be yet it really has no need for power steering except for a little extra steering effort when the vehicle is completely stopped and even then I can turn the wheel lock to lock with one hand without issue.

I have a pair of Corvairs, a little bit heavier (2400 lbs) but probably about the same weight on the front wheels (900 lbs) and my experience is the same - no PS, no need!
[Broken External Image]
I would guess that if Elio is adding PS, it will probably be a very small speed-sensitive electric unit.

 

[jtmarten]

Those are some sharp rides!

I agree there is probably no need for it, although a small assist means they can use a smaller diameter steering wheel. My '64 Falcon 'vert has manual steering and factory V8, and steering has never been an issue. Weight is listed at 2800lbs.

 

[bowers baldwin]

I think I got the lightest weigh-in, at 1515 lbs. with me in it..

and definitely no need for power anything here...

 

[H2odog]

I couldn't imagine a need, and figured that if Elio felt it was necessary it would already be in place.

 

[Ekh]

I posted on this elsewhere ... Elio is too light to need PS. Now if 20 years ago, power steering had been banned except for medical necessity, we'd have a whole fleet of MUCH lighter, simpler, and more fuel-efficient cars today.

 

[Joshua Caldwell]

I think I got the lightest weigh-in, at 1515 lbs. with me in it..
View attachment 904 and definitely no need for power anything here...

including in the engine

 

[KN16]

I posted on this elsewhere ... Elio is too light to need PS. Now if 20 years ago, power steering had been banned except for medical necessity, we'd have a whole fleet of MUCH lighter, simpler, and more fuel-efficient cars today.

Nope. Every time some idiot bans something for some idiotic reason everyone finds a way around it.

 

[Craig]

I think I got the lightest weigh-in, at 1515 lbs. with me in it..
View attachment 904 and definitely no need for power anything here...

This one may have you beat.

 

[Joshua Caldwell]

Wow, haven't seen anything like this since the parades in my home town where there were about 50 guys in funny hats driving these things & various other miniature cars/gocarts.