Boston, Ma P5

[Jambe]

I believe the statement on the rear view mirrors is in error. Tesla and several other manufacturers are trying to get the regulation changed but no joy yet.

Cars vs motorcycles...?
Remember the Elio is a motorcycle which doesn't necessarily fall under car regulations. Or maybe in this case it does. Who knows?

 

[HonestTex]

I believe it's all spelled out in SB685 (autocycle safety act).

 

[HonestTex]

(4) complies with the motor vehicle safety standards for motorcycles, as set forth in Part 571 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, relating to—

“(A) brake hoses (FMVSS 106);

“(B) lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment (FMVSS 108);

“(C) rearview mirrors (FMVSS 111);

“(D) motor vehicle brake fluids (FMVSS 116);

“(E) new pneumatic tires (FMVSS 119);

“(F) tire selection and rims (FMVSS 120);

“(G) motorcycle brake systems (FMVSS 122);

“(H) motorcycle controls and displays (FMVSS 123); and

“(I) glazing materials (FMVSS 205).

 

[Grumpy Cat]

Just got back from viewing the P5, and some of what I picked up comparing to the P4 which I saw previously:

Was told the P4 had a CDA of .271, the P5 is .261 and the goal is.248.
The roll, pitch, & yaw is the same as a BMW 3 series or Honda Civic
They aren't sure what they are going to offer, but the bulb size is standard, so could be switched with halogen or LED
Will be using a generic version of OBD2
Wasn't sure if the Viper steering wheel was going to be leather covered or not
Might have a plastic refill without removing, gas cap, not the one on the P5
Was told the production outside mirrors would probably be the same width, but not as tall, and that cameras instead of rear view mirrors were legal and more aerodynamic, but too expensive
E series testing to begin end of this month or beginning of July
P5 is 450-500 lbs. overweight largely due the fiberglass body which is also thicker than the production skin will be due to it being easier to work with on a prototype. Also the partial unibody is lighter & stronger
Not sure if the floor pan is going to be metal or composite
They aren't releasing the sound of the exhaust because the exhaust system hasn't been finalized, and the P5 doesn't have all the sound deadening material in it
The exhaust bulge will remain because they don't want to take away from interior space
They have driven the Elio and had no issue with side wind stability. In fact they had a race car driver in the snow video try to hang the tail out, and was only able to do it by using the parking brake
They are aiming for a more comfortable ride, but Rousch may offer a sportier version
I measured the trunk with the rear seat down & my 62" snowboard and tele skis will just fit, but my longer x/c skis will have go on right side of the seat towards the shifter
They are close to the 84 MPG and actually meet it when they block off the front grill. They may go with a partial pan under the front nose
They have most of the molds for the body panels, and the molds are designed to be changeable if they need to make changes
The engine block is going to be supplied by others, but Shreveport has all the robots needed to machine the engine there. The man who shut the plant down, is working for Elio, and knows everything about setting it back up
They are still selling excess machinery
The seats in the P5 are the same as the P4
They are going to offer some sort of lockable pin or mechanism, but not sure what yet
They have gotten the tire, stereo and other manufacturers to agree to make their products in plants they have here, or to at least assemble them here
There are going to be power pick up points built in all around the car, not just the roof rails to allow for any needs not even thought of
A bicycle rack will probably attach to the frame on the right side
They are still looking at options for a panoramic roof, probably replace the whole roof panel with glass, from the front to the trunk
Each version of the Elio just gets better

Rear view mirrors? I think you mean side view mirrors.

/picks nits

 

[Darrellh]

For the hood, I bet. They are still deciding on pins or a latch.

Yes, I meant to say for the hood.

 

[Darrellh]

Rear view mirrors? I think you mean side view mirrors.

/picks nits

Yes, I was referring to the side view mirrors, which I also believed are required by law. Two Elio reps were quite insistent that they weren't legally required.

 

[Darrellh]

My Insight G1 also has a Cd of .25, I see no reason why the Elio can't get lower.
Any info about an aero-panel?

I thought they were using a "Chevy" steering wheel.

That was recently changed to a Viper wheel with a flat bottom portion in Elio's last email.

 

[HonestTex]

Rear view mirrors? I think you mean side view mirrors.

/picks nits

They're only mounted on the side, the view is still to the rear

 

[Grumpy Cat]

They're only mounted on the side, the view is still to the rear

Uhhh....

https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=side+view+mirror

https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=rear+view+mirror

 

[Coss]

The drag by side view mirrors is very common; back in the late 70's/early 80's they were aero testing the Dodge vans (brick on 4 wheels) and they found they can make the biggest improvement to the aero drag was by removing the side mirrors.
They "dirty" the air down the sides of the vehicle which disrupts the smooth flow that the sides need.