Future Elio Models

[TCBronson]

It is my opinion that manufacturers do not design and build a new model vehicle with all the bells a whistles initially. This gives them room for improvements and changes in the future. That is why there are mid cycle face lifts and minor improvements to justify a price increase and to entice buyers to trade in and upgrade to the latest version. Honda for example will offer a vehicle without a sunroof or powers drivers seat and then offer it a couple of years later. (Pilot and CR-V) There are a lot of good ideas on the forum with suggestions on what Elio could or should do and I think that Paul and his team are aware of many of these. But, to keep the first Elio's on target with their price point, they may wait and offer higher end versions of the Elio and add more content later on in the product cycle. OR a longer list of optional equipment that can be added on to the base model.

One concern that may occur is the longer the list of options, the more complicated and time consuming the installation process of these options could be at the marshaling facilities.

 

[Trusting]

For those who missed it.... Here's an idea to give the Elio much needed trunk space. First pic is the Elio with the enlarge trunk and below is the current design. Hope PE sees (and likes) this...

 

[Sethodine]

I think as the business grows, the capacity to produce other models and add other options would both improve.
First, new production lines could be opened up at the Shrevesport plant--as it is, Elio will only be using a fraction of the plant's capacity.
Secondly, greater demand can mean scaled-up marshalling centers that are capable of offering more models and more options. The centers themselves can be, essentially, distributed micro-production lines in their own right.

As for specific models, I'd love to see a single-seat "camper" option

 

[Rob Croson]

I don't know about anyone else, but I like it.

I wonder if the larger rear cross section would have much effect on overall aerodynamics. Having done a bit of reading on the Kammback, I think that this would create more drag, but I don't know enough about it to judge how much,

 

[NSTG8R]

You those who missed it.... Here's an idea to give the Elio much needed trunk space. First pic is the Elio with the enlarge trunk and below is the current design. Hope PE sees (and likes) this...

Nice! I'd buy that version!

 

[John Painter]

I don't know about anyone else, but I like it.

I wonder if the larger rear cross section would have much effect on overall aerodynamics. Having done a bit of reading on the Kammback, I think that this would create more drag, but I don't know enough about it to judge how much,

It would definitely create more drag. It may be possible to elongate the Elio, and in so doing increase the trunk size, somewhat counter intuitively longer vehicles have less air turbulence than shorter vehicles. I think that might be what EM would do, if anything, to get a bit more space in the trunk.

 

[AriLea]

It would definitely create more drag. It may be possible to elongate the Elio, and in so doing increase the trunk size, somewhat counter intuitively longer vehicles have less air turbulence than shorter vehicles. I think that might be what EM would do, if anything, to get a bit more space in the trunk.

You do have to keep in mind, this IS a three wheeler, at that point in the body is the worst place to put more load. It both lifts and moves the Center Of Gravity backward. In a reverse trike, you want added gross weight more forward, low and center. Unless a very light trailer is the option considered.

If a new Elio model had full fenders over the wheels, then trunk space could exist more forward, as it does in my Atlantric design. Mine does have entry and exit challenges, but there are ways to mitigate that issue. In my case the whole top is a clam-shell hatch, as it was for the Messerschmidt KR200.

 

[Sethodine]

If a new Elio model had full fenders over the wheels, then trunk space could exist more forward, as it does in my Atlantric design. Mine does have entry and exit challenges, but there are ways to mitigate that issue. In my case the whole top is a clam-shell hatch, as it was for the Messerschmidt KR200.

I was always fond of the Sterling roadster (VW kit car) method of opening. Slides forward while lifting up.

 

[Coss]

I was always fond of the Sterling roadster (VW kit car) method of opening. Slides forward while lifting up.

Can you see having a bunch of rain water on the roof, right before it tips up in the rear?
Those would be real "Bucket" seats

 

[Ekh]

I was always fond of the Sterling roadster (VW kit car) method of opening. Slides forward while lifting up.

And heaven help you the day your battery goes flat overnight and the hatch is closed! Life would get interesting at a toll booth, since the windows don't open. Horns blasting as the line builds up behind you ...