Hinged Rear Roof?

[maj]

With all the talk about safety and egress from the rear seat ("Space in the Hood" thread), I was wondering if it would be possible to make the trunk opening longer? Say, hinged just aft of the driver's door edge and extending aft to it's current location. Sure it would only be 14" wide but long enough for someone of size to twist sideways and get out in an emergency. It would have to swing up vertically and have the latches positioned where the back seat rider would be able to operate them. Also would need a way to operate from outside the vehicle in case the rider was unresponsive or unable to work the interior latches.

I know, it will cost more, increase weight, complexity, yadda yadda yadda. Maybe an aftermarket option? It would make access to the rear seat and trunk area a lot easier for sure.

 

[Trusting]

With all the talk about safety and egress from the rear seat ("Space in the Hood" thread), I was wondering if it would be possible to make the trunk opening longer? Say, hinged just aft of the driver's door edge and extending aft to it's current location. Sure it would only be 14" wide but long enough for someone of size to twist sideways and get out in an emergency. It would have to swing up vertically and have the latches positioned where the back seat rider would be able to operate them. Also would need a way to operate from outside the vehicle in case the rider was unresponsive or unable to work the interior latches.

I know, it will cost more, increase weight, complexity, yadda yadda yadda. Maybe an aftermarket option? It would make access to the rear seat and trunk area a lot easier for sure.

Your concern is understandable, I've also wondered about how you could get out if the car was crashed on it's left side and the door is blocked. You also hit on the main problem with a solution.... cost. Also, if the rear could be easily opened from the outside it would pave the way for thieves. I don't see a solution. Wish I did.

 

[wizard of ahs]

With all the talk about safety and egress from the rear seat ("Space in the Hood" thread), I was wondering if it would be possible to make the trunk opening longer? Say, hinged just aft of the driver's door edge and extending aft to it's current location. Sure it would only be 14" wide but long enough for someone of size to twist sideways and get out in an emergency. It would have to swing up vertically and have the latches positioned where the back seat rider would be able to operate them. Also would need a way to operate from outside the vehicle in case the rider was unresponsive or unable to work the interior latches.

I know, it will cost more, increase weight, complexity, yadda yadda yadda. Maybe an aftermarket option? It would make access to the rear seat and trunk area a lot easier for sure.

 

[floydv]

 

[Coss]

With all the talk about safety and egress from the rear seat ("Space in the Hood" thread), I was wondering if it would be possible to make the trunk opening longer? Say, hinged just aft of the driver's door edge and extending aft to it's current location. Sure it would only be 14" wide but long enough for someone of size to twist sideways and get out in an emergency. It would have to swing up vertically and have the latches positioned where the back seat rider would be able to operate them. Also would need a way to operate from outside the vehicle in case the rider was unresponsive or unable to work the interior latches.

I know, it will cost more, increase weight, complexity, yadda yadda yadda. Maybe an aftermarket option? It would make access to the rear seat and trunk area a lot easier for sure.

It would also remove that part of the frame that acts as a roll cage above the passenger.
You would have to rework the unibody frame; the roof panel; the inner frame area around the opening, and the hatch.
and didn't we just end a conversation like this because there are so many other threads on here about this?
If you use the SEARCH function, and type in rear hatch you'll come up with over 200 pages of headings that start back in 2013 till present.

 

[booboo]

The Elio is a 'Que Sera Sera' autocycle. I do not see the crash circumstance issue others do. There is are large windows on either side for both occupants.

 

[JEBar]

it is interesting to see concern for the safety of the rear seat passenger needing to exit the Elio in case of an accident.... the reality is, this area of concern is common to several lines of vehicles that have been produced in large numbers for decades .... as but one specific example, rear passanger(s) riding in a 2016 Camaro face exactly the same issue ..... as does every other similar line of vehicle on the market where they only have doors beside the front seat(s) and rear windows that don't open .... the fact is, an Elio has much more room for the rear passenger to move around in than rear seat passenger(s) have in my wife's Camaro .... if this is a major issue for a person, they should consider buying a vehicle that is designed differently

 

[booboo]

Agree with JEBar!
I would rather be in the back of an ELIO on its side than a 2016 Camaro. Much larger and accessible windows to escape from.
You san see very little space to escape. 2016-chevrolet-camaro-six-sports-car-mo-build-price-653x198-01.jpg (653×198)
You can see plenty of space to escape. 042914_ff_cars_640.jpg (640×360)

 

[wizard of ahs]

Agree with JEBar!
I would rather be in the back of an ELIO on its side than a 2016 Camaro. Much larger and accessible windows to escape from.
You san see very little space to escape. 2016-chevrolet-camaro-six-sports-car-mo-build-price-653x198-01.jpg (653×198)
You can see plenty of space to escape. 042914_ff_cars_640.jpg (640×360)

NUFF said

 

[Dooltd]

I also agree with JEBar.
Personally, I'm uncomfortable in the rear seat of any two door car.
The plan for my Elio is to mount one of those escape hammers somewhere in the rear seat area.