Most Exciting Thing Since The Engine

[Gas-Powered Awesome]

I was getting ready to adjust my expected delivery date out again, but Elio has done a good job of communicating the progress on the E-series in the last few weeks.

Then this picture shows up this evening, and it's the most exciting thing I've seen since the engine video:

I'm usually a pessimist, but seeing three actual Elio chassis it genuinely exciting!

I'm pretty sure it's not a photochop.

 

[floydv]

Whoa! They're growing like weeds.

 

[Jeff Bowlsby]

That's a deep dark hole....my claustro wife will not be excited to ride back there...must....have...rear...window...

 

[Coss]

The E-Series Triplets!!
How cool is that.

That's a deep dark hole....my claustro wife will not be excited to ride back there...must....have...rear...window...View attachment 10639

I didn't notice this in the P5; look where the shoulder retractable seatbelt is mounted high behind the LR window. Don't know if I like it there; you would think it would be mounted lower and have an adjustable pivot point where it mounted now.

 

[Coss]

Let's just post the whole Momentum E-mail:

The First E-Series Nears Completion

Elio Motors Momentum v60


First E-Series Vehicle Progresses to Completion at Pilot Operations Center

Last week, we shared with you that the first E-Series vehicle was approaching completion. This week, the vehicle is so close to being done, you can almost smell the Turtle Wax.

As we come around the last turn and enter the final straight away in our race to complete the first testing vehicle, we find that the Elio’s body panels all have been installed and are being adjusted for fit and finish by our seasoned, eight-person team of assembly technicians. In this image, the rear wheel and tire are in place and the technician is checking to ensure that the body side panel is in its proper position in preparation for installing the wheel fairing surround. That’s the charcoal body panel that protects the rear suspension and will enhance aerodynamic flow.

This photo, taken from the rear, helps to drive home the aerodynamic styling of the Elio, which is designed to increase its ability to cut through the air at highway speeds and help the Elio achieve up to 84 mpg highway.

A rear view of the first Elio E-Series vehicle in final assembly.

As the interior comes together, all of the trim panels are being installed, including the driver’s right side panel (pictured here) along with the emergency brake assembly and trim. Note that the smooth finish of the trim, which is appropriate for the testing and validation of the E-Series engineering vehicles, is not the final commercial production graining which will be utilized for the consumer version of the Elio.

The driver’s right side panel, pictured with the emergency brake assembly and trim.

The rear seat and rear passenger compartment trim have been installed and reflect important attention to detail. The image below showcases two key customer features - note the arm rest on the trim panel and the strategically placed cupholder in the bottom left portion of the frame.

The Elio’s rear seat with right-side rear passenger compartment trim.

As we’ve mentioned previously, safety is one of Elio Motor’s four “Must Haves” in the vehicle. Pictured is the passenger’s seat belt and retractor, which are part of the Elio’s occupant restraint system that also includes three airbags, steel roll cage, ABS, and more.

The passenger’s seat belt and retractor, both part of the Elio’s occupant restraint system.

Here are the next three Elio E-Series vehicles, waiting their turn to be born at the Pilot Operations Center. In all, the plan is to produce 23 E-Series vehicles to allow suppliers to calibrate important systems that will enhance the safety, comfort, entertainment, and navigation of the Elio.

Three Elio E-Series vehicles, awaiting assembly at the Pilot Operations Center.

Next week, we’ll give you a look at the first E-Series vehicle as it’s ready to begin its life in testing with a major supplier to the Elio Motors program.

 

[WilliamH]

Notice they have the shifter moved. Don't know if it's automatic or stick, but there is a cup holder where the P5 shift was.

 

[Grumpy Cat]

I don't like that seat belt. Are there any manufacturers out there that doesn't have a flush seat belt on the B pillar?

 

[WilliamH]

I don't like that seat belt. Are there any manufacturers out there that doesn't have a flush seat belt on the B pillar?

I think the retractor you're talking about is the one on the "C" pillar.

 

[floydv]

That hole for the radio is definitely not a standard single-DIN format. Gonna have to take a closer look at that OEM radio and options.

 

[Gas-Powered Awesome]

That's a deep dark hole....my claustro wife will not be excited to ride back there...must....have...rear...window...

That picture is easy to misinterpret. The "hole" will be behind the passenger. Look at where the seat belt mount is. That's right at the rear edge of the window, and is going to be behind the passenger's head. The passenger's vision will be filled with windows (and the driver's head).