My Review And Thoughts After Seeing The P4

[Husker1]

Was the water bottle put in that location on purpose? Either way is allows the viewer the ability to understand the distance between the vehicle and the road with a common item familiar to all. Great pics.

That just happened to be there, but I'm glad it was as it's a good reference point.

 

[zelio]

So take it for what it's worth, but here are a few thoughts of mine after seeing the P4 in Colorado over Labor Day weekend.
Let me start first by stating that I am sharing my views after seeing a prototype vehicle. I'm in the transportation industry, so I understand prototypes are exactly what they are...an example of a product that has yet to be perfected and is not yet in production.
With that being said, I was able to overlook the imperfections and somewhat "cheap" looking fixtures that are on the car, and visualize the end result that we are all patiently waiting for.
Exterior :
Overall I was very impressed with the outside. One thing that surprised me was how short it really is. I think the specs say it's 54" tall but I didn't put a tape measure to it. I'm still not a big fan of the enclosed front fenders but they looked a lot better in person than in pictures. My concerns on them are: ease of removal; snow/ice buildup inside; road debri getting caught inside and would a blow out cause severe havoc. I didn't take a real close look at their mounts but a gentleman in line said it looked like there were 2 bolts on the inside to remove for tire access. The back tire which is a 185/60/15, looked really good tucked away. I asked about access for tire removal, and one of the team members stated that there was most likely going to be a lever inside the "trunk" that would release a latch when pulled and the wheel cover would then open like a "clamshell". I kind of have the same concerns for the back as I do the front, but it appeared there was more room inside the wheel well on the back. I don't have any experience with them, but I think run flat tires might be a good option for the Elio as there is no spare. The trunk door had a latch on the outside in order to open it. I didn't see a lock so I assume that is still on the drawing board. It had a prop rod which could get in the way when putting stuff in or out. I'd like to see the opening a few inches taller and I think a remote would be the best for opening and security. The hood opens to the front and is out of the way enough for you to do simple maintenance. I won't comment on the engine or the compartment it's in as that's all likely to change with the new engine. I thought the side view mirrors were a good size and looked good. Overall I think the body lines and window openings looked really good and everything flowed nicely together.
Interior:
Getting into both seat positions was actually a lot like getting into your average sub compact car. In the front seat I felt like I had plenty of room. Just like driving a normal car but having the same amount of room on the right side as you do the left. Just so you can compare I'm 5'10" and 190 lbs with a 32"-34" inseam and 36" waist. I had plenty of legroom, headspace and on my sides. I didn't belt in but the shoulder harnes seemed easily accessible. Reaching to the steering wheel and foot controls felt normal, but depending on where things are on the dash, I see that steering wheel controls would be very nice. I didn't notice that there was tilt or telescoping but the column probably isn't what is going to be the end product anyway. The side mirrors seemed to be placed in a good spot, but with all vehicles there are blind spots that a person has to get used to. The windshield opening gave a nice view and I could see the front fenders out the sides just fine. One thing I may consider is a see thru tinted visor for the windshield instead of the solid one currently installed. If your going from a big buick or caddy this will be a big change for you, but if your in a sub compact like me you will adjust easily. The current front seat was comfortable for the few minutes I was in it, but it's had several thousand butts in it so it's hard to tell exactly. The back seat was a little tighter. The sales team said there is going to be 2" more headroom in the production model and more padding on the seat. My knees were touching the back of the front seat, but I'm not sure what position it was in. The view out the side was fine but all you really saw straight ahead was the backrest. I could envision a tv screen in that with either a view from a camera out the front or even a view of the driver. Or just watch a movie. I could sit in the back on a road trip but would probably enjoy getting out every 100-150 miles to stretch. My wife said she felt fine and would have no problem sitting there for an extended drive.
As far as the car goes that's about all I have.
The sales team was very upbeat and informational. Jerome Vassallo who is the VP of sales was with them the day I was there and was very excited about the future of Elio and also had plenty of knowledge to pass onto all that asked. If I had to rate this prototype I would give it an 8+ on a 1-10 scale.
I hope this helps you out and I hope I didn't ramble too much. I wanted to give as detailed review as I could for those of you that don't have a chance to see it on the road tour. Pics to follow.

Excellent review. I like hearing from someone who actually knows what they are talking about. I loved the Elio but am not knowledgeable about a lot of the things you mentioned. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. :-) Z

 

[Dusty921]

Thanks Husker 1, the pics were great and worth a bunch of words and conjecture.

 

[Husker1]

Your welcome to all. I'm just happy to add my little piece to this huge knowledge bank that we have going on here.

 

[Jim H]

View attachment 2687 View attachment 2688 View attachment 2689

Husker, great report and exceptional pictures. particularly the one taken from the back seat. To my knowledge that is the first one to be posted on the forum. While the rear seat does not offer a direct view that the driver has I was pleased that so much could be seen looking forward through the driver's side windows. Good display of a very simple dash that most of us want. (Are you listening Elio?)

 

[JEBar]

Good display of a very simple dash that most of us want. (Are you listening Elio?)

nope .... they sure don't appear to be ..

Jim

 

[PJ]

Thanks great pics and the more I see that dash the better I like it.

 

[Jeff Porter]

So take it for what it's worth, but here are a few thoughts of mine after seeing the P4 in Colorado over Labor Day weekend.
Let me start first by stating that I am sharing my views after seeing a prototype vehicle. I'm in the transportation industry, so I understand prototypes are exactly what they are...an example of a product that has yet to be perfected and is not yet in production.
With that being said, I was able to overlook the imperfections and somewhat "cheap" looking fixtures that are on the car, and visualize the end result that we are all patiently waiting for.
Exterior :
Overall I was very impressed with the outside. One thing that surprised me was how short it really is. I think the specs say it's 54" tall but I didn't put a tape measure to it. I'm still not a big fan of the enclosed front fenders but they looked a lot better in person than in pictures. My concerns on them are: ease of removal; snow/ice buildup inside; road debri getting caught inside and would a blow out cause severe havoc. I didn't take a real close look at their mounts but a gentleman in line said it looked like there were 2 bolts on the inside to remove for tire access. The back tire which is a 185/60/15, looked really good tucked away. I asked about access for tire removal, and one of the team members stated that there was most likely going to be a lever inside the "trunk" that would release a latch when pulled and the wheel cover would then open like a "clamshell". I kind of have the same concerns for the back as I do the front, but it appeared there was more room inside the wheel well on the back. I don't have any experience with them, but I think run flat tires might be a good option for the Elio as there is no spare. The trunk door had a latch on the outside in order to open it. I didn't see a lock so I assume that is still on the drawing board. It had a prop rod which could get in the way when putting stuff in or out. I'd like to see the opening a few inches taller and I think a remote would be the best for opening and security. The hood opens to the front and is out of the way enough for you to do simple maintenance. I won't comment on the engine or the compartment it's in as that's all likely to change with the new engine. I thought the side view mirrors were a good size and looked good. Overall I think the body lines and window openings looked really good and everything flowed nicely together.
Interior:
Getting into both seat positions was actually a lot like getting into your average sub compact car. In the front seat I felt like I had plenty of room. Just like driving a normal car but having the same amount of room on the right side as you do the left. Just so you can compare I'm 5'10" and 190 lbs with a 32"-34" inseam and 36" waist. I had plenty of legroom, headspace and on my sides. I didn't belt in but the shoulder harnes seemed easily accessible. Reaching to the steering wheel and foot controls felt normal, but depending on where things are on the dash, I see that steering wheel controls would be very nice. I didn't notice that there was tilt or telescoping but the column probably isn't what is going to be the end product anyway. The side mirrors seemed to be placed in a good spot, but with all vehicles there are blind spots that a person has to get used to. The windshield opening gave a nice view and I could see the front fenders out the sides just fine. One thing I may consider is a see thru tinted visor for the windshield instead of the solid one currently installed. If your going from a big buick or caddy this will be a big change for you, but if your in a sub compact like me you will adjust easily. The current front seat was comfortable for the few minutes I was in it, but it's had several thousand butts in it so it's hard to tell exactly. The back seat was a little tighter. The sales team said there is going to be 2" more headroom in the production model and more padding on the seat. My knees were touching the back of the front seat, but I'm not sure what position it was in. The view out the side was fine but all you really saw straight ahead was the backrest. I could envision a tv screen in that with either a view from a camera out the front or even a view of the driver. Or just watch a movie. I could sit in the back on a road trip but would probably enjoy getting out every 100-150 miles to stretch. My wife said she felt fine and would have no problem sitting there for an extended drive.
As far as the car goes that's about all I have.
The sales team was very upbeat and informational. Jerome Vassallo who is the VP of sales was with them the day I was there and was very excited about the future of Elio and also had plenty of knowledge to pass onto all that asked. If I had to rate this prototype I would give it an 8+ on a 1-10 scale.
I hope this helps you out and I hope I didn't ramble too much. I wanted to give as detailed review as I could for those of you that don't have a chance to see it on the road tour. Pics to follow.

Excellent sir! Thanks very much for your review, appreciate it.

 

[Jeff Porter]

Your welcome to all. I'm just happy to add my little piece to this huge knowledge bank that we have going on here.

What would have made the prototype get up into the 9.5 to 10 rating for you?

 

[Husker1]

What would have made the prototype get up into the 9.5 to 10 rating for you?

As I stated before, I went into this knowing that I was only seeing a prototype, not a perfected off the line product. I'm in this game 100% until the end no matter what the score is but, like everyone else can't wait to see a completed vehicle. Let's just pretend I saw a finished product. Things I would want changed are: the hood latches (I'd rather see a spring loaded release/ locking mechanism); larger trunk opening towards the top; get rid of the prop rod for the trunk; lose the enclosed front fenders; clean up the front suspension components (ie powder coat all the same color); and maybe have just a little more ground clearance. But now I'm getting into my "wish list" instead of my review of the P4. Sorry I can't really answer your question Jeff but I hope this helps.