Concept car easy on the eyes … and wallet ($6,800 and gets 87 mpg)

The Phildelphia Business Journal ^ | August 13, 2013 | Jared Shelly

[2ndDivisionVet]

The folks from Elio Motors dropped by the Philadelphia Business Journal offices in Old City on Monday to show off their new concept car (see attached photo gallery). Small in stature and containing three wheels (two in the front, one in the back), the car costs just $6,800 and gets 87 mpg highway (49 mpg city).

Although still in the concept and fundraising stages, Elio’s top brass has been showing off the vehicle across the country – from its headquarters in Shreveport, La. to New York to Detroit. For the first time, they revealed a prototype of the car’s engine, which has not yet been seen by any other news organization (see photos.)

The company plans to eventually have showrooms and dealerships across Philadelphia and all of the top 60 markets in the United States.

But starting a car company from scratch is no easy grind....

[SC DOC]

If I wanted a 3 wheeler (other than my Spyder RT), I would get a Campagna T-Rex

[sten]

faith is one thing.

6 months of agonizing burns and multiple compound fractures is another

[ArrogantBustard]

You remember in the right direction ... It was a mutilated man pretending to be a woman ... yuck.

[old and tired]

I think it's too expensive to really take off (like say the little Japanese cars in the 70's). It's got too many downsides, the obvious one being it only holds two passengers. The other is that you can get a larger and much more comfortable, better equipped and safer Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, or Nissan Versa for a few thousand more. And after you're done driving one of those little cars you can sell it for 5 or 6 grand. The only advantage, as I see it, to the Elio is the great gas mileage, but I think gas needs to get closer to 8 bucks a gallon for most folks to consider the Elio over a more traditional subcompact vehicle.

I'm sure they'll sell some - I do see those little Smart Cars around, but I don't see them ever in the snow, which makes me think they're still more toy than commuter car.

[Irenic]

Yeah, I didn't have that but I had a nice road rash up my side from a simple turn (gravel). From shoulder to hip. That bike rode me arse all the way.

I also rode a car through the tree tops. Life works ya over.

Clouds by Zach Sobiech

[Irenic]

Add to this, I was held up at the pizza joint I worked at as assassinate mgr., held a gun to my head and said they were going to blow my m-ing f-ing head off (blacks). This is within a year of illegal Mexican’s bashing my head for 27 stitches/staples and the rest is nobodies business. Anyhow, life is awesome and every painful second is a joy.

[riverrunner]

Any worst the a couple on a motorcycle in shorts and tee shirts no helmets.

[bert]

A city car.

In Philly it will be stolen in an instant, stuffed into a van and whisked away

[RegulatorCountry]

It’ll soon be eclipsed by a gyroscopically self-balancing two-wheeler with enclosed tandem seating, that might actually be producable for something close to the quoted price, and might actually be capable of 87 mpg.

I was initially interested by this vehicle, but I personally see no way they can deliver on these promises.

[Iron Munro]

The Isetta

Produced from 1953 to 1961. Gas mileage varied from around 50 mpg to 70 mpg.

[Neidermeyer]

It is a scooter with walls.
********************************
It’s a Japanese microcar with three wheels to qualify as a motorcycle and with much better aero numbers, it is solidly built ,, sure it’s lightweight but it should be at least as “survivable” as a “Smart” car ,, 84mpg is do-able , the drivetrain manufacturer is one of the best. Scooters are typically air cooled and have poor aerodynamics , this car/motorcycle is the real deal ... having 3 wheels makes engine tuning for mpg much more flexible as you don’t have to meet “CAR” epa numbers for emissions.

[R. Scott]

I’ll keep my 2005 Chrysler 300C, I prefer comfort and power to economy.
Here in Virginia three wheels or less in contact with the ground is classed as a motorcycle. That means a helmet and motorcycle license.

[Right Wing Assault]

Grandpa Munster's Coffin Car

[SeaHawkFan]

Having a roll cage makes it pretty safe. I’d want a 5-point safety belt system.

I would never own a motorcycle, but could see myself driving this if it had A/C.

[LearnsFromMistakes]

I worked with a guy that had a T-Rex. Drove it all winter long (Iowa) wearing a snowmobile type suit.

One time on the way to work he passed me. I didn’t see him coming, and almost ‘soiled my armor’ when he went around me like I was sitting still.

[Right Wing Assault]

My brother’s girlfriend had an Isetta. It was a bit weird being so close to the front of the car. The steering column was attach to the door. If you think the Smarcar is scary, you ain’t been for a ride in an Isetta! I’m glad she never ran into anything.

I wonder how it would do in today’s crash tests? Ha, ha.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

Not to mention the Three Wheeled Davis from 1949...

[Irenic]

Pffft If I drive a motorcycle, I want wind in my hair and in my face.

Been there, done that. Now I like a nice big family car.

This is a car for youth, a passing fad and nothing more.

[reed13k]

Looks like a dragster roll cage with one back wheel instead of two and the engine up front. If the roll cage is similar it may be safe as the indy cars - just need to move the enginer to the rear for additional safety.

[Irenic]

Awwww what the 'el

Kris Kristofferson - The Pilgrim Chapter 33