[Koracan]

This Guy (Elio) was recently in the News, 7600 pre-reservations:

January 07, 2014 The Phoenix-based company Monday announced it has reached a deal to produce its small tandem-style vehicle at the former General Motors Shreveport Assembly and Stamping Plant in Caddo Parish, La.
delivers 84 miles per gallon on the highway and costs no more than $6,800, according to Elio motors.

[nascarnation]

Very interested in his economics.
He claims to underprice most motorcycles of similar powertrain with an actual car.

[St_Thomas_Aquinas]

I have a degree in mechanical engineering, and the design in post #21 is a no- brainer. A trike with two in- line seats cuts WAY down on drag.

I imagine that the traditional objection has been human-factors. Its hard to talk to your passenger.

But this is really a second or third car and commuting vehicle. It makes perfect sense at that price point.