Thursday, May 9, 2013

Elio Motors unveils prototype 3-wheeler


Startup Elio Motors unveiled its prototype 3-wheeler at a press event in Michigan. The car is powered by an inline, 3-cylinder, 1-liter, 70 hp (52 kW) gasoline fuel-injected, SOHC engine and has projected fuel economy of 84 mpg (2.8 l/100km) on the highway and 49 mpg (4.8 l/100 km) in the city.
The engine is mated to a 5-speed manual or automatic transmission. Top speed is in excess of 100 mph (161 km/h), and the 0-60 speed is under 9.6 seconds. Equipped with a 8-gallon (30-liter) fuel tank, the car has a range of around 672 miles (1,081 km). Projected price of the car is $6,800.
Elio-Motors-shot12
The 3-wheeler. Click to enlarge.

Each Elio comes equipped with a Safety Management System that includes three airbags, a reinforced roll-cage frame, Anti-Lock Braking System, and 50% larger crush zones than similar vehicles. Preliminary safety tests on computer models anticipate a 5-Star safety rating.
Elio is planning to produce the car at a former GM plant in Shreveport, LA, if it can raise sufficient funds.

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