Questions to ask
1) Does the P5 come with production sound proofing?
Yes the production model will have factory installed sound proofing. However the P5 did not.
2) Does it have OBD-II capabilities and are the limited by EM? If so how?
Got a lot of good information on this. It will have a OBD-II port but not OBD-II capability. The way this was explained to my by Jerome was by plugging into the port you will get all the codes and information needed for diagnostics but it is a one way street. Think of it as a read only. You will be able to extract information but they will not allow any changing of the code in the computer via OBD-II. Hence this is not a true OBD-II port. Read only was a great way of understanding it. No write capabilities.
3) What is the current state of the turbo? Is it in the works? How far along is it?
Another very intriguing answer. Nothing has been finalized but Elio is discussing both a turbo and/or supercharger options. Nothing more could be said for either one. Elio is looking at the pros and cons for both options to see which fits with their philosophies better. However in the course of this conversation a diesel engine was hinted at. Whether this is way down the line, or something that could be sooner was not mentioned.
4) Now knowing that they will use PPC coloring can they give the color specs for any of the colors?
(Thank you TY for this knowledge) None of the colors have been finalized so unfortunately no PPC codes could be given. PPC codes are confirmed though. Also as a personal note the red was GORGEOUS. It is a very sporty, almost Ferrari like red. It appears to be a favorite of Jeromes too.
5) What are the plans for yellow? Come on there has to be some, you can't upset
that many people.
None of the colors have been finalized but even Jerome says that it is likely that Yellow will make and appearance, even if it isn't in the first run (which it probably won't be)
6) When will the options list for the Elio be listed? Possible date? (Could answer a lot of customization questions)
When asked I was told the list is already in front of us. Look at their list of suppliers. ALL of their products that will fit the Elio will be available. As far as custom items, like the front fenders, I was told they will be available but nothing is finalized to show to public.
7) What are the standard options that are confirmed?
A/C, Power Windows, Power Door Lock, Cruise is still up in the air, that hasn't been decided.
8) Will the owners' manual be physical or PDF? When might we get a sneak peek online?
PDF. Dates are hard to get these guys to give
9) Numbers heard are 19,000 in 90 days. Is that correct? Is that calendar or working days?
This was broken down for me. 300-350 vehicles per day for the first 90 days. That will increase to 3 shifts, so 1000 a day, after the first 90 days. These are in working days. By rough math that is 27,000 vehicles in the first 3 months, with about 20,000 a month there after. (A lot of rounding in those numbers, please don't be strict on them)
10) Are you seeing more new people or established fans of the Elio at the events you are attending?
90-10. About 90% new interest.
11) When will the vehicle for handsome pre-order holder #11492 be ready? (Don't worry these numbers aren't indicative of asking sequence Badboy)
Another of those date questions they don't like to answer Basically Jerome said "let us get #1 made then I can give you a time for #11492"
12) If there is no belly pan on the P5, will there be an option for it?
This will depend on if they can get their target MPG. If it helps them meet their goal, and they need the help, it may be a production item. If it is not needed they were unsure if it would be an option.
13) Will the nose of the vehicle have sensors or body matched impact resistant materials?
The front will have sensor provided by Continental.
14) In the SEC filing there are multiple dates given for stated timeline (1 month, 6 month, 9 month). Is this time table to start at the SEC acceptance, or what indicates the start point?
Could not answer this one. Jerome said this should be answered by Paul.
15) How do you plan on shipping by haulers? Dollies?
Yes Dollies. These are very inexpensive 2 piece dollies... and yes they will be available to consumers
16) Will we be able to lock the hood, if so how?
It appears and internal release is expensive in the big picture but they will have lockable hood pins.
17) How will the washer fluid be applied to the windshield? Via the wiper blade or a hood spout?
Jerome liked this question, but didn't know the answer. He did mention he assumes through the wiper blade as he has no seen any designs that have washer jet modules.
18) Are the front and back tires the same rim width and bolt pattern?
Bolt patterns should be the same but widths will be different. The rear tire will be wider than the front. I asked specifically about the rims, not the tires.
19) What does the 55HP/60HP difference mean? Which is the real rating?
Probably my favorite answer. These numbers are both correct. It is rated as 55 by Elio and 60 by IAV. Tuning the engine will produce any number in between. During the tuning process the final HP number will be narrowed down to provide the best answer to all of Elios wants (MPG, 0-60, etc.). In conclusion, the engine can do both.
I have more answers to questions that just happened to come up in conversation. These will come in another post as this one has already gotten a little long winded.