1/14/2015 - Elio Motors Engine Debut (with Photos!)

[JEBar]

over time we've had several members say they have been holding off making a reservation or upgrading an existing reservation until after the motor is running .... it will be interesting to see if there is a jump in reservations .... it shouldn't be long until the number goes over 40,000

 

[Mrtoycrazy]

Elio Motors Tech Talk v51
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Elio Motors Becomes First Start-up Vehicle Manufacturer in 60 Years to Build Engine From the Ground up; Engine to Debut at Media Event Feb. 6

Go big, or go home.

That seems to be a common mantra among maverick entrepreneurs. Why do something if you are going to think small?

For Elio Motors, one of the biggest swing-for-the-fences decisions was to build our own engine. There is a reason no start-up company has built an internal combustion engine from the ground up in more than 60 years. It ain’t easy!

But, Paul Elio recognized there was no engine currently on the market that could meet our needs. Some engines provided the right power, others the right fuel efficiency. But none provided the right balance of power and efficiency that Elio needs to reach the level of excellence our customers expect.

Fortunately, Elio Motors is working with one of the best engine development companies and one of the best manufacturing companies in the world. IAV has developed engines for major global brands such as Mercedes and BMW and has unmatched expertise. Comau is one of the top manufacturing companies and has helped build vehicles all across the globe. Paul Elio gave these companies a tall challenge. Develop a powerful, efficient engine that can be manufactured efficiently enough to meet our cost targets.
And, IAV and Comau have come through. Big.

We are coming to the end of the engine development road. The engine goes through dynamometer testing on Jan. 28 and 29, and then we are hosting a private “first official start” event for suppliers, investors and media on Feb. 6. Here’s a news release we shared with media this morning (link to release).

It is the culmination of one the most important phases of our development and a reason to recognize and celebrate our progress. It was a major decision. And we are swinging for the fences. We think IAV has knocked it out of the park.

​

Copyright © 2015 Elio Motors, All rights reserved.

I would have thought that the engine would have already been run on a dyno, how else would you be able to find fuel consumption and tune it? Can that be done just by spinning it?

 

[Catia]

Congratulations to Paul Elio for reaching this goal!

 

[Catia]

That is a good looking engine....wow!.... Paul did a great job getting this engine done ... finally!.. Now we are getting somewhere! I am very exciting about this product....

 

[JEBar]

I would have thought that the engine would have already been run on a dyno, how else would you be able to find fuel consumption and tune it? Can that be done just by spinning it?

based on history, we seldom learn things like this until after they have happened .... I suspect but can't prove that much more testing has been completed and they are rationing the releases so as to help maintain/build interest ..... for them to run it for the press and investors, they know how it will do

 

[charchri4]

Correct, or at least give them more wiggle room to adjust for milage.
I also agree, there shouldn't be an air pump on this one. o_O EGR valve will take care of any possible emission issues. IMO

There will not be an EGR valve on this engine either. Most companies figured out how to do away with them over a decade ago.

 

[Dusty921]

This is Macarena Cool!!

 

[charchri4]

What I find interesting are parts that are obviously no way going to make it into a sub $7k vehicle. TIG welded stainless steel exhaust manifold? With a V-Band clamp even?

The individual long-tube intake runners appear hand TIG welded too, and also does not appear to be a final result mass produced part.

Why are they not testing the engine with the final production intake and exhaust manifolds?

No way are those production manifolds. They are hand fabbed for testing which is why there are so many ports for instrumentation in them. The production manifolds will be plastic for the intake and most likely the exhaust will be integrated into the head. Unless they want to do the turbo crowd a favor that is...

 

[BearLakeSteve]

http://www.koamtv.com/story/2784862...60-years-engine-to-debut-at-media-event-feb-6

This article says Elio is building the first ground up engine since the Nash, more than 60 years ago. I'm no gear-head, but what about the Mazda rotory engine? I think it first went into a car called the Cosmo in the 1960s -- a little more recent than the Nash.

 

[goofyone]

This article says Elio is building the first ground up engine since the Nash, more than 60 years ago. I'm no gear-head, but what about the Mazda rotory engine? I think it first went into a car called the Cosmo in the 1960s -- a little more recent than the Nash.

The press release specifies that EM is the first 'start-up vehicle manufacturer' to introduce an all new engine in 60 years.