As Posted On Elio Motors Owners Association Page

[Mike W]

I don't believe Synchrotech manufacturers transmissions. They do high perf rebuilds for Honda and Acura transmissions for drag racing and the "fast & furious" guys.

COOL! Can you imagine drifting in the Elio?? Set the automotive racing on it's ear or maybe we may end up on our ear! That is one of the few ways I can imagine tipping the E-car over.

 

[Jeff Porter]

Roger Eller
13 hrs
EMOA Questions and Answers from Elio Tour - Charlotte, NC on 12/6/2014.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q) Richard Dailey --- What is the status of the loan?
.
A) Still at level 1 of 3 in the approval process. Jerome stated that government officials “contacted them” saying that the Elio would be well suited for the loan due to the Elios energy saving attributes. The timeframe to the next level is not known.
.
Q) Ron Downing --- clarify the question about a trailer hitch: feasible? Will it somehow void the warranty?
.
A) Towing is not supported by Elio. Doing so without Elio having tested nor approved the vehicle for this would void the warranty. Jerome mentioned something about the legality of towing, but I don’t remember the details.
.
Q) James Clark --- Please ask about Elio's engine. Is it now Dyno testing?
.
A) Yes, the engine is in dyno testing, and that can be a 6-month process. There are changes and adjustments along the way until they see the results they’re after.
.
Q) Jp Fallon --- When will we see the 25 test models for things like crash tests and test drives?
.
A) The test models will be built by hand at Technosports Creative.
.
Q) Richard Boutin --- Would like to see the bottle of polish they are using on the P-4 and get the name and MFG’s name.
As much as they have to polish that ELIO, this wax apparently does not build up into a haze, therefore would be nice to have for those of us that keep our wheels shiny, shiny, shiny!
.
A) Quick-N-Slick. http://waterlesscarwashdetail.com/quick-n-slick-32oz-trigg…/
.
Q) Daniel Clem --- Will there be an off switch for Electronic Stability Control to allow easier towing?
.
A) No, and towing is not supported. But Traction Control will be able to be switched off for folks who live where it snows a lot.
.
Q) Jp Fallon --- Is the Elgin dash set in stone?
.
A) Yes. And after seeing it in person, it’s not terrible, but it is different. At the proper viewing distance, I could see the numbers in the window just fine, even without my glasses.
.
Q) Jp Fallon --- Is there an option for a regular (needle gauge) dash at no additional cost?
.
A) Sorry, no.
.
Q) Paul M. Leno --- Will there be available, a traditional needle gauge instrument panel as in the P4 ? PLEASE word the question so that the answer won't be ambiguous.
.
A) No needle gauge. The Elgin dash will be standard, or you can opt for Infinite Skyz, or there are many apps for SmartPhones that will provide a gauge, and those track speed using GPS.
.
Q) Ken Diggs --- Is there a chance that there will be a low-cost needle-gauge cluster trade-out OPTION offered by Elio--as opposed to an aftermarket supplier?
.
A) No needle gauge. The Elgin dash will be standard.
.
Q) Daniel Clem --- Regarding the Elgin dash. Is the design is the final one, or if its likely to have changes made, I.e. larger numbers and easier to read. Also, how you pronounce Elgin????
.
A) Yes, it is the final design. I saw it in person, and without my glasses I could glance and see the numbers fine. The numbers are also backlit. http://www.pronouncenames.com/pronounce/elgin
.
Q) Ron Mann --- I have a question for Jerome Vassallo. Ask him who is the ugliest, me or Leon Speegle. I'll anxiously await the answer. Please video the answer for documentation.
.
A) Ron, Jerome said, “I have no doubt - Ron Mann is the ugliest man who has ever lived.” He laughed and said you’d like that.
.
Q) Stuart Sutherland --- Where will the monitor for the infinite skyz be mounted.
.
A) There will be a sort of dock area that attaches into the single-din space currently occupied by a radio. I am unsure whether the radio still exists, but is controlled by the iPad???
.
Q) Roger Eller --- My question is what is the state of the transmission? Designed, prototyped, built, or chosen (off the shelf)?
.
A) The supplier of the transmission is Synchrotech. They also make transmissions for Honda and others.
.
Q) Roger Eller --- Has Elio found (locked in) a manufacturer for the air-conditioner?
.
A) The AC will be electric to reduce the load from the engine.
.
Q) Scott Baldwin --- Whatever happened to the appearance on Innovation Nation? Or did I just miss it.
.
A) Yes, the segment did air. No link was given, verbally or otherwise.
.
Q) Gary Dunn --- Is Elio raising the roof 2" and lowering the seat to gain more headroom in the rear seat?
.
A) —— I didn’t get an answer —— I accidentally skipped this question I think.
.
Q) Karl Moeller --- 1) what are the assembled IAV engine dyno test results?
.
A) The dyno process has only just begun. No results yet. Dyno is a lengthy process; possibly as long as 6 months.
.
Q) Karl Moeller --- 2) where are some photos of an in-assembly E/P5 vehicle?
.
A) The building has not started, so there are no photos to share yet.
.
Q) Karl Moeller --- 3)where is the loan application process?
.
A) Please refer to the first question at the top of this list.
.
Q) Karl Moeller --- 4) has anything at all been done at the Shreveport plant? Any sales of unneeded assembly line machinery?
.
A) All of the unneeded machinery has been moved to another section of the plant for selling. Several byers are interested in some of it. One byer is interested in all of it. Jerome said he cannot give any names until deals are final.
.
Q) Gregory Ellis --- In the video of the drive through of the Shreveport plant, there was no machinery to be seen. Where is it or when will installation begin?
.
A) All of the unneeded machinery has been moved to another section of the plant, but the rest is still in place.
.
Q) Larry Rymal --- What is the projected mile range on the rear tire? A pal of mine has the Polaris trike and complains about the rear tire. Not much tire rotation that you can do with a trike!
.
A) All I got about the tires is that the front tires will be narrower, but the back will likely remain as-is.
.
Q) Raymond E. Gross Jr --- (1) What will the size of the regular street tires be. 13" / 14" or 15"?
.
A) 15”
.
Q) Raymond E. Gross Jr --- (2) Will there be aluminum wheels or plain steel?
.
A) Plain steel.
.
Q) Bruce Pick --- Aerodynamics: What are the best estimates for Cd and CdA for the production Elio? Can it beat GM's EV1 and the Prius? EV1 had Cd of 0.19 and CdA of 3.96 (sq ft), Prius' Cd is 0.25, CdA 5.84.
.
A) 0.25

That's it. I spoke with both Neil and Jerome Vassallo. If my memory failed and resulted in error on any of these answers, Jerome, please chime in and set the record straight before the replies get too deep.

Thank you again, Jerome and Neil for taking the time to go over the questions from EMOA. Go Elio!!!!

Thanks for this Jambe!

 

[Jeff Porter]

...
Q) Scott Baldwin --- Whatever happened to the appearance on Innovation Nation? Or did I just miss it.
.
A) Yes, the segment did air. No link was given, verbally or otherwise.

Hmmm, no likey that answer. I just searched all the archived episodes of Innovation Nation, didn't see any mention of Elio or a cool new 3-wheeled vehicle. Does anyone have any specific knowledge of the episode that has the Elio segment?

 

[BlioKart]

Snipped: Q) Roger Eller --- My question is what is the state of the transmission? Designed, prototyped, built, or chosen (off the shelf)?
.
A) The supplier of the transmission is Synchrotech. They also make transmissions for Honda and others.

anybody know if Synchrotech makes their AMT's in the US ?

Jim[/QUOTE]

Honda makes its own transmissions. So what they are saying is the Elio trans will be a new Honda sourced transmission? Or rebuilt Honda transmissions?

 

[goofyone]

If I understand what I have read around this site, even the current dashboards that appear to be needle gauges are actually a front for digital hardware in the background. I may be wrong but I get the impression true needle gauges are way out of date and no longer available. Z

I actually just finished updating this information in the Elgin thread. It looks like there has been a change here from what we heard in the spring as I confirmed with Jerome that the Elgin prototype we got to see this weekend is using actual spinning gauges which are apparently being used in another country as the number are KPH and not MPH. These gauges are what are now planned to be used in production.

 

[goofyone]

Snipped: Q) Roger Eller --- My question is what is the state of the transmission? Designed, prototyped, built, or chosen (off the shelf)?
.
A) The supplier of the transmission is Synchrotech. They also make transmissions for Honda and others.

anybody know if Synchrotech makes their AMT's in the US ?

Jim

Jim, I forgot to ask on Sunday about the AMT but didn't Jerome tell you that Aisin was making the transmission?

As far as I know EM is only looking at using existing off the shelf transmissions as they have never discussed doing anything else.

 

[JEBar]

Jim, I forgot to ask on Sunday about the AMT but didn't Jerome tell you that Aisin was making the transmission?

that was my understanding ... I don't know the relationship between Synchrotech and Aisin .... neither are listed on the EM suppliers page ..... hopefully someone going to the Raleigh show can clear things up

Jim

 

[Jim H]

Roger Eller
13 hrs
EMOA Questions and Answers from Elio Tour - Charlotte, NC on 12/6/2014.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q) Richard Dailey --- What is the status of the loan?
.
A) Still at level 1 of 3 in the approval process. Jerome stated that government officials “contacted them” saying that the Elio would be well suited for the loan due to the Elios energy saving attributes. The timeframe to the next level is not known.
.
Q) Ron Downing --- clarify the question about a trailer hitch: feasible? Will it somehow void the warranty?
.
A) Towing is not supported by Elio. Doing so without Elio having tested nor approved the vehicle for this would void the warranty. Jerome mentioned something about the legality of towing, but I don’t remember the details.
.
Q) James Clark --- Please ask about Elio's engine. Is it now Dyno testing?
.
A) Yes, the engine is in dyno testing, and that can be a 6-month process. There are changes and adjustments along the way until they see the results they’re after.
.
Q) Jp Fallon --- When will we see the 25 test models for things like crash tests and test drives?
.
A) The test models will be built by hand at Technosports Creative.
.
Q) Richard Boutin --- Would like to see the bottle of polish they are using on the P-4 and get the name and MFG’s name.
As much as they have to polish that ELIO, this wax apparently does not build up into a haze, therefore would be nice to have for those of us that keep our wheels shiny, shiny, shiny!
.
A) Quick-N-Slick. http://waterlesscarwashdetail.com/quick-n-slick-32oz-trigg…/
.
Q) Daniel Clem --- Will there be an off switch for Electronic Stability Control to allow easier towing?
.
A) No, and towing is not supported. But Traction Control will be able to be switched off for folks who live where it snows a lot.
.
Q) Jp Fallon --- Is the Elgin dash set in stone?
.
A) Yes. And after seeing it in person, it’s not terrible, but it is different. At the proper viewing distance, I could see the numbers in the window just fine, even without my glasses.
.
Q) Jp Fallon --- Is there an option for a regular (needle gauge) dash at no additional cost?
.
A) Sorry, no.
.
Q) Paul M. Leno --- Will there be available, a traditional needle gauge instrument panel as in the P4 ? PLEASE word the question so that the answer won't be ambiguous.
.
A) No needle gauge. The Elgin dash will be standard, or you can opt for Infinite Skyz, or there are many apps for SmartPhones that will provide a gauge, and those track speed using GPS.
.
Q) Ken Diggs --- Is there a chance that there will be a low-cost needle-gauge cluster trade-out OPTION offered by Elio--as opposed to an aftermarket supplier?
.
A) No needle gauge. The Elgin dash will be standard.
.
Q) Daniel Clem --- Regarding the Elgin dash. Is the design is the final one, or if its likely to have changes made, I.e. larger numbers and easier to read. Also, how you pronounce Elgin????
.
A) Yes, it is the final design. I saw it in person, and without my glasses I could glance and see the numbers fine. The numbers are also backlit. http://www.pronouncenames.com/pronounce/elgin
.
Q) Ron Mann --- I have a question for Jerome Vassallo. Ask him who is the ugliest, me or Leon Speegle. I'll anxiously await the answer. Please video the answer for documentation.
.
A) Ron, Jerome said, “I have no doubt - Ron Mann is the ugliest man who has ever lived.” He laughed and said you’d like that.
.
Q) Stuart Sutherland --- Where will the monitor for the infinite skyz be mounted.
.
A) There will be a sort of dock area that attaches into the single-din space currently occupied by a radio. I am unsure whether the radio still exists, but is controlled by the iPad???
.
Q) Roger Eller --- My question is what is the state of the transmission? Designed, prototyped, built, or chosen (off the shelf)?
.
A) The supplier of the transmission is Synchrotech. They also make transmissions for Honda and others.
.
Q) Roger Eller --- Has Elio found (locked in) a manufacturer for the air-conditioner?
.
A) The AC will be electric to reduce the load from the engine.
.
Q) Scott Baldwin --- Whatever happened to the appearance on Innovation Nation? Or did I just miss it.
.
A) Yes, the segment did air. No link was given, verbally or otherwise.
.
Q) Gary Dunn --- Is Elio raising the roof 2" and lowering the seat to gain more headroom in the rear seat?
.
A) —— I didn’t get an answer —— I accidentally skipped this question I think.
.
Q) Karl Moeller --- 1) what are the assembled IAV engine dyno test results?
.
A) The dyno process has only just begun. No results yet. Dyno is a lengthy process; possibly as long as 6 months.
.
Q) Karl Moeller --- 2) where are some photos of an in-assembly E/P5 vehicle?
.
A) The building has not started, so there are no photos to share yet.
.
Q) Karl Moeller --- 3)where is the loan application process?
.
A) Please refer to the first question at the top of this list.
.
Q) Karl Moeller --- 4) has anything at all been done at the Shreveport plant? Any sales of unneeded assembly line machinery?
.
A) All of the unneeded machinery has been moved to another section of the plant for selling. Several byers are interested in some of it. One byer is interested in all of it. Jerome said he cannot give any names until deals are final.
.
Q) Gregory Ellis --- In the video of the drive through of the Shreveport plant, there was no machinery to be seen. Where is it or when will installation begin?
.
A) All of the unneeded machinery has been moved to another section of the plant, but the rest is still in place.
.
Q) Larry Rymal --- What is the projected mile range on the rear tire? A pal of mine has the Polaris trike and complains about the rear tire. Not much tire rotation that you can do with a trike!
.
A) All I got about the tires is that the front tires will be narrower, but the back will likely remain as-is.
.
Q) Raymond E. Gross Jr --- (1) What will the size of the regular street tires be. 13" / 14" or 15"?
.
A) 15”
.
Q) Raymond E. Gross Jr --- (2) Will there be aluminum wheels or plain steel?
.
A) Plain steel.
.
Q) Bruce Pick --- Aerodynamics: What are the best estimates for Cd and CdA for the production Elio? Can it beat GM's EV1 and the Prius? EV1 had Cd of 0.19 and CdA of 3.96 (sq ft), Prius' Cd is 0.25, CdA 5.84.
.
A) 0.25

That's it. I spoke with both Neil and Jerome Vassallo. If my memory failed and resulted in error on any of these answers, Jerome, please chime in and set the record straight before the replies get too deep.

Thank you again, Jerome and Neil for taking the time to go over the questions from EMOA. Go Elio!!!!

Jambe, Thanks for the great report and trying to get answers to all our questions.

 

[champsman]

This was taken from wikipedia
As of 2005, Aisin AW surpassed General Motors Powertrain Division as the largest producer of automatic transmissions in the world, producing 4.9 million units, with a market share of 16.4% of the global market for automatics.[citation needed] Toyota Motor Corporation and Aisin Seiki are the two major shareholders of Aisin AW, with 51.9% and 42%
appears this would be a good partner for EM, Aisin also does AMT's

 

[skygazer6033]

Jim --- Synchrotech doesn't build transmissions in the US or anywhere else for that matter. They specialize in performance overhauls of Honda and Acura. I doubt they have 250,000 old Honda transaxles in stock. I believe this to be another example of fox uniform info from a non engineering guy. Perhaps a misunderstanding. Synchrotech makes some great CV axle assemblies. I'd bet on the Aisin unit. I just can't see Synchrotech as a viable transmission source.