Eco Motors Engine?

[Autoxdriver]

It's important to remember that 3 wheels is not the salient feature of the Elio that gives it any advantage over normal cars, so in the event that the Elio becomes a success it will not necessarily mean that other 3 wheeled vehicle designs will suddenly become viable. The principle idea behind the Elio is tandem seating, making it possible to significantly reduce the width of the vehicle and reap the corresponding aerodynamic benefits. Once the commitment to tandem seating and a narrow body is made, 3 wheels then makes more sense than 4, but it was tandem seating that drove the use of 3 wheels, not the other way around. Designs like the EMC3 won't really be that much more efficient than a 4 wheeled counterpart, other than saving maybe a little weight and a little tire-to-pavement drag.

 

[Travis Bertram]

The company that originally designed the engine sold out to china so that they could get the capital to produce just the engine. Current focus is getting the engine into industrial platforms like back up generators. I think it is an awesome design with tons of potential if they can break into the established industry.

 

[raybonz]

It's important to remember that 3 wheels is not the salient feature of the Elio that gives it any advantage over normal cars, so in the event that the Elio becomes a success it will not necessarily mean that other 3 wheeled vehicle designs will suddenly become viable. The principle idea behind the Elio is tandem seating, making it possible to significantly reduce the width of the vehicle and reap the corresponding aerodynamic benefits. Once the commitment to tandem seating and a narrow body is made, 3 wheels then makes more sense than 4, but it was tandem seating that drove the use of 3 wheels, not the other way around. Designs like the EMC3 won't really be that much more efficient than a 4 wheeled counterpart, other than saving maybe a little weight and a little tire-to-pavement drag.

I hear what you're saying and what I am thinking is other established automakers may come out with a competing model if Elio were produced and successful...

Ray

 

[lafrisbee]

If this car truly gets 60+MPG, I think it will give Elio a run for it's money.
Some will opt for spouse setting next to them rather than the MPG's.
If all things were equal, I would choose this car over Elio, just to have my wife setting up front next to me.

That is why I am getting the trailer hitch.

 

[Jim H]

Prefer the look of the Elio. it is unique, sleek, and stylish. The EMC3 sounds like a lawn mower engine

 

[KN16]

snip... I would choose this car over Elio, just to have my wife setting up front next to me.

That is why I am getting the trailer hitch.

For the wife!?!?!

 

[Tomg3rd]

Elio is the only maker I've seen that is trying to keep the cost reasonable...I've seen other ideas but they usually are planned to sell for upwards of 30-40K...I'll wait for my Elio!

 

[Ty]

Eco Motors developed the OPOC engine which would be a really nice fit for the Elio - very efficient, very light, very simple.

 

[ecdriver711]

Looks like it is not produced yet. No examples of actually being used.

 

[Ty]

Looks like it is not produced yet. No examples of actually being used.

That's true. I meant that the form and function fits with the Elio. It's a more compact motor and should be a lot more inexpensive than anything else out there in that it has few moving parts.