Financing Elio Motors Development And Production

[Neal]

Just a followup on this... I was reading the comments at the bottom of the above column... a guy was all-in for an Aptera, and so he posted about that... but his main comment was about how the Elio and Aptera were so similar. After reading Dustoff's link above, it seemed clear to me that they are not the same, Elio and Aptera. So I replied to his comment and listed about 6 reasons why they are different, and told the guy I was sorry for the Aptera dying, and I would if I were him wait until Elios were on the road before he bought one.

Get this: Jo Borras gave a comment to what I said: "Actually very well said". Anybody remember the TV show "Sanford and Son"? Quote: "Whoooa Elizabeth.... *hand over the heart*... it's the big one!!" LOL

LOL wow. Jo Boras not being an ass. That is a surprise! I need to go see for myself. LOL

 

[ecdriver711]

You guys can ignore WTH all you want. You can say you don't want the negativity, but you guys need someone to bring up the other side.

IDK about you guys, buy I'm not waiting to get good gas mileage. I got 45mpg this last weekend in a $650 car.

I still don't understand why some of you don't get a cheap gas mileage beater until the Elio (if it ever does) comes out in 3+ years.

I have a cheap gas beater that gets 28-30mpg. Now I look forward to the Elio. I want 84mpg, 5 star crash rating, made in the USA by non-union workers and cool looking commuter. Don't put any money down if you can't get your feet wet. Life is hope and risks; kinda keeps us all going the same direction.

 

[ecdriver711]

Jordan Perch, an analyst with DMV.com believes that Elio’s 250,000 unit annual production plans are too ambitious, especially if only 120 dealerships will sell them. Perch went on to say, “These types of vehicles don’t have the potential to be a true and viable alternative to conventional cars, no matter how efficient or affordable they are, since there are not a lot of consumers who would be willing to drive a car that is classified as a motorcycle…” He also expressed skepticism about Elio’s safety claims with its “questionable ground clearance (5.75 inches) and tire size (15 inches)” among his concerns.

I am baffled, 15" rim on production cars is pretty much norm. Ground clearance;
2014 Dodge Challenger SXT ; 5.2"
2014 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring Power Hard Top 6MT ; 4.6"
2014 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Ultimate 6MT ; 5.1"
2015 Porsche Boxster GTS ;

The list goes on. Elio is only exotic in it's cool looks.

 

[Rickb]

Speaking of the failed Aptera.............did the overall design & performance specs of the Aptera really appeal to any demographic? I watched videos of the Aptera doing the slalom run in the 2012 $10 Million XPrize Competition and the door flopped open in a very awkward run to say the least. The Elio's styling and performance are both much more appealing to the average driver.

 

[Jeff Porter]

I am baffled, 15" rim on production cars is pretty much norm. Ground clearance;
2014 Dodge Challenger SXT ; 5.2"
2014 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring Power Hard Top 6MT ; 4.6"
2014 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Ultimate 6MT ; 5.1"
2015 Porsche Boxster GTS ;

The list goes on. Elio is only exotic in it's cool looks.

Hi EC, not that it matters that much, but most cars that I see being produced have bigger than 15" rims. Seems like 16" and 17" is the norm, as early as 3-5 yrs ago. Just my observation, no facts to back it up.

 

[ecdriver711]

Hi EC, not that it matters that much, but most cars that I see being produced have bigger than 15" rims. Seems like 16" and 17" is the norm, as early as 3-5 yrs ago. Just my observation, no facts to back it up.

Yes, because a lot of people like the low profile tires; the wheel plus tire leave about the same overall diameter in most cases.

 

[CheeseheadEarl]

Hi EC, not that it matters that much, but most cars that I see being produced have bigger than 15" rims. Seems like 16" and 17" is the norm, as early as 3-5 yrs ago. Just my observation, no facts to back it up.

One of the reasons for larger wheels (beyond styling, which is probably #1) is the ability to fit bigger brakes. I doubt highly that brakes that wouldn't fit inside a 15 are needed. Brakes that size stopped the biggest cars and 1/2 ton full size trucks not that long ago,

 

[outsydthebox]

One of the reasons for larger wheels (beyond styling, which is probably #1) is the ability to fit bigger brakes. I doubt highly that brakes that wouldn't fit inside a 15 are needed. Brakes that size stopped the biggest cars and 1/2 ton full size trucks not that long ago,

I think another reason is so tire makers can increase profit margins. What I noticed while shopping tires recently: For the same "over all diameter" tires, going from a 15" to a 16", add another $100.00 (minimum) for a set of 4. Also, the tread wear rating went down! So, they sell us: Less tire + less tire life + higher cost = Higher profits. Larger diameter rims are usually heavier = poorer exceleration.

 

[Jeff Porter]

I think another reason is so tire makers can increase profit margins. What I noticed while shopping tires recently: For the same "over all diameter" tires, going from a 15" to a 16", add another $100.00 (minimum) for a set of 4. Also, the tread wear rating went down! So, they sell us: Less tire + less tire life + higher cost = Higher profits. Larger diameter rims are usually heavier = poorer exceleration.

Totally agree with you on the profit margins. It's a crime against humanity. Ugh!! lol

 

[CheeseheadEarl]

Totally agree with you on the profit margins. It's a crime against humanity. Ugh!! lol

Trust me when I tell you that you don't want to know the price of farm tractor tires these days.

A pair of good radials gets close to Elio money.