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How Is The P5 Different From The P4? 10/28/15

Grumpy Cat

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Subtle Changes Highlight P5 Exterior, Interior Upgrades

During the past weeks and months, you’ve likely heard us say that one of the most important advancements we’ve made recently is installing the IAV engine into the Elio P5 prototype

. No doubt, that’s a huge milestone for Elio Motors.
We are the first automotive startup in the last 60 years to develop our own internal combustion engine

from the ground up. Nothing in the market met our needs, so we challenged IAV to engineer something new and better. They came through big time!
The P5 is more than just its engine, however; we’ve also made some improvements to the aerodynamics and to the interior. Below is a rundown of just a few items that will be on the P5 and which show that we are moving closer to a final production version with each iteration.

MM.10.28.jpg

Body Modifications Boost Aerodynamics, MPG

The front end of the P5 will be slightly longer and slightly more aerodynamic than the P4. This generates two important benefits:

  • Continued aerodynamic improvement; and,
  • The longer front-end makes the Elio look more futuristic and stylish.
The P5 also will feature side-exhaust that will replicate how the exhaust is likely to look in the final version.

Interior Upgrades

Body styling has always been important for catching the consumer’s eye. But, the reality is, people spend their time in the vehicle. Over the last decade, automakers have put more emphasis on interior styling, amenities and functionality. Elio Motors knows the interior will be important to our fans and customers. We’ve made some nice upgrades on the P5 that are likely to help differentiate the vehicle when we reach production.

Most of these changes are very subtle, but they’ll make a difference in comfort and convenience:

  • The arm rest on the door was raised;
  • The rear seat was lowered to create more passenger headroom;
  • Additional foam was added to the rear seat for a cushier feel.
We also upgraded the instrument panel for better aesthetics:

  • A redesigned iPad holder;
  • The A-pillar shape will be less intrusive; and
  • Brushed metal was added to the dashboard to provide a more modern look.
None of these changes are revolutionary, but each one helps add up to an improved driving experience for both the driver and the passenger. It also shows just how many small engineering details need to be considered on the road to production.

The P5 represents a significant step forward in vehicle dynamics with the new IAV engine and transmission. It also gave us the opportunity to refine many of the details that we know are important to our consumers.

We hope you all will get a chance to experience the P5 when it goes on tour in the coming months. We’re confident you’ll like what you see and feel!
 

Coss

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I just got done reading that email; one item they haven't talked about (which is extremely important to me) is the right side armrest.
It's good that they moved the left side up (too bad they can't make it adjustable) but I thought it was ok where it was before.

Brushed metal dash, I'm guessing faceplate? They miss the most important part of improving the dash; get rid of the Elgin cluster.
And I wish they would say "tablet" instead of iPad.
A-pillars thinner; that's a good thing, they were rather bulky before.

It's great to see the front suspension on, for me, that is a big step, now it can stand on its own.
 

Keith Stone

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I like this update! ;) Almost a drive able p5! More room for passenger which is a huge benefit for a tall (6'3) guy like me! Plus I like the idea of raised armrests! Can't wait to see it painted and sailing down the road!!
 

Jeff Bowlsby

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Lots going on in these two little photos. Notice the exhaust pipe? The hood opening direction and hood pins? How about the interior head liner panel...did the P4 have a headliner panel or was it upholstered? Nice to see the detail around the front suspension/body panel interface...no more subtle flare, its just smooth now. Rather prefer the flare myself. I wonder if there will be an external radio antennae or if it will be a wire in the windshield or???

I am also curious about how that front hood will create an effective seal to the fender and keep water from flowing into the engine bay?
 

Adamant

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I wonder if there will be an external radio antennae or if it will be a wire in the windshield or???

Whichever is cheaper. I would guess a wire in the windshield because that cuts down on the drag of the external antennae, but then again, that sounds more expensive. The antennae probably doesn't create significant drag, so it's probably not a big deal. Never know though. A wire would look nicer because there's nothing to see really.
 
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