While not absolutely a necessary feature on a 1200lb car, electronic assist at parking maneuverer speeds will save a lot of sales from a large segment of the suggested target market. If it is made available at product launch, I'll buy it.
At least 2 reporters who have appeared in YouTube reviews driving the P4 have frowned when they realized the prototype did not have PS. One, a female seemed to really struggle, the other, a male mentioned at the point of his reaction that he was told the final production car would have better manual steering. Either way, ladies of all ages will appreciate the option, and especially seniors. Remember, baby boomers still buy the most cars.
Hayden, Welcome to the ElioOwners.com forum from Atlanta, GA.
If you read through this thread you will eventually find out two important facts.
The first is that the steering rack in the prototype is scavenged from an old Geo Metro so it is neither up to date nor properly sized for the vehicle which really makes the current videos and information about the steering in the prototype mostly useless and a few articles have even correctly pointed this out. We will have to wait until the pre-production prototypes fitted with a properly geared modern rack and pinion steering rack are installed before we have an idea of how well, or not, manual steering works in this vehicle.
The other piece of news is that just a few weeks ago Paul Elio told us during a Town Hall meeting that the chosen steering rack does allow for electric assisted steering and they have engineered the vehicle with the appropriate space to accommodate this option so they do intend to offer it as an option for those who absolutely must have it.
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We have a survey we like reservation holders to fill out if they wish as it really helps us visualize the growing numbers and locations of future Elio Owners. For now information visit this link:
http://www.elioowners.com/threads/elio-reservation-map-and-survey.1129/
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http://www.elioowners.com/threads/military-service.1118/
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