P5

[outsydthebox]

A easy to remove back seat assembly would be handy and provide additional storage space for "solo" trips.
An option might be something like an easely installed frame/nylon aircraft type jump seat.

An "aftermarket option" maybe?

 

[outsydthebox]

This is the way I see it too. Keep it basic then add items as you have extra money. Keep the up front price down, the tax and tag cost each year will be less. They go by the original purchase price plus options.
Order only the options that are planned that will be under the factory warranty, like the (sliding?) sun roof and cruise control, an after market sun roof can leak. I would not want to add a cruise later, might Blow the whole electric system.

Here is what I'm thinking of adding later:

1) trailer hitch
2) 139 DB air horn, the Elio is only 54" hi, keep the lane changers, that don't look, out of your lane
3) Brake light flashing module, very noticeable on a MC
4) Fender mounted turn/running lights
5) Mini Mate popup camper, will need paint code

2) thru 5) are on the market now.

I'm sure there will be others.

I'm with you on the air horn! I put a "Fiam" dual trumpet on my Honda Helix a few years ago. It fit under the front cowl and it was loud enough! A few years earlier, I went to Freightliner and got the shortest dual trumpet they had. I mounted it in my bright red, "lowered", GMC Sonoma. Now, THAT horn was LOUD! It also helped with those that loved to "hover" in the fast lane. A quick double "toot" was usually all it took.

 

[Dustoff]

I have one on my MC and when people start to drift I give a blast and they stop so as not to run into the big truck they can't see. I quickly get out of the way.

 

[outsydthebox]

Well, if they hold the $6800 figure, and it is called a MRP, suggested is a negotiating term..then the profit margins will be made up by increasing the options price. For example: Some folks were saying the elio automatic cost was $400-$500, they may have been 100% right, but you do not pay the cost of the automatic, you pay the retail price. That from what Jerome says "we are trying to keep it under $1000" when he was in OKC. EM is in the business to make money, not be your friend.
Most dealers make as much money from the financing then the sale any way. I must have bumped the monthly payment up $20-$30 at least 800-900 times. $20 a month on a 48 month contract was $960 a month pure profit, and the bank would toss in a $200 kick back for the deal. $30 a month was even nicer..The buyers didn't do any home work concerning rates or even the price of the vehicle which can be found at the local news stand any day of the week..both wholesale and retail...shuuuush, I shouldn't have told you folks that!

Well, if they hold the $6800 figure, and it is called a MRP, suggested is a negotiating term..then the profit margins will be made up by increasing the options price. For example: Some folks were saying the elio automatic cost was $400-$500, they may have been 100% right, but you do not pay the cost of the automatic, you pay the retail price. That from what Jerome says "we are trying to keep it under $1000" when he was in OKC. EM is in the business to make money, not be your friend.
Most dealers make as much money from the financing then the sale any way. I must have bumped the monthly payment up $20-$30 at least 800-900 times. $20 a month on a 48 month contract was $960 a month pure profit, and the bank would toss in a $200 kick back for the deal. $30 a month was even nicer..The buyers didn't do any home work concerning rates or even the price of the vehicle which can be found at the local news stand any day of the week..both wholesale and retail...shuuuush, I shouldn't have told you folks that!

There is nothing quite like hearing a car salesman "brag" about taking advantage of hundreds of folks. Really gives you an "air" of credibility...

 

[Rickb]

An "aftermarket option" maybe?

I read somewhere....maybe here............. that Elio is planning a delivery vehicle option with no rear seat.

 

[Dustoff]

I don't have any new information, just some considerations. They will need to build a small series of P5.X (or P6) to verify or resolve manufactuability. Also for testing, as you suggest. But a true 5.x is some ways off, I think, because they have yet to produce a single engine … and they need $100 million just to cast the thing.

Frankly, I wish they'd gone with some other engine options -- something in the 100 hp range, or the new ecomotor POCO (opposed pistons in opposed cylinders). Far lower development cost (for existing engines, anyhow). But here we are, hoping the engine can be manufactured and stuffed into a P5 or P5.x….

If I were Paul Elio, I'd be reluctant to build a fleet of P5.x vehicles unless I were pretty darn sure that the only changes would be tweaks, not redesigns. This means, among other things, working to reduce the drag of the exposed suspension members, making sure the engine mounting points are where they will be in the final vehicle, and selecting the final transmissions. Lots of expensive stuff to do!

I'm as impatient as the rest of us to see a P5 … but they may not even be ready to build one, let alone 12 of 'em.

This afternoon I spoke with Mr. R. Thomas with Technosports.
This summer they will begin the building of 20 to 40 prototypes for showing and testing. This was from a conversation he had with Paul Elio a couple of weeks ago.
I asked about the IAV engine and was told that it was close to installing in a vehicle. Mr. Thomas didn't have exact dates of completion but sounded very positive.
Mr. Thomas retired from Ford Motor Company, Technosports builds prototypes for Ford and many other customers.
I will call him in a couple of months to get a further update.
It's amazing what phone calls and e-mails can accomplish.
The uninformed speculation is a bit entertaining though. I am sure it will continue.
That's all for now. Anything more specific will come later.
Flame away.

 

[Joshua Caldwell]

Thanks for letting us know

 

[Dustoff]

Thanks for letting us know

That's the least a concerned future Elio owner could do.

 

[Kuda]

That's the least a concerned future Elio owner could do.

http://eliomotors.wordpress.com/2013/12/18/the-new-elio-motors-blog/

You probably do not know Technosports Creative by name, but I am sure that you have seen some of their work. Besides making the silver Elio (P3) that has been on tour around the country for the last 9 months, they have been part of a couple of major motion pictures also. You may have seen the first one, Transformers 2, where they worked with DreamWorks to create all of those cool vehicles. They have also recently worked with Team Detroit to make the vehicle for Need for Speed which is due out soon! Additionally, they make prototypes and show cars for some major players in the automotive business.

 

[Jim H]

This afternoon I spoke with Mr. R. Thomas with Technosports.
This summer they will begin the building of 20 to 40 prototypes for showing and testing. This was from a conversation he had with Paul Elio a couple of weeks ago.
I asked about the IAV engine and was told that it was close to installing in a vehicle. Mr. Thomas didn't have exact dates of completion but sounded very positive.
Mr. Thomas retired from Ford Motor Company, Technosports builds prototypes for Ford and many other customers.
I will call him in a couple of months to get a further update.
It's amazing what phone calls and e-mails can accomplish.
The uninformed speculation is a bit entertaining though. I am sure it will continue.
That's all for now. Anything more specific will come later.
Flame away.

Dustoff, thanks and that is great news. We can look for more Elio public presence and testing results.