Should Elio Offer An Ecu Tuned For Higher Hp?

[carzes]

If I can just add a "race" button I'll be happy.

I can think of some other red buttons I'd like to have installed, like heat-seeking missile....

 

[2.ooohhh]

I'm half certain the green box at the bottom is either missiles or an oil slick because I can't ever see this car's owner getting it out to play in the rain. In fact I'm considering it the closest thing I've found to an "anti-elio".
10mpg, 500hp, $(45 elios!)

My goal is to make my elio faster, but it has a distinct advantage starting out so much lighter.

 

[Lil4X]

A diesel option is worthy of consideration, to be sure - but at this point EM needs to concentrate on developing the gas engine. Two inherent problems with the oil-burner: cost and NVH. It's heavy and expensive to produce due to the greater stresses produced by compressive forces in the engine, and it's a guaranteed bone-shaker. Now we can engineer around the noise, vibration, and harshness by pouring a lot of money into the product, but gravity. well, that's sort of a given.

 

[eLeo]

I have other cars for power and speed - I just want the economy of the Elio for the many short trips for groceries, etc.! I, too, want Elio to succeed.

 

[RK2112]

I also want to keep the price low but would be willing to spend a little more money & sacrifice a few mpg for more horse power. My commute is all highway with a lot of short on ramps with the need to be able to merge quickly. Even my wife's Elantra can make merging a little interesting at times.

 

[carzes]

I know there are a number of people out there who are willing to sacrifice cost, and sacrifice mpg, and sacrifice small animals, or whatever else it takes to get more power. And once you've got it the only other thing you'll need to be happy is more power. Add on some more power and we've really got something there. Top that off with more power and that completes the package, which only needs more power to really finalize the stage at which more power......
Once you start down this road it will never be enough. Sure you might eventually satisfy a few people's lust for torque, but the majority of people looking for more power will never have enough of it. When is the last time you heard ANYONE say "my car has entirely TOO MUCH power. I'm thinking of ordering some new power reducers to get that thing under control. This set ought to take off at least 20-30 horse right outta the box!"?

 

[Aviator]

Elio should offer an OEM option that changes the programming of the Engine Control Unit to provide higher horsepower--this would likely result in lower MPG for this version. Many potential Elio buyers want high mpg above all else, which is why this should be an option. On the other hand, many potential buyers would happily loose a few MPG if they could get a few HP. This sort of buyer would gladly pay a bit more for an Elio with more HP that required premium gas. With a relatively small upfront investment, this could woo additional buyers to purchase a higher profit-margin version of the Elio.

Anyhow, that's what I think, what do you think?

I wouldn't expect any options for the first couple of years of production. Other cars have used this method for years via a button on the dash that switches between economy mode, sport mode, and hold onto your shorts mode. LOL. I think this is an extant idea and should be included as an option somewhere down the road.

I live in an area with some steep hills and short onramps to the highways. I would love the good mpg of economy mode but the would gladly give up on mpg for a 30 second boost of 50hp when I expect to need it as long as the engine is robust enough to handle it with out damage.

 

[Gary J rusho]

I am for keeping it stock and getting then to us as fast as they can. I can’t wait to drive one.
As for power up grades I am sure for under $1000.you will be able to put a little more fire in this baby.

 

[Jim H]

I am for keeping it stock and getting then to us as fast as they can. I can’t wait to drive one.
As for power up grades I am sure for under $1000.you will be able to put a little more fire in this baby.

Gary, welcome to the forum and this eclectic group of Elio enthusiasts. Here you will find the latest information about the development and production of the Elio and plenty of helpful friendly members. Using the forum search function will enable you to quickly find the answers to most of your questions. If not, just ask and someone will try to answer. We look forward to your comments and contributions and hope that you find the Elio experience enjoyable and rewarding.

 

[carzes]

I honestly had no idea how many people are so intimidated by entrance ramps. I've driven a lot of different vehicles, most of which were not rocket-sleds. Somehow I've survived 27 years of driving entrance ramps and I would not hesitate to take my severely under-powered pickup truck anywhere I need to go. Heavy commercial vehicles do not jump up to highway speeds either but they still manage to drive the freeways. When you don't have excessive power, you just don't have it. Adapt your technique and don't worry so much, it's not as difficult as it seems. Besides, even 0-60 in ten seconds is still MUCH faster than most of what I've been driving professionally and personally, and I've never crashed anything.