The P5: What Would You Change?

[NSTG8R]

I've been called a lot of things in my life.

"Gentle wizard" is a new one

Ditto!

 

[outsydthebox]

Necessity is the mother of invention! If some one can think it then someone can make it. I do like your "artist renderings" very creative. I did notice you haven't mentioned a trailer which invites a whole new set of problems. How to add a trailer hitch and all the liability issues and perhaps voiding the warranty. I am sure the Elio was not designed to tow anything.

I believe you hit the main reason...Liability. As I recall, a "towing package" was in the plans, but EM said integrating a trailer with the ABS was going to add too much expense to the "basic transportation" concept. Along with (as WilliamH pointed out) the majority of people not really knowing how to properly load or pull one.
I am pretty sure I'm not the only one who IS comfortable towing, & I am willing to accept the responsibility...even if it does void the warranty.

 

[NSTG8R]

I believe you hit the main reason...Liability. As I recall, a "towing package" was in the plans, but EM said integrating a trailer with the ABS was going to add too much expense to the "basic transportation" concept. Along with (as WilliamH pointed out) the majority of people not really knowing how to properly load or pull one.
I am pretty sure I'm not the only one who IS comfortable towing, & I am willing to accept the responsibility...even if it does void the warranty.

IMHO, regardless of the size/weight of the trailer being hauled by an Elio, electric trailer brakes might be a good idea. If you had to brake on a downhill curve, I could see the trailer trying to kick the back wheel loose and jackknife you. Might just be my vivid imagination though.

 

[Joshua Caldwell]

We've all had a chance to view the pics of the P5 and by now we all know what we like and don't like. So, let's see what we would change.... if it were up to us. I'll start the ball rolling.

1. Replace the Elgin dash with something that looks like an automobile dash.
2. Do something with that little instrument cluster to the left of the dash. It looks like an afterthought.
3. Change the rear end panel back to the P3 style.
4. Extend the exhaust pipe out a little so as to keep the exhaust away from the paint work.
5. Raise the back of the trunk some to give more trunk space.

I would change nothing, because change means more delay. I sure agree with #1 though!

 

[outsydthebox]

I would change nothing, because change means more delay. I sure agree with #1 though!

I'm with you...no changes!...until It is in my hot little hands! Then their will be changes. The Elgin dash won't be changed. I will however, be adding some gauges.

 

[Mel]

Anyone know when the convertible will be available?

 

[Maurtis]

Anyone know when the convertible will be available?

LMAO, we do not even know when a hard top will be available!

 

[Sethodine]

Anyone know when the convertible will be available?

There was talk of a possible "Glass roof" version for a future model, along with all the other talk. I'm sure EM is aware of the wide array of desires and interest in future iterations of the Elio, but the first production model is going to be pretty spartan.

 

[RUCRAYZE]

LMAO, we do not even know when a hard top will be available!

I don't know if it's still on the table , two versions , a sun roof and moonroof, don't remember if it was members wishing, or factory indicating the option. Either way, the space was very very small.

 

[Muzhik]

IMHO, regardless of the size/weight of the trailer being hauled by an Elio, electric trailer brakes might be a good idea. If you had to brake on a downhill curve, I could see the trailer trying to kick the back wheel loose and jackknife you. Might just be my vivid imagination though.

I recall discussions on another thread that brought up this very issue. Pulling a trailer when you have either 2 wheels or 4 wheels is very different from pulling a trailer when you have a 3 wheels and a pivot point just in front of the connector.