I have have submitted queries regarding factory installation of a turbo-charging the Elio engine. I live in No. Central Arizona in the Verde Valley; it is a hilly an mountainous terrain. The shopping area encompasses Prescott to Flagstaff so I firmly believe that turbo-charging is a must. Has Elio established a relationship with a turbo-charger supplier? The original comment I received a while back is that Elio was going to just hand over a customer paid box of parts which we would have to find a shop to do the installation. I made a recommendation that Elio had more than enough room at their Louisiana Plant to devote a section for installation of turbo-charging systems. Here is an concept have an outside supplier of Turbo-Chargers set up shop there like you done for the Seat Supplier? What would be the cost of Turbo-Charger Installation?
I refer you to this thread: http://www.elioowners.com/threads/video-paul-elio-presents-to-the-sec.7888/#post-168910
As mentioned in the video and in that thread linked, Elio has mentioned the possibility of a turbo in the future but no specific plans at this time to include it as an option on the first model run. And for all we know it might never end up being a factory option. Not all cars get factory turbos as an option. It is the model I am waiting for myself, but I may end up having to just say "screw the warranty" and go with aftermarket if the wait is too long and there are solid aftermarket kits available. Whoever told you that Elio was going to hand the customer a box of parts was merely speculating. Since Elio has not made any public plans for a turbo we have no way of knowing how it will be handled. Whether a separate model and installed from the factory only, or as an optional kit that can be installed at a service center or in your own garage.
Only if you buy me dinner... Anyway, here is a link to a turbo kit for the Triumph Rocket III motorcycle, a machine with a 2.3L inline 3 engine. http://www.triumphperformanceusa.co...ducts_id=195&zenid=v6vc3o2kv3ot1i72gigct3i7f5 This is probably at the high end of what it would cost, but should give you an idea.
The turbo will not happen in the first year of production. The focus is getting a simple, working, reliable vehicle into production. The Elio should be easy to work on so take it upon yourself to develope a turbo charger system. That's it, move along.
Simply adding ONE option at the factory doubles the number of cars each store would have to keep on hand for test drives... Instead of just Manual and Automated Manual, they'd then have to carry turbo versions of each. Not to mention the factory would have to ship twice as many model numbers. Is it doable? Sure. Does it make sense for a struggling start-up who already has more customers than they can produce vehicles for to worry about adding yet another model to their lineup? No, it does not. (Yes, I want a Turbo. Yes, I'm advocating Elio NOT build a turbo. Yes, I see the conflict.)
