Why Design "freeze" Is Important To The Elio Project...

[TexasElio]

You would think and industry expert like yourself would know that the P in P4 stands for prototype on production model. Maybe the Elio team just might have considered some of these things too. But, I doubt if any of them are as smart as you. Surely they don't have any computerized plans for the intended production model. I do hope they are reading your compelling insights. Oh, if only this were TexasElio Motors, we would all be in so much better hands.

Please rest assured...that a member of the Elio Motors staff monitors discussions on this forum...

 

[Jay3wheel]

Please rest assured...that a member of the Elio Motors staff monitors discussions on this forum...

And your point is?

 

[CrimsonEclipse]

I view the P4 purely as a one-off display vehicle highlighting the possible cosmetic configuration of the Elio Vehicle...

Almost right. It also proves handling and geometry and a long list of real world interactions

The P4 does not have a production integrated drive-train...and does not have any actual saftey equipment installed...no airbags...no ABS...no stability control system...etc...

Correct, the PROTOTYPE is not a finished product.

There is a long list of components that need to be integrated into the next generation of promised Elio prototypes...

Correct.

As I've examined the photos of P4 chassis...it basically a show vehicle configuration built to support the body of the P4 show vehicle...to that fact...the underlying support structure on the P4 prototype appears to be channel tubing rather than round tubing which would be required to meet saftey standards.

This is a concept prototype. The changes in the frame structure have already been discussed.... at length.

Additionally...there's no apparent triangulation between the windshield and middle hoops. The braces that prevent the middle hoop from collapsing backward are extremely undersized. the P4 chassis doesn't appear to provide the technology to pass any real world crash testing...

FUD (see above)

The next Elio prototype...or the promised fleet of P5 vehicles...will be a completely different engineering task...and a far more complicated endeavor than building a single P4 show vehicle ...

The next round of vehicles will NOT be the P5. It WILL be low rate production conforming vehicles for testing purposes. Yes, it IS more complicated. Well spotted.

I can easily see the P5 prototype program taking a year or more to complete...including the validation testing on the fleet of promised P5 vehicles...

Projection

And from what I've read...Mr Elio has stated the construction of a fleet of P5 vehicles is currently on hold because of lack of funding.

Rumor without support.

NEXT!!!

 

[Gas-Powered Awesome]

...the underlying support structure on the P4 prototype appears to be channel tubing rather than round tubing which would be required to meet saftey standards.

What standards and required by whom?

 

[jdkeats]

Show me anywhere that there is a "manufacturing deadline". Haven't seen it on any of Elios pages...have seen manufacturing date goals which is different than a deadline. I hope there are not any delays but I also would not want the vehicle release before problems with engineering, safety etc. were addressed.

A manufacturing deadline and goal are one in the same. One may imply a hard date (deadline) but at this stage it is a goal.
Goals that are missed do not sound as bad as deadlines missed.
It is just phonetics at his point.

 

[jdkeats]

You would think and industry expert like yourself would know that the P in P4 stands for prototype on production model. Maybe the Elio team just might have considered some of these things too. But, I doubt if any of them are as smart as you. Surely they don't have any computerized plans for the intended production model. I do hope they are reading your compelling insights. Oh, if only this were TexasElio Motors, we would all be in so much better hands.

Now, Now do not get your panties in a bunch here. Insulting comments really do not help any conversation.
TexasElio is right the P4 is not even up to design to be called a "mule".

There is much yet to be done to even get a "mule". There may be many "off the shelf parts" being used but reflects more about costs than time.

 

[Jay3wheel]

Now, Now do not get your panties in a bunch here. Insulting comments really do not help any conversation.
TexasElio is right the P4 is not even up to design to be called a "mule".

There is much yet to be done to even get a "mule". There may be many "off the shelf parts" being used but reflects more about costs than time.

My panties, while none of your business, are just fine. The person claims to be some sort of expert. But all I see are opinions, and when people respond, he doesn't continue to support his points. He simply aims in a new direction.

 

[jdkeats]

What standards and required by whom?

NHSTA FOR ONE.
Crumple zones are needed to get higher crash ratings.
Tubular frame is strong and light easier produced with a cost in mind. Less wielding is needed.

Crash testing needs to be done to get a safety rating, which will be very important for selling a small vehicle.

Bottom line is that they are not close to a six month time frame to production.

 

[jdkeats]

My panties, while none of your business, are just fine. The person claims to be some sort of expert. But all I see are opinions, and when people respond, he doesn't continue to support his points. He simply aims in a new direction.

I hate to break it you, but this blog site is nothing more than opinions. TexasElio has said that,
1. that there has to be a "design freeze" at some point, which is true and obvious to some. It is harder to hit a constantly moving target.
2. that many of the safety features have yet to show up on the P4.

I am not sure that there is a response other than what has already been written.

The amount of posts one makes doesn't have a direct correlation to the amount of insight one may bring.

just my 2 cents

 

[Rickb]

The next build will be the EP5........the first engineering prototype that will be used for tooling up the plant. The EP5's to follow will be used for testing and the planned Ride & Drive Events. I don't expect the EP5 build will happen before the engine has passed it's final testing phase and ready to install. Then again it could be ready and waiting for the engine. I suspect there will be a final VP6, the validation prototype before production begins. The EM process is following industry standards for new vehicle development & production. No sense stirring up non-issues just for 'entertainment value'. Most everybody on the forum is here to be entertained and share some positive thoughts and experiences regarding a concept vehicle most have a vested interest in.

The first production Elio, whenever that may be, will no doubt be Paul Elio's as he stands watching it being built, rolling off the assembly line, getting in, closing the door, and driving it back to his hotel in Elioville (Shreveport) glancing periodically at the Elgin Dash with a smile on his face. Tough question of the day: What if it doesn't start? Answer: Paul is going to be pissed.