Elio Motors has detailed a new 0.9-liter three-cylinder engine that will power the company’s three-wheel car.
The startup has not backed down from its promise to deliver 84 mpg and a top speed in excess of 100 mph. To achieve both goals, the company asked German engineering firm IAV to design the diminutive powerplant specifically for the three-wheeler.
The startup has not backed down from its promise to deliver 84 mpg and a top speed in excess of 100 mph. To achieve both goals, the company asked German engineering firm IAV to design the diminutive powerplant specifically for the three-wheeler.
The engine has now been taken from the engineering stage to prototype assembly and initial testing.
“Seeing this new technology come to fruition has been one of the most exciting stages in our history,” said chief executive Paul Elio. “This prototype puts us right were we need to be at this stage of development.”
Elio Motors promises its made-in-America three-wheeler will arrive on the market with seating for two, airbags, air conditioning, a stereo and power windows and door locks, all for $6,800.
The company claims to be on track to ship the car sometime next year, after facing several delays that pushed the project back from its initial mid-2014 launch target.
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