Elio Motors released photos of a 0.9-liter 3-cylinder engine that its founder claims is the first engine built from scratch by a start-up vehicle company in more than 60 years.

Paul Elio, founder of Elio Motors, says the engine will make its first official start on February 6, 2015, at a private event for investors, suppliers and the media. The gathering will take place at IAV, a well-known global engine development company with an office in Plymouth, Michigan.

In a news release, officials say Elio is the first start-up vehicle manufacturer to develop its own internal combustion engine since Nash motors in 1951.

“When you are on a monumental journey such as the launch of a new transportation company, sometimes you have to blaze your own trail,” says Elio. “We looked at existing engines and couldn’t find anything that met our needs. We challenged IAV to develop something from the ground up and they delivered. We believe this engine is the heart and soul of this vehicle.”

IAV came up with the basic 3-cylinder architecture then developed Elio-specific components, including the cylinder block and heads, cam cover, front cover, oil pan, crankshaft, camshaft, valvetrain, pistons, connecting rods, bearings and water pump.

“Ultimately, the decision to build an engine that was completely ours will pay off by meeting and exceeding our customers’ expectations for fuel efficiency and performance,” adds Elio. “In addition to a vehicle that is fuel efficient and has a unique look, our customers will find it fun to drive as well.”

There remains some controversy surrounding the 3-wheel, 2-seater Elio that is classified as motorcycle under federal guidelines. It will have airbags and rollcage-style enclosure, but the company has had to lobby states to exempt the occupants from helmet laws and motorcycle endorsements on their driver’s license. Projected retail price is less than $7,000. It also has goals of more than 80 mpg and 0-60 time of 9.6 seconds.

No further details about the engine were released, but EngineLabs is curious as to whether the production model will sport an ATI damper and such finely fabricated stainless-steel headers (that’s some nice TIG welding) with a V-band connection. What else do you see on this engine that looks interesting?