The image of the car is set to be overturned with Elio Motors’ new 3-wheeled car that resembles something out of a science-fiction movie. It features two wheels in the front of the car separated from the body and one wheel in the back of the car. This creates a body that is close to a teardrop shape, which offers enhanced aerodynamics for a more efficient and practical personal transportation vehicle.

Elio was founded in 2008 by Paul Elio, who is also the engineer and CEO of the company. The car, which will not have a model name but only be called the Elio Motors car, is projected to reach the market sometime next year. It is expected to have a five-star crash safety rating and only sell for $6,800. The Elio Motors car will be made in America and built in Elio’s Louisiana factory, bringing an estimated 1500 jobs to Louisiana, according to the company. As a smaller vehicle, it is not built to replace the family sedan but rather be a second car suitable for commuting.

Driving Abilities

The engine is located in the front of the car and drives the front wheels. It is 3 cylinders and can produce 55 horsepower, with the ability to reach up to 100 miles per hour and can go from zero to 60 in under 9.6 seconds. It comes in either a 5-speed manual or automatic transmission.

The Elio car also has an independent suspension with coil-over-spring and shock in the front and mono-shock with coil-over-spring and shock in the rear, providing a smooth ride. Additionally, it is a front-wheel drive vehicle with a low center of gravity that provides great traction, evening the snow. There is a 5.75-inch ground clearance, similar to most vehicles on the road.

Gas Mileage

The Elio car can drive 84 miles per gallon highway, even though it is not a hybrid or electric vehicle. The size and aerodynamics of the car allow it to achieve a longer gas mileage, which is a key feature as gas prices continue to rise. It holds 8 gallons, which means that it can go roughly 672 miles on one tank of gas. In the city, it still can drive 49 miles per gallon, which is about 1/3 of the average vehicle consumption.

Safety Rating

By having only three wheels, the Eliot car can legally be designated a motorcycle, which technically means the company does not have to match the same rigorous safety requirements as an automobile. However, the company insists they will be putting it through the same safety testing as a regular car. It comes equipped with several safety features, including a Safety Management System with three airbags, a reinforced roll-cage frame, Anti-lock Braking System, and a 50 percent larger crush zone than similarly sized vehicles.

Standard Features

It comes standard with an air conditioner and heater, AM/FM radio, defrost, power windows and doors, tempered glass, and windshield wipers. It has a trunk that will be able to hold something around the size of an airing carry-on bag. About 95 percent of men can fit in the car comfortably, with space for two people. It comes in a seven different colors, with a choice of classic grays and blacks or bold color choices such as red, orange, blue and green.

The Elio car offers many of the same basic necessary features consumers look for in a car in a bold new design. When the Elio debuts next year, this unconventional vehicle will have to compete against the traditional cars to survive in the market. Whether it does or not will rely upon the consumers willingness to try something new, and the car’s ability to meet expectations.

photo credit: Tom Dressel