The P5 is based on the last model, the P4, but it brings a few more options like the power windows and air conditioning. In terms of getting power to the road, the P5 comes with a 0.9-liter, 3-cylinder engine that helps with the extended fuel economy. The output of the engine has not been specified at this point for the P5, but according to reports, the previous models were about 55 horsepower. The car is only going to have one transmission option right now and that is the multi-mode Aisin model.
In January of this year, it was announced that Elio Motors was awaiting a loan from the Department of Energy Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing in the amount of $185 million. That, on top of the $65 million the company raised would bring them very close to what they need to start the production line.
With great fuel economy, small size, safety features and a price tag you can hardly make a second pass at, Elio Motors is looking to gain some market share in a place where there is a need for something like the P5. The company also noted that 90 percent of the parts needed to build the car come from suppliers in North America.
The coming Elio looks a lot like my 2000 Honda Insight, but with one less seat. On the highway, 63mpg was common. The engine was 3 cyl also with about 1 liter displacement with electric motor boost when needed.The Insight also tips the scales at 1800 lbs on a more stable 4 wheel structure with air conditioning, manual or auto trans, and full safety cage construction.
The Elio engine is very similiar to the Honda (might it be the same???)