Paul Elio sitting in the P4 prototype of an Elio. (By Balansboy (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons)
Once upon a time, Elio Motors came out of the automotive industry woodwork with the concept of a three-wheeled car.
The Elio vehicle, currently taking reservations, sports a 0.9-liter, 3-cylinder engine. Developed in part by IAV, the engine is expected to achieve up to 84 mpg, yet reach speeds over 100 mph, all at a base price of USD$6,800.
Elio recently signed a letter of intent with Linamar Corp, a powertrain developer. Linamar will support Elio in manufacturing its vehicles and will also research new applications for the Elio engine in the US.
“Elio Motors has developed an engine with a rare blend of power and fuel efficiency that could have significant market potential beyond powering the Elio,” said Paul Elio, founder of the company. “Linamar will use its global presence and access to international manufacturers in automotive, marine and industrial markets to identify other uses for our engine and top up potential additional revenue for our company.”
Linamar will act as a component and sub-system supplier for Elio Motor’s other driveline and chassis systems in North America and will also develop high-volume engine manufacturing capabilities at the Elio Motors’ assembly plant in Louisiana.
"We are excited about partnering with Elio on this important engine project, " said Linda Hasenfratz, CEO of Linamar. "Not only does this give us great penetration into ultra-high mileage vehicles, it also gives us a chance to sell this highly efficient engine to a variety of markets and customers."
For more information, visit the websites for Elio Motors and Linamar.