3-Wheeler Launch Pushed Back to 2016

Elio Motors Inc. says it now plans to launch its $6,800 three-wheel vehicle by mid-2016. The company, which purchased General Motors Co.'s former Hummer H3/Chevrolet Colorado truck plant in Shreveport, La., in early 2013, originally hoped to begin producing the two-seater in 2014.

Elio plans to launch its 3-wheeler next year.

The Phoenix, Ariz.-based company released details about its latest prototype model, dubbed the P5, on Monday. Elio says it has made aerodynamic improvements to the vehicle and tweaked the rear-drive powertrain, which consists of a 900-cc 3-cylinder engine and "multi-mode" Aisin manual transmission.

Developed by IAV GmbH, the engine is highly customized to enhance packaging flexibility, ease of manufacturing and performance. The vehicle is expected to have a top speed of 100 miles per hour and a 0-60 mph time of 9.6 seconds. Fuel economy is targeted at 84 miles per gallon.

Available amenities will include three airbags, stability control, power windows, power door locks, air conditioning and a stereo system.

Elio says the P5 is the first in a series of 26 new prototypes that will be developed for testing and validation purposes. The company currently is showing the previous generation P4 on a nationwide tour.