Elio Motors, Inc. planning to launch a three-wheeled vehicle that will get up to 84 mpg with a targeted base price of $6,800, announced that it has signed a Letter of Intent with Linamar Corp. Under the agreement, Linamar will partner with Elio for the manufacturing of the Elio motors for Elio, as well as for engines for global use in the automotive, marine and industrial sectors outside of the US. The powerful, highly fuel-efficient 0.9-liter, 3-cylinder engine, which Elio Motors developed with partner IAV, could have applications far beyond the company's initial vehicle.

The engine is expected to achieve up to 84 mpg, yet still reach speeds of more than 100 mph. Linamar also will be a component and sub-system supplier for Elio Motors' other driveline and chassis systems in North America. They will collaborate with Elio Motors to create engine manufacturing capabilities at the Elio Motors' assembly plant in Louisiana to support the high-volume production of the Elio engine.