Three-wheel car for $6,800

LAS VEGAS — The sleek three-wheeled car looks futuristic, but, as its maker acknowledges, it uses no new technology. What makes the Elio Motors vehicle unique is its ultra-high fuel economy and an ultra-low price tag of $6,800.
The vehicle, which was on display at the Showstoppers startup showcase on the sidelines of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, promises to deliver as much as 134 km per gallon (3.8 litres) of gasoline for highway driving.
It accelerates as quickly as many cars on the road — to 100 miles per hour in 9.6 seconds, according to the company. Urban fuel economy is estimated at 49 miles per gallon.
Company founder Paul Elio said he came up with the idea because “I got mad about seeing all this wealth leave the country” for imported petroleum. An engineer by training, Elio began the firm in 2008 and recently took over an abandoned General Motors plant in Louisiana — one which had been producing the Hummer.