Since time immemorial, we always thought that the whole point of auto racing was to determine which of the competing cars is the fastest among the lot. That simple premise has been set in stone since the olden days so we figure that it wouldn’t change anytime soon. But banning a car from competition because its "too fast" against its competitors? That doesn’t sit too well with us.
The car we’re talking about is the Oaktec Honda Insight Hybrid Rally Car, a gas-electric eco sports car that competes - or was supposed to compete - in the Formula 1000 rally championship. The only problem was that its rivals lodged a complaint for its withdrawal because the car was too fast for them.
Turns out, the problem stems from its tuned gas-electric hybrid system, which easily achieves 100 mph when driven at cruise control and its unique Bosch-sourced CVT automatic transmission. Furthermore, the system allows the car to compete while running at 82 mph, a staggering number considering that the second best car returns only 65 mph.
Full story after the jump.
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Like a ditzy party animal or an all-out slacker, Honda was late for work. The Japanese automaker went into the office and decided to wage war against the Toyota Prius, only to discover that Toyota has moved on from the model they were aiming for.
The weapon that Honda has chosen in the green wars is the new 2010 Honda Insight, a sloped-nosed four-door hybrid that looks about the same as the Prius, just cheaper. Honda’s aim with this new car was to take away Toyota’s customers by offering 41 miles per gallon without the premium price tag.
We had a chance to drive the new Insight for a weekend and our test car was around $20,000, well below the Honda Civic Hybrid and the last generation Prius.
Seems too good be true? Honda is offering the same sort of thing that you get in the Toyota, but at a price that is far more affordable for the masses. Amazing.
Sadly, it’s not as good as you might think. Toyota has moved on from the Prius that Honda’s fighting and created an all-new version that’s massively better. The new model is capable of 50 miles per gallon, a number that will let Toyota keep it’s standing as the most fuel-efficient car in the United States. At least for now.
Hit the jump to read on
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The European Honda Insight is getting a makeover inside and out. Honda has announced that it will update the suspension and the interior trim of the hybrid. These minor changes come after it has been on sale for just 18 months.
Many have complained about the Insight’s poor handling and ride, so Honda will adjust the recoil rate of the springs, as well as the rear camber angles. The Japanese automaker says that these changes will help the ride quality of the hybrid hatchback.
Inside the car, the interior materials and color selections have been updated to give it a better feel and look. Some of the plastics have been changed and the seat trim colors have been updated. Having spent a week driving the Insight, we feel these changes are much needed.
There are new chrome accents around the air vents and the EX model will come with leather and a satnav system.
We hope to see these changes come to North America, but we have no official word yet.
The Japanese automaker Honda is gearing up for the 2010 Tokyo Auto Salon later this week where they will unveil the Insight Sports Modulo Concept. Following the trend of sporty and practical factory tuned models, the Sport Modulo modified Insight is the world’s largest engine builder’s way of saying that even hybrid models can be fun. As it comes from the factory, the Honda hybrid comes with excellent aerodynamic numbers, a comfortable passenger compartment and a fun chassis all a reasonable price, this Sports Modulo Concept expresses the joy of driving through an “Exciting Eco” theme. The automotive re stylists have enhanced the Insight’s appearance with a new ground effects package made up of chiseled lines and larger air dams. With the Sports Modulo concept vehicle, Honda hopes to demonstrate what their in house customization program has to offer the next generation hybrid buyer.
Stay tuned for more details!
Who ever said that hybrids had to be boring never envisioned this tuned gas/electric Honda. When it was originally conceived, the new Honda Insight was designed to be an affordable option for ecologically conscious new car owners. However no one said that it had to look boring, and that is exactly what the Japanese tuning house Exclusive Zeus decided to do. They saw the potential in the Insight and developed a customization program for the economical hybrid Honda.
The kit consists of a new front fascia complete with blacked out grill, a set of beefy side skirts, a new vented rear apron and integrated diffuser. The tuned Insight is then finished off with a set of interesting four spoke rims wrapped in some all new low profile tires.
