2010 Honda Insight

[Motor]

Hey Motor, find out about the new Insight and post up a thread about it.

http://www.newcelica.org/forums/showthread.php?t=284064 Post #'s 5 & 6.

http://www.newcelica.org/forums/showthread.php?t=235494&highlight=Honda

http://www.leftlanenews.com/honda-insight.html
Though labeled a concept, the show car very strongly previews Honda’s upcoming bargain-priced Prius fighter which will be unveiled officially later this fall. In addition to live photos from the show floor, we’ve added several official images to our 2010 Insight gallery.

“The original Honda Insight pioneered hybrid technology in the U.S. and remains a symbol of Honda’s commitment to innovative technology and fuel efficiency,” said Takeo Fukui, Honda CEO. “This new Insight will break new ground as an affordable hybrid within the reach of customers who want great fuel economy and great value.”

Priced below the Honda Civic, this Japanese-built hybrid will carry over much of the hatchback styling from the FCX. Inside, the Insight appears similar to the Prius with a flat floor and large space, as well as a futuristic dashboard.

In addition to recycling the Insight name, Honda will equip the new hybrid with the same 1.3-liter Integrated Motor Assist system found in the current-generation Honda Civic Hybrid. However, further development of the system will cut the IMA’s cost by about 50 percent in the new hybrid.

Although the new Insight will be loosely based on the Fit, it will measure in at 3 inches longer and 1 inch wider than the Fit, which Honda said will also be available with a hybrid powertrain in the near future.

One Honda insider told Edmunds the Insight’s fuel economy would be “insane,” with some Japanese sources predicting mileage as high as 71 mpg. Actual mileage will likely be lower when it hits our shores, but should still be impressive.

And if those lofty fuel-economy numbers weren’t enough to cause an instant waiting list for the new hybrid, the next-generation Insight will list from under $18,500 – undercutting the Prius by thousands of dollars.

The new Insight is expected to debut at November’s Los Angeles Auto Show and will likely be in North American dealerships by late spring 2010.

Honda hopes to build 200,000 units annually, with half of that production to be sold in the United States.
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/insight_concept_001.jpg
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/03_insight_concept_rear.jpg
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/04_insight_concept_interior.jpg

Ask, and ye shall receive.

[Motor]

First Drive: 2000 Honda Insight
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FirstDrives/articleId=43947
For years, we've heard it preached to us by sapling-holding tree thumpers, overpaid politicians and ozone-knowing scientists: "Reduce pollution or die! Carbon monoxide is killing the planet! The internal combustion engine must cease to exist!" And while these extremists do have a legitimate gripe about the state of global warming, the internal combustion engine will still be around for a long, long time - only more efficient, less pollutant, and married to other forms of propulsion. Case in point: the first gasoline-electric hybrid ever to come to market - the Honda Insight.

While I'd driven a fair number of the latest electric-powered "green machines," I wasn't prepared for my first experience in the Insight. Granted it looked a lot like General Motors' EV-1, but this had an exhaust pipe that emitted 46 percent less hydrocarbons and 50 percent less carbon monoxide than Honda's low-emission Civic CX. And unlike the electric "whoosh mobiles," that putter around town and need to be recharged after driving only 70 miles or so, the Insight can travel that distance on one gallon of gas. Like the Energizer Bunny, it keeps going...and going...and going -- over 500 miles more on a single tank.

The heart of the Insight is a new ultra-low-emission 1.0-liter, 12-valve three-cylinder VTEC-E engine coupled with an ultra-thin electric motor that Honda engineers call an Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) that aids the gasoline engine under acceleration. Although
the engine alone provides enough power for flatland driving, the nearly transparent electric motor-assist is needed for sustained speeds on mountain grades.

If you're expecting to make the trip over the Rocky Mountains, be prepared for a long ride. The Insight's 144-volt nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries drain quickly under continual use (as we found out on a 15-mile, 5 percent uphill grade), leaving the driver with no choice but to select a lower gear and poke along until reaching the summit. Since the electric motor is a secondary propulsion source, Honda engineers took a different approach in the battery pack department. In a space no more than 16 by 18 inches (and weighing only 48 pounds), Honda managed to cram (and we are not making this up) 120 D-sized NiMH batteries in series to power the electric-assist motor. If you're traveling up Pikes Peak, we humbly suggest you either plan on taking a full day for the trip or rent something from Avis.

The plus side is that the system features regenerative braking, so by the time you reach the base of your descent, the batteries will be charged again and ready for the next assault. And unlike the all-electric EV-1 and Ford Ranger EV, the Insight requires no external power supply to recharge the battery packs. The package features a way-cool idle-stop feature, which shuts off the engine to save fuel when the driver places the shift lever in neutral and releases the clutch pedal. Depress the clutch, engage first gear, and the Insight's IMA electric motor gently spins up the gasoline engine to idle speed just like an E-Z-GO golf cart.

Available only with a five-speed manual transmission (designed with special gears to reduce rotational mass), the transmission has relatively short first, second and third gears for good city driving performance, with tall overdrive gearing in fourth and fifth to maximize fuel economy. Gear changes are short and smooth (thanks to shortened synchronizer sleeves), similar to the S2000, but with wider gates and without the positive "tink" as gears are selected.

With the standard issue 165/65 R14 78S low-rolling resistance tires keeping the Insight trucking down the highway, we caught every groove in the concrete, which made for difficult straight-line tracking in even the best of conditions. And God forbid if a semi should pass you at MACH 2 - between the skinny tires, narrow rear stance and the light weight (the Insight weighs in at 1,856 pounds, wet), the Insight is extremely susceptible to instantaneous lane changes due to wind or massive amounts of vacuum.

Driving the Insight requires a combination of defensive and offensive driving techniques. No matter where we went, other motorists tended to box us into lanes as they stared googly-eyed at the Insight's futuristic bodywork. It was great for a while, but when trying to get around a semi traveling at 40 mph on a 70 mph highway (and our battery pack fully depleted), we were left to downshift to second, change lanes and chant "I think I can...I think I can...I think I can..."

Off the proverbial Highway from Hell, the Insight handled the twisties like a crazed skateboarder. Turns were sharp and precise with the standard electric-powered steering transmitting a fair amount of road feel and chuckhole shock through the steering wheel. We'll blame our newly found carpal tunnel syndrome on the stiff tires, not the steering system. Given its diminutive size, body roll was moderate as the rear of the vehicle tried to tuck in sync with the front end.

In order to achieve the Insight's 70 mpg fuel rating, Honda needed more than a state-of-the-art powertrain package. Like the Acura NSX, the Insight's unitized body/chassis is made of aluminum (except for the front fenders, which are made from plastic) and boasts a drag coefficient of only .25.

From the rear, the Insight looks very EV-1-ish with the narrow rear track (the rear is 4.3-inches narrower than the front) and rear Kamm-style aerodynamic treatment, but that similarity ends quickly after looking at the front of the Insight, which carries a very strong Honda identity in the front fascia and headlamp treatment. Lateral surface areas are also wind-cutting, reducing drag further with removable wheel arch coverings.

Thanks to its aerodynamic bodywork, flat underbody, and extensive use of plastic and other lightweight materials, the Insight requires 30 percent less power to operate at highway speeds than the Honda Civic.

Like the exterior, the Insight's interior is just as futuristic. With a sweeping dash, aluminum trim surround and high-tech LCD analog/digital instrument display, the interior looks more like a Las Vegas techno-lounge than your average commuter car. Divided into three sections, the instrument cluster displays engine rpm, coolant temperature, and the engine's idiot lights in the left binnacle; a large digital speedometer, odometer, lifetime fuel economy bar graph and instant fuel economy (a mesmerizing bar graph that responds instantaneously to throttle input) in the middle; and fuel level, battery level indicator, and the IMA charge and assist indicator on the right bank.

Dual high-back bucket seats feature good lateral and lumbar support while controls for the standard power windows, mirrors, AM/FM cassette stereo, ventilation and available automatic HVAC controls are within easy reach. But two large adults will find themselves knocking elbows in the tight cockpit. Built fully equipped (the only option is the automatic air-conditioning system), the Insight is an incredible value for a hybrid vehicle.

Is it worth driving the Insight from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City on one tank of gas? Well, we wouldn't do it (Honda's seats are good, but aren't that good), but you certainly could if you wanted to. And despite its shortcomings in the handling department and quick-to-drain batteries, Honda has finally brought a realistic option to gasoline engine-only cars with an ultra-low-emission vehicle that can be driven anywhere without the worry of having to find an electrical outlet.

At a base MSRP of $18,880 (add $1,200 for the automatic climate control), the Insight is a heck of a deal, considering the amount of technology Honda has invested. Granted, you can get a low-emission Civic HX for $6,500 less, but you won't score any points with your tree-hugging friends. And while Ford and GM continue to primarily sell their electric vehicles to government fleets, we'd be surprised if consumers don't snatch up every Insight Honda can produce.
http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//pictures/VEHICLE/2000/Honda/12722/2000.honda.insight.4855-E.jpg
http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//pictures/VEHICLE/2000/Honda/12722/2000.honda.insight.4955-E.jpg

1st gen. for comparison.

[Gas-n-Grease]

what?? Honda Prius???

[silverCELICAgt-s]

i wonder how much it will compare in price with the civic hybrid.

[Beast]

what?? Honda Prius???

exactly. Well, with more blue lighting. They're putting dooly out of business.

[KAT_Ayanami]

So they are bringing the European Civic here?

[peeper06]

The interior would look sick in black. The exterior looks too much like a Prius though. I would think Honda would come up with something a little more original, closer resembling the old Insight. Either way, I'm glad to see Honda's bringing it back!

[qburt19]

This is going to fail like the Insight failed.

[2000 XYR]

Hmm, sounds VERY underpowered. I guess that was a problem with the original? Never drove one. Just thought it was interesting that they never marketed that car yet it was the original hybrid. Then right as hybrids are all the rage they discontinue it. The new one looks okay but a little out there. And sounds like it's still underpowered (unless I skimmed incorrectly and they were talking about the old Insight).

[atrac7GTS]

This is going to fail like the Insight failed.

somehow i doubt this...the price tag alone seems like it would be picked up fairly quickly, and finally offer an alternative from toyota's prius

[Boosted2.0]

what?? Honda Prius???

x3

sure looks that way.

[Carbonized_GT]

The first gen Insights were total pieces of sh!t. Crappily built and made of sh!tty materials.

[The__J__Factor]

I dont really get specially designed hybrids. They should really just focus on putting the hybrid tech into their current line up. That way people get what they want with out having to buy an ugly Prius/prius look a like.

[GSBoek]

I guess Honda is the new China (no offense meant).

[marc]

I dont really get specially designed hybrids. They should really just focus on putting the hybrid tech into their current line up. That way people get what they want with out having to buy an ugly Prius/prius look a like.

aerodynamics

a car that already exists doesn't have optimized for fuel efficiency aerodynamics, they make some nods to style.

dedicated hybrids don't give a crap about style - they're about being jelly beans in the wind - and as a result, that look has become a style all unto itself.

[Boosted2.0]

I dont really get specially designed hybrids. They should really just focus on putting the hybrid tech into their current line up. That way people get what they want with out having to buy an ugly Prius/prius look a like.

Ummm they already do - hence the Camry hybrid and highlander hybrid.

The Prius is constructed and shaped the way it if to optimize fuel economy and keep the weight as light as possible.

[marc]

Ummm they already do - hence the Camry hybrid and highlander hybrid.

The Prius is constructed and shaped the way it if to optimize fuel economy and keep the weight as light as possible.

Which is why it looks like the Prius.

[2000 XYR]

Any car makers have plans for a diesel/electric hybrid? Seems like if they can get that to work they should be able to get to 70-75MPG.

[Motor]

Interior update
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/eco_assist_system_1.jpg
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/eco_assist_system_2.jpg

[Motor]

Production
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/autoshows/detroit/2009/2009hondainsighthybriddebutnews.2009hondainsighthy brid500.img.jpg

[Yca]

civic with prius rear

[GSBoek]

That rear isn't looking good at all.

[2000 XYR]

Guess I'll just keep mine unless that one has so many new goodies that I can't resist.

[Motor]

JDM brochure
http://www.motorauthority.com/content/thumbs/h/o/honda_insight_jdm_brochure_001-1229-950x673.jpg
http://www.motorauthority.com/content/thumbs/h/o/honda_insight_jdm_brochure_002-1229-950x673.jpg
http://www.motorauthority.com/content/thumbs/h/o/honda_insight_jdm_brochure_003-1229-950x673.jpg
http://www.motorauthority.com/content/thumbs/h/o/honda_insight_jdm_brochure_004-1229-950x673.jpg
http://www.motorauthority.com/content/thumbs/h/o/honda_insight_jdm_brochure_005-1229-950x673.jpg
http://www.motorauthority.com/content/thumbs/h/o/honda_insight_jdm_brochure_006-1229-950x673.jpg

[Dasher17]

I like it 1000x more than the prius and I'll take a honda over a toyota when it comes to this close of a comparison.

The first insight was genius, it just looked worse than a paper towel after you clean the back part of a toilet in a high school locker room. If I cared about owning a hybrid I would def. buy this though.

[Motor]

2010 Honda Insight EX Full Test
complete article (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=139246?tid=edmunds.il.home.photopanel..5 .*)
The Insight Goes Mainstream

What Works:
Balance of fuel economy versus performance; Eco-Assist driver coaching system; adjustable driver seating position; cargo capacity.

What Needs Work:
Busy dashboard design; rear-seat leg- and headroom; somewhat noisy.

Bottom Line:
Honda has built a hybrid that delivers fuel economy benefits at a price that many can justify.

* 88-hp 1.3-liter engine
* 13 hp and 58 lb-ft electric motor
* Continuously variable transmission
* Eco-Assist driver coaching system

A good alternative to the Prius.

[Carbonized_GT]

Ugh, Honda's CVT transmissions are total garbage.

[Motor]

Mugen Honda Insight
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/02/mugen_honda_insight_2.jpg
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/02/mugen_honda_insight_1.jpg

[stealthjet]

Any other shots with the spoiler?
This first photo looks pretty nice.
But the second one just looks goofy to me.

[Burrcold]

....

[Motor]

All-new Honda Insight Starts Under $20,000
[QUOTE=PRESS RELEASE]The all-new 2010 Honda Insight goes on-sale March 24 with a manufacturer's suggested retail price1 (MSRP) of $19,800 for the Insight LX, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.

The distinctively styled, five-passenger, five-door dedicated hybrid vehicle is powered by an Integrated Motor Assist™ (IMA™) system comprised of a 1.3-liter i-VTEC

[GSBoek]

Considering the new Prius is better in all aspects, they had to have a better price to compete.


And someone needsto tell Mugen we don't need triangular exhaust tips.

[Carbonized_GT]

Hopefully my dealership gets one of the first truckloads of these suckers.

[drummerg68]

:gap:

[Carbonized_GT]

Ok so my dealership got 3 of these suckers in yesterday. All 3 were EXs, 1 in Polished Metal Metalic, 1 in Alabaster silver, and 1 in Tango red pearl.

My impressions of the 2010 Insight-

Exterior- 7/10

The new Insight is head and shoulders above the previous model in the looks department. The aggressive front end is very appealing, the same cannot be said about the side & rear profiles where it just falls apart. The aggression turns into bland and boring Priusness. It seems to be a Civic more or less.

Interior- 8/10

Upon stepping into the Insight you are greeted with many screens, very futuristic. The gauge layout is a mixture of the new Fit & Civic. The upper screen shows your speed and behind the speed is a half circle that changes between blue and green. The blue & green signify how economically you are driving, Green = good. Below that screen you have your near useless tach and a smaller LCD screen within the tach. The screen has the ability to show you various information from; odometer, MPG, outside temp and other items. Something new about this display is that it has a new way of showing fuel economy. The more economical you drive over time the more little flowers show up on screen. Kinda ghey, kinda neat, either way it will only cause Insight drivers to drive slow. The last screen is for your HVAC info.

Moving away from the dash, the cabin is filled with plastic, no leather here. The seats are comfy and have very little side support, made for long distance apparently. Headroom is ample and front legroom is plenty, even for me(6'4"). The rear is a bit more cramped, the sloping roofline decreases head room so it can get a bit tight. With a driver & front passenger above 6' 2" there is hardly any leg room in the rear, very Civic-like.

Chassis/Engine/Suspension 8/10-

The Insight is nearly the same as the Euro Jazz in Suspension/Engine/Chassis. The front uses horizontal lower control arm bushings and the rear a H beam style rear end, both near identical to the Jazz. The engine is a 4-cylinder, 1.3 liter intelligent Dual and Sequential Ignition vtec unit. There are only 2 main differences between this motor and the jazz', 1- Rocker arms are designed for 2-stage VTEC to allow normal engine operation and to pause all valves for idle-stop mode. And 2- Solenoid valves direct oil to the rocker pins for the two modes of operation. In the Insight, there are 2 valves opposed to the normal 1.

Driving Impressions- 10/10(For a hybrid)

The '10 Insight is the end all be all Hybrid. There is NO reason why anyone should buy a Prius, Civic Hybrid, or any other Hybrid on the market after they have driven this car.

While cruising around you can get a real feel of how well this car is made. No rattles, noises or vibrations like those found in the glued together 1st gens. The electric power steering is smooth like creme, but can get a bit oversensitive at freeway speeds. The chassis & suspension respond well through tight on ramps/off ramps and absorb imperfections in the road well. The CVT trans has been revised a lot since the last Civic Hybrid. The Insight comes with 7 pre-programmed ratios and can be selected via paddle shifters on the steering wheel. Some fun can be found there. My main gripe is that the ride can get a bit bouncy at lower speeds, and the engine is gutless.

Final verdict- 8.5/10

The 2010 Insight is what it is. A hybrid commuter. But it is the best you can get right now. It would be asinine to buy a Civic Hyb or Prius over this car. Not just in driving pleasure but it is a lot easier on your wallet too. 4 grand cheaper than the CivHyb, and 3 grand cheaper than the Prius.

Pictures of the one I PDI'd yesterday, sorry for the sh.it quality, these were taken with my cell phone...

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/7505/image037l.jpg
http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/6724/image038hvc.jpg
http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/8717/image039b.jpg
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http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/3870/image042epo.jpg
http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/2601/image043msc.jpg
http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/779/image044ucd.jpg
http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/9954/image046s.jpg
http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/1220/image047nwm.jpg

[Joey03_VVT-I]

^ Could you have made those big ass pictures, much bigger!?! :faint:

*Being a smart ass* :gap:

[Motor]

Jeremy Clarkson: Honda Insight 1.3 IMA SE Hybrid
full story (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/driving/jeremy_clarkson/article6294116.ece?token=null&offset=0&page=1)
So here goes. It’s terrible. Biblically terrible. Possibly the worst new car money can buy. It’s the first car I’ve ever considered crashing into a tree, on purpose, so I didn’t have to drive it any more.

It doesn’t work. Put your foot down in a normal car and the revs climb in tandem with the speed. In a CVT car, the revs spool up quickly and then the speed rises to match them. It feels like the clutch is slipping. It feels horrid.

In a Prius the electric motor can, though almost never does, power the car on its own. In the Honda the electric motor is designed to “assist” the petrol engine, providing more get-up-and-go when the need arises. The net result is this: in a Prius the transformation from electricity to petrol is subtle. In the Honda there are all sorts of jerks and clunks.

Clarkson's verdict
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00136/rating_stars_1_136523a.gif
Good only for parting the smug from their money
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00556/In_Gear_556579a.jpg

The words from this man are pure gold.

[2000 XYR]

Sounds like a smart guy. :D

I'm kind of mad at Toyota for trying to compete the Prius with the Insight. I believe it's bigger and better in almost every way, and it deserves to be a little more expensive. You get what you pay for. And for Honda: You snooze you lose.

[marc]

The Insight is now the best selling car in Japan.

[2000 XYR]

It's new. Wait until the Prius comes out.

[marc]

It's new. Wait until the Prius comes out.

new Prius has 80,000 pre-orders in Japan - about double what they expected.

[Motor]

Update!

Honda's Insight hybrid stalls in sales race with Toyota's Prius
The Japanese automaker had high hopes for the retooled Insight. Instead, all it has delivered is a flurry of bad reviews and four months of dismal sales.
FULL STORY (http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-honda-insight28-2009jul28,0,5682189.story)
Honda's Prius-killer is looking a lot like road kill.

Instead, all the Insight has delivered is a flurry of bad reviews and four months of dismal sales capped by a thorough battering at the hands of the Prius, whose third generation was launched in the U.S. last month. Increasingly, the Insight is looking like the latest in a series of hybrid frustrations for Honda.

"We're all pretty disappointed. We thought we had the next hit on our hands," said Don Marino, general manager of Honda of Santa Monica.

Marino said he was selling five to 10 Insights a month, far less than the 30 or so he expected to move.

Throughout the country, Americans bought 2,079 Insights in June, bringing total sales of the streamlined hatchback since March to 7,524, according to Autodata Corp. At that rate, Honda will sell less than a third of its goal of 90,000 in the first 12 months.

By comparison, the higher-priced Prius was snapped up by 12,998 drivers last month. Since March, Toyota has sold 40,398 of the gas-sippers.

The poor sales figures are all the more humbling because Honda was the first automaker to bring hybrids to the U.S. a decade ago, with an earlier version of the Insight. Yet although Honda products almost always score well with consumers and car enthusiasts, it just can't seem to get green right.

Weak sales forced the Japanese automaker to abandon an earlier two-seat Insight. Its powerful six-cylinder Accord hybrid had unimpressive gas mileage and was killed after three years. Combined, the two vehicles mustered scarcely 45,000 deliveries worldwide.

"Everybody calls it the Honda Prius," said Alan Katz, owner of a Long Beach business that offers wedding officiant services. After considering both vehicles, he chose the new Prius.

Honda Insight Hybrid by Exclusive Zeus
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/SnHFXgMabZI/AAAAAAAB70U/ZpnUNnp1CIE/s1600/Honda-Insight-Hybrid-Lowerider-2.jpg
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/SnHFXQkOPpI/AAAAAAAB70M/oLfKhOZRVi0/s1600/Honda-Insight-Hybrid-Lowerider-1.jpg

[homeworld1031tx]

I think they need to make a more concerted marketing push. Compared to the prius i have seen next to no advertising campaigns for the Insight. While the prius is indeed a much better car, I think the insight is still priced in the perfect range...why buy a base level camry at 17k (or rather even an accord, although they are a bit more expensive) when you could pick one of these up for an extra grand while sacrificing just a bit of room but getting a much better, newer and hightech car. While it won't beat the prius in sales volume I still think that honda has a winner on its hands, they just need to push it harder: don't market it has a cheaper alternative to a prius but rather as a better alternative to a loaded civic/corolla (which it beats in every way IMO) or base camry (which it only loses to with respect to size)

[GSBoek]

Ouch. I'd be dissapoitned too if I was Honda.

[marc]

I've seen like, two Insight ads - everytime I turn on the TV I see the new god damned Prius ad.

Fact of the matter is, the Civic Hybrid is better than both of those cars. Its a regular, honest to goodness normal looking car that just happens to get 45 mpg.

[Motor]

Update!

Kenstyle Honda Insight
http://img.worldcarfans.com/2009/10/medium/9859523.jpg
http://img.worldcarfans.com/2009/10/medium/6943210.jpg

A definite improvement.

[GSBoek]

Yep, it manages to look a bit better.

[Motor]

Update!

Tommy Kaira 2010 Honda Insight (http://www.tommykaira.com/tkcars/price/ze2/ze2_ver3.htm)

HONDA ZE2
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/tommy-kaira-insight-large_06.jpg
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/tommy-kaira-insight-large_08.jpg
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/tommy-kaira-insight-large_07.jpg
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/tommy-kaira-insight-large_09.jpg
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/tommy-kaira-insight-large_10.jpg

Looks good to me.

[Carbonized_GT]

I like the TommyKaira one minus the exhaust.

[Gas-n-Grease]

not too shabby

[marc]

I thought Tommy Kaira only did Toyotas?

[Motor]

I thought Tommy Kaira only did Toyota's?

Not any more.

Update!

Insight Sports Modulo
FULL STORY (http://rumors.automobilemag.com/6611006/green/honda-prepares-insight-sports-modulo-concept-for-tokyo-auto-salon/index.html)
Few details have been released on the concept, but from what we can see, changes appear to mostly be cosmetic. Honda’s fitted the car with an unusual body kit, that includes sharp edges on the front fascia, rear bumper, and side sills. Those lines are echoed by odd accents on the A-pillars and tailfins (yes, fins) applied to the roof. Although it could be simply trick photography, it seems each of these new edges glows in the dark, making the Insight look like a prop from “Back to the Future” once the sun sets.

At this point, the Insight Sports Modulo is simply a concept, but it should be noted that Modulo is Honda’s in-house company that supplies body kits and other vehicular accessories. We wouldn’t be surprised if the firm produces Insight parts similar to these in the near future, but we would be stupefied if Honda imported them to the U.S.
http://image.automobilemag.com/f/green/honda-prepares-insight-sports-modulo-concept-for-tokyo-auto-salon/27781558+w750+st0/honda-insight-sports-modulo-concept.jpg
http://image.automobilemag.com/f/green/honda-prepares-insight-sports-modulo-concept-for-tokyo-auto-salon/27781570+w750+st0/honda-insight-sports-modulo-concept.jpg
http://image.automobilemag.com/f/green/honda-prepares-insight-sports-modulo-concept-for-tokyo-auto-salon/32001600+w750+st0/honda-insight-sports-modulo-concept.jpg

Hate it.

[Carbonized_GT]

I thought Tommy Kaira only did Toyotas?

Tommy Kaira was never brand specific.

[marc]

Tommy Kaira was never brand specific.

I wiki'd them - apparently they even made their own cars!

[Motor]

Update!

Honda Insight Update Rumored. Ride, Interior Materials Tweaked (http://blogs.insideline.com/straightline/2010/07/honda-insight-update-rumored-ride-interior-materials-tweaked.html)
Honda has tweaked the suspension on the Honda Insight Hybrid to offer a smoother, less-crashy ride. An adjusted spring recoil-rate, new rear axle mounts and an adjustment to rear camber angles are highlighted.

Car is also reporting that the UK will see two new exterior colors, better interior materials as well as a fully-loaded EX-L model with leather seats. The changes will apply to globally.

Good move.

[Motor]

Update!

Revised Honda Insight (http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/AllCars/258953/)
The new Honda Insight hybrid will at last produce under 100g/km Co2.

The revised car has been unveiled at this month’s Frankfurt motor show and emits a claimed 96g/km Co2 thanks to enhanced aerodynamics and powertrain tweaks.

Thanks to the reduction in Co2 emissions, the new Insight is exempt from the London Congestion Charge and no annual road tax is payable.

Cosmetic changes to the Honda Insight include a new front grille, slimmer rear spoiler and “modified tailgate garnish,” according to Honda. The rear wiper motor has also been downsized.
http://cdn.images.autocar.co.uk/612x408FFFFFFF/Car/Honda/Insight/Honda-Insight-1911115154661600x1060.jpg

http://cdn.images.autocar.co.uk/612x408FFFFFF/NonCar/Honda/Honda-139111162244791600x1060.jpg