Honda Insight Hybrid 2000

The Honda Insight Hybrid is more than a technological showcase as it was produced and sold in Japan, the U.S. and Europe. The Honda Insight introduced in 2000, is a petrol-electric hybrid two-seater coupe that blends a mass of new technologies to achieve a very low fuel consumption for a mass-produced car.

Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system, featuring a high efficiency petrol engine, electric motor, and lightweight 5-speed manual transmission (front wheel drive), are used in combination with a lightweight and highly aerodynamic aluminium body to offer an outstanding on-road performance: ultra-low fuel consumption of 3,4 l/100 km EUDCC, emissions at 80g/km CO2, plus highly respectable performance figures of 0 to 100 km/h in 12 seconds and a top speed of 180 km/h.

The heart of the Honda Insight is a light 1.0 litre, 3 cylinder petrol engine which uses lean burn technology, low friction characteristics and lightweight materials in combination with a lean-burn compatible NOx catalyst. The electric component consists of an ultra-thin (60 mm) 10 kW DC-brushless motor directly connected to the crankshaft, 144 V nickel metal-hydride (Ni-MH) batteries weighting just 20 kg and an electronic Power Control Unit (PCU). The electric motor draws power from the batteries during acceleration (so-called Motor Assist) to boost engine performance to the level of a 1.5 litre petrol engine as well as acting as a generator during deceleration to recharge the batteries. This means that, unlike conventional petrol/electric hybrid systems, the Honda Insight is never powered by the electric power alone.

As a result engine output is 78 hp at 5.900 rpm but it is low-speed torque that really benefits from motor assist, producing a peak 127 Nm at 2000 rpm. Further fuel savings are provided by an auto idle stop system. In simple terms, the engine cuts out as the car is brought to a standstill, and restarting is achieved by dipping the clutch and placing the car in gear.

Honda pioneered the use of aluminium body construction and it has used its experience with the NSX sports car to create a new type of lightweight aluminium body offering a high level of rigidity and safety performance. The Insight makes optimum use of a combination of extruded, stamped and die cast aluminium components and body weight is 40% less than a comparable steel body. All outer panels are aluminium except for the front wings and rear wheel skirt which are made from recyclable abs/nylon composite. Total kerb weight is 835 kg or 850 kg including air-conditioning.

Honda has also worked to provide the Insight with the best aerodynamic characteristics for a mass production car and design features include a streamlined nose, a low height and long tapered roof, narrow rear track, low drag grille, aluminium aero wheels, rear wheel skirt, a flat underside, and a tail designed to reduce the area of air separation. All features give the Honda Insight an aerodynamic drag coefficient (Cd) of 0,25.

Dimensions: Length 3.945 mm, Width 1.695 mm, Height 1.355 mm, Wheelbase 2.400 mm

Wallpapers of the Honda Insight Hybrid 2000