Honda Insight
The Honda Insight is the first gasoline-electric hybrid automobile sold in
America. It uses the following advanced technologies in order to achieve its
phenomenal fuel economy:
- Highly efficient Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system consisting of an
Ultra-Low Emission, 1.0-liter, 3-cylinder VTEC-E (variable valve timing and
lift for electronic control) engine, operating parallel to an ultra-compact
permanent magnet electric motor. Power for the motor is supplied by a set of
nickel-metal hydride batteries and controller housed under the rear
cargo-compartment floor
- Lightweight aluminum body weighs only 1,856 pounds, 40 percent less than a
comparable steel body, yet it has 13 percent greater bending rigidity and 38
percent greater torsional rigidity
- Aerodynamic body design gives the Insight one of the lowest coefficients
of drag (0.25) of any automobile sold worldwide
- Low-rolling-resistance all-season tires
