With the recent launch of the Mercedes-Benz 85M Series Insight, a new compact car has been launched on the market that has been designed for both families and individuals who are in need of comfort, safety, and fuel efficiency. If you are thinking of buying a new car, the 85M Series Insight is a great choice that you should take into consideration.
Fuel economy
The Honda Insight is an innovative, compact and fuel efficient hybrid car. Its Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system enhances fuel economy, provides additional power and reduces emissions.
The IMA’s low-friction 1.3 liter SOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine produces 98 horsepower at 5800 rpm. It is paired with a thin, lightweight electric motor that acts as a generator when coasting and deceleration occur. This combination gives the Insight added acceleration when needed.
The electric motor also recharges the IMA battery. In the event the batteries become depleted, the IMA system automatically restarts the engine.
A powertrain computer controls the IMA’s throttle body settings to maximize the fuel efficiency. In addition, the Honda Insight features the “ECON” function, which sets a longer Idle Stop time to help maximize fuel efficiency.
For example, the Honda Insight achieves EPA city/highway fuel economy ratings of 57/56 mpg. These figures are the same for 5-speed automatic and manual transmissions.
The Insight features an aerodynamic chassis and body that delivers a coefficient of drag of 0.25. The hybrid battery pack is located under the cargo floor between the rear wheels, which allows for a more aerodynamic body shape.
The Honda Insight’s regenerative braking system recaptures energy during deceleration and refuels the batteries. An idle stop feature prevents unnecessary fuel consumption and emission.
In addition, the Honda Insight features dual air bags and an anti-theft Immobilizer System. Other standard equipment includes power door locks, keyless entry, and power windows.
The Insight’s air conditioning system is designed to provide rapid cabin cooling. In addition, the system features a spiral groove to improve heat transfer.
The Honda Insight is equipped with a drive-by-wire accelerator pedal that uses an electronic position sensor. An idle stop feature helps to reduce emissions, and the system includes an Eco Assist function, which improves fuel efficiency by 10% after 300 miles of driving.
Acceleration to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds
The Honda Civic has been around since 1976, but the latest incarnation can hit 60mph in a heartbeat. In terms of speed, it’s not far behind the Chevy Bolt EV. It’s not the fastest car on the planet, but it’s not far behind the Mazda3, either. The new gen carries a premium price tag, but it’s not too hard to find a good deal. A newer generation Civic could be had for the princely sum of about $90,000, if you can find a clunker in the first place.
The best way to determine which of the above mentioned cars will best suit your lifestyle is to get in there and test drive one. This will prove invaluable in the long term. Even if you don’t buy a new car, you’ll know exactly what to expect from the driver’s seat, and you’ll be well rewarded for it. If you don’t have a lot of cash to spend, a ten month lease will have you in a new car in no time. With the advent of the new breed of sub-par leasing rates, it’s never been easier to take the plunge. Fortunately, the new gen Civic has a few tricks up its sleeve, not to mention the newest member of the family, the civic sibling. It’s been a decade since the last time we had a new generation Civic, but thanks to a newfound funding from Honda, it’s a much better car than it was a few years ago.
Of course, the biggest question remains, will you bing the lucky recipient? If the answer is yes, then your next best bet should be a test drive, so make sure you leave plenty of time in your schedule.
Coefficient of drag
A number of manufacturers are vying for the title of most aerodynamic vehicle on the road. It is not uncommon to see a vehicle with a drag coefficient in the tens. In this post we are going to take a look at the aforementioned marvel and discuss what it takes to achieve it.
To say the car is a bit of a feat of engineering is an understatement. The team at the helm of the effort were a mix of professionals with diverse backgrounds and skillsets. One of the most interesting aspects of the program was the opportunity to engage in a highly collaborative and inclusive process. This sped up the design process and resulted in the 85M Series Insight.
There were several lessons to be learned from the effort. Although the 85M isn’t the first EV to break the 100 mile per hour barrier, it is the earliest to reach the tarmac. STORMEindhoven lays claim to being the most technologically advanced tour de force on the market. Using the aforementioned vehicle, the crew at STORMEindhoven will traverse the globe in 80 days. Some of the best minds from around the world have been brought together to achieve this lofty goal.
With this in mind the STORMEindhoven team has a lot of buzz to burn. If they can pull it off, STORMEindhoven could be the next big thing in a market dominated by the usual suspects. You can find out more about the vehicle at stormeindhoven.com. More importantly, STORMEindhoven will be making its own headlines with the launch of a slick new video series in the next few weeks. Having an idea of what’s on offer is the best way to secure an interest in STORMEindhoven.
Interior comfort
The Honda Insight is a novel hybrid powertrain. This car has a 1.5-liter engine that spins a generator to keep up with demand. It is also powered by an electrically operated air-conditioning system. A nickel-metal hydride battery pack is located under the cargo compartment floor.
The interior of the Honda Insight is very comfortable and relaxing to drive. The cabin features a two-tone finish and a variety of textures and patterns. High-backed bucket seats are designed to provide maximum comfort.
Other features include a driver’s storage compartment and a rear-center net pocket. There is also a space-saver spare tire located under the cargo floor.
Another feature is the use of aluminum alloy to build the body. It is 40 percent lighter than steel, and has 38 percent greater torsional rigidity.
The interior features dual airbags. The Insight has a low coefficient of drag. Compared to other vehicles on the market, it has one of the lowest.
The rear of the car has been designed to minimize turbulence. The side pillars are highly rigid, and the floor of the cabin is also rigid to minimize deformation during an impact.
There is also a low roofline. This is achieved by the Insight’s hybrid battery pack, which allows the car to fold its rear seats.
Honda’s C-Force Control Technology is used to optimize the aerodynamic shape of the aluminum body. All major body panels are made from aluminum. These panels are formed by stamping and welding into an aluminum monocoque.
Honda engineers also developed an innovative unit-body/space-frame construction. This type of construction uses extruded frame members and sheet metal panels that are welded to the aluminum body.
Safety
The Honda Insight has a triumvirate of safety features. For one, a cylinder deactivation system keeps the dreaded ticking time bomb from escaping in full technicolor. It also has a rear airbag and side curtain airbag. Other safety features include active front seatbelts, a tire pressure monitoring system, and a dual stage braking system to name a few.
The Honda Insight is not only the most technologically advanced car made by the Japanese automotive titan, it is also the most fuel efficient. This feat is achieved via a hybrid electric powertrain and lithium ion batteries paired with a hefty carbon fiber body kit. Combined efficiency is said to be a very respectable 83.1 mpg-imp, while official CO2 emissions are only 80 g/km. On the other hand, the battery compartment is located in the cargo floor allowing for a lower roofline and a more aerodynamic body shape.
In terms of overall size, the Insight is roughly the size of a standard Civic. It is the size of a midsize sedan, but manages to squeeze in a slick set of wheels whose width is less than half that of a typical three-door coupe. To add to the sporty feel, the aforementioned hatchback is equipped with an H-shaped torsion beam at the rear. Another trick of the trade is a rack and pinion steering system whose hefty proportions allow the tame two-door to maintain steering geometry even at full tilt.
