Perennial Honda tuner Mugen has not taken too kindly to criticism leveled against Honda regarding the styling of the Insight. Honda's newest hybrid star has been criticised by some for looking too much like the Toyota Prius. Mugen aims to change that perception with the Zero-Lift Insight.
They have installed an aero kit that's made up of a front sports grille, fog lamps, an aerodynamic front under spoiler, side skirts, ventilated visors and a rear spoiler. An integrated rear diffuser is included also but it is dwarfed as an attention-grabber by the triangular tailpipe. Mugen says the package creates zero lift for the Insight. The car can stand on either aluminum XJ or NR 8-spoke wheels measuring 15-inches or 16-inches. An i-TCMS (intelligent-Tire Condition Monitoring System) forms part of the satefy features.
Handling has been improved with a sport suspension package that includes new springs and dampers. The car is then lowered by 20mm. Inside Mugen provided Mugen-labelled sports mats and aluminium sports pedals.
The Honda Insight made its world debut at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It has a 1.3-litre i-VTEC petrol engine that works hand-in-hand with a Nickel Metal Hydride battery. Together the two powertrain systems help it achieve a 400 mile (644km) range.
sub39h
February 9, 2009 8:40 PM
