Like the Macintosh computer, the Insight had a small and devoted following that felt it was the best at what it could do. From 1999 thru 2006, it had the best fuel economy in the US and many other nations. Interestingly, those were the years Lance Armstrong had a record streak winning the Tour de France. If the Hummer emulates Arnold Schwartenegger, the Insight was built like Lance Armstrong . Both Lance and the Insight were light, proportionately very strong, sliced the air well, analyzed how to make a run thourghly, champions in what they did.

The Insight did not change much. It's partially a tribute to the cutting-edge engineering, but also a sad commentary on the lack of interest by the general public and most automakers for a gas mizer.

Insight owners have speculated on a successor with upgrades. Seems like the electric motor could be at least 20% better, the body as much as 300 pounds lighter with even less drag (or a little larger and seat four). Engines are better and the software regulating the hybrids is also better. The technology is there for a vehicle like the Insight to get an EPA 80mpg, over 100mpg hypermiling.

Honda has historically led the way with green, fuel-efficient vehicles, starting with the Civic CVCC that did not need a cataylitic converter in the 1970s. While Toyota has most of the hybrid sales, Honda has the highest fleet mpg. This is in part because management decided to go slow and green in the truck/SUV market.

Based on their history, Honda will built something better than the Insight in time.

61.5mpg lifetime - 82mpg in recent months

Best Run >
www.cleanmpg.com

"fanatic" is what the lazy call the dedicated