I love the Honda Insight and would love to own one but I can't help thinking the technology in the '04 Prius is superior. It gets the same combined fuel economy as an Insight equipped with the same CVT transmission and a better emissions rating. So what I'd like to know is, why hasn't anyone taken Toyota's superior hybrid system and stuck it into the insight? Instead of turbocharging the Insight to make it the first true ultra green pocket rocket, why not use the '04 Prius' superior drivetrain?

Think about it...

Insight: 73 hp combined. (91 lb./ft. combined torque) Curb Weight: 1887 lbs. (25.85 lbs./hp. ratio)

Prius: 110 hp combined. (295 lb./ft. combined torque) Curb Weight: 2890 (26.27lbs./hp ratio)

Just imagine the insight with the improved torque/horsepower to weight ratio! Now all you need to do is install nifty little rear wings that deploy over 65mph for some much needed downforce at high speeds

Now let's say this is logistically possible; to squeeze the larger 1.5 litre Prius motor and hybrid motor into the little Insight. Let's say the weight is raised to 2087lbs. from 1887 (an increase of 200 lbs.). That would improve the horsepower weight ratio to 19 lbs per horsepower and the torque to weight ratio to a scant 7 lbs per pound/feet of torque.

Compare those numbers to a 2002 Honda Civic Si Hatchback:

2002 Honda Civic Si: 2730lbs. 160hp, 132lb./ft. torque for a power weight ratio of 17lbs/hp and 20.68lbs per pound feet of torque)

The '02 Civic Si does 0-60 in 7.2 seconds. So clearly, there are huge performance gains to be had doing this. But not just in acceleration and top speed, what about fuel savings? They're going to be much better, too... as in the 70-80mpg range methinks. What do you all think of this idea? More power, greener emmissions, better mpg. I'm slobbering all over myself at the thought of it, although I'm sure someone will reply with why this is not possible.

I'm not sure of the accuracy of that statement, but perhaps someone wishes to start a thread in the general forum?

Someone has already turbo charged an Insight, it passed through the Atlanta area last summer but unfortunately I didn't have a chance to see it.
I believe Stevo not only drove it but liked it: I'll let him elaborate if he wishes.

Efficient drivers do it better.
1003 miles a tank personal record. 74MPG calculated. HCH1 CVT

Visit my newly-acquired website, Volconvo Debate Forums!

i want to see what a turbo would happen to a prius...

i know there's a lot of arguement why its pretty worthless to do so but i want to see for myself...

goign to add intercooler + turbo and exhaust

imo, if the gas engine starts earlier say around 15 miles per hour, the turbo would be able to spool in time and the electric engine takes over for the first 0-30mph

of course.. we'll have to see if it will work.. since someone said that the prius' engine creates less exhaust for the turbo to use

what really suprised me is how much room in the engine bay the prius appears to have...

A Prius a day keeps the doctor away!

Does anyone know if it's possible to replace the Insight's gas engine and electric motor with those of the Prius? Any ideas on how much it would cost if it is possible?

flare,
I'm pretty sure that a turbo and the Prius valve system wouldnt get along very well.

greenwar,
I think the weight increase would be more than 200 lbs. The system would also be to large i think...and all cargo space would be taken up by the larger battery. A turbo'ed insight has been done. And it truely is a pocket rocket. Willie has only said that it probably only has around 90 hp, but most think thats way low. I'd say 110 or more (it pulled all the way to the speed limiter at 112 miles per hour). I've never seen a Prius engine bay in person, but judging from the size...it'd be to large a unit to transfer into an Insight (very costly as well, engine swaps can cost thousands w/o the price of engine...and this one would be infinatly more complicated than have been tackled before). Comming from my standpoint, i'd say a better option is to go full electric. a 110 hp motor would fit in the bay w/ plenty of room for some extra batteries, and then you would have to add some more to the passenger compartment as well.
Cheers,
Steven

Hidden Views Photography

I'd put a TDI instead of the Insight engine.

Gasoline is flammable, diesel isn't, remember that!

Rammstein

Different and efficient by choice!

Using the electric motor actually LOWERS your mpgs, not raise them. You want to minimize electric usage, NOT increase it with a larger prius motor.

Also, the Insight already has a 10.5 second 0-60 which is faster than most cars.


So why would you want a bigger motor? There's no need.

Actually, now that i'm really thinking about it. What i would really like to see is a pure I.C.E. version of the Insight. I'm thinking transfer in the HCH I.C.E. and you would have the same power....but then you wouldnt have to drag around the extra weight of the batteries....then again....you would loose autostop. Hmmm

Hidden Views Photography

Civic Hybrid engine in an Insight also wouldn't get more than 60 mpg.