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Honda Insight is fast

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Old Oct 24, 2001 | 01:37 PM
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From: Torrance
Default Honda Insight is fast

I was on the freeway doing about 80 today when a Honda Insight passes me while in the carpool lane. That little electric car must've been doing close to 90. There was a car in front of me so I couldn't pace the car to find out. Does anyone know what the top speed of those cars is???

Since it's electric, I didn't even hear it coming up from behind me. Kind of like a stealth street racer.
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Old Oct 24, 2001 | 02:03 PM
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My neighbor has taken his Insight up to 110 He says the top speed is about 112.

I would be afraid to take that car up to those speeds cause it has those skinny low resistance tires. He's followed me through the twisties once and I was impressed that he (sort of) kept up with me! It's a stealthy, fun car...but I wouldn't consider it a racer (not in stock form anyway).
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Old Oct 24, 2001 | 02:05 PM
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An Insight would be fast compared to a bicycle (as long as Lance Armstrong wasn't on it!)
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Old Oct 24, 2001 | 02:07 PM
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That must be the first time I have seen "Insight" and "fast" in the same sentence.
When I have read anything about the car it gets critiqued about picking up speed slow, it is wonderful to hear that once they get going, they can really go!
The lack of regular engine/exhaust noise and a whirl of electric instead must be a trip, I just can't imagine.
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Old Oct 24, 2001 | 02:35 PM
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Originally posted by MarkS2K

Since it's electric, I didn't even hear it coming up from behind me. Kind of like a stealth street racer.

Its actually Hybrid which means its electric and gas. It uses the gas motor to accelerate then the electric takes over to maintain that speed.
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Old Oct 24, 2001 | 02:47 PM
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[QUOTE]Originally posted by jcasta02
[B]


Its actually Hybrid which means its electric and gas.
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Old Oct 24, 2001 | 03:37 PM
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Originally posted by Bernie
An Insight would be fast compared to a bicycle (as long as Lance Armstrong wasn't on it!)
Yeah! Lance or Miguel Indurain.
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Old Oct 24, 2001 | 03:41 PM
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Fast Insight? Isn't that an oxymoron?
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Old Oct 24, 2001 | 03:51 PM
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So who is correct about the specs of this hybrid. I thought the electric motor is charge by the gas engine at a stop. Since they are Nickel Metal-hydride batteries they do not develop memory from charging,used,recharge syndrome.

Tan
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Old Oct 24, 2001 | 04:07 PM
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Johnyboy32's right.

The Insight has an "Auto-Stop" feature which means the gasoline engine cuts out when at a stop, and the electric motor seamlessly starts it back up when you're ready to go. I've gone on a road trip in one of these, very very nice car. It's a little small for my taste but it was a delight to drive around town. It's got pretty weird gear ratios.

I believe Honda plans to implement this "Auto-Stop" in others cars in its lineup in coming years, since it saves a bit of gas.
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