Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons, Honda
Production Honda Insight shown in new official image
Click above for high-res version
Today we've given another glimpse of the production Honda Insight before it debuts next month at the Detroit Auto Show. Aside from the minor details (e.g., door handles and exterior mirrors) that go from concept stylized to production practical, the official photo reveals an Insight that looks nearly identical to the concept that was shown at the Paris Motor Show in October, and the Los Angeles Show two weeks ago. Honda is expecting to sell about 100,000 copies of the Priu... err, Insight in North America once it goes on sale in the spring of 2009 with a base price expected to come in below $20,000.
Gallery: Honda Insight Concept
Gallery: Honda Insight LIVE
[Source:Honda]
2009 Honda Insight Hybrid to Make World Debut at the North American International Auto Show
12/03/2008 - TORRANCE, Calif. -
The all-new 2009 Honda Insight hybrid will make its world debut in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The five-passenger, five-door Insight is expected to be the most affordable hybrid car available when it goes on sale in the spring of 2009.
The Insight is expected to have annual global sales of 200,000 units per year - approximately 100,000 in North America - and will utilize a new interactive, driver-focused fuel economy enhancement technology named the Ecological Drive Assist System (Eco Assist™).
A leader in the development of cleaner, more fuel-efficient mobility products, Honda introduced to market the first mass produced low-emission gasoline vehicles; America's first commercially produced gas-electric hybrid car and the world's first EPA-certified hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle, the FCX. In 2007, Honda was named "greenest automaker" by the Union of Concerned Scientists for the fourth straight time.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
Torrent 12:39PM (12/03/2008)
It somehow got more boring. It looks like a toad with an under bite. But it will of course sell like crazy because it's a Honda. I see the Volt winning the battle for most unique design. For performance, tech and price? We'll have to wait and see.
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tristan 12:56PM (12/03/2008)
O i read about this car its the knew HONDA PRIUS!!!!
Seminole 1:46PM (12/03/2008)
Tristan,
The Prius happens to be one of the most efficient designs when it comes to aerodynamics. Honda didn't have very many options at choosing an efficient shape.
That being said, I like the looks of the Prius better than this. The Insight concept looked great but most of the cool styling cues got lost in transition. Also, that C-Pillar is horrendous.
Torrent,
I think this will easily outsell the Volt, not because its a Honda, but because it will be almost $20,000 cheaper (Autoblog has said the Insight will cost around $20,000. The Volt costs around $40,000.)
TJ 2:18PM (12/03/2008)
Seminole, you are too funny...
For the Insight you quote Autoblog as a source for pricing (despite the announcement actually coming from Honda president Takeo Fukui), then proudly proclaim a $40k volt price as statement of fact.
Show me Lutz's or Wagoner's statements regarding Volt pricing.
Seminole 2:56PM (12/03/2008)
TJ,
What I meant by Autoblog, was that it has been said from numerous sources who have been quoted on Autoblog...
Oh, and here is Lutz saying the Volt will cost $40,000:
http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/06/19/lutz-pegs-first-generation-chevy-volt-price-tag-at-40-000/
I may be funny, but it beats looking like an idiot. I look forward to your rebuttal once you remove your foot from your mouth.
TJ 3:12PM (12/03/2008)
I stand corrected. It just appeared awkward how you cited one but not the other.
Although, neither price is set in stone....
AkulaX1 5:00PM (12/03/2008)
I think it looks pretty ok. As a concept at least. I love those futuristic looking headlights and that dashboard that looks like it came from Halo (game) I like all this sort of stuff :)
Don't mind me
hankfidel 11:09AM (12/04/2008)
AkulaX1,
You wrote on Dec 3rd 2008 at 5:00PM
why not the LS2LS7? 12:40PM (12/03/2008)
Price is good, obviously the car itself is no big revelation since it looks just like a Prius.
If this has two-mode system instead of the mild system of the previous Insight and current Civic, then it will be a huge deal in my mind.
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Red 12:52PM (12/03/2008)
It uses the same system as all Honda's previous hybrids, just smaller and simpler, hence the lowered cost.
Thank God the production model lost those ugly-ass wheels on the concept...
Dondonel 1:33PM (12/03/2008)
It's better looking than Prius (not a great feat in itself) but still uses tired old mild-hybrid technology.
Honda, either do a small hybrid coupe like CR-Z or change the hybrid platform, then you'll get my business.
Rev 1:53PM (12/03/2008)
"Better looking" Prius?
It looks EXACTLY like a Prius. Yet somehow, more generic.
Epyx 2:08PM (12/03/2008)
Red - "If" it matches the Prius in efficiency (unknown but doubtful) and costs less, would you still care what type of hybrid system it uses?
why not the LS2LS7? 2:31PM (12/03/2008)
Epyx: because a two-mode system is a bridge to plug-ins with some zero emissions range (like the Volt), and I want cars to move that direction.
Steven 12:40PM (12/03/2008)
Reminds me of that Chinese car manufacturer making Mercedes and BMW knock-offs.
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Wunderbird 12:43PM (12/03/2008)
Is there some kind of unspoken rule that all hybrids must mimic the styling cues of the Prius?
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Serge 12:47PM (12/03/2008)
Aerodynamics?
But I agree, this looks like someone traced out Prius and added some Honduh styling cues...
But people who hate cars will buy it because they hate walking even more :)
2004m3driver 12:48PM (12/03/2008)
Most aerodynamic and spacious shape, I am guessing. Also cheap. This thing is so lame looking, ugh. Oh well I hope it gives the Prius a run for its money.
Typesbad 12:49PM (12/03/2008)
Those would be the rules of aerodynamics and they speak pretty loudly where any kind of electrically driven vehicle is concerned.
Stanton 1:23PM (12/03/2008)
This has been hashed over many times - no, aerodynamics do NOT dictate this shape. A drag coefficient in the mid-0.2x range allows for many different forms.