Quote:
Originally Posted by Insight69
Hello Forum!
It's been a while! I have bought another 2000 M/T Insight for modifying without limitations to achieve 200+ mpg at 55mph.
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Hi Insight69,
It seems like people are getting between 50 and 80 mpg in this car at 55 mph. I'm surprised that there isn't an Insight in the "Speed vs MPG" thread. But anyway, if you go to the
ecomodder calculator. I've set up a fairly stock Insight. 1850 lb curb weight plus 150 lb driver. .008 tires is the best you can get. I just guessed at the frontal area, and slimmed the cd down below the lowest imaginable, .2 and upped the engine efficiency to .3 and it still only gets 100 mpg at 55 mph. You said thinking outside the box. Everything will need to be improved. Reduction in weight, like replacing glass with acrylic, metal body panels with plastic and lighter interior panels and seats. The frontal area could be reduced maybe a little - lower spring height and chop the roof. Could you possibly make the front axle narrower? Efficiency can be improved by replacing the engine with something that makes just enough power to to get to 55. To go 55 mph and get 200 mpg means using only 3.6 hp. So I think 200 mpg will require heroic measures.
I agree with NeilBlanchard, go electric.
I see sheepdog 44 covers this too.
-mort