All new Honda Fit hybrid

[sendler]

It is interesting that the hybrid system in the Accord that is giving such good numbers is completely different than the new system for the Fit. The Accord system is very unique in that it has no changeable gear ratios. The engine is only clutched to the wheels after the car is already going fast enough to make it into the ICE torque range at which point it is engaged in parallel mode in what would be top gear if it had any others. It can never kick down when you floor it. The car just increases the output of the engine and electric motors to accelerate. Two of them. One can run as a generator in hybrid series mode so that the engine can run at it's optimum to recharge the batteries without being hooked to the wheels.
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http://www.caranddriver.com/features...stem-tech-dept
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[minispeed]

Originally Posted by sendler

Not sure what you mean but the new system with the electric motor out on the far end of a dual clutch transmission shaft is nothing like the earlier systems that had the motor right on the fly wheel of the engine.

That's what I meant by "updating it". Yes the placement of the electric motor is nothing like the earlier systems, but the way in which it uses just 1 electric motor and the fact that there are varrious gear ratios with a real transmission is.

[RedDevil]

Originally Posted by minispeed

That's what I meant by "updating it". Yes the placement of the electric motor is nothing like the earlier systems, but the way in which it uses just 1 electric motor and the fact that there are various gear ratios with a real transmission is.

The change from a traditional CVT belt system to a dual-clutch fixed ratio gearbox is quite radical, and the fact that the electric motor can use the gear shaft not currently used by the ICE as if it were a separate gearbox (in a sense it is) is pure brain candy.

I wish it were an update! I'd have it retrofitted in my Insight at the first chance

[NeilBlanchard]

If this rumor is true, maybe the Fit Hybrid will replace the Insight?

2015 Honda Insight facing cancellation

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by NeilBlanchard

If this rumor is true, maybe the Fit Hybrid will replace the Insight?

2015 Honda Insight facing cancellation

Makes sense. It would be pretty much redundant to keep the current-generation Insight, or even to develop a newer generation, while there are hybrid versions of the Fit and the Civic which would cater basically to the same folks who would consider to get an Insight. And there is also the CR-Z which is conceptually closer to the original Insight.

[RedDevil]

It was Honda's decision not to bring the current Fit Hybrid to the states, and it seems the Insight gets the blame for that.
Both are sold here and I've driven them both, but all I can say is they will appeal to different people. The Insight is slightly more economical than the Fit because of its lower profile and better streamline and despite its slightly higher weight.

Honda did make changes to the rear bench to allow for more space in the back of the Insight, but a 6 footer still cannot sit in the middle. Also it has to be said; the European trim is more expensive, but also quite better. No flimsy armrests or bad seats here. It is so much better than all the other new cars I have looked at (all subcompacts, but they share the price range...)

I would hate to see the Insight go.
The new Fit Hybrid will have better economy than the old Insight, but a new Insight could easily beat that. Maybe Honda will give it a go if the Prius just beats the Fit.

As you can see from my fuel log, the Insights economy is not that bad, I do have my share of short trips, cold and windy weather and all at sea level so max air resistance.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Even if the Insight has a lower profile than the Fit, it's still kinda redundant in the current Honda lineup, because of the Civic which has a quite similar profile. But let's wait to see if Honda would really take it seriously on making a real contender for the Prius.

[RedDevil]

The Insight be redundant...
Not if you have a family and your wife decides what to take on holiday.
Remove all trunk paneling, fill the rear and passenger footwells, store luggage to the trunk lid and between the kids in the back and you can carry a cubic meter of stuff in the Insight (been there, done that!).
I carried a bed, whole.
I carried 9 feet planks with the trunk closed. On the highway.
None of that could be done with the current Fit, it just does not. (Fit).

But sadly Honda decided people do not need to listen to wives when taking holidays, move beds, carry long stuff... So be it.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Now I gotta have to agree with you. Loading a sedan with a smaller trunk opening such as a Civic is a PITA.

[RedDevil]

Allways glad to forward some Insight