Honda Insight Modulo Concept Features
 

While searching for lowering springs, I came across this 2010 concept car. The Modulo concept is supposed to embody "exciting eco" and I'd like to replicate some of concepts features (ie. partial upper grill block and diffuser) but two features struck me as odd.

The wheels have a quarter section that is of dubious effectiveness and there are fins on either side of the rear window. Can anyone explain either of these features?


I don't have enough posts to post links or add pictures, so I'd be grateful if someone could embed photos below.

Honda to show Insight Sports Modulo Concept, more at Tokyo Auto Salon - Autoblog

http://ecomodder.com/forum/attachmen...1&d=1388267049

http://ecomodder.com/forum/attachmen...1&d=1388267247

http://ecomodder.com/forum/attachmen...1&d=1388267247

Modulo
 

*I'd forget about the wheels.You're not going to beat MOONs
*As to the 'fins',the Insight has been beat up by the press for crosswind handling issues and this may be a Bandaid for moving the center of pressure aft a bit,an idea patented by Fachsenfeld in the 1930's;something Kamm was obsessed about and used into the 1960s.

What about the edge on the side of the front bumper ?
Is it some designer "contribution" or is it made to actually improve flow over the wheel well ?

Does the piece on the wheel move ?

I like it for it's BladeRunner look, but it also looks like the car is about to be impounded http://christopherteh.com/blog/wp-co.../tireclamp.jpg

The Insight uses relatively narrow tires; I found the OEM pressure settings are a bit low. Side wind sensitivety on the Insight is reduced significantly by raising the tire pressure to 2.8 bar/40 PSI or more.
I believe the curved rear bumper on the pre 2012 Insights is another cause and want to create a sharper edge to further reduce it.

Last week we had another severe storm directly across on the highway, pulsing and buffeting and all. It did influence steering, but was easy to manage by placing my hands at the proper height on the steering wheel. It was nowhere as bad as with the much milder storm when I just had the car and the tires were still on OEM pressure.

I think the fins help to prevent air from rolling from the sides to the 'boot' to enhance the kammback effect e.g. decrease the wake. It is a nice thought, maybe I'll try to reproduce that on my car.

If it is curved the curve will be too sharp anyway; air will detach there (I guess, I'm no expert) so they can just as well make it sharp.
Also anything that helps the air move over the car instead of aside is beneficial.

Many new cars have sharp edges on the front bumper corner. Citroëns often house a LED strip or fake air scoop at the bumper edge. It puzzled me at first, but I think it is a child of wind tunnel testing.

edge
 

If I had to guess,it is concerning yawing moments in a crosswind or gust condition.
Hucho devotes some time to this feature in his book from 1987.I don't have it with me,perhaps another member,working from home will pick up on this an chime in.

I couldn't speak to Hucho, but MY GOODNESS. Crosswinds are just terrible. It was weird on the first drive on the highway home (being used to my other vehicle), and with the boat tail on, it is incredible how a caterpillar sneezing two miles away pushes the car.

It could be worse for me because of an error in my build, but on a trip we took over the weekend, cruising 59-65, I didn't feel safe to take both hands off the wheel and show how hard/aggressively the wind pulls it.

(Gen 1)

Think "...TAIL wagging the DOG..."

terrible
 

In Hucho's discussion of stability,he mentions that,"Only vehicles with long,tapering rear ends suffered..",mentioning Kamm's research at the FKFS.
Tail fins were the solution in the 1930s but only used on race and record cars.
Hucho goes on to mention that lift and pitching moment have little effect on directional stability,even in crosswinds.
Hucho says the danger is with gusts.And he says that highway design is a major part of the solution.
It is a center of pressure/center of gravity issue.
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I'd like to experience your Insight in a crosswind.
When I drove to Bonneville,I drove 70-mph through a near-dust-blizzard storm front with a 50-mph crosswind into Amarillo,Texas.All I did was apply a constant opposite torque on the wheel.