Honda Insight Modulo Concept Features
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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
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*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 |
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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. |
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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
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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..."
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terrible
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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. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. |
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We just had a ridiculous storm here, and it was incredible driving it. The attention needed to drive was nothing I've experienced. If I didn't accelerate, the rear end wanted to move left or right. On the two lane roads, each vehicle passing pushed into four wheel slides, and the same (but worse) occurred from the wind. Thank goodness people weren't supposed to be on the roads, and most listened. I imagine clutching in (stopping the braking on the front wheels from engine and regen) would have made the tail movement less significant under coasting, but the roads covered in thick packed snow made it so easy to slide. I am accustomed to the Mustang easily drifting* but not so much the Insight. On a simple, gentle S curve, the Insights rear end would [try to] just slide around it. I know it's lite, and there is nothing over the rear end, but I was shocked it was so volatile on the roads. I never thought a car so 'boring' would be so exhilarating :D *I only drift in my drive, I won't be stupid on public roads. Mustang is only throttle, Insight is only parking brake, and only in snow. Edit: 1,000th post! :) |
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Maybe things are better now that large trucks have those side skirt things. |
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