[Mobilcams]

So top speed is 105?

 

[PHILBERT]

So top speed is 105?

I hit a "buck ten" on some flat stretches, but with traffic coming up ahead had to "cool my jets" a bit. At these speeds the Power Gage is at 12:00, or straight up. Hills are another story. 90 was typical in the CT mountains. But there were times I could have done more if traffic was not in the way. Florida should be a blast in the right locations! South of Orlando to Ft. Pierce on the Turnpike could be wide open territory at the right time of day. Be sure to have RD and "active" LIDAR countermeasures!

Let me tell ya, this was super fun. Worth every MPG I lost. The way she handled was like like a magnet to the road. No over-steering either. Tight response and smooth. If it weren't snowing here today, I'd probably be at it again.

You were correct when you posted about how good we have it with this car! Not just for what it can save us, but also what it can DO. And that leaves me thinking about all those "slick" and "professional" "test drive" reviewers on YouTube who really keep regurgitating the same "factory talking points" over and over again. Much of it is shallow and lacks real-world experience. The one that comes to mind is the guy who says "there's nothing left at highway speeds beyond 80 MPH". There is PLENTY left. But I did notice the power flow adapting to the new conditions in a way I never expected, and that was higher use of electric. Seeing it charge at a buck plus was surprising. The car adjusted to the conditions. Nice! :smile:

Phil

 

[808_Insight]

I've come to realize that it doesn't really matter with this car. You can't speed anyways. :-/

 

[Verdier]

I've come to realize that it doesn't really matter with this car. You can't speed anyways. :-/

It would seem my man Phil has put that rumor to rest! 😁

 

[Carfreak09]

Just a pic to show engine usage at speeds of 100. Not stressed at all. Super smooth and confident ride at that speed too :smile:

 

[insightfully]

Just curious, but were the road conditions flat? Did you notice HV battery level drop quickly at 100 mph and/or how long were you able to maintain speed?

Maybe the high speed drive experience was 'easy' because HV battery level was healthy enough (>3-4 bars) to complement the gas engine output. I think the gas engine would labor at these high speeds if battery fell below 3-4 bars... but that's only based on my experience at much lower speeds.

 

[Carfreak09]

Just curious, but were the road conditions flat? Did you notice HV battery level drop quickly at 100 mph and/or how long were you able to maintain speed?

Maybe the high speed drive experience was 'easy' because HV battery level was healthy enough (>3-4 bars) to complement the gas engine output. I think the gas engine would labor at these high speeds if battery fell below 3-4 bars... but that's only based on my experience at much lower speeds.

Not completely flat as I was doing that speed while going up an overpass. This occurred a few weeks ago so I’m trying to pull from memory....since Sport mode was on, I seem to remember being surprised the battery level didn’t change much. It started at 3/4 level and went down at a normal pace while accelerating and merging but seemed to hold steady once I reached the speed and held it. I only held the speed for a few miles and then reduced speed to a more “sedate” 85-95. The car was steady and calm at that speed. No loud droning from the engine either; wind noise was more intrusive then the engine.

 

[Mr. Natural]

I've come to realize that it doesn't really matter with this car. You can't speed anyways. :-/[/QUOTE
I’ve got the ticket to prove you can indeed speed with an Insight. :sad:

 

[PHILBERT]

Just a pic to show engine usage at speeds of 100. Not stressed at all. Super smooth and confident ride at that speed too :smile:

I've been in the Buck Plus Club for quite a while. Escort MAX II radar detector and TMG laser jammer equipped.

You are correct. It can handle it fine for sustained periods. I've been doing it when conditions are conducive. Even in the winter months I eked out 37+ MPG driving like a madman in 100% Sport Mode (I love Sport Mode). On flat sections it shows about half scale on power (12:00), and keeps alternating between charging and gas+electric drive. I had mine going a buck five on I-84 for quite a while before I hit some turd jams (people driving in the left lane that would not move over). On some of the larger hills it was working a bit hard, so I came down to 90. In Florida it should be a dream car at a buck (I lived there for 25 years).

This car is no wimp. And it handles beautifully at high speeds! It often shocks other drivers how quick and agile the car slices through traffic. It's practically a "sports car".

Phil

 

[PHILBERT]

Speed? Did someone say SPEED?

Oh, yes it can! Use Sport Mode!

My Escort Max II radar detector has a convenient and accurate GPS based digital speedometer in it's display placed right next to the posted speed limit (when you connect to the Escort Live cloud reporting app). Turns to a red background when you exceed PSL. That is great for quick checks to adjust speed when you encounter radar or laser (LIDAR). I also run laser jammers (front and back) and Waze for complete protection. THIS CAR SCREAMS!

I'll post a "proof picture" later today when I get back from mileage testing.

Phil

 

[hasarad]

I've been in the Buck Plus Club for quite a while. Escort MAX II radar detector and TMG laser jammer equipped.

You are correct. It can handle it fine for sustained periods. I've been doing it when conditions are conducive. Even in the winter months I eked out 37+ MPG driving like a madman in 100% Sport Mode (I love Sport Mode). On flat sections it shows about half scale on power (12:00), and keeps alternating between charging and gas+electric drive. I had mine going a buck five on I-84 for quite a while before I hit some turd jams (people driving in the left lane that would not move over). On some of the larger hills it was working a bit hard, so I came down to 90. In Florida it should be a dream car at a buck (I lived there for 25 years).

This car is no wimp. And it handles beautifully at high speeds! It often shocks other drivers how quick and agile the car slices through traffic. It's practically a "sports car".

Phil

I've seen online reviews where the testers have said, if you throw a nicer set of tires on, it would have stellar handling. Unfortunately, I'm in it for the economy. The stock tires are no slouch - even on the EX. It feels very well planted - even at the higher pressures I run.

 

[PHILBERT]

I've seen online reviews where the testers have said, if you throw a nicer set of tires on, it would have stellar handling. Unfortunately, I'm in it for the economy. The stock tires are no slouch - even on the EX. It feels very well planted - even at the higher pressures I run.

I agree, Don. The stock tires are pretty good. I also have the same tires on my (work) 2017 Escape, and they do fairly good. It makes some sense, as they are designed for road contact. The weak points are the sidewalls, where cornering would be better with a stiffer sidewall. And although they did "ok" in snow with All Wheel Drive in the Escape, the tread pattern is not open enough to have extra grip in snow. Also, the side slats are not open to the center channel to drain out rain water as well as some other designs. It's a direct trade-off to have more rubber on the surface to more channels for snow/rain traction.

I was looking at these alternative energy efficient tires as a replacement:

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tireModel=Defender+LTX+M%2FS&partnum=155HR6DLTXXL&vehicleSearch=true&fromCompare1=yes&autoMake=Honda&autoYear=2019&autoModel=Insight&autoModClar=EX

I'd like to try them NOW, but will probably wait till my tread is worn down.

Phil

 

[Desflurane4u]

100 mph! Impressive but I would be afraid that the hood would fly off the car. Don’t know if you noticed but if I am cruising at 70 and pass an 18 wheeler, the wind turbulence causes the hood to bounce around as if it’s not latched. First time it happened I immediately pulled over to make sure that it was. Anyone else having this issue with the hood?

 

[PHILBERT]

I do not see my hood moving at all. I know some have reported that issue, so I look for it. Maybe one time I saw it move a little with the wash from a truck...on a windy day. At high speed it didn't budge.

I suspect it comes down to a possible gap between the hood and the front edge. My gaps are tight and level.

The surprising thing about this car is that feeling you get of it pushing you back in the seat when the electric torque kicks in. You really feel this in Sport Mode going up hills, but I also feel it in Normal Mode. I love that "power", especially when the ICE is not revving up to deliver that power.

Phil

 

[Mobilcams]

I do not see my hood moving at all. I know some have reported that issue, so I look for it. Maybe one time I saw it move a little with the wash from a truck...on a windy day. At high speed it didn't budge.

I suspect it comes down to a possible gap between the hood and the front edge. My gaps are tight and level.

The surprising thing about this car is that feeling you get of it pushing you back in the seat when the electric torque kicks in. You really feel this in Sport Mode going up hills, but I also feel it in Normal Mode. I love that "power", especially when the ICE is not revving up to deliver that power.

Phil

The thing I noticed immediately is the instant torque you can get out of it, especially when in sports mode midway through a turn - you get on it and it pulls you through the turn. I come from a 2015 Civic, and even recently had the chance to drive the newer Accord (not sport).. The CVT transmissions in those cars saps your low end torque big time, and for me that's where the fun is. I also love the AC being electric, while I know that it will sap some of your MPG's - I can't feel it stealing power from the drive unit like a regular ICE engine.

 

[insightfully]

100 mph! Impressive but I would be afraid that the hood would fly off the car. Don’t know if you noticed but if I am cruising at 70 and pass an 18 wheeler, the wind turbulence causes the hood to bounce around as if it’s not latched. First time it happened I immediately pulled over to make sure that it was. Anyone else having this issue with the hood?

Some forum members have noted hood vibration/bounce, especially when there's a cross-wind (e.g. semi passing opposite direction or strong wind gusts). But the complaint doesn't seem to be widespread. See 'observations thread' below, plus 'adjustment thread' that may be worth checking to see if it helps stabilize your hood.

Hood observations: https://www.gen3insight.com/forum/7-2019-honda-insight-general-discussion/150-flimsy-hood.html
Hood/Door adjustment: https://www.gen3insight.com/forum/7...nk-hood-door-gaps-might-fix-your-problem.html

 

[andrew28]

100 mph! Impressive but I would be afraid that the hood would fly off the car. Don’t know if you noticed but if I am cruising at 70 and pass an 18 wheeler, the wind turbulence causes the hood to bounce around as if it’s not latched. First time it happened I immediately pulled over to make sure that it was. Anyone else having this issue with the hood?

I'm curious what this hood bouncing looks like because I don't have this issue. Is it near the top of the hood closes to the windshield?

That top area is suppose to lift up when you hit somebody. Maybe some batches of the Insight don't have that area tightly secured?

The thing I noticed immediately is the instant torque you can get out of it, especially when in sports mode midway through a turn - you get on it and it pulls you through the turn. I come from a 2015 Civic, and even recently had the chance to drive the newer Accord (not sport).. The CVT transmissions in those cars saps your low end torque big time, and for me that's where the fun is. I also love the AC being electric, while I know that it will sap some of your MPG's - I can't feel it stealing power from the drive unit like a regular ICE engine.

Yeah, I love that feeling when I accelerate and get sucked into the seat. It's great for me cause I can have short burst of fun even on city streets with low speed limits.

 

[Desflurane4u]

It flutters at the top of the hood closest to the windshield. It looks like driving in a car with a steel hood in which the hood is not latched properly. Really disconcerting. Maybe we should install hood pins like the drag racers do. That way the hood won’t come off. ��

 

[Carfreak09]

100 mph! Impressive but I would be afraid that the hood would fly off the car. Don’t know if you noticed but if I am cruising at 70 and pass an 18 wheeler, the wind turbulence causes the hood to bounce around as if it’s not latched. First time it happened I immediately pulled over to make sure that it was. Anyone else having this issue with the hood?

I’ve noticed my hood lightly fluttering on the highway but it’s the side hinge area closest to the windshield where I noticed it so I didn’t feel like the hood was about to fly up. It is a little disconcerting but not bad enough to be concerned for my safety. Car and Driver noted the same issue with their Accord long term car, noting it seems to be an issue with the lightweight aluminum hood design.

 

[PHILBERT]

The thing I noticed immediately is the instant torque you can get out of it, especially when in sports mode midway through a turn - you get on it and it pulls you through the turn. I come from a 2015 Civic, and even recently had the chance to drive the newer Accord (not sport).. The CVT transmissions in those cars saps your low end torque big time, and for me that's where the fun is. I also love the AC being electric, while I know that it will sap some of your MPG's - I can't feel it stealing power from the drive unit like a regular ICE engine.

Immediate torque that produces enough G force to suck you into the seat is a GREAT feeling! :smile_big:

And I calculate about a 2 MPG hit for using AC at 65 MPH. And I agree, no power loss on torque.

I would stay in Sport Mode if I wasn't doing all these MPG experiments. It is nice to know exactly what this can can do under all these different conditions. Like my weekend experiment in the city using Econ Mode...and hitting a high of 82.6 MPG of a few laps of real stop and go city driving. It dropped to 78.4 MPG on the way home doing 45 MPH on state roads. This is going to have to be revisited under better controlled conditions. I guess that was more of a recon mission.

I so much want to "open it up" and "let it rip" again, but that would kill my tank and current mileage experiments. Maybe the "next tank"? :grin:

Phil