Just inquiring as to whether anyone had any information on how much they weigh? I just looked out the window of my office to see a new hybrid civic sitting outside and figured it had to have light weight/small wheels by design.

 

I've actually driven one and it didn't feel very light. The batteries are in between the rear seat back and the trunk. FWIW, it's a very nice car, and would love one for commuting. My coworker has been getting up to 60MPG.

If you are asking about the wheels, I'm sure they are light, but they're pretty narrow.

 

Why did you ask in this forum?

 

Good point - they've probably been designed for lower rolling resistance to further contribute to gas mileage. I doubt they'd make good lightweight (performance) wheels, if that's what you were thinking about.

 

I also believe that they're not light. The design is for aerodynamics. The problem with this is it kills brake cooling. I actually remember seeing someone who put some TE37's on an insight. Can't find the link now though.

 

Looks like they'd be too wide to fit an Insight. Do you mean the fact that the wheel is narrow kills brake cooling or that the outside of the wheel is covered does it? (Sorry...not too familiar with the design of Honda Insight wheels)

I'm in love w/ my Volks...

 

I believe it's that almost the entire outside of the wheel is covered... similar to what some people experience running steel wheels. This comes from insight owners, not my speculation. I must admit that it's hard to imagine them pushing the car hard enough to cause a problem.

If this is directed towards the te37 comment... they're made in quite a wide variety of sizes, probably due to the many small cars in japan.

As another aside, I recall one owner who had actually documented the mile-per-gallons lost due to an upgrade to a better tire (around 3mpg). Apparently, while the stock tires are very good for gas mileage, they're horrible for grip. Slolom/lane change/skid pad numbers are in the ballpark with many of the tow vehicles in this forum.

 

I witnessed an Insight this weekend and I know of one other in California that autocrosses. Since the car is light brake fade is not apparent. At least this is what the gentleman said this past weekend on the Insight.

 

FYI... According to Honda.com, the curb weight of the base model Insight is a measly 1874lbs with the batteries and all...The wheels are 14" but they do not spec the width. I would imagine they are prolly 14x5 to save weight...

Gee, 1874lbs... Hmmmm... strip the batteries and the ******-*** motor, stuff a B18C5 in there, hacksaw those fenders and put some real tires and suspension in there....

 

they're 14x5.5

 

hmm, you may have something there.

 

That was really intelligent. . .

 

hmmmm......... interesting... i don't know how easily it could be done, though... that would seem like pita.. plus, if it was such a good idea, don't you think someone would have done it already?

 

Thanks again for the replies pertaining to the wheels. I posted here mainly for the fact you guys distinguish function vs 'jdm'. I didnt get a chance, nor did I want to wander downstairs out of my office to check out the rims. I thought in the back of my head they might make decent autox wheels, I didnt take into account the weight. Thanks though.

And for reference here is the car in question (not the insight):



14" 'lightwieght alloys' on 185/75/14s




[Modified by FritzInTN, 3:58 AM 10/12/2002]

 

That's the one I was talking about. I think many folks forget there's a Civic model, too.

 

I've got the reading thing down... it's the comprehension that I seem to be having problems with.

 

I can't wait to stick a turbo on a CNG model.