Mugen Tuning Takes to the Honda Insight
HONDA MUGEN INSIGHT, originally uploaded by yukky LAMY
We know that things can’t always stay the same. There are thing that are going to need to change with the new world. But one of the hardest things for us performance car tuning enthusiasts is going to be the line of performance parts for slow, non-performance vehicles, such as the 2009 Honda Insight.
The Mugen Tuned Honda Insight
Mugen Tuning on the other hand has had no reservation what-so-ever when it comes to hopping on the slow vehicle track. While the new Honda Insight has only been out for a few weeks, Mugen has released a full set of tuning products for it. I can already hear those lawn-mower buzzing exhaust notes now.
The Insight Hybrid Intelligent Sports program, as it is called, is Mugen’s way of getting a piece of the hybrid vehicle action. They are telling their customers that they have been hard at work testing and designing everything from aerodynamic body kits from $1,800, to complete suspension upgrades for around $1100.
Body Kits and Handling Upgrades
The body kits offer a front air-dam, flashy grille, side skirts, rear diffuser, side-window visors, adjustable rear wing, and of course the ever important chrome exhaust tip (shaped in a triangle). Since these customers are not your typical tuning crowd, Mugen is luring them in by telling them that each one of these primarily “looks-based” components serves the function of preserving and in many cases actually improving the already impressive aerodynamic body shape of the Insight.
The suspension components lower the Honda Insight by 0.8 inches and should improve handling considerably. You can also opt for some 15 to 16-inch sport rims at $300 to $450 per wheel. The cockpit of the Insight also has a few choice accessories for the race enthusiast, although nothing you can really sink your teeth into, like a sport leather steering wheel or trick shifter.
Interior Accessories Fall Short
Instead the interior gets zapped with some flashy foot mats at $260 a pop and few Mugen badges, for around $20. These will alert all who dare to cross the path of this particular Honda Insight, that it means business… not the “butt-kicking” type of business mind you, but rather the saving the world with excellent fuel economy variety.
At the moment these parts are available primarily in Japan, but with the new electric wave of vehicles coming with the new U.S. administration, I doubt it will take too long for Mugen to realize its potential on the states.
Source: Motor Trend
