Not to admit to being totally Asian, but I think the side window add-ons for are more than just dimming the sun. I think these accessories are more to do with regional cultures that sees air conditionally as an excessive, tourist luxury mixed with humidity, heat, and rain (all at the same time!) plus a whiff of open sewer drains/unregulated moto-two-strokes/general equatorial miasma. But don't take my word for it. Here's what Mugen's own website has to say, via Google:
"Negative pressure is generated by a unique body shape and visors also promote the efficient drainage of the air, and prevent infiltration of rainwater in the car bounce up and the rain tends to break into a window at the opening, the visor have greatly improved the comfort of use."
Mugen provides a helpful graphic even:
http://www.mugen-power.com/street/insight/parts/image/VentilatedVisor_02.jpg
A set of 4 for only $170.95 (holy crap).
By the way, in case nobody's seen the rest of the site, Mugen is selling the aerodynamic package for its "zero lift" capability:
http://www.mugen-power.com/street/insight/airflow/index.html
carlisimo:
Here is an article from a TTAC contributor and FWD car racer arguing that wider front tires are optimal on FWD cars.
http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/10/19/avoidable-contact-18-its-actually-rather-easy-being-green-the-case-for-front-wheel-drive/
It's just not seen in road racing because the rules generally don't allow for it.
Also, FWD car racers at SCCA Solo events regularly either under or over inflate the rear tires to loosen the rear end.
If the problem is airfoil lift at speed (like the Audi TT and new Beetle) then Honda should have made a small, speed actuated active spoiler standard on the Insight. Soichiro would have made it right the first time, not required ugly aftermarket parts to correct an aerodynamic flaw.
A very small simple lip spoiler would have accomplished anything that the ugly appendage at the back of this car accomplishes.
Mugen parts are expensive becuase of their relationship with Honda. But they are god awful ugly and pointless.
My local honda dealer has an '08 Mugen Civic Si sitting at deep discount, and has been trying to sell it at discount for months, because the stock Si is just as good and not ugly.
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It's so ugly that it visually stinks.
Not to admit to being totally Asian, but I think the side window add-ons for are more than just dimming the sun. I think these accessories are more to do with regional cultures that sees air conditionally as an excessive, tourist luxury mixed with humidity, heat, and rain (all at the same time!) plus a whiff of open sewer drains/unregulated moto-two-strokes/general equatorial miasma. But don't take my word for it. Here's what Mugen's own website has to say, via Google: "Negative pressure is generated by a unique body shape and visors also promote the efficient drainage of the air, and prevent infiltration of rainwater in the car bounce up and the rain tends to break into a window at the opening, the visor have greatly improved the comfort of use." Mugen provides a helpful graphic even: http://www.mugen-power.com/street/insight/parts/image/VentilatedVisor_02.jpg A set of 4 for only $170.95 (holy crap). By the way, in case nobody's seen the rest of the site, Mugen is selling the aerodynamic package for its "zero lift" capability: http://www.mugen-power.com/street/insight/airflow/index.html
Front: Mugen. Sides and rear: Mugen: The Japanese J.C. Whitney