BartSimpson BartSimpson:
dino_bobba_renno dino_bobba_renno:
What I don't get is why can't these people simply shift the damn car into neutral? Sure you might over rev and seize the engine but it beats the hell out of running into something.
Many (most) automatic transmission cars have interlocks that prevent you from shifting into neutral above certain speeds. This is so the tranny doesn't grenade on you, a problem that can actually be a tad worse than being out of control.
There is a video around where people test the various ideas about the Prius.
The only transmission lock is to prevent you from shifting into park at speed - they were able to shift into neutral no problem.
Prius has a system where if you apply the brakes, after about 3 seconds the gas is cut off - they were able to stop the car without incident.
I'm thinking this guy wanted Toyota to buy back his Prius at full value, since he was going broke.