The Prius That Shook.. - VFAQ Prius Site

conventional cars would become interesting problems for
Prius. For example, what might happen if a driver removes
the key from the ignition while driving?
With a manual transmission (MT) car, the driver
would stop the car and restart the engine. With an
automatic transmission (AT) car, the driver would shift to
neutral and restart the engine. What then should be done
with a hybrid vehicle?
Anything was possible, since it was a matter of
programming the computer control system. Considering
safety and convenience, the group decided to program the
control system so that the driver should do as he would do
in an AT car.
On an AT car, when the gear is in drive, the car
continues to creep forward even when there is no pressure the
gas pedal, as long as the brake is released. Although the THS
structurally does not let the car creep forward, the group
added that feature by letting the motor provide enough
power to cause the car to creep forward, so that a driver
would not feel uncomfortable when switching from an AT
car.
Opinions varied when it came to operating in reverse gear.
Since Prius moves backwards very slowly, it uses the motor.
The engine, naturally, would not kick in, so people
around the car might not notice that the car is backing
up.
"What if the car has an alarm to sound like trucks
do?" Someone suggested, but the idea was rejected.
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