The driver also tries to put the transmission in park.
The YouTube channel AutoVlog posted a January 2017 video that had over 8 million views. The clip demonstrated what happened after a driver switched the transmission from a 2015 Ford Fusion to reverse at 70 mph (113 km/h). The answer was not surprising. The car drove normally after the computer figured out that the gearbox would not break. AutoVlog returns with a 1998 Chevrolet Prizm to see if it can withstand this torture test.
The Toyota Corolla was very similar to the Chevy Prizm. The Toyota-General Motors joint venture to build vehicles at Fremont’s NUMMI (now Tesla’s) factory was responsible for the Prizm. The third-generation model was powered by a Toyota 1ZZFE 1.8-liter four cylinder engine. There were two options for an automatic gearbox: a three-speed or a four-speed unit. AutoVlog does not specify which type of auto transmission this model has.
To begin, the driver needs to find out what happens when he shifts in reverse at 40 mph (64 km/h). Toyota’s automatic transmission is smart enough to not cause an accident, just like the Ford. The ignition simply shuts off when you go into reverse. After the car stops, the engine will start immediately.
You can see the difference when you shift into park. The transmission makes some terrible noises, but I won’t spoil the details.
Noting that transmissions react differently to abuse is also important. An earlier video showed what happened to an Ford Ranger pickup when it was driven at highway speed. It was dramatic, with a lot of smoke and metallic sounds. However, the truck was still able drive away.