Back to left foot braking

if it makes you feel better, we're here for you! i can't believe you even contemplated a gen III, what have you been comfortible in, in the past?

 

Better hurry up! This is the last year for the TownCar

If you like the HSD...get a Camry Hybrid or a Highlander. Even if you don't want to shell out the coin for a new one, there are some good pre-owned deals. Hell...you could even get an RX400h!

 

hycam is a sweet ride, definately the town car feel and 40 mpg!

 

'Left foot braking' is more accurately known as 'heel-and-toe' shifting. As already mentioned, it's benefit is on the racetrack where keeping the engine speed up while shifting is paramount, particularly when going around a corner. It's not too different from 'power shifting' when drag-racing where the vehicle is shifted without ever lifting off the accelerator. The whole point is that the right foot never leaves the accelerator pedal.

With that said, the benefit on the street of heel-and-toe shifting (or even left foot braking with an automatic) is negligible, and certainly not in keeping with the idea of getting the most mpg.

 

I don't know about the TownCar feel but it rides and drives smoother and quieter than the Prius.

One of my coworkers has a HyCam and I've ridden in it several times and I was very dissapointed with the ride. I expected it to ride a lot more like my Lexus ES's since they share a lot of engineering groundwork but I thought it rode pretty hard.

 

Bisco: I just looked at the 06/2010 Massachusetts Driver's Manual, and saw no reference to left-foot braking. Did I miss it? Is there an MA statute that you can reference?

Tom: I would be interested in links to studies comparing reaction time of left-foot and right-foot braking. I googled a bit and found lots of opinions, but nothing scientific. Note that I do understand the safety concerns and why it is not recommended for the masses.

Bill

 

I approach intersections with my left foot hovering over the brake pedal. Like most places, we have a lot of morons on the road. In this case, "left foot braking" is -much- faster than right foot braking. But the main delay is the drivers reaction time, which is around 0.5 second (I think it's often quoted as 0.7 second). I would say it takes less time to move your foot from the accelerator to the brake, on the Prius.

As far as worrying that I will depress -both- pedals in an emergency, who cares? When you have the throttle depressed somewhat and mash the brakes the engine goes to idle, no matter what you do with the throttle.

The recommendations and laws (if any) are for the great unwashed public. When I begin to drive like them I will abandon left foot braking. Otherwise I use it because it's better. It's faster and easier to remember when almost asleep that left is slow and right is fast.

 

If thats what you want to believe, fine. Professional drivers and driving instructors disagree.

 

nah, i took the test 40 years ago. maybe they changed it. maybe i misremembered? maybe my dad told me. miht've dreampt it. i take it you drive with both feet?

 

Bisco, thanks for the reply. Let's just say the word "illegal" caught my attention. I also searched the Massachusetts General Laws and did not find anything, so as far as I can tell, left-footed braking is perfectly legal.

FWIW, my round-trip commute today was a personal best, 78.0 mpg (40 miles). And you have my word that I did not employ the other left-foot technique that the safety types frown upon (left-footed pushing).

Bill