Highest speed driven in Prius

Darwin's theory of evolution at work.

 

I hear you, Isra, but it could also be argued that those of us who can't even spell adrenaline don't really live. Besides, he's still here, isn't he?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(hyo silver @ Feb 3 2007, 03:18 PM) [snapback]384957[/snapback]</div>

Oh, I do remember what it was like; however, I did it in cars that were designed to be driven at such speeds, a Datsun 280z, an Audi 5000S Turbo and a Mercedes Benz 300E, all with H (280z) or V (Audi and MBZ) rated tires.

The Prius is not designed to be driven at such speeds; it does not have the suspension for it. Equipped with the OEM tires, driving it in excess of 80-85 mph is stupid and dangerous. I really am not concerned about the well being of the Prius drivers who put themselves as risk, but for the other motorists on the road who are likely to be maimed or killed by the reckless thrill seekers.

For how much longer? One day, his luck will run out.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jeff716a @ Jan 30 2007, 09:21 PM) [snapback]383100[/snapback]</div>

What

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(IsrAmeriPrius @ Feb 3 2007, 08:09 PM) [snapback]384973[/snapback]</div>

Yea, I was very cautious when I tried to reach top speed. It was on a very long, straight and clear section of I90. At the time (summer) I had my Nexen tires W rated (168 mph) with the 17" rims.

 

I had a brother that was killed in a motorcycle accident and another friend was just in a serious accident this last month. Here's an excerpt from an email he sent:

Don't be foolish my friend. A Prius is much safer than a motorcycle obviously, but we're all just humans and one blown tire or a ladder in the lane you didn't see until it was too late and your family may be left without someone they love. Maybe it won't be that bad maybe you'll just have to have 2 rod and 32 screws in your back. Of course, I could be wrong! Hopefully!



Anyway, just some thoughts.

 

ONE TIME: I was passing and noticed the speedo said I was doing 103. It didn't seem like it was that fast and seemed even smoother than 60, though I do have high-speed wheels and tires on it.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(usbseawolf2000 @ Feb 3 2007, 06:01 PM) [snapback]384987[/snapback]</div>

Even with those tires, the Prius is not capable of safely completing emergency avoidance maneuvers at such speeds. As, I wrote earlier, Darwin Theory of Evolution at work.

 

I have noticed in a crunch I can easily get to the mid 80's and I get frequently surprised at how fast I can cruise if not careful. Keep in mind I AM a middleaged person! :blink:
I noticed on my '01 that it CRUISED at 80 and was much more efficient at 80 than 70. Go figure.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(IsrAmeriPrius @ Feb 3 2007, 07:09 PM) [snapback]384973[/snapback]</div>

What about those of us that paid extra for the suspension in the touring model? I've taken quite a few high speed curves in the car. I had no issues with body lean or the stability control. Usually the damned tires start to slip before I can get any decent laterals going. I've gone 95mph in a straight line in that car. I only slowed down because there was trafic, and I didn't want to get a ticket. A car is as safe as the driver--not every freeway is as congested as Los Angeles.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(allargon @ Feb 5 2007, 04:10 PM) [snapback]385775[/snapback]</div>

Can you tell me what would happen if you were to execute an emergency avoidance maneuver at such a speed? This is not a car which is designed to be driven safely at Autobahn speeds.

Concerning your last point, Los Angeles is big with hundreds of freeway miles, some are still wide open. Not all of us drive strictly in urban area. I invite you to someday drive on I-5, between Southern California and the Bay Area, or the Antelope Valley Freeway against the flow of traffic.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(IsrAmeriPrius @ Feb 4 2007, 12:49 PM) [snapback]385147[/snapback]</div>

It is not the speed that kills but rather the impact. If one can see a mile of clear traffic ahead and the highway is straight, there would not be for emergency maneuver. I am not saying it is perfectly safe nor do I drive at that speed everyday.

As you wrote earlier, Darwin Theory of Evolution is at work indeed and you keep "playing it utterly safe".

Dennis