On virtually every automatic transmission car, while in stop and go
> driving, it is necessary for the driver to ride the brake to keep the car
> stationary or at speeds lower than approximately 10 mph.
>
> This is because the transmission couples at idle speeds instead of going
> into a neutral condition. This self propulsion occurs whenever the drive
> range is selected, even though no pressure is applied to the gas pedal. >
> When the engine has to idle against this braking drag, the engine has to
> work harder than if it were a no load idle. A byproduct of this
> undesirable drag is increased fuel consumption as well as increased engine
> and transmission heat. It might even cause a few accidents when the car
> pulls into a slow car in front if the driver day dreams or his braking > foot
> gets too tired.
>
> So why don't the automakers develop an automatic transmission that does > not
> pull the car when the engine idles and there is no pressure on the gas
> pedal? I think its possible to do this because Toyota had a CVT
> transmission that was perfect until testers complained it was too > different
> from regular hydraulic transmissions. So, Toyota made the CVT pull just
> like all the others do. That proves Toyota is just as stupid as anybody
> else in the business.
>
> This is No. 27 of 1001 improvements desperately needed.
>