Mazda reportedly adding brake override systems to all future models
2010 Mazda6 – Click above for high-res image gallery
According to a recent report, Mazda will be installing brake override systems on all of its models in the near future. Whenever that happens, the brake will automatically get priority over the accelerator in a situation where both of them are simultaneously depressed. Nissan already has such a system installed on most of its cars, and Toyota has already pledged to do so. As far as Japan goes that leaves companies like Honda, Mitsubishi, Subaru and Suzuki in the "Undecided" column.
A Mazda spokesman said the company wasn't aware of any unintended acceleration issues with its vehicles anywhere in the world that would necessitate such a system. This really looks to be a proactive move, since the estimated $50-per-car cost of the brake override will be much less hurtful than having to recall an untold numbers of cars... and you'll be paying for it, anyway. The company doesn't have details yet on the specifics of implementation, but it will eventually apply to every car the company sells.
Gallery: Geneva 2010: Mazda6
[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req.]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
paul34 3:33PM (3/09/2010)
Well, assuming there was an accelerator defect, I don't think it'd save them from recalling it... it'd just keep non-car people from crashing into innocent people.
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Nick 3:50PM (3/09/2010)
This should be a must!
I'm amazed that my car moves like nothing's holding it down when I forget to loosen the parking brake.
mcheddadi 4:40PM (3/09/2010)
WTH?! did you ever track/race a car?
They better put a switch to remove this stupid brake override system.
Otherwise no one will be able to rally, fwd drift or left foot brake anymore.
m 4:49PM (3/09/2010)
Nick: Adjust your parking brake.
zamafir 5:06PM (3/09/2010)
@Mehdi Cheddadi - where do you idiots keep getting that idea? I've tracked damn near every audi in production, Audi added this brake override system to their lineup a decade ago, no issues here. Why don't you answer your own question, did you ever track/race a car [with brake override]?
paul34 6:02PM (3/09/2010)
Not just tracking/racing... I use heel-toe quite a bit on the street as well. Makes a lot of sense when you need to downshift but slow down as well, so that you'll be ready to accelerate again after that person in front of you just made the right turn, while keeping your downshift smooth and without excess clutch wear.
However, I'm glad to hear that the way Audi does it doesn't interfere in that. I hope other systems are similar in that regard (although really, it's not as necessary on a manual tranny - most any stick driver is going to insticintually hit the clutch and/or go to neutral if something where to go wrong with the throttle).
Rocketboy 7:52PM (3/09/2010)
It's so nice to know that everyone here would never ever ever make a bad decision in a panic situation.
You know, unlike almost every other human on the face of the planet.
PJ 10:41PM (3/09/2010)
If I remember correctly, VW/Audi's system allows overlapping brake and throttle input for a specified duration (a few seconds) before cutting in. It's not difficult to imagine it imposing itself when it's not welcome, but it's never bit me on the track--I've never even noticed it.
I just hope Mazda isn't so hasty in its rush to avoid being smeared that it doesn't take the time to do it right. A VW/Audi-style override would be okay, but the first Miata that I can't left-foot-brake or heel-and-toe will be the first Miata I don't buy.
refugee7 11:34PM (3/09/2010)
I think it won't be necessary to put a brake override system on manual cars since there is already a way to cancel a stuck acceleration by using the clutch. So our heel-toe fun will not be ruined. I think it is safe to assume that manufacturers won't implement this in manuals cars since it would save them money and they will think about this.
BoneHeadOtto 3:36PM (3/09/2010)
you could also just pass out a pamphlet that tells people to PUT THE FREAKIN CAR IN NEUTRAL if it accelerates and wont stop.
Also if cars dont already give brake input priority over accelerator input, that is a major fail.
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Clay Garland 3:44PM (3/09/2010)
In most of the cars on the road today, a slow application of the brakes will bring a car down from speed, no matter if the accelerator is stuck or not. The engine in most of these cars isn't going to be ale to out power the brakes. In a ZR1, the engine might give the brakes a run for their money, but not in a Carolla.
neptronix 3:53PM (3/09/2010)
Unfortunately this happens so rarely that people forget.
Also most Americans drive automatics so they're not familiar with how the transmission works at all.
Can't expect people to be smart or sharp.
I think an override is the answer for all cars.
Tourian 4:00PM (3/09/2010)
@ Clay
The problem is not that brakes can overcome an engine, but the brake pedal requires more effort. All cars have brake boosters which require vacuum to operate and you lose vacuum at WOT. That's why a grandma behind the wheel of an Avalon probably won't have the strength to push her pedal to the floorboard in the event of SUA, or that a typical person might not realize what is happening when they have but a few moments to respond before crashing into something.
BoneHeadOtto 4:06PM (3/09/2010)
"Can't expect people to be smart or sharp."
I disagree. If you are not smart enough to know how to put your car into neutral you should not be allowed to drive. These same not smart people are those who wreck their cars at the first sign of rain. Knowing what to do in case of an emergency is a necessary driving skill.
neptronix 6:21PM (3/09/2010)
Bonehead: i wish there was a framework for not allowing those people to drive, but until there is we have to make our cars idiot proof because it could kill drivers that are not idiots.
Dale 7:29PM (3/09/2010)
@neptronix - actually there is a framework to prevent idiots and stupid people from driving cars already available, but for whatever reason our governments (Canada and US) won't legislate it. Quite simply, if they were to mandate driver training from a certified training school (and no, Billy-Bob's School of Driving would not likely qualify) road safety improve and driver ability would improve beyond whatever technological garbage they keep on forcing down our throats. While I harbor no doubt that there are some glitches in Toyotas for some of the unintended acceleration claims, I also suspect that many of them are just people who hit the wrong pedal and then pressed harder to that effect. This was the case with Audis back in the day and I have little doubt that the same is today. That said, with cars becoming more 'electronic' in their mechanisms (notice most mid-sized cars don't have a proper hand-brake now - it is electronic) these types of problems are only going to be more frequent. I'm still waiting for the report of some guy's Benz suddenly flying out of control due to the active cruise control with steering assist going awry. Completely unnecessary crap in cars and make the driver more a passenger and passive participant in the activity of driving than should really be allowed. If someone really wants to make roads safe, mandate driver training and I can guarantee that you will see safer roads because of it.
superdukes2000 3:36PM (3/09/2010)
good step in the right direction
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zamafir 5:09PM (3/09/2010)
yeah, i hear german automakers are making the same move in -10 years. i wonder what other safety systems I take for granted aren't currently included on other major brands of cars?
leftlaneabuse 3:37PM (3/09/2010)
The death of heal/toe.
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paul34 3:41PM (3/09/2010)
I hope it's only for slushboxes and other automatics, and not for manuals.