Basically, using the car's "engine braking" is what let us stay off the brake pedal.

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As such, it's a lot like driving a manual transmission stuck in second gear and using engine braking to slow down.

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This slowing effect is used by Lotus to simulate engine braking, in which resistance inside an internal-combustion engine decelerates the car.

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"Autumn in Australia brings the possibility of rain, which would make driving without traction control and engine braking control a real challenge, " Heidfeld said.

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To meet those standards, GM must install smaller battery packs in autos and implement mechanisms that regenerate braking energy and shut down the vehicle's engine when it's idling.

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