A test where the vehicle operator ________ is called a fast acceleration run.

• A. Maintains a constant speed
• B. Accelerates through high rpm ranges
• C. Applies brakes quickly
• D. Accelerates in one gear

Answer: (B)

The main idea is about using the engine’s higher speed to achieve rapid acceleration. A fast acceleration run aims to rev the engine into high RPM ranges, where the engine typically produces more horsepower and torque, allowing the vehicle to gain speed quickly. Pushing through high RPMs takes advantage of the power available in the upper end of the engine’s torque curve, often with the right gearing to keep those RPMs rising as speed increases.

Maintaining constant speed doesn’t involve speeding up. Braking is the opposite of accelerating. Accelerating in one gear could still be slow if that gear doesn’t take the engine into its high-rev, high-power range, whereas the key to a fast acceleration run is reaching those higher RPM ranges to unleash peak power.