WE WERE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, WHEN THE ENGINE MADE A VERY LOUD, HARSH NOISE AND BEGAN RACING AT A HIGH REV. EVEN WITH BRAKES FULLY APPLIED, WE WERE PROPELLED INTO THE INTERSECTION; TRIED TO JAM THE GEAR SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL, BUT COULD NOT IN TIME. WE WERE STRUCK FROM THE LEFT FRONT AND THE VEHICLE WAS KNOCKED ONTO THE RIGHT SIDE. MINOR INJURIES, TREATED AND RELEASED AT THE EMERGENCY ROOM. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *JS