Toyota has recently launched the largest recall in its history with over 4 million Toyota and Lexus models identified with potential safety issues. Last fall the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration received a flurry of reports that driver’s side floor mats were dislodging and causing the accelerator pedal to get stuck. The problem received national attention when a highway patrol officer and his family were killed. The officer’s Lexus crashed after traveling over 120mph as a result of a stuck gas pedal. Apparently the vehicle could not be stopped by the brakes alone. Toyota responded by issuing a safety alert recommending that Toyota and Lexus owners remove the driver’s side floor mats and not replace them until Toyota could investigate the matter further. The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration also issued an alert in which they strongly urged owners of these vehicles to remove mats or other obstacles that could lead to unintended acceleration. The models with potential safety issues are:
• 2007 – 2010 Toyota Camry
• 2005 – 2010 Toyota Avalon
• 2004 – 2009 Toyota Prius
• 2005 – 2010 Toyota Tacoma
• 2007 – 2010 Toyota Tundra
• 2007 – 2010 Lexus ES350
• 2006 – 2010 Lexus IS250 and IS350
Toyota and Lexus service technicians have undergone training and are now equipped to make the necessary modifications to these models. Although it would seem to be an easy fix; just replace the defective floor mats with a more efficient design, Toyota wants to ensure the safety of their vehicles. Therefore, technicians will actually be reshaping the accelerator pedal and in some models will also install a brake override system. Beginning in April 2010 there will be accelerator pedal replacement part available for those customers that would like to have it installed. Toyota has begun issuing recall letters instructing owners to bring their vehicles in for repair and anticipates a deluge in their service departments. To help combat the inconvenience many Toyota Dealerships are offering rental cars to customers affected by the recall.
The official Toyota website offers more information about the Toyota/Lexus recall including overall safety of both Toyota and Lexus vehicles. For further information Toyota customers can contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331 or Lexus Customer Assistance at 1-800-255-3987.
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Lexus has finally decided to dedicate to the world the first hybrid luxury vehicle; the HS 250h Lexus. The HS hybrid was unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show and marks new territory for Lexus entry level hybrid in the luxury class. When talking about a hybrid the first thing comes to mind is what’s under the hood. Well a 2.4Liter four cylinder that produces 187horsepower. Add the 40 horsepower electric motor and you have some nice acceleration.
The Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive System is mated to a power control unit that manages fuel consumption by recharging the battery when slowing down or braking and delivering an electric assist when accelerating. According to Lexus, the HS 250h can accelerate from 0 to 60 in 8.4 seconds. Lexus also promised that the HS would be the most fuel efficient luxury vehicle in the world with an EPA fuel economy rating of 35mpg city and 34mpg highway. The Lexus HS250h’s’ 0.27 drag coefficient alon with a couple of spoilers and diffusers seem to support Lexus’ claim.
As for styling and the green theme, 30 percent of the Hybird’s materials are derived from plant-based materials and 85 percent are fully recyclable. Luxury vehicles are always jam packed with features, and this luxury hybrid includes a wireless cell-phone link, a navigation system with rearview camera, a Heads-Up Display, adaptive cruise control, adaptive headlights, auto-dimming headlights, ventilated front seats, and keyless access and starting. Also offered on the Lexus Hybrid car is a wide-view front camera that shows the view to the sides when pulling out from between two cars, a lane-departure warning system that alerts the driver and can correct the vehicle’s path if it drifts out of its lane, and Lexus’ new Enform System with Safety Connect, an assistance system with convenience, safety, security, and emergency-response features.