autoMedia Auto News Blog : Lexus

Toyota Announces Unintended Acceleration Fix

admin — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 01:28:00 GMT

In a safety drama that has unfolded since summer, when a high-profile case of unintended acceleration brought floor mat issues to national prominence, Toyota has been the latest automaker in damage control mode. Today, Toyota made a significant step forward in addressing the acceleration complaints with a detailed plan for reducing the risks in eight Toyota and Lexus vehicles. In late September, Toyota issued a safety advisory to warn owners of specific models to remove their floor mats, pending further investigation and the development of corrective measures. In the interim, some dealers have been zip-tying mats in place. In early 2010, dealers will be trained how to reshape the accelerator pedal to reduce the risk of floor mat entrapment. For the ES350, Camry, and Avalon models involved, the shape of the floor surface underneath will also be reconfigured to increase the space between the accelerator pedal and the floor. Any factory all-weather floor mats in recalled vehicles will be replaced by a new design to further reduce entrapment risks. The floor mat advisory involves: 2007 to 2010 Toyota Camry, 2005 to 2010 Toyota Avalon, 2004 to 2009 Toyota Prius, 2005 to 2010 Toyota Tacoma...(read more)

NHTSA Sets Record Straight; Toyota Investigation Not Over

admin — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:32:00 GMT

Toyota Motor Sales seems to have been too enthusiastic in its response to a recent National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report when it issued a press release Monday stating “No defect exists in vehicles with properly installed floor mats.” Toyota had claimed that NHTSA had completed its investigation into unintended acceleration with certain models, finding that " ... the only defect trend related to vehicle speed control in the subject vehicles involved the potential for accelerator pedals to become trapped near the floor by out-of-position or inappropriate floor mat installations." (See our post “ NHTSA Says No Defect In Recalled Toyota, Lexus Vehicles .”) NHTSA has come out with a strong rebuke, calling the Toyota release “inaccurate and misleading.” In its own statement, the government safety organization said: “NHTSA has told Toyota and consumers that removing the recalled floor mats is the most immediate way to address the safety risk and avoid the possibility of the accelerator becoming stuck. But it is simply an interim measure. This remedy does not correct the underlying defect in the vehicles involving the potential for entrapment of the accelerator...(read more)

NHTSA Says No Defect In Recalled Toyota, Lexus Vehicles

admin — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 03:29:00 GMT

Toyota was strapped in the national hot-seat after a tragic accident in August involving a Lexus ES 350 was blamed on sudden, unintended acceleration. A floor mat from a Lexus RX 400h SUV was wrongly fitted to the sedan and suspected as being a key factor in that incident. Toyota Motor Sales has begun mailing letters to owners of certain Toyota and Lexus models regarding the potential for an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat to interfere with the accelerator pedal and cause it to get stuck in the wide-open position. (Read " Toyota, Lexus Recalling 3.8 Million Vehicles to Inspect Floor Mats .") More significantly, Toyota reports that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ( NHTSA ) has completed its investigation and found that no defect exists in vehicles in which the driver's floor mat is compatible with the vehicle and properly secured. After conducting an extensive technical review of the issue, including interviews with consumers who had complained of unwanted acceleration, NHTSA concluded that " ... the only defect trend related to vehicle speed control in the subject vehicles involved the potential for accelerator pedals to become...(read more)

Quick Take Test Drive: 2010 Lexus IS 350 C F-Sport

Editor — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:03:00 GMT

Sometimes you get lucky. And sometimes you get really lucky. We’ve been looking forward to testing the new Lexus IS C retractable hardtop convertible for a long time. Aimed squarely at competitors such as the BMW 3 Series and Infiniti G37 retractable hardtops, the IS 250 C with a 204-hp V6 starts at $38,940, while the more powerful 306-hp IS 350 C starts at $44,390. Either model gets you a sophisticated looking 2-door coupe that transforms into an even-better looking open vehicle in just 20 seconds with the touch of a button. So about that lucky part — Well, we’d have been happy to test any IS C, but Lexus sweetened the deal with a very special IS 350 C, brimming with performance goodies from Lexus’ F-Sport catalog. And frankly, this transformed the car into the most exciting and well-balanced Lexus we have ever driven. Yes, even including the $58,000 416-hp, V8 IS F sedan. At first glance, our tester was a jaw-dropper. In Obsidian black, with a black leather interior, it was sleek and sophisticated. Sitting on its lowered suspension with massive charcoal 19-inch forged wheels, it was the epitome of badness. The IS had the performance goods to back up the looks. A beautiful stainless...(read more)

autoMedia CARnival 10-30-09: This week in Auto Blogs

Brandy Schaffels — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:52:00 GMT

It's the week ending October 30, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather the highlights from each. First, it's too obvious to forget, but this weekend is Halloween, and there are sure to be lots of kidlets swarming the roads in costume on Saturday evening. AskPatty knows Halloween is the most dangerous day of the year for children to walk and offers up a selection of tips to help drivers do their part to keep trick-or-treaters safe from harm. Love this one: "Empire Strikes Back: White House calls out Edmunds on Clunkers story, Edmunds responds" The facts in the case of the White House versus Edmunds are essentially indisputable - but they are open for interpretation. Thanks to AutoBlog for summarizing this excellent -- and entertaining -- case of "He said, They said." Daylight savings time ends this weekend, be sure to take extra care when driving in residential neighborhoods and approaching intersections and stop signs as you adjust to the added darkness along your familiar roads. Automotive Traveler advises your children to be extra careful if they're walking in a parking lot or crossing the street as the sun sets...(read more)

Lexus LFA Supercar Makes its North American Debut at SEMA, then on to Los Angeles

Brandy Schaffels — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:00:00 GMT

Following on the heels of its global debut at the Tokyo Motor Show, the highly anticipated Lexus LFA supercar will next be displayed at two premier North American venues: the 2009 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) trade show in Las Vegas next week and at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show in early December....(read more)

Toyota, Lexus Floor Mat Saga Continues with NHTSA Insights

admin — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 02:35:00 GMT

Findings from a federal investigation into the fatal car crash that led to Toyota recalling 3.8 million vehicles point to a possible link between floor mats and accelerator pedal design, according to the Los Angeles Times . The Times reports that analysis by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) “draws no conclusions” about the August accident that was the catalyst for the safety advisory and the automaker's largest-ever recall, but it does make key observations highlighted below. The report surfaced by the LA Times is an important milestone, but the investigation continues. The agency has not yet reviewed information stored on the electronic data recorder, which should provide further insight into the operating conditions at time of time at triple-digit speeds. That said, the findings thus far do paint clearer picture of the conditions that lead to this tragedy and even suggests a possible solution, should the pedal design be officially named a causal factor. What we know thus far: The Lexus ES 350 driven by an off-duty California Highway Patrol officer, with three family members as passengers, had been a dealer loaner. The Lexus was fitted with all-weather...(read more)

Automotive Recalls: They happen to imports AND domestics

Brandy Schaffels — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 01:52:00 GMT

So, CNN Money is reporting that Ford is recalling more than 4 million vehicles due to a potential fire hazard that can be created by a faulty cruise control deactivation switch. A friend of mine sent me an email that said " See? This is why people don't buy American. " The recall covers 1995-2003 Windstars, 2000-2003 Excursion diesels, 1993-1997 and 1999-2003 F-Super Duty diesels, 1992-2003 Econolines, 1995-2002 Explorers and Mercury Mountaineers, 1995-1997 and 2001-2003 Rangers and 1994 F35 motorhomes. This is the eighth recall that involves a specific faulty switch manufactured by Texas Instruments, and brings the total to more than 16 million Ford vehicles recalled because that switch. The article at CNN Money advises that "Ford drivers should look for warnings of possible imminent fires, including malfunctioning cruise control systems and brake lights and antilock braking system and brake light warnings on the dashboard. The safety agency also said difficulty in getting the vehicle out of the park mode should be treated as a warning." Ford says it has not used that switch in any model years after 2003. It's disappointing that this is what people think...(read more)

Toyota, Lexus Recalling 3.8 Million Vehicles to Inspect Floor Mats

Brandy Schaffels — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 01:03:00 GMT

This might not be such a well-publicized issue if not for the tragic deaths of a California Highway Patrol Officer and three members of his family last month. While the exact cause of the accident has not yet been proven, initial police reports say his speeding 2009 Lexus ES could not be stopped because the driver's floor mat had interfered with the pedals.

In response, Toyota has issued a Consumer Safety Advisory asking owners of specific Toyota and Lexus models to take out any removable driver's floor mat and NOT replace it with any other floor mat. "If there's any doubt in their mind about the security and shape of their mat, go ahead and visit the dealer" to have it checked, says Toyota spokesman Brian Lyons. Toyota considers this a critical matter and will soon launch a safety campaign on specific Toyota and Lexus vehicles.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has also alerted Lexus and Toyota owners: "This is an urgent matter," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "For everyone's sake, we strongly urge owners of these vehicles to remove mats or other obstacles that could lead to unintended acceleration."

Toyota's advisory states "Recent events have prompted Toyota to take a closer look at the potential for an accelerator pedal to get stuck in the full open position due to an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat. A stuck open accelerator pedal may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death."

This issue affects the following models: 2007 to 2010 Toyota Camry, 2005 to 2010 Toyota Avalon, 2004 to 2009 Toyota Prius, 2005 to 2010 Toyota Tacoma, 2007 to 2010 Toyota Tundra, 2007 to Lexus ES350, and 2006 to 2010 Lexus IS250 and IS350.

Additionally USA Today is reporting that Toyota and Lexus will order 1400 dealers nationwide to inspect their cars for mismatched or improperly secured floormats.

In the event that owners should choose not to remove their floor mat, Toyota strongly recommends that they ensure that the correct floor mat is being used, that it is properly installed and secured, that it is not flipped over with bottom-side up, and that one floor mat is not stacked over another. Information on proper floor mat installation can be downloaded here.

By Brandy Schaffels, autoMedia.com Contributing Editor

Updated: 2010 Lexus ES 350

admin — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 01:22:00 GMT

The Lexus ES 350 sedan is treated to a midlife freshening for the 2010 model year, with an updated exterior, interior refinements, and a new telematics system, Enform with Safety Connect. The base price has been increased $330 to $34,800, plus a hefty $875 destination fee.

The 2010 model is distinguished by a revised front grille, grille surround, chrome body side molding, front bumper, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. In addition, the head lights, lower valence with foglamps, and tail lamps were updated, as well. The standard 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels now have a split five-spoke design. The near-lux sedan is available in four new, less-than-intuitively named exterior colors: Truffle Mica, Peridot Mica, Satin Cashmere Metallic and Cerulean Blue Metallic.

Inside, ES 350 receives revised steering wheel controls, new trim choices, and driver's seat memory. A revised center console offers more storage volume than before. In addition, rear coat hooks and an Eco Drive indicator are standard.

The premium audio system has been updated, with Bluetooth streaming audio capability and a USB port, in addition to the auxiliary port. When an iPod is connected through the USB port, information such as artist, track and album is displayed on the head unit, while music can be controlled through the head unit or steering wheel audio controls. An integrated XM satellite radio receiver is also standard. A new optional hard disc drive (HDD) navigation system has a “casual-speech” voice recognition feature, voice command, and enhanced Bluetooth connectivity with phonebook download.

For 2010, Lexus introduces an all-new telematics system called Enform with Safety Connect. Safety Connect is available on both non-navigation and navigation-equipped ES 350, and it offers four safety and security features: automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle Location, emergency assistance button (aka SOS), and enhanced roadside assistance.

Lexus Enform is available only on navigation-equipped vehicles, and it builds on the Safety Connect features with the premium services of destination assist and eDestination. Destination assist "agents" can help drivers find a specific address or point of interest via cell phone, then send the coordinates to the navigation system for routing. eDestination allows drivers to send locations from a home computer to the car, creating customized destination lists.

Complimentary one-year trial subscriptions are included on all new Lexus vehicles equipped with these features.

With these numerous small refinements, and others, the ES 350 has become more desirable, making it an appealing option for a competitively priced, pampering sedan.

Read our Lexus ES 350 review.

Sneak Peek: Lexus LF-Ch Hybrid Concept

admin — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 00:53:00 GMT

In a few days, Lexus will pull the wraps off this compact hybrid concept car at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Designed in California, the LF-CH will make its North American debut in December at the LA Auto Show. This latest concept hybrid vehicle from Lexus explores a more dramatic package than the brand currently offers. Given that the unique styling is attributed as a key factor the success of the Prius, and that hatchbacks are essential for overseas sales, this is a natural direction to pursue.

Lexus is mum on the powertrain, saying only that it is powered by "the latest generation of Lexus Hybrid Drive technology." It isn’t a big leap to assume it shares its hybrid system with the Lexus HS 250h, teaming a high-efficiency Atkinson-cycle 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, continuously variable transmission, and electric motor, producing a combined 187 horsepower. Directing the high-tech car’s character, the driver could then select between four modes: Normal, Eco, and EV plus a Sport mode that amplifies throttle response.

The LF-Ch concept was designed by Calty Design Research Inc., Toyota’s North American-based research and design center located in Newport Beach. While production intent has not been announced, the company sounds serious about this model.

Calty President Kevin Hunter said, “The LF-Ch concept is the next evolution of the compact luxury vehicle.”

That evolution brings a clean, deceptively simple interior with an asymmetrical dash and abundant premium touches from leather and metal trim. Blue accent lights gives the car a futuristic glow, from the instrument panel to the four bucket seats. The center stack has a simple configuration, looking no more complicated than a traditional single-DIN stereo head unit—a welcomed alternative to the current trend for luxury cars to have a legion of Chiclet-type buttons. The key is a remote touch controller, like that found in the HS 250h, which allows the driver to move an onscreen cursor to operate audio, climate, and navigation systems. Easier to use than competitors rotary dial controllers, this hand-friendly input device is effective, but in the end it can be hard to beat a simple flick of a switch.

We hope to learn more from Lexus once this car makes its debut. Ultimately, feedback from auto show attendees and prospective customers may have a large impact in the car’s production potential.

Read our Lexus HS 250 h review.

2010 Lexus HS 250h Pricing Announced

Editor — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 19:36:00 GMT

The world’s first dedicated hybrid luxury vehicle arrives in dealerships in late August. Lexus announced pricing this morning for the all-new sedan, which starts at $34,200 for the standard model, and $36,970 for the Premium edition. An additional $875 for delivery and handling will apply.

The HS 250h is Lexus’ fourth luxury hybrid and the most affordable. It also offers the best combined Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mileage rating of any luxury vehicle in the U.S., and produces 70 percent fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new car, according to Lexus. EPA estimated city/highway mpg is 35/34, with a combined 35 mpg result from 87-octane fuel.

Read our 2010 Lexus HS 250h complete test drive review, and Vie to Win a 2010 Lexus HS 250h Luxury Hybrid.

~ Deborah Neal, Editorial Director, autoMedia.com

Vie to Win a 2010 Lexus HS 250h Luxury Hybrid

Editor — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 07:27:00 GMT

Lexus says their research has revealed that “more than 60 percent of entry-luxury car buyers would have considered a hybrid if available,” which means the all-new 2010 Lexus HS 250h should be a huge hit when it reaches showrooms later this summer. If you want a chance to drive one for free—for either one week or an entire year—go to www.drivehs.com and enter by July 31, 2009 for a chance to win.

There are several ways—and prizes—to win. First you can create an account to become a potential driver or just vote for others to win, based upon their profile as to why they believe they should be selected. If you think you’re the best potential driver, create your own Driver Profile explaining why you should be voted to win the chance to drive the new HS 250h. In the world of social networking, you can campaign to your heart’s content through facebook, Twitter, You Tube or any other legal means to persuade friends, family, coworkers and strangers to vote for you. Not only that, every person who submits a vote for a “driver,” will get their name entered into a random drawing to also win.

The Voter-only grand prize is a one-year Lexus HS 250h lease and a Lexus Hybrid Living gift bag (contents of which are a secret at this time).

The Driver candidate with the most votes will win a one-year lease of the HS 250h, a weekend at a Fairmont Resort, and a Lexus Hybrid Living gift bag. Two runners-up winners will receive a one-week HS 250h test drive, two nights’ weekend accommodations at a Fairmont Resort hotel, and that secret Lexus Hybrid Living bag of goodies. Finally, 98 winners will receive a one-week test drive and, you guessed it, the Lexus Hybrid Living gift package. Now I’m dying to know more than ever what is in that bag!

The 2010 Lexus HS 250h is actually the world’s first luxury car available with only a hybrid engine. Read our complete road test review of the HS 250h by veteran automotive engineer and journalist, Gary Witzenburg, for more details. Then check out lexus.com and drivehs.com to get started on your chance to drive this new high-end, high-tech luxury hybrid model—and vote for whomever you believe will fully represent. Or at least enjoy reading all the good reasons why so many people want to drive and own the new HS 250h. Enthusiasm is contagious. Remember, contest ends July 31st. Good luck!

-Deborah Neal, Editorial Director, autoMedia.com

JD Power: 2009 Initial Quality Study – Detroit Rocks

admin — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 02:09:00 GMT

The Detroit 3 showed marked improvements in the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Initial Quality Study released this week, with a 10-percent gain over 2008. This accomplishment for Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors is remarkable given the well-publicized challenges they have faced in the past year, and all the more impressive for being greater than the 8-percent rate of improvement by the industry overall.

Cadillac ranks in the top three, moving up from 10th last year, with Ford, Chevrolet, and Mercury all ranked above the industry average. However, Dodge, Chrysler, and Jeep remain well below the average.

The study finds that initial quality for newly launched and redesigned models in 2009 has improved compared with previous years. Historically, all-new models have typically launched with below-average levels of initial quality. However, several all-new models in 2009, including the Hyundai Genesis, Kia Borrego, Toyota Venza and Volkswagen CC, perform considerably better than their respective segment averages. Many redesigned models in 2009 also show notable improvement from the previous generation--particularly the Acura TL, Ford F-150, Honda Pilot, and Nissan Z.

The highest ranked for initial quality by car segment
Compact Car: Hyundai Elantra Sedan
Compact Sporty Car: Scion tC
Compact Premium Sporty Car: Nissan Z
Entry Premium Vehicle: Lexus IS
Midsize Premium Car: Lexus GS
Midsize Sporty Car: Ford Mustang
Large Premium Car: Lexus LS
Midsize Car: Nissan Altima
Large Car: Mercury Sable
Compact MAV: Chrysler PT Cruiser, Honda CR-V (tie)
Midsize MAV: Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Ford Edge, Toyota 4Runner (tie)
Large MAV: GMC Yukon
Midsize Premium: Lexus GX
Large Premium MAV: Lexus LX
Large Pickup: Ford F-150, Toyota Tundra (tie)
Midsize Pickup: Honda Ridgeline
Minivan: Toyota Sienna

2009 Nameplate IQS Ranking
Problems per 100 vehicles
84 Lexus
90 Porsche
91 Cadillac
95 Hyundai
99 Honda
101 Mercedes-Benz
101 Toyota
102 Ford
103 Chevrolet
103 Suzuki
106 Infiniti
106 Mercury
108 Industry Average
110 Nissan
111 Acura
112 BMW
112 Kia
112 Volkswagen
116 GMC
117 Buick
118 Audi
118 Pontiac
118 Scion
118 Volvo
120 Saturn
123 Mazda
129 Lincoln
130 Subaru
134 Dodge
134 Jaguar
135 Mitsubishi
136 Chrysler
136 Hummer
137 Jeep
138 Saab
138 Smart
150 Land Rover
165 Mini

The 2009 Initial Quality Study is based on responses from more than 80,900 purchasers and lessees of new 2009 model-year cars, trucks and multi-activity vehicles surveyed after 90 days of ownership. The study is based on a 228-question battery designed to provide manufacturers with information to facilitate identifying problems and drive product improvement. The study was fielded between February and May 2009.

Pricing: 2010 Lexus IS Convertible

admin — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 02:10:00 GMT

Lexus is introducing a new convertible version of its IS luxury sport sedans, with the IS250C starting at $38,490 when equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. The IS250C with a six-speed automatic transmission will be $39,660. The IS350C will have a MSRP of $43,940. Add to those figures an $875 destination charge. These retractable hardtops join the IS range in May, well timed for warm weather.

These convertibles share their powertrains with the IS sedans, with the IS250C featuring 2.5-liter, 204-hp V-6 and the IS350C fitted with a 3.5-liter, 306-hp V-6. Where they differ, naturally, is with their top. A three-panel, aluminum roof retracts to transform the secure, quiet coupe into a sleek convertible. The doors are 11.8 inches longer than the IS sedans, and rear-seat access is aided by a simple, one-touch mechanism that slides and tilts the front seats forward.

Read our IS350 and high-performance IS F reviews.