Showing posts with label Toyota RAV4. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Toyota RAV4. Show all posts

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Trapped Accelerator Pedals Come to Haunt Toyota and Lexus Again, 2.12 Million Vehicles Recalled in the USA


The Toyota Group may be off the hook over suspicions of unwanted sudden acceleration caused by software-driven throttles after the findings of the NHTSA-NASA study, but the Japanese automaker is once again making headlines over trapped accelerator pedals. Today, Toyota announced that it will conduct a voluntary safety recall of approximately 2.12 million vehicles in the United States to address accelerator pedals that could become entrapped in floor mats or jammed in carpeting.

More specifically, Toyota is recalling approximately 20,000 Lexus GS 300 and GS 350 All-Wheel Drive vehicles from the 2006-2007 model years to modify the shape of the plastic pad embedded in the driver’s side floor carpet. According to the company, if the floor carpet is not properly replaced in the correct position after a service operation, it is possible that the plastic pad embedded into the floor carpet may jam against the accelerator pedal and keep it from returning to the idle position.

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Thursday, February 17, 2011

Brain...Jammed Vandals Destroy Seven New Toyota Models at 2011 Chicago Auto Show


Auto shows seem to have become risky business for car manufacturers. After the BMW 750i that was stolen at the Detroit motor show earlier this year, now more disturbing news comes from the Chicago Auto Show, where the Toyota booth attracted unwanted attention.

According to local newspapers, seven new Toyota models had their interiors vandalized by three young men, aged 20, 21 and 28. We don't know what really caused this deviant behavior, but one report attributes it to the fact that the three vandals were allegedly angry "about American jobs going overseas".

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Thursday, November 18, 2010

LA Show 2010: New Toyota RAV4 EV Powered by Tesla Appears in the Flesh [with Video]


[Updated gallery] Apparently the RAV4 is still around, and Toyota has partnered with Tesla to make a new EV version of the SUV so the common man can be just like Tom Hanks. The second generation of RAV4 EV is currently undergoing a 35-vehicle test run and analysis through 2011 (similar to the Mini E's pilot program), with production vehicles set to start showing up in 2012... as long as something catastrophic doesn't happen.

The creation of the RAV4 EV was a two pronged attack: Toyota engineers took care of the powertrain upgrade/engineering as they normally would a mid-cycle product change, while Tesla engineers developed the battery pack and related systems.

Toyota says that the EV version of Toyota's CR-V fighter weighs about 220 lbs more than a comparably equipped V6 model, but retains similar acceleration figures. Due to the weight gain (couldn't we call in Lotus to tackle that?), suspension and steering components had to be properly modified or relocated to maintain proper balance.

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Wednesday, November 17, 2010

New Toyota RAV4 EV Powered by Tesla at LA SHOW 2010

 New Toyota RAV4 EV Powered by Tesla at LA SHOW 2010
New RAV4 from Toyota at LA SHOW 2010 has partnered with Tesla Corporation  to make a new EV version of the SUV so the common man can be just like Tom Hanks movie. this is the second generation of RAV4 EV is currently undergoing a 35-vehicle test run and analysis through 2011 (similar to the Mini E's pilot program), with production vehicles set to start showing up in 2012... as long as something catastrophic doesn't happen.
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Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Toyota RAV4 EV "Powered by Tesla" to bow at Los Angeles Auto Show


As previously reported, Toyota partnered with Tesla to develop all-electric versions of the RAV4 and Lexus RX SUVs. Earlier this summer, the Japanese maker declined to confirm the two models, but today announced that the RAV4 EV will have its world premiere at this year's edition of the Los Angeles Auto Show.

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