Showing posts with label Lexus LX. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lexus LX. 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.

Lexus said owners of the involved GS 300 and GS 350 AWD vehicles will receive a notification by mail in early March 2011.

The Japanese automaker is also recalling approximately 372,000 Lexus RX 330, RX 350, and RX 400h vehicles from the 2004 through 2006 and early 2007, plus another 397,000 Toyota Highlander and Highlander HV SUVs from the 2004-2006MY to replace the driver’s side floor carpet cover and its two retention clips. Toyota said if the cover is not installed correctly, it may lean toward the accelerator pedal and jam it in a partially depressed position.

The company stated that owners of the involved RX and Highlander vehicles will receive an interim notification by first class mail beginning in the near future, explaining how to inspect for this condition or that they may contact their local dealer to perform the inspection. "Owners will receive a second notification once the replacement covers are available," the company said.

In a separate action, Toyota added another 1.38 million vehicles to the company's November 2009 recall to fix floor mats that could shift out of position. The models added include:

• Approximately 603,000 2003 through 2009 4Runner
• Approximately 17,000 2008 through 2011 Lexus LX 570; and
• Approximately 761,000 2006 through 2010 RAV4

"Owners of the involved 4Runner, LX 570, and RAV4 vehicles will receive an interim notification by first class mail beginning in the near future, informing them of the condition. Owners will receive a second notification once the recall preparations are complete," said Toyota in a statement.



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Thursday, July 29, 2010

New Toyota Recall for 373,000 Avalon Sedans and 39,000 Lexus LX470 SUVs in the States


Another day, another recall-nightmare for Toyota Motor Corp. This time, the Japanese automaker said it was recalling around 373,000 of its 2000-2004MY Toyota Avalons, and approximately 39,000 of its 2003-2007MY Lexus LX 470s in the U.S. for unrelated problems concerning steering parts that may be defective.

Toyota said in a statement that the Avalon sedan's problem involves the steering interlock system, which due to "improper casting", may develop a crack that can expand, making it difficult to unlock the steering system when stationary. The company said it is possible the steering wheel can become locked while the car is being driven.

The Japanese automaker said it will fix the problem by replacing the steering column bracket on involved vehicles free of charge. The procedure is said to take about two hours to complete. The recall will begin in late August.

Moving on the Lexus LX 470 SUV, the company said the problem here is that the construction of the steering shaft is such that the snap ring on the shaft may disengage if the vehicle hits a pothole or a large bump and the driver makes a hard turn, causing the loss of steering.

"The remedy for this condition involves replacing the snap ring with a newly designed one and the installation of an additional component to prevent separation of the steering shaft," said Toyota in a statement, adding that the fix will be free of charge.

The recall for the LX 470 SUV will begin in mid-August.



Friday, May 7, 2010

Lexus' LX570 gets Invaded by ASI [with Video]


Japan's tuning specialist, ASI, thinks the Lexus LX570 full-size SUV needs a good ol' bump in styling and performance.

The tuner's Invader package takes care of the looks, although there has been no news yet of what engine upgrades are supplied. With the basic 5.7 liter churning out 381 horsepower, any intake/exhaust/ECU tuning would likely bring that number above 400.

ASI has bigger plans than just the standard tune-job, though, with a nigh-600 horsepower package on the way. It should run to 60 in under 5 seconds.

Unfortunately there's only one image to go from, so all that can be said is this: the body kit's nose looks decent, if a tad over the top (e.g. that front bumper is about 6 inches too tall). Lose the lower lip / fog light area and move everything higher.

Actually, forget that. It's not like owners would have to worry about off-roading, anyway. Honestly, who takes their Lexus LX to the trails?

By Phil Alex



Wednesday, October 29, 2008

SEMA Preview: Lexus LX 570 by ICON 4x4 Design

Lexus LX 570 SEMA Show 2008As if the four IS-Fs, the factory-prepped IS 350 and the custom GS 460 weren't impressive enough, Lexus announced that its SEMA Show booth will also host the premiere of a LX 570 SUV that has been modded by ICON 4x4 Design. The highlights include a two-tone matte gray paint finish complemented by black chrome trimming and massive 24-inch alloy wheels wrapped around in Pirelli Scorpion Zero Asimmetrico 285/35R-24 rubber. Mechanical upgrades on the LX 570 comprise of a custom intake and a sport exhaust system as well as a performance brake system with 6-piston units up front and 4-piston at the back.

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Sunday, December 23, 2007

2008 Lexus LX 570 Prices Start At $73,800

Lexus has announced pricing on its all-new 2008 LX 570 eXtra large SUV that replaces the outgoing LX 470 model. The third-generation LX will carry a base MSRP of $73,800 but you will have to add another $765 for delivery, processing and handling fees.

The LX 570 features a new 383-horsepower, 5.7-liter V8 engine mated to a six-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission. Standard equipment features include a four-zone climate control system, a power sliding second-row seat, and a power-folding third-row seat. Options include a 19-speaker Mark Levinson Reference Surround Sound audio system, Intuitive Park Assist, climate control front seats with heated second-row seats, and a rear-seat entertainment system.

Wednesday, April 4, 2007

NY Preview: 2008 Lexus LX 570

Isn’t it funny how manufactures manage to talk their way into convincing you that even if they present a bucket on four wheels, that bucket beholds all the amenities and style you’d expect from the maker? Undoubtedly, the all-new 381Hp 5.7 V8 powered LX 570 looks so much better than the current LX 470, but I laugh when Lexus uses the terms “L-Finesse”, fuel-economic and minimal-emissions. Really, what happened to the eco-friendly, hybrid loving car-company this time... -Click “Read More…” below to see a high-res image gallery & the official press release





PRESS RELEASE






All-New 2008 Lexus LX 570 Full-Size Luxury Utility Vehicle Makes World Debut At 2007 New York International Auto Show

April 4, 2007 – New York - Lexus unveiled the all-new 2008 LX 570 full-size luxury utility vehicle at a press conference today at the 2007 New York International Auto Show. The all-new third-generation LX will feature more technological advancements to provide added power, luxury, safety, roominess and both on- and off-road capability over the award-winning LX 470 it replaces.

"The all-new LX 570 is packed with the luxury appointments and seamless technology our buyers expect of a Lexus vehicle," said Bob Carter, Lexus Division group vice president and general manager. "Equally important, the new LX 570 sets a high-water mark for Lexus by providing more on- and off-highway prowess than ever before, while at the same time providing the amount of interior space, comfort, luxury and ride quality our customers demand."

Improved Power Performance
The LX 570 will be equipped with a powerful 5.7-liter V8 engine that will produce 381 horsepower, over 110 more than the vehicle it replaces and over 400 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine will be mated to a new six-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission designed and built for large tasks. Both the engine and transmission are controlled and linked by sophisticated electronic management systems that help ensure optimal performance and fuel economy, with minimal emissions at all times. The new LX is expected to be certified as ULEV II.

With its upgraded powertrain mated to a new chassis and suspension system, the LX 570 will have a towing capacity of 8,500 pounds, an improvement of 2,000 pounds over the previous model.

Innovative Suspension and Technologies
Significant upgrades to the suspension and full-time four-wheel-drive system raise the LX to new levels of driving comfort and performance, on- and off-road. A Four-Wheel Electro-Hydraulic Suspension with Active Height Control (AHC) and Adaptive Variable Suspension is quicker and allows for a greater range of adjustment than the system it replaces. The new cross-linked system allows each wheel to react to the driving surface it is in contact with and also react to the actions of the opposing wheels. Using a valve at each corner and a center or master valve, the cross-linked suspension system detects the extension or deflection of each of the LX 570's 20-inch wheels and counters that with appropriate response at the opposite wheels.

The intelligence built into the LX 570's new suspension senses chassis roll and helps reduce that roll by more than 30 percent. The system also controls ride height quickly, lowering the chassis by an average of two inches for entry and exit and returning automatically to its normal height when the vehicle begins acceleration.

For improved aerodynamics, the new AHC system lowers the vehicle by nearly one inch in front and by a little more than a half inch in the rear at highway speeds. Finally, when the transfer case is shifted into low range, the AHC system raises the vehicle by approximately three inches to provide additional ride height in driving situations where chassis clearance is at a premium.

The LX 570 will also include a new Crawl Control feature for increased throttle control when maneuvering over rough or difficult surfaces. When in low range, Crawl Control helps maintain appropriate low speeds allowing the driver to concentrate on steering the LX 570 on the desired path. Similar to cruise control in maintaining vehicle speed, Crawl Control also actuates a set of virtual locking differentials to minimize tire slippage and maximize chassis behavior. Because chassis control is significantly improved, the likelihood of bottoming the LX 570 on the driving surface is significantly reduced.

While Crawl Control can be compared in some ways to cruise control, the driver constantly maintains control over the vehicle. Without cancelling the Crawl Control mode, the driver can reduce vehicle speed by braking, or alter the speed higher or lower by adjusting a speed selector switch.

The new LX 570 will also feature a multi-terrain ABS braking system. This new technology is designed to help reduce stopping distances on slippery surfaces such as sand or gravel.
Among its many advanced technologies the LX 570 will also offer a new blind corner monitor feature designed for use in urban settings such as exiting a parking garage. With cameras located within the grille and under the passenger side-view mirror, the driver can easily check hard-to-view areas by simply pressing a button on the dashboard and viewing the camera images on the navigation screen.

Lexus Styling
The luxury styling of the new LX 570 emphasizes the Lexus identity by combining the muscular strength and sense of security expected in a four-wheel-drive utility vehicle with the simplistic originality of the Lexus L-finesse design theme, making it much more refined and dynamic than its predecessor. The bold theme of the new LX carries over from front to rear with a wide stance and brawny cabin proportions that are accented with subtle character lines and luxury touches such as chrome-plated door handles and moldings.

The wide front grille and arrowhead design on the corners reflect a Lexus styling cue. Distinctive character lines in the hood convey a feeling of power. The character lines are integrated into the bumper and lower intake to convey an aggressive stance. The large projector headlights are restyled to add a dose of sophistication to the beefy front end.

The cut-line above the front fenders adds to the performance image of the new LX while the wheel arches add an element of ruggedness to its clean profile. The running boards are fitted closer to the body to provide a more integrated appearance.

In the rear, the LX features a sculpted rear door for a more dynamic look and wide combination lights that emphasize its large size. The combination lights and license plate are accentuated with tasteful chrome accents. A six-spoke 20-inch alloy wheel design creates a two-dimensional appearance that is sporty yet elegant.
The styling is complemented with features that include Adaptive Front Headlights, a power back door, puddle lamps, headlight washers and a front wiper de-icer.

Spacious Interior Comfort
The overall wheelbase of the new LX 570 is unchanged from its predecessor, helping to maintain its impressive maneuverability. However, interior and exterior length have increased by at least four inches and width by nearly an inch, creating a more inviting and comfortable space for up to eight passengers and their cargo.

Inside, the LX cabin is modern, civilized and characteristically quiet. It will also be equipped with an array of luxury amenities including four-zone independent climate control complete with numerous air vents, a power-sliding second-row seat with a 40/20/40 split, a power third-row seat, navigation with Bluetooth® capability, a nine-speaker premium audio system, XM Satellite Radio with XM NavTraffic, a real time traffic information service that provides driver alerts regarding accidents, road closings and traffic, front seat power bottom cushion extenders, and much more.

Advanced Active Safety Technologies
For enhanced safety, the new LX will feature a segment-leading 10 standard airbags including driver- and front-passenger knee airbags, second-row seat-mounted side airbags and third-row curtains. Among the many safety features on the new LX are Active Front Headrests, a first for a Lexus utility vehicle, second-row seat belt pretensioners, and a direct tire pressure monitor system.

Luxury Amenities
In addition to its numerous standard features and advanced technologies,
the LX 570 will also be available with a number of optional amenities including climate controlled front seats and heated rear seats, a 19-speaker Mark Levinson® audio system with Reference Surround Sound and a hard disc drive capable of storing up to 2,000 songs, a rear seat entertainment system with a nine-inch screen, the Lexus Intuitive Park Assist, a first-in-its-class Pre-Collision System with Adaptive Cruise Control and Lexus Link.

Luxury packages will also be offered on the new LX that will include features such as semi-aniline leather interior trim, a cool box in the front center console, illuminated scuff plates, unique wheel finish, a Smart Card key, and Bubinga wood trim, a wood used to craft fine furniture, instruments and to decorate private jets.

The all-new LX 570 will reach Lexus dealer showrooms in early 2008.