Automobile News and Information

The investigation of Toyota Motors cars suddenly accelerating has brought new information to the surface for the NHTSA. The information came straight from the executive vice president of research and development. That is Takeshi Uchiyamada who gave the info. Automotive News reports that Uchiamada made an announcement. In the announcement, he stated the rate of speed data coming from the crash data boxes in Toyota automobiles is incorrect as a result of a software bug. Source of article – Crash data boxes report wrong speeds, says Toyota by Car Deal Expert.

These are just crash data boxes

Toyota stated that event data recorders (EDR) had issues that needed to be worked out throughout the NHTSA investigation. Later Uchiyamada stated that “We have been able to determine that there is no defect in the event data recorders.”. The mechanics of the device is what he talking about. Evidently, the software bug is no longer a problem. The EDR is there to record info related to position of throttle and during the time of collision, how much pressure was applied to the break. Speed is all crash data boxes are responsible for. This is what sources say.

There are not electronic glitches, according to Toyota

After reviewing data from among the 3,000 unintended acceleration complaints they received, Toyota pronounced with certainty that electronic errors did not cause the autos to accelerate out of control. The automakers says that bad floor mats and driver error along with numerous other causes are what caused the problem. Electronic issues weren’t found by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration either. However, the crash data box’s reliability remains in question. Suspicion mostly arose as a result of crash data form 2007 displaying a Toyota Tundra pickup driving at 170 mph. Uchiyamada’s conclusion in light of that data is that “the EDR cannot be trusted,” at least not when it comes to rate of speed.

Recalling more Toyotas

Automotive News explains that Toyota has recalled a lot of cars. Just since November 2009, 13 million vehicles have been recalled. More than 10 million of those, most related to unintended acceleration, were in the United States alone.

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Crash data boxes aren’t event data recorders

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Since it’s unveiling more than ten years ago, the Tunda has been a lifeblood of the compact-pickup class. With options like selection of body types, excellent off-road abilities, sound construction, and excellent dependability it’s no surprise. There is almost certainly a Tunda to fit your needs, all you have to do is pick the body type and upgrades you need. If you are looking for a new truck Chicago IL, look no further than Gurnee Ford. This Ford dealership has the best selection of Toyotas and new trucks Chicago than any other Ford dealership in Chicago.

The Tunda is available with either a 2.7-liter DOHC EFI four-cylinder with VVT-i 159 hp engine or a 4.0-liter DOHC EFI V6 with VVT-i 236 hp engine. A 4W Demand: part-time 4-wheel-drive system with two-speed electronically controlled transfer case, and an automatic limited-slip differential.

The Tunda is offered with nearly endless upgrades, including: 12V power outlet, CD player, cargo net, on-board computer system, electrochromatic rearview mirror, side guard door beams, heated exterior mirrors, MP3 player, power mirrors, remote fuel filler door release, Bluetooth hands free system, available seventeen-inch five-spoke aluminum rims, and voice activated options.

Interior options include: CFC-free dual zone automatic climate control system with air filter, MP3/WMA playback capability, Vacuum Fluorescent Display, JBL Synthesis® surround sound AM/FM 6-disc in-dash CD changer with integrated XM Satellite Radio, voice-activated touch-screen DVD navigation system rear-seat DVD entertainment system with 9-inch display and two wireless headphones, power windows with auto up/down and jam protection in all positions, power windows and locks, and tailgate-handle integrated backup camera linked with an electrochromic mirror with integrated backup camera monitor.

There are two TRD options to choose from as well, the Sport TRD and the Rock Warrior. If you want to blend in, the TRD Sport Tundra isn’t for you. Available in 4×2, this limited-edition truck comes in Radiant Red or Black with a black interior. Included are twenty-inch carved alloy wheels that make a big impression. The TRD Rock Warrior Tundra doesn’t just look tough, it is. Available in 4×4, the Tundra includes Bilstein® shocks and seventeen-inch TRD forged alloy rims with BFGoodrich® All-Terrain T/A KO tires that stand up to whatever nature can throw at it. This Special Edition offers full towing capacity when equipped with the Tow Package. The truck’s also equipped with fog lights, privacy glass and a vertically sliding rear window, and inside, an accessory shift knob and pedal covers.

As for safety options, the Tunda has, 4 wheel ABS, active head restraints, brake assist, four star crash test ratings, emergency trunk release, side airbags, halogen headlights, rear window defogger, side head curtain airbags, and stability control.

The Tunda has set the bar in its class and continues to improve. Toyota’s loyalty to safety has only made their vehicles more improved for buyers and their families. The Tunda is an perfect buy for a vast array of truck buyers, whether you drive to the office everyday and only move cargo once a year or if your livelihood depends on your Tunda to run your business, there is a Tunda for you.

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The Lexus GX 460 earned a rare “don’t buy” warning from Consumer Reports following performance testing by the magazine. If you were considering auto financing to buy one, remember that the tests exposed a problem with the Lexus GX 460 that might cause a rollover of the SUV in regular driving. Consumer Reports indicate that the Lexus GX 460 is the newest black mark on the Toyota Motor Corp’s already torn up reputation that started last year with acceleration problems and braking problems.

Lexus GX 460 earns Toyota a rare rebuke

The Lexus GX 460′s stability problems became evident when the rear of the vehicle broke away during what David Champion, the senior director of the Consumer Reports auto test division, said were “unusual turns.” The Lexus GX 460 skidded sideways through the turn before the SUV’s electronic stability control engaged. In an interview with the New York Times, Champion said “This is the first time we have seen it in an SUV with ESC,” referring to electronic stability control. Consumer Reports said it was “rare” for the magazine to “judge a vehicle’s performance not acceptable.”The last instance was with the 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Limited in 2001.

Lexus GX 460 unsafe in everyday driving

The Lexus GX 460 rollover potential goes far beyond the track for testing. The car was said by Mr. Champion to the New York Times to be electronically unstable in everyday driving. As an example, speeding through a curve on a highway off-ramp. The car, with a high center of gravity, might easily roll hitting a curb or soft shoulder. “I wouldn’t want anyone else in it,” Champion said.

Dozens of SUVs safer than the Lexus GX 460

When it comes to committing to an auto loan for your next SUV, there are plenty of safe choices. Dozens of SUV’s in addition to the Lexus GX 460 were tested by Consumer Reports. To cause what consumer Reports calls “trailing-throttle” or “lift-throttle oversteer,” the driver takes his foot off the gas while driving fast through a sharp turn. While the Lexus GX 460′s rear end slid toward the outside of the turn, electronic stability control quickly stopped the slide in the other SUVs.

Low volume could drop further for Toyota: Lexus GX 460

Before Consumer Reports called out the Lexus GX 460 for rollover danger, Toyota wasn’t selling too many of them. Starting at about $ 52,000, the GX 460 is a small-volume vehicle for Lexus, Toyota Motor Corp.’s luxury brand. Only about 5,000 have been sold since November 2009. The warning is the last thing the automaker needs while struggling a fight of bad press. But the true impact could be seen as fewer car buyers borrow money to purchase any SUV manufactured by Lexus.

Resources:

New York Times

http://newyorktimes.com

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When [buying|looking for|test driving|purchasing] a Used Toyota [Tundra|Corollia|Insight|Camry|Tacoma|Sequoia|Prius|Yaris|Matrix], lets [think about|keep in mind] the [quality|superiority|excellence] of a Toyota and the resale value [of|for] all Used Toyota [Tundra|Corollia|Insight|Camry|Tacoma|Sequoia|Prius|Yaris|Matrix], it’s not lets say, as good as purchasing a Used Chrysler in Gainseville but it does have [some benefits|an advantage|something to look at] over the [opposition|competition].
The 2009 Equator by Suzuki 4 cylinder truck makes for a outstanding choice as a great buy, light-duty work truck, not as good as the Toyota Tacoma, mainly considering the higher fuel efficiency. On the other hand, for those who plan on really using the truck for more than just going to the store, the V6 is the perfect one.
[Making|Creating|Producing|Providing] an [whole bunch|abundance|a lot|mountain|pile|whole mess] of [horsepower|low-end torque], [6|six] cylinder [series|models] are up [for|to] almost [every|any] [job|task|chore], the 2009 Suzuki is equipped with superb suspension and steering ability for every chore accompanied by a very smooth shifting automatic transmission.
The RMZ-4′s off-road [handling|suspension] [setup|package] makes that [rough|bumpy|bouncy|model's] ride [act|feel] a [bit|little] more like a [truck|pickup]. The [four wheel drive|4WD] [series|models] are capable of [rough terrain|off roading|pond jumping|backwoods riding], this truck has an unbelievable amount of travel throughout the suspension, along with ten inches of ground space.
The [cheaper|less expensive|price-leader] base Equator is [bare|naked|stripped] and [equipped|outfitted|fitted] with [fifteen inch|15”|15 inch] [steel alloy|steel] [rims|wheels] and bucket seats with a [center console|console] but [not much|little] else, [A/C|air-conditioning] or a [stereo|music|sound] system is [your basic|standard]. The [top of the line|Premium|upgraded] [series|model] [has|adds] [16”|sixteen inch|16 inch] [aluminum|alloy] [rims|wheels], a [rear slide glass|sliding rear window], a tilt steering wheel, [remote|keyless] entry, [all power|full power] accessories and [comfortable|upgraded] cloth [interior|seats|upholstery]. [Choosing|Opting for|Picking] the Sport gets you [seventeen inch|17”|17-inch] [aluminum|alloy] [rims|wheels], a [rhino coated|protected|sprayed-in] bed liner and [removable|movable|easy to use|must have|very useful] tie-down [hooks|cleats|anchors] in the bed.
The RMZ-4 [provides|looks great with|adds] chrome exterior [components|trim], [beefed up|heavy-duty|much stronger] axles, an [electrical|electric] locking [rearend|rear differential|ring and pinion], Bilstein shocks, [brush|skid] plates, [16”|sixteen inch16 inch] [aluminum|alloy] [rims|wheels] with [aggressive tread pattern tires|all-terrain tires|meat hogs for tires|off road tires], [fog lights|fog lamps], height and lumbar [settings|control|adjustments] for the driver seat and metallic [interior|cabin] [highlights|accents]. The RMZ-4 Sport [upgrades are a|adds an upgraded] [stereo|audio] system with a CD [player|changer], an auxiliary audio jack, satellite radio prep, and Bluetooth [capabilities|compatibility]. [It’s a mystery that|Oddly enough,] an aftermarket [fashion|style] [GPS|navigation system] is optional on all crew cabs but not [obtainable|available|offered] on the extended-cab Equators. Bluetooth is [an option|optional] [exclusively|only] [provided for|on] the RMZ-4 crew cab.

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The ante will be raised when new Prius is released. The amazing Fuel Economy is what has the largest appeal to many people.The Prius hybrid comes stock with a 1.the displacement is up 0.3 liters.5L.  Contrary to what is the norm, the larger engine actually improves gas mileage due to the increase in torque.The 2010 Prius gets a nice bump in power over the last model. 

Teh new Prius will get better fuel economy by about 4 MPG.  Of course there are those out there who employ some great hypermiling techniques or they use plain old frugal driving habits to net upwards of 75 MPG out of their Prius!  Nevertheless the improved fuel economy is due to the redesigned lighter stiffer body and powertrain, which has been reconfigured for less weight. A more rigid body keeps engine noise down.

Steering has been enhanced via disc brakes and angling of the wheels. Something else exciting about the new Prius is that many of the optional features on the previous model now come standard on the 2010 model, such as: automatic air conditioning, a CD stereo, power windows, locks, and doors. It also comes with many new features including, a Touch Tracer system that mimics your finger-swipes over steering-wheel controls over the gauges, power windows, cruise control, AM/FM/XM/CD player, a sunroof with solar panels, a remote air conditioner, a navigation system, LED headlamps, Bluetooth, and a backup camera.

The battery recharging system has also been upgraded. The 2010 Toyota Prius has earned top billing in terms of safety. Other oddities in the Prius are warning systems with lane departure, rearview cameras, and monitors that check your tire pressure`.

See the new Prius and a nice inventory of other hybrids at San Jose Toyota.  The Prius has been named top green car for the past few years.  And why shouldn’t it.  The Prius gets great gas mileage which saves gas, in turn putting less strain on the environment.  Not to mention is is a low emissions vehicle.  The PRius is an honored car that does a great job of keeping its resale value.  So if you cannot afford to buy a brand new 2010 Prius, go ahead and look for a nice used model.  You will pay less, get a capable car, and even get a used car warranty if you buy a certified Toyota hybrid.

See some great new cars at Bakersfield Hyundai, and Honda of Atlanta.

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The Car of Tomorrow is just a simple design where teams slap either a Ford, Dodge, Chevy, or Toyota sticker on the front of it. To me, this seems like a waste of stickers if you’re going to run cars that all look the same and don’t put brands on them.

The parts come from a wide variety of auto makers and have little to do with the Chevy, Toyota, Dodge, or Ford sticker that may be slapped onto the front of it. While some like the fact that giving all drivers similar cars makes things more fair (so that the best driver wins), this can’t be good for the actual car companies, as it removes the personal connection that so many fans feel to the brands.

It would make a lot more sense if these cars looked more like the cars they’re trying to represent. Otherwise, the automaker has less and less of an impact on the driver’s success.

I don’t really see who loses from this approach. It’s not as if people will stop watching the races from it. The automakers would get more exposure, which during these economic times, is really much needed anyway.

The displacements such as the power trains should also resemble the sponsoring auto maker. To do anything else paints an inaccurate picture about the brand and makes things seem more like stock cars.

All they should really need to do is to drive with an engine made by the car sponsoring them. Again, it adds a personal connection to the brand that many will lack should the Car of Tomorrow prevail.

The final thing I want to discuss is the gas situation. Last year, gas prices went through the roof, but NASCAR did nothing to show its sympathy about the situation. Cars still burned through thousands of dollars in gas bills each race, and many Americans were put off by this. By switching to corn-based ethanol, NASCAR could avert a potentially damaging situation.

Fans would all embrace the move, and our own economy would benefit too. Gas prices are bound to rise again so the best time to do this is now.

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One of my Favorite parts of being a freelance writer is the Diversity of events I get to cover. On Sunday April 20Th 2008, One such Event was the St. Patrick School Car Show in Smithtown NY. When I arrived the host of the Event John Forlenza welcomed me in and thanked me for Covering the event.

One of the First things that caught my eye was the “Dukes of Hazzard” General Lee Replica Charger, I even got to sit in it Yee Haw!!! Then I was off walking around Checking everything out like the Kyle Petty and Dale Earnhardt Replica NASCAR’s, The 007 Lotus Esprit Submarine from the Movie “The Spy who Loved Me” ,The Billy Joel Motorcycle Collection presented by Light House H-D, Monster Trucks, Classic and Modern Cars and Hot-Rods, KITT from the TV show Knight Rider (KITT is a little Conceded in person as he wouldn’t even talk to me!!!) Herbie the Love Bug, The Batmobile and so much more!

I also Got to See “Elvis” perform a Couple of Songs Live! This event was planned out well for the Men who’s wives’ and Kids aren’t into Cars! To keep them busy while Dad walked around checking everything out the Wives and Kids in attendance got to enjoy the air Bouncer, air Slides, shows,Food and the many vendors On hand!

I got to meet and say Hi to the Men and Women of the Exceeding Limits Truck Club and I also got to meet New friends of mine Chris and Mike from Motormouth Radio, Check them out at motormouthradio.com .

For only $5 Admission per Adult and Children Free this was an Affordable day of fun the whole Family Could really enjoy!!! Keep an eye out for this event again next year and I’ll see you there!!!

Your Bro L.J. James AmericanBikerX.com Radio Show at BikerLowdown.com

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There are various tried and tested ways in importing cars from Japan. All over the world, people residing in foreign countries have already discovered the advantages in importing vehicles from Japan, instead of buying them from local car showrooms.

One of the benefits in buying cars from Japan is having access to a wide range of car selections. You may be presented with only a few models if you shop in your country of residence, whether it is in America, Australia, or Canada. However, if you trade in from Japan, the selections could be limitless.

By importing Japan cars, you can also take advantage of cut-rate prices from a variety of sellers. Many clients who have already imported their own cars from Japan admit that they have saved up to 30% on their car-buying costs. From legitimate individual sellers to used car auctions, you will be able to get the car you need with good discounts.

For those who cannot afford to spend on brand new models, used Japanese cars can also suffice. Along with newly released vehicles, used cars have also generated outstanding sales from car buyers. The savings that you can get makes importing Japanese cars all the more worthwhile.

Before you proceed to car importing nonetheless, it is necessary that you choose the most trustworthy sellers of Japanese cars. You also have to deal with several clearances so hiring the services of a broker can be useful as well.

It will also be advantageous for you if you keep yourself updated on the latest Japanese car models which are already released or are still yet to be released on the market. Since going straight to Japanese sellers will allow you to capitalize on the newest models, Japan cars importing is no doubt excellent in getting the hottest cars available.

Finally, once you decide on car importing from Japan, you are assured of the best quality. It is a well-known fact that Japanese manufacturers uphold the highest standards in car manufacturing. You are assured of the best value for your money with Japanese-made cars.

These are just a few of the advantages on making Japan-made vehicle importations. Not only is this a good way to get quality cars, but a cost-effective means to spend your money as well. Highly considering on importing cars from Japan? Swing by this blog site today and find out how.

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Interested in buying a used car on the internet, but aren't sure where you should start? The Internet is a big place, and has numerous resources for used car buyers, but you need to know where to look to find the best deals.

First of all, you can find used car listings on your local newspapers website. These are great, since they are all usually sellers in your area which makes it easy to stop by and take a test drive, which is key for getting a bargain on a used car.

Stepping out a little more, you can check online classifieds sites, such as Craigslist, which will expose you to a broad range of sellers, many of whom will be near you, though not to quite the same extent as a news paper might. These sites can be gold mines, though, so be sure to give them a look.

If you’re looking to broaden your scope further, try sites like eBay Motors, which brings sellers from all over the country into one convenient location. These listings are both auction format and fixed price, so you have multiple buying options. These sellers will be located all over the country, but you can search for listings that are in your area. Ebay also helps prevent scams by offering basic buyer protection. Definitely worth checking into.

By look on car enthusiast forums, you can find specfic models easily. For example, if you want to buy a late ’80s Toyota pickup, then visit some Toyota forums to find sellers. Buying from these sorts of sellers can be great, because they are often very knowledgeable and passionate about the cars. By choosing this type of seller, you can accurately assess the condition of the car.

You can find used cars online from many different sites. There are many other car listings sites to choose from. However, the places I've listed above have the highest amount of listings, and are thus the most "bang for your buck" locations for buying a used car online.

As always, be careful when shopping online. Don't throw away your common sense, and make sure that you're getting a good car at a fair price. If you do your research, check multiple sources for pricing, and check the car over thoroughly for buying, you can certainly buy cheap used cars online and get great deals for it.

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