Toyota rappelle 1 000 voitures en Belgique

Le premier constructeur mondial d'automobiles, Toyota, a annoncé mercredi le rappel de 421 000 voitures à l'étranger, en raison d'un risque de fuite de carburant, un problème qui l'oblige aussi à rappeler plus de 1,2 million de véhicules au Japon. En Belgique, 1 000 voitures seraient concernées, selon le porte-parole de Toyota Belgique, Koen Dekoning.

Il s'agit plus précisément de 846 Avensis de la précédente génération et 116 Lexus IS. Le problème ne touche que les modèles essence. Les propriétaires des véhicules seront avertis personnellement par courrier, indique le porte-parole. Leur véhicule sera gratuitement révisé et réparé au garage. Le porte-parole de Toyota Belgique souligne qu'aucun problème de fuite de carburant n'a encore été rencontré en Belgique. "Il s'agit d'une action préventive", a-t-il précisé.

Les rappels hors du Japon touchent essentiellement les Etats-Unis et le reste de l'Amérique du Nord (280 000), puis l'Allemagne et, dans une moindre mesure, la Russie et la Nouvelle-Zélande.

Source & photo: Toyota

Toyota, 1er constructeur mondial en 2010

Le groupe automobile japonais Toyota est resté le premier constructeur mondial en 2010, avec 8,42 millions de véhicules vendus, malgré la crise des rappels qui l'a ébranlé en début d'année.

Toyota a augmenté ses ventes de 8 % par rapport à celles de 2009. Le constructeur nippon a devancé de justesse son concurrent américain General Motors, qui a écoulé de son côté 8,39 millions d'unités, selon des chiffres annoncés par la firme de Détroit.

Fin 2009 et début 2010, Toyota a dû rappeler près de neuf millions de voitures dans le monde pour divers soucis techniques, notamment des pédales d'accélération pouvant rester bloquées en position enfoncée et des systèmes de freinage réagissant tardivement, l'une des pires crises de son histoire.

Source: Toyota et GM
Photo: Toyota

European Motor Show Brussels 2011 /// Lexus

Lexus, la marque de luxe du groupe Toyota, présentera au Salon de Bruxelles deux premières belges. Il s'agira de la nouvelle CT 200h et de la berline IS MY2011.

Première Belge /// Lexus CT Hatchback 200h 2011

La Lexus CT 200h Full Hybrid, première voiture 100% hybride au cœur du segment compact premium, dispose d'un moteur essence 1,8 litre VTT-i de 99 ch (73 kW) et d'un bloc électrique développant 82 ch (60 kW). Ce groupe motopropulseur Lexus Hybrid Drive offre le choix entre deux styles de conduite, Dynamic ou Relaxing, associés à quatre programmes différents. Les ECO et NORMAL donnent la priorité au style de conduite Relaxing alors que le mode SPORT est associé au Dynamic. Le conducteur peut également choisir le programme EV, un mode tout électrique, pour un fonctionnement silencieux, ne consommant pas de carburant et sans émissions de CO2, de NOx ou de particules. Le groupe motopropulseur Lexus Hybrid Drive est accouplé à une transmission à variation continue. La CT 200h passe de 0 à 100 km/h en 10,3 secondes pour atteindre une vitesse maximale de 180 km/h. Elle ne demande que 3,8 l/100 km et n'émet que 89 g de CO2/km.

Première Belge /// Lexus IS Sedan 2011

La IS Sedan évolue pour 2011 grâce à une gamme plus large de motorisations optimisées, un style extérieur revisité et un design intérieur rajeuni. Pour répondre à la tendance à se tourner vers des motorisations de plus petite cylindrée, Lexus introduit la version 200d, animée par un nouveau moteur tout aluminium turbodiesel d'une puissance de 150 ch et d'un couple de 340 Nm. Dérivé du 2,2 litres diesel, il est associé à une boîte manuelle 6 rapports. L'IS 200d atteint 100 km/h en 10,2 secondes et affiche une vitesse de pointe de 205 km/h (sur circuit) pour une consommation de 5,1 l/100km et des émissions de CO2 de 134 g/km. Pour sa part, l’IS 220d (moteur 2,2 litres diesel 4 cylindres de 177 ch) affiche une consommation de 5,5 l/100 km, en baisse de 0,1 l, et des émissions de CO2 de 144 g/km.

Liste des véhicules présents sur le stand Lexus:

• CT 200h 2011 - Première belge
• IS 200d 2011- Première belge
• RX 350
• RX 450h
• RX 450h

Infos pratiques /// Lexus

• Lieu: Parc des Expositions de Bruxelles, Place de Belgique 1, 1020 Bruxelles
• Palais: 8
• Dates: du 15 janvier au 23 janvier 2011
• Heures: de 10 à 18h30 et jusqu'à 22h les 17 et 21 janvier 2011
• Prix: adultes 11 euros (10 euros via Internet), enfant de 6 à 12 ans 6,25 euros, enfant de moins de 6 ans gratuit.
• Plus d’infos sur: http://www.salonauto.be/

New Lexus CT-200h Hybrid Priced from $29,995 in the U.S.

Lexus has dropped pricing details for its all-new CT-200h ahead of the hybrid model's U.S. market launch in early March. The five-door model will be priced from $29,120, plus $875 for delivery, processing and handling, which comes out to a total of $29,995 [about €22,450] making it the least expensive car in the Lexus lineup in the U.S.

“For just $1,000 more than the cost of a non-luxury hybrid, buyers can indulge in a CT 200h with our proven Lexus Hybrid Drive technology,” said Mark Templin, group vice president and general manager, Lexus Division. “Lexus hybrids currently make up 90 percent of all luxury hybrid sales in the U.S., so you can imagine how excited we are to continue our leadership in this market with the CT 200h.”

The fifth hybrid model in the Lexus lineup makes use of a 1.8-liter gasoline engine that works in conjunction with an electric motor, a battery and a generator. The system has a combined total output of 134 hp (100 kW) and allows the CT 200h to accelerate from 0-60 mph [96 km/h] in 9.8 seconds. According to the manufacturer, the hybrid model has EPA-estimated ratings of 43 mpg city and 40 mpg on the highway utilizing regular 87-octane gasoline.

Standard features on all CT 200h's include SmartAccess with push-button Start/Stop and touch sensors on exterior front-door handles; leather steering wheel; a six-speaker, audio system with a CD player, and Bluetooth; integrated satellite radio receiver (with a complimentary 90-day trial subscription); USB/iPod connectivity; 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels; and dual zone automatic climate control. The CT 200h is also equipped with a standard eight-airbag Supplemental Restraint System.

Optional features will include a sixth-generation navigation system with a backup camera, a moonroof, heated seats, and a Premium Audio Package, which includes the Lexus premium audio system with 10-speakers and six-disc CD changer, HomeLink and electrochromic rearview mirror with compass.

Lexus LF-A V10 Rumored to Debut at '09 Tokyo Show, Production Limited to 500 Units

If we are to believe the latest gossip coming in from the 'Land of the Rising Sun', Lexus is scheduling to reveal the production version of the long-anticipated LF-A supercar at the forthcoming 2009 Tokyo Motor Show that runs from October 23 to November 8. Citing inside sources close to the V10-powered supercar's development team, Japan's Best Car magazine said that the LF-A's production will be limited to a mere 500 units, with 120 of those being allocated to the domestic market with an estimated starting price of around 30 million Yen a piece or about $310,000 US - €220,000 at the current exchange rates.

The price alone places Lexus' V10-powered supercar into an entirely different league than the GT-R as it costs twice as much as the recently launched GT-R V-Spec model (15,750,000 Yen in Japan).

The report goes on to say that aside from the standard model that will most likely bear the GT500 moniker, there's also talk about an even more exclusive version dubbed SS550 where SS stands for Super Sport - that is unless someone decides to make a fuss about the name...

More specifically, the GT500 will be powered by a high-revving 5.0-liter V10 producing an estimated 500HP, while the SS550 is said to get a tweaked version of the V10 with a displacement of 5.5-liters and an output of around 550HP. Both variants feature a front-mid engined layout with a transaxle housing the semi-automatic gearbox and rear-mounted radiators.

When Lexus first unveiled the LF-A Coupe concept at the 2005 Detroit motor show (followed by a Roadster study at 2008 Detroit show - see photo album below ), the Japanese automaker claimed that its Ferrari-challenging supercar would reach a top speed of around 200mph or 322km/h. But now the word is that thanks to the extensive work on the LF-A's aerodynamics, the supercar will top out closer to 220mph or 354km/h.

We remind you that Lexus entered two LF-A prototype models at the 24h of Nurburgring endurance race, with one of those cars ending up in flames -

VIDEO: Lexus LF-A V10 Supercar Proves Too Hot for the Nurburgring...

Damn that Youtube; you can't have an unfortunate moment these days without someone uploading a video and circulating it around the web for the entire world to see. Lexus' "Moment of Zen" came during this past weekend's Nurburgring 24-hour endurance race when one of the two participating V10-powered LF-A sportscars caught on fire. If you dying to see what happened out of pure interest (or boredom, doesn't matter) hit the jump to watch the video.

Lexus Reveals LF-A 500HP V10 that will Race at the 24h of Nurburgring!

Even though we have yet to see the production model of the Lexus LF-A study that has been previewed in both coupe and roadster forms in the past, the Japanese automaker decided to put its long anticipated (and overdue...) supercar to the ultimate test by entering two race-spec versions at this weekend's Nurburgring 24-hour endurance race. Seen here for the first time in race livery, the 200mph+ (321km/h) LF-A sportscars are powered by a front-mid mounted V10 engine producing 500HP. The LF-As will be entered by Gazoo Racing, which from what we learned, is a Japanese market, Toyota-owned, e-commence website that has its own racing team.

The team that will tackle the 'Green Hell' will be made up of a combination of professional drivers, Toyota test drivers, dealers and a pilot that Lexus refers to as "Morizo" who is none other than Toyota's soon-to-be CEO Akio Toyoda, the grandson of the firm's founder.

According to a previous release from Lexus, the knowledge gained from the endurance race will be fed back to engineering teams to assist with further development of the production LF-A.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

VIDEO: Top Gear Assembles Fleet of Police Cars

In one of their television flicks, Top Gear trio Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard -I love Rod Stewart's 1980s spiky hairpiece- Hammond create a fleet of police cars in their own unique way. The cars of their choice are a previous generation Lexus LS, a Suzuki Vitara 4x4 and a Fiat Coupe. Hit the jump and enjoy the two-part video.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

Lexus IS Convertible F-Sport: New Photo Gallery

Since the new IS C -where 'C 'evidently stands for convertible- has started arriving in Lexus showrooms across the U.S., Lexus thought it would be a good idea to slip out a new gallery of its hardtop cabrio accessorized with the Japanese firm's F-Sport performance parts. Both the IS 250C and IS 350C can be upgraded with a bevy of performance enhancing accessories such as 19-inch forged alloy wheels, brake upgrades, suspension systems, air intake, exhaust systems and more. As expected, all parts are fully warranted for 12 months or for the balance of the new car warranty, whichever is greater.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

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LEXUS PRESS RELEASE

F-Sport 18 and 19-inch Forged Alloy Wheels

The F-Sport forged alloy wheels, exclusively designed in a dark graphite finish, not only add an aggressive look to the exterior, but help enhance performance through increased strength and decreased weight. The F-Sport wheels require the use of spline-drive lug nuts, which are included in the available Wheel Installation Kit.

F-Sport Front Brake Upgrade

The Front Brake Upgrade provides a firmer pedal feel and improved fade resistance in repeated severe-duty use. The Brake Upgrade features six-piston fixed calipers and drilled cast-iron rotors with a patented internal-fin design mounted on anodized aluminum hubs. Braided stainless-steel brake lines and low-dust performance brake pads are included, and the upgrade can be used with stock or the F-Sport Rear Brake Upgrade.

F-Sport Rear Brake Upgrade

Similar in construction to the F-Sport Front Brake Upgrade, the Rear Brake Upgrade uses four-piston fixed calipers and drilled cast-iron rotors. Braided stainless-steel brake lines and low-dust performance brake pads are also included. The Rear Brake Upgrade may only be used in conjunction with F-Sport Front Brake Upgrade.

F-Sport Shock Absorber Set

Developed in cooperation with Bilstein^® and available exclusively through the F-Sport Performance Accessory program, this shock-absorber set offers sport-tuned suspension dampening without sacrificing ride quality.

F-Sport Lowering Spring Set

This feature lowers the vehicle approximately one inch in the front and rear for a more aggressive appearance and a lower center of gravity. The spring set is engineered to deliver lowered ride height without bottoming out or creating a harsh ride. The sets will be specifically configured for each model and can be used with either the stock or F-Sport Shock Absorber Set.

F-Sport Sway Bar Set

The sway bar set includes larger diameter replacement front-and-rear sway bars that reduce body sway and flatten cornering. Oil-impregnated rubber bushings are also included to replace the original rubber bushings. Each vehicle's sway bar set is specifically configured to achieve the best performance.

F-Sport Rear Chassis Member Brace

To improve chassis stiffness under aggressive driving conditions and provide a more responsive feel during cornering, the F-Sport Rear Chassis Member Brace joins key rear-chassis and suspension mounting points through this tubular steel brace.

F-Sport Performance Exhaust System

This system features all stainless-steel construction with fully polished mufflers and double-wall exhaust tips. In addition to an outstanding appearance, it delivers a powerful, sport-tuned exhaust sound while complying with established sound-level standards and does not affect emissions compliance.

F-Sport Performance Air Intake

This low-restriction intake and filter assembly is fully compatible with stock engine controls and is emission legal in all 50 states.

F-Sport Carbon Fiber Engine Cover

Constructed from real carbon fiber, this light-weight, durable engine cover provides a high-tech appearance under the hood. This is a direct replacement for the original cover.

F-Sport Performance ClutchSet

The F-Sport Performance Clutch Set, available for the IS 250 and IS 250C equipped with the manual transmission, increases clamping force approximately 16 percent to handle higher torque capacity and provide improved feel.

F-Sport Quick Shifter

Engineered and machined from billet aluminum, the F-Sport Quick Shifter for the manual-transmission equipped IS 250 and IS 250C decreases shift throw by approximately 35 percent for quicker and more positive shifting.

F-Sport Shift Knob

Constructed from premium leather and genuine carbon fiber, F-Sport shift knobs are sporty and offer a comfortable curved shape. The manual knob is weighted to provide a sporty and more controlled feel while shifting. Both knobs are detailed with signature blue stitching and a silver F-Sport logo.

F-Sport Floor Mats

Made from the same high-quality 18 ounce nylon carpet as the factory mats, the four-piece set is available in black with a silver embroidered "F-Sport" logo.