Road Reality » Lexus

January 2011 Sales Figures and Analysis

John Suit — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 15:00:04 +0000

With the first month of 2011 done with, a lot of eyes are on the automotive sector of our economy. New-car sales figures are used by some as a bellwether of the national economy. If consumers are spending money on new cars, it means they are happy and secure in their jobs, have some sort of savings, and are willing to spend some of their precious income. When times are rougher, people obviously will forgo buying a new car until their situation improves.

After December’s fairly healthy sales volume, I didn’t expect a whole lot for January, but I was pleasantly surprised that over 815,000 new vehicles were sold. This is a big bump over January of 2010, which saw sales of only 699,000 new vehicles.

Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, Jeep, and Toyota saw big increases over 2010′s January sales, while GMC, Hyundai and Nissan had smaller – but still notable – increases. Meanwhile, Lexus and Mazda saw significant declines, which is somewhat puzzling, but hopefully just a speed bump for each company.

With 815,000 vehicles sold in January, I am predicting 12.5-13 million new vehicle sales this year. I’m trying to be conservative, given the 11.5-million new vehicle sales for the US in 2010. That’s an increase of 8.5% to 13%, for those of you keeping track at home.

Lots of new 2012 model year vehicles are expected to make their debuts this year, so the market could surprise me and do better than I expect, but I doubt it, based on what I’ve seen in the last 2 years.

by John Suit

Welcome to 2011: Toyota announces recall of 245,000 Lexus vehicles

John Suit — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 15:00:07 +0000

2006 Lexus IS 350

How’s this to ring in the new year? 245,000 Lexus vehicles in the US are being recalled, due to faulty installation of the fuel pressure sensor. The recall includes a mix of 2006-2009 IS and GS models, detailed after the jump. No mention of fires, which usually accompany a recall of this sort, but fuel leakage is no laughing matter regardless of whether or not it leads to a fire.

Click past the jump for a better description of the problem, a table of recalled vehicles, Toyota’s press release and Customer FAQ.

The problem stems from a loose installation of the fuel pressure sensor, which over time, may loosen some more, leading to a fuel leak at the connection point between the sensor and the fuel line.

2006 Lexus GS 300

Toyota will be mailing out the recall notices to affected owners once they’ve gathered the needed parts. The inspection/fix will involve checking the connection, and if no leak is found, then the proper tightening will take place. If a leak is found, the gasket between the fuel line and the sensor will be replaced and the sensor will be tightened to the proper torque specification.

The fix will take between one and three hours, depending on if the gasket needs to be replaced, at no charge to Lexus customers.

The list of vehicles being recalled includes:

Model	Year
GS 300	2006, 2007
GS 350	2006, 2007
IS 250	2006, 2007, 2008, early 2009
IS 350	2006, 2007, early 2008

Show Press Release

Toyota Announces Voluntary Recall of Certain 2006-2007 Lexus GS 300/350, 2006-2009 IS 250 and 2006-2008 IS 350 Vehicles to Inspect the Fuel Pressure Sensor Installation

Toyota Motor Corporation announces separate recall involving certain vehicles not sold in North America

TORRANCE, Calif., January 26, 2011 – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced that it will conduct a voluntary Safety Recall involving approximately 245,000 2006 through 2007 Lexus GS300/350, 2006 through early 2009 Lexus IS250, and 2006 through early 2008 Lexus IS350 vehicles sold in the U.S. to inspect the fuel pressure sensor installation.

Due to insufficient tightening of the fuel pressure sensor connected to certain engine fuel delivery pipes (those with Nickel Phosphorus plating), there is a possibility that the pressure sensor could loosen over time. If loosening occurs, fuel could leak past a gasket used in the connection between the sensor and the delivery pipe and through the threaded portion of the sensor.

Lexus dealers will inspect the vehicle for fuel leakage and if no leakage is found, will tighten the fuel pressure sensor with the proper torque. If a fuel leak is confirmed, the gasket between the sensor and the delivery pipe will be replaced and the sensor will be tightened with the proper torque. The inspection and possible gasket replacement will be conducted at no charge to the vehicle owner.

Owners of the involved vehicles will receive a safety recall notification by first class mail once the parts that may be needed have been obtained. Lexus will also post this information on its website. Detailed information about this recall is available through Lexus Customer Satisfaction at 1-800-25 LEXUS or 1-800-255-3987 or at www.lexus.com/recall.

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) today announced a separate recall involving 1.3 million vehicles worldwide to remedy a different condition on a different fuel delivery pipe and a high pressure fuel pump check valve. TMC’s recall announcement does not involve vehicles sold in North America.

Customer FAQ for Lexus IS and GS Fuel Pressure Sensor Recall

1. Which models are involved in the recall?

Toyota is recalling approximately 245,000 2006 through 2007 Lexus GS 300/350, 2006 through early 2009 IS250 and 2006 through early 2008 IS350 vehicles sold in the U.S. No other vehicles are involved in this recall.

2. What is the condition?

Due to insufficient tightening of the fuel pressure sensor connected to an engine fuel delivery pipe, there is a possibility that the pressure sensor could loosen over time. If loosening occurs, fuel could leak past a gasket used in the connection between the sensor and the pipe.

3. Are there any warnings that this condition has occurred?

There are no warnings that this condition will occur. However, if fuel is leaking from the fuel pressure sensor, in some instances a fuel odor may be noticed from the engine compartment.

4. What is Lexus going to do?

Lexus is currently preparing the parts that may be needed. Once the parts are ready, owners of the involved vehicles will receive a Safety Recall Notification by first class mail.

5. Is the repair covered by warranty? Will I have to pay any money out of pocket for this repair?

This repair will be performed at no charge to the customer.

6. How long will it take for the dealer to inspect my vehicle?

The inspection and tightening of the fuel pressure sensor to the proper torque will take approximately one hour. If a fuel leak is confirmed, the replacement of the gasket and tightening the sensor to the proper torque will take approximately three hours. However, depending upon the dealer’s work schedule, it may be necessary to make the vehicle available for a longer period of time.

7. What should owners do if they experience the condition, or have immediate concerns about their vehicle?

If an owner has any immediate concerns, he or she is requested to contact a local Lexus dealer for diagnosis, and if applicable, repair.

by John Suit

Source: Toyota

Buick’s Resurgence Continues with all-new Verano

John Suit — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 15:00:54 +0000

Part of making and keeping an automotive brand viable is introducing new cars to its lineup. The built-in mechanism for this is that each generation of a car model gets bigger than its predecessor. This leads to an opening beneath what was once your entry-level car, for a new entry-level car. For the new Buick, that car was the Regal, but now the Chevrolet Cruze has debuted, giving Buick a workable platform to jump off of. Read on for details and pictures of the new Buick Verano.

When the Chevrolet Cruze was developed, it was intended that it share lots of its bits with the Volt, it’s high-tech cousin. Meanwhile, no car company in recent years has been shy about sharing platforms across its brands, least of which GM. But whereas the GM of old would have replaced the Chevy badges with Buick ones, added portholes on the hood or fenders, and gussied up the interior, the new GM changed the sheetmetal, really reworked the interior, and offers up gutsier engines than the Cruze has, including what looks to be the mill from the Regal GS. The base engine appears to be the same one as found in the base Regal.

Other things found inside the Verano include available heated seats and steering wheel, the latter of which isn’t usually found in a compact car of any kind. Past that, push-button start is a welcome feature, as are auto-down windows. Curiously, there is only auto-up on the front windows. Adding the auto-up feature would’ve been cheap, so there’s no reason it shouldn’t be included.

GM also touts the Verano as being quieter than most mid-sized and large sedans, much less the compact luxury sedans it competes with. They even go so far as to call it “library quiet.” With the quantity of sound deadening material listed in the press release, I’d believe it – and they used some thick glass too. Thicker windshields and side glass are used to keep out road and traffic noise, and they work quite effectively.

Underneath the car, the special Watts Z-link suspension is designed to isolate the car from the road surface, so at least the Verano isn’t trying to be everything to everyone. By keeping the car solely focused on quiet, comfortable cruising, Buick is more likely to have a sales success.

GM lists the Lexus IS 250 and Audi A3 as its main targets for the Verano, but whereas the Lexus and Audi are known for their sporting intentions, the new Buick will have none of that. I’m not sure yet how it will compete with either of them, but given that the IS 250 is very un-Lexuslike in the loud and harsh departments, and the Buick follows in its bigger brethren’s shoes, I see good things ahead for GM’s tri-shield brand.

Show Press Release

Buick Introduces The All-New 2012 Verano

Compact Luxury Entry is Buick’s Third New Model in Two Years

2011-01-06

DETROIT – The all-new 2012 Buick Verano compact luxury sedan, the brand’s third new model in the past two years and first in the compact luxury segment, will be revealed at the North American International Auto Show.

Verano goes on sale in the fourth quarter of 2011, the latest model in a product renaissance that began with the Enclave and continued with the LaCrosse and Regal. Like them, Verano is distinguished by luxury and technology, including 10 standard air bags, an available heated steering wheel and a next-generation radio system with OnStar-powered connectivity that enables seamless communication between the Verano and the driver’s smart phone.

An Ecotec 2.4L and six-speed automatic powertrain combination is standard and delivers an estimated 177 horsepower (132 kW) and 170 lb.-ft. torque (230 Nm), 0-60 mph performance of 8.0 seconds and an estimated 31 mpg on the highway. A 2.0L turbo engine will be offered in the future.

“Verano expands our lineup, continues Buick’s momentum and gives us a great opportunity to attract a new generation of customers with a product that delivers on their expectations for design, performance and technology,” said John Schwegman, vice president of Buick marketing. “It is a smart choice that delivers unexpected luxury in a compact sedan – and it will compete head-to-head with competitors from Audi and Lexus.”

Five elements infused in Verano that define its character:

Sculpted design – Refined styling with a sporty profile, blending Buick’s signature cues – including a black chrome waterfall grille, blue translucent projector beam headlamps, portholes and chrome accents
Luxurious interior – Premium seat comfort and support redefined for a compact sedan and matched with upscale, soft-touch materials and premium leather – all complemented by leading-edge infotainment and ambient lighting
Quiet tuning – The quietest compact sedan on the road – quieter than many midsize and full-size cars – Verano’s quietness is supported by acoustical laminated glass, triple door seals, refined chassis dynamics and specially manufactured 17-inch standard forged alloy multi-spoke wheels, which minimize road noise
Refined and responsive performance – Powerful and efficient Ecotec 2.4L/six-speed automatic powertrain matched with a refined, responsive suspension system, including a sophisticated Watts Z-link rear suspension and four-wheel disc brakes with standard anti-lock brakes, full-function traction control and StabiliTrak electronic stability control
Purposeful technology – Convenience and safety features that enhance the driving experience and are rare for the segment, including 10 standard air bags, a next-generation radio, touch screen navigation and advanced connectivity technologies powered by OnStar.

Sculpted design

Verano carries the modern Buick design cues introduced on the Enclave and interpreted for the LaCrosse and Regal. They include a bold, detailed black chrome waterfall grille, prominent blue translucent projector beam headlamps, portholes, chrome accents, premium wheels and a tailored body-to-wheel relationship. An arching roofline connects a steeply raked windshield and fast-sloping rear pillars to give the car a sporty profile that’s complemented by large, 17-inch standard multi-spoke forged alloy sterling silver-finish wheels. Two premium 18-inch wheel designs are available.

“Verano translates Buick’s sculptural design language in a new size, with all the refinement and attention to detail pioneered by the Enclave and LaCrosse,” said Dave Lyon, design director. “Beyond all that, it’s simply a great-looking car. It has great proportions and sophisticated details that will look great for years to come.”

Unique to Verano are translucent blue projector-beam headlamps, which give the car a distinctive, upscale appearance. A palette of rich colors enhances the premium look, including Claret Red Tintcoat and White Diamond Tricoat. Other exterior color choices include Black, Olympic White, Switchblade Silver Metallic, Cyber Gray Metallic and Mocha Bronze Metallic.

Luxurious interior

Complementing Verano’s precisely crafted, premium-accented exterior is an interior marked by exceptional seat comfort and support, as well as premium soft-touch materials, including ambient lighting inspired by the LaCrosse. Metallic and wood trims and warm ambient lighting make the cabin an inviting environment.

Neutral and medium titanium colors are offered on interiors with leatherette/fabric seating surfaces, while ebony, cashmere and a unique Choccachino color are offered on the available leather-trimmed interiors. Verano uses the same premium leather material for the seats that is used on the LaCrosse.

The instrument panel blends with an integrated center stack that houses the infotainment display, climate controls and radio controls. Flush-mounted components within the center stack have a gap tolerance of less than 1 mm, while the instrument panel-to-door panel gaps are less than 5 mm. Those tolerances are among the best in class.

Verano’s headliner cover is made of a knit material that is one of five layers of an acoustically designed headliner to help quiet the passenger compartment. The interior pillar and other moldings are color- and grain-matched to the headliner.

Additional interior standard and available features include:

Push-button engine start
Dual-zone climate control with standard air conditioning (automatic climate control available)
Heated steering wheel
Heated leather-appointed seating
Electronic parking brake
Console armrest that slides and locks
Power windows with express up/down in the front and express down in the rear
Steering wheel radio controls
Uplevel front and rear reading lamps.

Verano’s heated steering wheel and heated seats are linked with the remote start feature. In temperatures lower than 45 F (7 C), the steering wheel heater and seat heaters automatically activate.

Quiet tuning

Verano delivers the library-quiet driving experience for which Buicks have become known. Quiet-tuning systems, processes and components are built into every facet of the vehicle’s architecture. All are designed to block or absorb sound and dampen or eliminate vibrations.

Hydraulic ride bushings, for example, and an isolated engine cradle reduce or eliminate vibration pathways that could be transmitted to the passenger compartment. Similarly, a number of noise-reducing and noise-cancelling technologies are employed throughout the body structure, including:

The steel front-of-dash panel is sandwiched between two damping mats
Nylon baffles are used in various hollow portions of the body structure and filled with sound-absorbing foam that expands when the body enters the paint oven
The headliner comprises five layers of thermal fiber acoustic material, including a premium woven fabric on the visible outer layer
Patches of sound-damping material are applied strategically throughout the body structure and melt into place when the body passes through the paint oven, allowing the patches to follow the contours of the sheet metal below
Sound insulation material between rear-body structural components that is made from recycled denim
Triple-sealed doors that feature fiberglass “blankets” serve as water, airflow and noise barriers. The doors are also beta-braced, meaning they close with a solid, precise sound and no resonance
Optimized windshield and side glass for quietness, with 5.4-mm-thick laminated windshield and 4.85-mm laminated side glass
The engine’s intake and exhaust systems are tuned for quiet performance
Isolated brake and fuel lines prevent vibrations.

Even the wheels and tires contribute to Verano’s quietness. The standard 17-inch aluminum wheels are manufactured in a unique way to enhance quietness, while the tires minimize road noise.

Refined and responsive performance

A power-dense Ecotec 2.4L four-cylinder, with dual-overhead camshafts, variable valve timing and E85 capability, is the standard engine in the Verano. It produces an estimated 177 horsepower (132 kW) and 170 lb.-ft. of torque (230 Nm). Direct injection technology helps it produce more power with less fuel and lower emissions – including up to 25-percent reduced hydrocarbon emissions when compared with a multi-point fuel injection engine. The engine is matched with a six-speed automatic transmission that helps the Verano deliver an estimated 31 mpg on the highway. Electric power steering and a more efficient transmission design help optimize fuel economy.

The front suspension uses decoupled MacPherson struts for better isolation, providing greater separation of extreme road conditions – large potholes, for example – from everyday driving conditions. At the rear, a technically advanced Watts Z-link design helps center the rear axle during cornering, which helps keep the Verano’s handling responses symmetrical on both left-hand and right-hand turns. The linkage’s capability to center the axle during cornering delivers a more-balanced driving experience because the rear suspension better follows the lead of the front suspension.

The Z-link design is also lighter and requires less space than a typical fully independent rear suspension. The lower weight contributes to Verano’s fuel economy, while the compact design enables more trunk space.

Steering inputs are executed by an electric power steering system, featuring a dual-pinion rack. Electric powering steering helps save fuel because it removes the conventional power steering pump from the engine’s driven accessories. Engineers tuned the speed-sensitive system to provide quick, direct reaction to steering actions and a strong on-center feel. The system has a ratio of 15.5:1 and requires only slightly more than two turns, lock to lock.

Stopping power is handled by a four-wheel disc brake system with standard anti-lock and electronic brake force distribution, as well as StabiliTrak electronic stability control with traction control.

Purposeful technology

Comprehensive connectivity is enabled by OnStar’s remote vehicle access, which makes keeping tabs on the vehicle a breeze from anywhere with a smart phone. Highlights include:

Passive entry
Heated steering wheel
Touch screen navigation system
Bluetooth connectivity (both phone and audio)
XM Satellite Radio
Bose sound system
Next-generation radio.

Downloading an OnStar app enables the use of remote vehicle features from anywhere in the world. With a few taps, customers can check the:

Fuel tank level and range
Fuel mileage
Remaining oil life
Tire pressure
Odometer reading.

Other remote-access features include remote vehicle locking/unlocking, remote vehicle start and a vehicle locator.

The next-generation radio system includes a navigation system, along with USB and auxiliary input jacks, and includes full Bluetooth with streaming audio, structural speech recognition, SMS texts and more. Additional connectivity features include text-to-speech conversion of SMS texts, smart phone app integration (Pandora, Stitcher, etc.) and Gracenote music organization for external devices (USB drives, etc.), including Playlist Plus and Album Art features.

Safety is another component in Verano’s technology story. Primary features include:

Ten standard air bags, including frontal, head curtain side air bags, front and outboard rear-seat side-impact air bags and new knee air bags. The head-curtain side air bags deploy in a rollover crash
StabiliTrak electronic stability control, traction control and anti-lock brakes
Collapsible pedal system, which allows the pedals to detach during a crash to reduce the risk of leg or ankle injuries
OnStar with Automatic Crash Response.

Verano has a strong, unitized body structure that incorporates 60-percent high-strength steel in key areas to enhance strength and crash protection. It is used to help prevent intrusion into the passenger compartment. Safety development included testing at GM’s rollover test facility.

About Buick

Buick is a modern luxury brand offering vehicles with sculpted designs, luxurious interiors with thoughtful personal technologies, along with responsive-yet-efficient performance. Buick is attracting new customers with its portfolio of award-winning models, including the Enclave crossover, LaCrosse sedan and Regal sport sedan. The new Buick Verano compact sedan and a small crossover will join the portfolio in the next few years. Buick’s sales continue to increase in North America, and it remains a best-selling brand in China, with continuing record growth. Learn more about Buick cars and crossovers at www.buick.com, on Twitter @buick or at www.facebook.com/buick.

2012 BUICK VERANO PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS

Overview

Models:	2012 Buick Verano
Body style / driveline:	four-door, 5-passenger front engine transaxle; front-wheel-drive compact car
Construction:	steel body-frame integral with front and rear crumple zones; galvanized steel front fenders, hood, roof, door panels, one-piece bodyside outer panel, thermal plastic olefin (TPO) bumper fascias
Manufacturing location:	Orion Township, Mich.
Key competitors:	Lexus IS 250, Audi A3

Engines

	Ecotec 2.4L DOHC I-4 (LEA)
Displacement (cu. in. / cc):	145 / 2384
Bore and stroke (in. / mm):	3.46 x 3.85 / 88 x 98
Block material:	precision sand cast aluminum
Cylinder head material:	SPM cast aluminum
Valvetrain:	overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, continuous variable valve timing for intake and exhaust
Ignition system:	individual coil-on-plug
Fuel delivery:	direct injection and electronic throttle control
Compression ratio:	11.2:1
Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm):	177 / 132 @ 6200 rpm (estimated, SAE certification pending)
Torque (lb.-ft. / Nm @ rpm):	170 / 230 @ 4800 rpm (estimated, SAE certification pending)
Recommended fuel:	regular unleaded or E85
Emissions controls:	close-coupled, catalytic converter; variable valve timing; positive crankcase ventilation evaporative system
Estimated fuel economy (city / hwy):	22 / 31

Transmissions

	Hydra-Matic 6T45 6-speed automatic
Type:	six-speed transverse, electronically controlled, automatic overdrive transmission
Gear ratios (:1)
First:	4.58
Second:	2.96
Third:	1.91
Fourth:	1.45
Fifth:	1.00
Sixth:	0.75
Reverse:	2.84
Final drive:	3.23

Chassis/Suspension

Front:	independent, MacPherson strut-type with side-loaded strut modules, specifically tuned coil springs, direct-acting stabilizer bar (hollow); hydraulic ride bushings
Rear:	specifically adapted compound crank (torsion beam) with double-walled, U-shaped profile at the rear, Z-link (tunable control arm)
Traction control:	all-speed using engine torque reduction and brake intervention
Steering type:	rack-mounted electric power steering
Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock:	2.8
Turning circle, curb-to-curb (feet / meters):	36 / 11
Steering ratio:	15.5:1

Brakes

Type:	power-assisted four-wheel disc electronic brake force distribution and ABS
Brake rotor diameter – front (mm / in.):	300 / 11.8 vented; single-piston w/steel caliper
Brake rotor diameter – rear (mm / in.):	292 / 11.5 vented; single-piston w/steel caliper
Total swept area (cu cc; pad area):	TBD

Wheels/Tires

Wheel size and type:	17-inch forged alloy (std.) 18-inch alloy (opt. – two designs available)
Tires:	225/50R17 ALS 235/45R18 ALS

Dimensions
Exterior

Wheelbase (in. / mm):	105.7 / 2685
Overall length (in. / mm):	183.9 / 4671
Overall width (in. / mm):	71.4 / 1815
Overall height (in. / mm):	58.4 / 1484
Track width front (in. / mm):	60.7 / 1544
Track width rear (in. / mm):	61.3 / 1558
Curb weight (lb / kg):	3300 / 1497

Interior

Seating capacity (front / rear):	2 / 3
Headroom (in. / mm):	38.3 / 973 (front without sunroof) 37.2 / 945 (front with sunroof) 37.8 / 960 (rear without sunroof) 37.8 / 960 (rear with sunroof)
Legroom (in. / mm):	42 / 1068 (front) 33.9 / 861 (rear)
Shoulder room (in. / mm):	55.1 / 1399 (front) 53.8 / 1343 (rear)
Hip room (in. / mm):	53.7 / 1364 (front) 51.9 / 1320 (rear)
Passenger volume (cu. ft. / L) :	95 / 2690
Cargo volume (cu. ft. / L):	15.2 / 430 (maximum with tire inflator kit and without Bose Premium Audio) 14.3 / 405 (with spare tire/jack kit and without Bose Premium Audio) 14 / 396 (with spare tire/jack kit and Bose Premium Audio)

Capacities

Trailer towing maximum (lb. / kg):	1000 / 454
Fuel tank (gal. / L):	15 / 57
Cooling system (qt. / L):	TBD

Note: Information shown is current at time of publication.

by John Suit

Source: GM

Road Reality is One Year Old Today!

John Suit — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 15:00:41 +0000

It’s been a great first year for Road Reality, so I’d like to take a minute or three to share some of the highlights of the past year. At the same time, I’d like to thank you, my readers, for your continued input, suggestions, and of course questions. Without you, it wouldn’t be nearly as rewarding to run this site!

Review of the 2010 Ford F-150

In the past year, I’ve moved the site from its original WordPress location to a paid hosting provider, reviewed several vehicles and test drove a bunch more, received a ton of email from readers, and with MaximumPhil’s own Owner’s Log entries, the Road Reality community is growing! If you’d like to join the Owner’s Log program, please contact me.

2011 Ford Mustang GT's 5.0-Liter V8

I’ve managed to put up one or more posts on almost every weekday since November 9th, 2009, for a grand total of 313 posts in 22 Categories, and used 1,144 Tags to make the posts easily searchable.

Over the last year, there were a lot of popular posts, but the Top 10 are the following, in order:

1. Review: 2010 Ford F-150

2. 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee tackles the Rubicon

3. Finally Official: 2011 Mustang GT to sport 5.0-liter V8

4. New-Car Pricing and Engine: 2011 BMW 740i and 740li

5. Green with Envy: 2010 Camaro Synergy Special Edition

6. Review: 2010 Nissan Maxima SV w/Premium and Tech Packages

7. Review: 2010 Chrysler 300 Touring

8. Lexus announces the 2011 ES 350

9. The Safest Cars in America: IIHS Top Safety Picks for 2010

10. 2011 Mustang V6: Motor Trend is taken for a ride

Other highlights and fun stats from our inaugural year:

The Road Reality YouTube channel, which has seen almost 80,000 views of its 32 videos
A Road Reality Facebook page, with 43 fans
327 Tweets on the Road Reality Twitter Page, with 61 followers and 2 listers
An image count of 1,412 – an average of 4 new pictures on the site each day

Things to look forward to in the coming year:

Continuing coverage of the American Automotive Industry, including both domestic and foreign makes
Reviews of new cars
Pictures and specifications on upcoming cars
Safety recalls
More Reader Polls

Thanks again for your continued readership, and I look forward to building the Road Reality site and community over the coming years!

by John Suit

Sales Figures: October, 2010

John Suit — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 18:00:05 +0000

The spookiest month of the year is over … and it wasn’t scary for most automakers. Sales were down just a hair from September, which I expected, as schools get into full swing and most people start shopping for the holidays. I don’t expect sales to pick back up until closer to the new year, with some people receiving transportation as a gift, and any leftover 2010 models having their prices slashed.

GMC and Lexus saw significant month-to-month increases, while most of the rest saw their sales numbers stay flat. In some cases, however, flat sales weren’t a bad thing – Chrysler, for instance, saw over 28,000 sales, which is being propped up by its new 2011 Grand Cherokee SUV.

Chevrolet saw a modest increase of about 3,000 vehicles, which can be attributed to its Cruze going on sale. Nissan, meanwhile, saw a continuance of its roller coaster of a year, with just under 62,000 vehicles sold in October, down 4,000 from September.

Overall, the industry has sold just over 9.5-million vehicles, and with only two months left in the year, it’ll be interesting to see if the market can buy up 2 more million vehicles in November and December, to meet my earlier prediction of 11.5-million new-cars sold in 2010. If sales stay close to where they’ve been or continue the downward slide started after July, we’re looking at closer to 11-million sales, but no more.

Oh, and before I forget: Lexus took back the luxury sales crown from Mercedes in October, giving their German rivals only a single month to hold onto it.

by John Suit

Toyota’s Problems Continue: New Brake System Recall

John Suit — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 16:00:16 +0000

2005 Toyota Avalon

If Toyota were a person, he or she would need some anti-depressants at this point. After a multitude of recalls earlier this year, another big one is hitting the airwaves. This time, it’s for the brake master cylinder, which amplifies the pressure you put on the brake pedal, making it easier for you to stop your car. In certain Toyota and Lexus vehicles, however, a seal is going bad, leaking out the brake fluid, which leads to the “brake warning lamp” illuminating on your dash. Click past the jump for the affected model list and full press release.

The total number is listed at 740,000 vehicles, and includes the following models:

2005-2006 Toyota Avalon
2004-2006 Toyota Highlander (non Hybrid)
2004-2006 Lexus RX330
2006 Lexus GS300
2006 Lexus IS250
2006 Lexus IS350

From Toyota’s press release, it looks like they’re laying the blame on using non-Toyota brake fluid, which allows the internal seal to dry out because of lubricants missing in the replacement fluid.

Over time, with the dried-out seal, this small leak can lead to a soft or spongy brake pedal, and reduced braking.

If you’ve got one of the above-listed vehicles, and have more questions, go to www.toyota.com/recall or www.lexus.com/recall or call the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331 or Lexus Customer Satisfaction at 1-800-25 LEXUS or 1-800-255-3987.

Show Press Release

Toyota Announces Intent to Voluntarily Recall Certain Toyota Avalon and Highlander, and Lexus GS300, IS250, and IS350 Vehicles to Replace a Brake Master Cylinder Seal

TORRANCE, Calif., October 20, 2010 – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced that it will conduct a voluntary Safety Recall involving approximately 740,000 – 2005 through 2006 Avalon, 2004 through 2006 Highlander (non Hybrid) and Lexus RX330, and 2006 Lexus GS300, IS250, and IS350 vehicles sold in the United States to address the possibility that a small amount of the brake fluid could slowly leak from the brake master cylinder, resulting in illumination of the brake warning lamp.

This action follows an announcement made by Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan on October 21, 2010 (Japan).

The Toyota genuine brake fluid used during vehicle assembly for vehicles sold in the United States contains polymers. The polymers act as lubricants for certain brake system components. If during vehicle maintenance, brake fluid is used that does not contain such polymers or only small amounts, a part of the internal rubber seal (brake master cylinder cup) located at the end of the brake master cylinder piston may become dry and may curl during movement of the piston. If this occurs, a small amount of the brake fluid could slowly leak from the brake master cylinder into the brake booster, resulting in illumination of the brake warning lamp.

If the brake warning lamp has illuminated and the vehicle continues to be operated without refilling the master cylinder brake fluid reservoir, the driver will begin to notice a spongy or soft brake pedal feel and braking performance may gradually decline.

Owners of the involved vehicles will be notified by first class mail beginning in early November 2010. Toyota and Lexus dealers will replace the brake master cylinder cup with a newly designed one at no charge to the vehicle owners.

Detailed information and answers to questions are available to customers at www.toyota.com/recall or www.lexus.com/recall and the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331 or Lexus Customer Satisfaction at 1-800-25 LEXUS or 1-800-255-3987.

by John Suit

Source: Toyota