Purpose

I will try my best to provide detailed info on various cars and what is like to live with them, I have already produced a few for Jaguar-car-forums, I will do my best to be unbiased, but it will be hard for some cars. I will re-produce press releases and copy from other motoring news.
Showing posts with label Radar Cruise Control. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Radar Cruise Control. Show all posts

Tuesday, 28 July 2015

USA - LEXUS 3 - A few tweaks to the Hybrid CT range brings the 2016 Model year car up to date.

  • 42 MPG EPA Estimated Combined Fuel Economy
  • F SPORT Package Delivers Sporty Performance
  • Peace of Mind with Lexus Enform Remote and Lexus Enform Service Connect

What do you get when Lexus melds a sporty luxury compact with an environmentally conscientious attitude? The 2016 CT 200h. With an EPA-estimated 42 MPG combined fuel economy the CT 200h is one of six hybrid models Lexus offers for 2016. Lexus has been the hybrid luxury leader since it introduced the first luxury hybrid more than 10 years ago.
           
The CT 200h broke new ground for Lexus, introducing the brand to a younger generation of highly discerning customers. They, too, quickly discovered the refinement and driving pleasure that characterize the progressive luxury inherent in every Lexus.
           
A sporty chassis keeps the CT 200h connected to the road’s curves, and for 2016, the dashing look is enhanced with a chrome surround grille.



Drivers can also now opt in for additional peace of mind with Lexus Enform Remote and Lexus Enform Service Connect. Lexus Enform Remote (subscription required), allows the owner to remotely view and control certain vehicle features using a mobile app for iOS and Android devices.

Key features include remote door lock/unlock; remote stop/start for the engine and climate control; vehicle finder, guest driver monitor and more. 

Lexus Enform Service Connect (subscription required) allows customers to remotely view information about certain aspects of their Lexus vehicle via the MyLexusandBeyond mobile application for iOS smartphone users or LexusDrivers.com.  Information includes maintenance alerts, warning light notifications and a vehicle health report that includes email and push notifications for diagnostic information, required maintenance reminders, current vehicle alerts, service campaigns, and more.      
           
What Makes It Go (On So Little Fuel)



There’s no magic needed to get sporty performance with EPA fuel economy estimates of 43 MPG city / 40 MPG highway / 42 MPG combined. It just takes the world’s deepest well of hybrid expertise and experience. In the CT 200h, that translates to a 1.8-liter in-line four-cylinder gas engine teamed to a 650 volt motor/generator for a combined output of 134 horsepower. A second motor in the hybrid system serves as both engine starter and generator to charge the hybrid battery pack.
           
The powertrain is mated to an Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT) that makes the best use of the instant torque of the electric motor and quickly finds the optimal gear ratio to enhance the driving experience.
           
It’s the unseen engineering details that really make a difference in the CT’s fuel efficiency. For example, an exhaust heat recovery system uses the heat of spent exhaust gases to speed engine coolant warm-up. That in turn allows the hybrid system to stop the engine earlier and more often in the driving cycle when it’s not needed, for example in low-power-demand city driving conditions.
           
Like other Lexus models, the CT 200h puts a wide range of vehicle control at the driver’s fingertips through the Lexus Drive Mode Select system. You can choose from four distinct modes: Normal, Sport, Eco or EV. Normal mode has an essentially linear throttle response that gives naturally progressive power. Sport mode yields a more responsive and dynamic driving experience.
           
In Eco mode, air conditioning settings are adjusted and the throttle response is reduced relative to the pedal angle to emphasize fuel economy. Under certain circumstances, the EV mode can allow the CT 200h to be driven short distances using only the electric motors. It’s ideal for crawling through a crowded parking lot or garage when searching for a space, for example.

F SPORT: Look Sporty. Feel Sporty.



The F SPORT is hard to miss, thanks to its exclusive mesh version of the Lexus spindle grille, black contrast roof, rear spoiler with two large air ducts, 17-inch five-twin-spoke alloy wheels with two-tone graphite and machine finish and mesh and fog lamp inserts with black surrounds.
           
For even more head-turning power, the F SPORT offers two unique exterior colors:  Ultra White and Ultrasonic Blue Mica. Another of the color choices, Redline, features a highly scratch resistant self-restoring coat.   
           
It’s not all about great looks. The CT’s F SPORT-tuned suspension includes specially tuned dampers and springs to increase agility, making every drive feel its sportiest.
 
 
It Is A Lexus, After All



Compact, sporty and shockingly thrifty with fuel, the CT 200h is of course a pure Lexus. That means a considerably higher level of luxury than you’ll see in anything this size. Standard features include a 10-way power driver’s seat and dual-zone automatic climate control.
           
Available cabin choices like NuLuxe seating reflect the CT’s eco-conscious mission. NuLuxe seating material offers the elegant look and supple feel of leather. Yet, even compared to other synthetic leathers, NuLuxe weighs half as much, and its manufacturing process generates far fewer CO2 and VOC emissions. Perforated Flaxen leather is also available, accentuated by metallic interior trim that highlights the CT’s sporty nature.

Informative and Conversational



The available Display Audio/Navigation screen controls a multimedia system featuring complimentary HD Radio™, real-time traffic, and weather. Models equipped with the optional navigation system use Remote Touch Interface.
           
The cache radio feature will quickly endear itself. If you’re busy with something when a favorite song comes on the radio, such as paying a toll or waiting at a bank or coffee drive-through, cache radio will store it for up to 15-minutes and let you listen later. Or, tag it with iTunes® Tagging to download later.
           
The standard six-speaker audio system features the world's first automotive speakers constructed with sustainable bamboo and resin. You may hear voices with greater clarity than you have before. A 10-speaker system is available. Both systems, of course, live up to the brand’s reputation for stellar sound. The Display Audio and Navigation systems both employ Bluetooth® 3.0 and dual USB ports to ensure you can connect your music any way you like.

New for 2016


  • Grille with chrome surround
  • Optional moonroof
  • Available Lexus Enform Remote for vehicles equipped with optional Lexus Display Audio or Navigation
  • Available Lexus Service Connect
Vehicle Details


Chassis/Body/Suspension/Tires/Brakes


  • Suspension design combines a MacPherson strut front system with a fully independent double-wishbone rear suspension.
  • A unique lateral performance damper system is designed to absorb and minimize body vibrations to offer a more linear steering feel and further enhanced ride comfort.
  • The CT 200h braking system is augmented by regenerative braking which also helps recharge the hybrid battery pack and improve fuel economy.
  • Standard 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels on the CT 200h are equipped with P215/45 R17 all-season tires.
Safety

  • Standard eight-airbag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) with dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags and knee airbags, side curtain airbags, and front seat-mounted side airbags.
  • Optional Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control can help reduce collision damage. Dynamic Radar Cruise Control system uses millimeter-wave radar to measure and help maintain a pre-set distance from a vehicle traveling ahead. PCS is equipped with a front-mounted radar sensor that is designed to detect certain obstacles in front of the car.
Luxury/Comfort/Convenience

  • 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support and four-way manual-adjustable front passenger seat.
  • The standard six-speaker audio system features the world's first automotive speakers constructed with sustainable bamboo and resin.
  • Voice recognition and Bluetooth technology hands-free communication when paired with a compatible smartphone.
  • Siri® Eyes Free Mode  (iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 models forward) lets you call contacts , get turn-by-turn navigation through Siri and Apple maps, select and play music from iTunes® and much more.
Luxury Options

  • Navigation with Lexus Enform Destinations, Lexus Enform App Suite (Destination Services, Pandora®, iHeartRadio, Slacker, Open Table®, Yelp®, Movie Tickets.com), and HD Radio with iTunes tagging. Package includes HDD navigation system, back-up camera and voice command. Also features Bluetooth hands-free phone, phone book download capability and Lexus’ exclusive Remote Touch controller with user-adjustable haptic feedback.
  • The Premium Audio Package includes the Lexus Premium Audio System with 10-speakers and six-disc CD changer, Homelink and electrochromic rearview mirror with compass.
  • The Leather Package includes perforated leather-trimmed seats, driver memory, and rain sensing variable intermittent wipers.
  • LED low-beam headlamps with headlamp washers
  • Electrochromic (auto-dimming) rearview mirror with backup camera
  • Pre-Collision System with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
  • Park Assist
  • Seat Comfort Package: Heated front seats and four-way power passenger seat
  • Power tilt-and-slide moonroof with one-touch open/close and manual sliding sunshade.
Exterior Design

  • The spindle grille is flanked by headlamp clusters positioned on a higher plane than the grille itself.
  • Headlamps focus on piercing, single halogen or optional twin LED low beam lamps.
  • Compact and aerodynamic door mirrors with an integral, LED side turn signal lamp.
  • Tail lamps incorporate a Lexus L-shaped motif.
  • Aerodynamic detailing of the lower bumper and finned rear undercover smooths airflow from beneath the car, further improving both vehicle stability and fuel consumption.
Interior Design

  • The dashboard is divided into two distinct zones: an upper, Display Zone, with an  seven-inch, LCD multi-display screen located at an ideal distance for at-a-glance viewing, and a lower, Operation Zone, which allows access to the uniquely designed shift lever and system controls.
  • The front seats feature pronounced side bolsters engineered with internal wire framing for additional lateral support during high-G cornering.
  • Extensive use of metallic finishes and dark, soft touch materials reinforces the premium quality of the cockpit.
  • Ecological Plastics with 30 percent plant-based Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) materials are used for the floor mats, deck side and deck board trim. The CT is more than 80 percent recyclable and is designed to be easily dismantled. Recycle marks have been placed on the front, rear and tailgate trim to facilitate optimum recycling.
F SPORT Package

  • F SPORT-tuned suspension and 17-inch wheels two-tone finish.
  • Front grille with mesh inserts, metal front scuff plates, black contrast roof, a perforated leather-trimmed steering wheel, leather-trimmed shift knob, aluminum sport pedals and metallic trim on the dash panel all add to the sporty feel.
  • Black NuLuxe trimmed seats or perforated black leather-trimmed seats with white perforation are available. 
Warranty

  • 48-month/50,000miles basic limited warranty with roadside assistance for 48 months/unlimited miles.
  • 72 months/70,000 miles powertrain and restraint system coverage.
  • 72 months corrosion perforation protection coverage, regardless of mileage.
  • Eight years/100,000 miles hybrid-related components, including the HV battery, battery-control module, hybrid control module and inverter with converter.

Friday, 28 November 2014

Toyota reveals next generation integrated safety systems.

  • Vehicle-to-infrastructure and vehicle-to-vehicle communications for safer manoeuvres and hazard alerts
  • Vehicle-to-vehicle communications for smarter, safer and more efficient cruise control driving
  • Better night-time illumination with new adaptive LED headlight arrays
  • New technologies to be rolled out from 2015, together with advanced active safety packages for new models
Toyota has today revealed some of the smart new technologies and systems it will be featuring in future models to make driving safer. True to the company’s Integrated Safety Management Concept, these have been designed from the start to work together to help cut the number of road accidents.

The new features, announced at a safety seminar in Toyota City, will be rolled out in new models from 2015. Toyota is also creating Safety Sense active safety packages, tailored to suit different size vehicles that will be made available worldwide by the end of 2017.


Vehicle-infrastructure and vehicle-vehicle communications


When you pull up to a blind junction, sometimes even the best on-board cameras and sensors can’t give you clear warning of the potential hazards. Toyota has worked to eliminate the risk with new vehicle-to-infrastructure and vehicle-to-vehicle communications, using a wireless frequency reserved for ITS – Integrated Traffic System – services.


For example, when you arrive at junction with no clear view, sensors above the road will detect on-coming traffic or pedestrians crossing the road and send the information to your car – the vehicle-to-infrastructure system.

Vehicles approaching the intersection will signal their presence using the vehicle-to-vehicle link, activating visual and audio driver warnings when necessary to help prevent an accident.
Toyota has also developed a new Communicating Radar Cruise Control that uses vehicle-to-vehicle communication to make it easier for preceding and following vehicles to keep a safe distance apart.  

It uses a forward-facing millimetre-wave radar to monitor the distance between your vehicle and the one ahead, their relative speed and the acceleration/deceleration of the car in front. This significantly improves tracking performance in traffic, being safer and more fuel-efficient, and helping avoid one of the common causes of congestion.

Toyota develops its ITS-compatible systems working in collaboration with government bodies, agencies and private companies, with the aim of launching them as soon as practically possible. In 2013, Toyota participated in the ITS Green Safety public-private collaborative demonstration project to assess the social effects of such systems. It will also be participating in the ITS Connect Promotion Consortium to support the development of environments for the smooth introduction of such systems and their widespread adoption.

LED Array Adaptive High Beam


Toyota has already made important advances in automatic high beam and adaptive lighting systems. Now its next-generation system is ready to deliver even better night-time illumination – the LED Array Adaptive High Beam.


This system uses multiple, independently controlled LEDs arranged in a single row. This gives a wider illumination without dazzling drivers of on-coming or preceding vehicles. It can light up the gaps between vehicles ahead and those approaching, making it easier to spot pedestrians; light distribution is also linked to use of the steering wheel, giving better visibility as you turn into a bend.

Toyota’s development of next-generation illumination technologies is part of the company’s efforts to help prevent accidents at night. The new Toyota Safety Sense active safety package (details below) will include an automatic high beam function.

Toyota active safety packages


From 2015, Toyota will launch a new set of active safety technologies design to help prevent or mitigate collisions across a wide range of vehicle speeds. They will be offered in two Toyota Safety Sense packages, initially in Japan and subsequently in the USA and Europe, by the end of 2017.


The two packages – designated C and P for mid-size and larger vehicles respectively – bring together several of Toyota’s existing active safety technologies, including the Pre-Crash Safety system, Lane Keep Assist and automatic high beam. The C package uses a laser radar and the P package a millimetre-wave radar, each combined with a camera to secure high performance and reliability.

A separate active safety package, Lexus Safety System+, will be marketed for Lexus models, including a new Road Sign Assist function. This recognises speed limits and road signs when travelling overseas, presenting the information on the driver’s instrument display.