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10 automakers sued over keyless ignitions

Keyless ignition has rapidly proliferated throughout the auto industry to become a fairly normal feature on new cars. It's supposed to offer the convenience of keeping the fob in your pocket and just pressing a button to drive away. However, ten major automakers are now being sued in US District Court over claims that the system is dangerous, Reuters reports. The suit alleges that people are forgetting to shut off the engine, and the lack of an idle timer is the cause for 13 deaths by carbon monoxide poisoning and multiple injuries. The suit currently includes 28 plaintiffs, according to Reuters, but the lawyers are asking for class-action status to potentially add many more. The case goes after a major swath of the industry, including BMW, Daimler, FCA, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Toyota, and Volkswagen, plus their related brands like Acura, Infiniti, Mini, and Lexus. In all, over five million vehicles are affected. The assertion here is that people walk away from their vehicle without shutting it off because they believe the engine shuts off automatically. If parked in a garage, carbon monoxide can build up, leading to poisoning. The lawyers claim automakers know this is a problem and also cite 27 complaints to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about the issue, according to Reuters. The plaintiffs are asking for an automatic shut-off and damages from the companies. These concerns have come up before, though. Toyota previously faced a lawsuit over a carbon monoxide death after a woman accidentally left her Lexus running. Also earlier this year, GM recalled 64,186 examples of the 2011-2013 Chevrolet Volt because owners weren't shutting them off. The problem resulted in two injuries, and the company released a software update to limit the idling time.

Lexus' new V-LCRO advances seat tech by going back in time

Automakers love teaming up with aftermarket suppliers. Stuff like Foxx Racing shocks, BBS wheels, and Brembo brakes are all there to gussy up performance vehicles. But one of the best branded performance options you can get are a meaty set of seats. Not only do they look great, but the two purposes they serve are legitimate – hearty bolsters keep you pinned in place around high-G turns and they allow you to soak up a lot more of the chassis' sensations. Lexus already had a solid set of (unbranded) thrones in the RC F and GS F, but a piece of old tech is about to make them even better. The company is introducing a new Variable Load Coupling Rear Orientation for its seats. Fancy name aside, this is far from a new technology. It's been around for 75 years, and you probably know it as Velcro Technology. Yes, Lexus is going to start selling Velcro lined seats to keep you in place at up to three Gs, whether they be fore, aft, or lateral forces. "The RC F and GS F are exhilarating, racing-inspired vehicles," said Brian Bolain, Lexus' GM for product and consumer marketing. "By partnering with Velcro Companies, our new V-LCRO technology enhances the driver's ability to maximize the cars' track-proven performance." If you're worried this is just a bunch of marketing jargon, though, take it from an actual driver. The V-LCRO system works. "The beauty of this technology is its simplicity," Lexus F Performance Racing driver Scott Pruett said. "With V-LCRO, Lexus has created an unprecedented connection between driver and vehicle, and the impact on the track has been phenomenal." According to Lexus spokesman Moe Lester, V-LCRO will be available on 2020 models, alongside the upcoming hoverboard package. In other news, tomorrow is April Fools' Day. Be prepared. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Lexus Introduces Groundbreaking V-LCRO Technology Automaker reveals new interior option for RC F and GS F performance vehicles TORRANCE, Calif. (March 31, 2016)—When it comes to performance cars, few things are more important than the connection between driver and vehicle. For luxury automaker Lexus, the continuous pursuit to enhance this connection even includes venturing outside the automotive world for new solutions.

Lexus, Mazda and Subaru top Consumer Reports Brand Report Cards

A revised methodology in devising its annual Car Brand Report Cards has seen Consumer Reports award Lexus its top overall ranking for 2013. For the first time ever, the institute broke out individual brands from their larger corporate umbrellas, meaning car makers like Lexus and Scion were judged independently from parent company Toyota. That strategy worked out well for Lexus, as the luxury brand earned a top report card score of 79 for the 2013 model year.
The institute has recommended every one of the Lexus models it has tested to date, and said that the company's products won out thanks to "a foundation of plush and very reliable vehicles."
Meanwhile, Mazda and Subaru tied for the second-highest scoring report cars, with scores of 76. Subaru earned praised for sporting models like the BRZ, which CR testers apparently had a lot of fun driving (naturally), while the Mazda products were lauded for their blend of practicality, sportiness and efficiency. Both of the Japanese brands offered good handling, fuel economy and versatility, said Consumer Reports.