2006 Gray Auto! on 2040-cars

Auto blog

What to do if the infotainment in your Lexus isn't working

According to Toyota, "errant data from our traffic and weather data service provider" caused the infotainment systems in 2014-2016 Lexus vehicles and the 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser to go into some sort of endless reboot loop. The video above shows what that looks like, in case you're interested. Obviously, it's not good – the malfunction means the audio systems, navigation and climate control systems aren't working properly, and that the hands-free mobile phone function won't work. Apparently, some owners were able to manually fix their cars by disconnecting the battery cables for 10 minutes, which forces the car's computer systems to restart. But Toyota isn't officially suggesting that people take that action. Instead, "Toyota and Lexus owners experiencing these issues should visit their dealer for a complimentary system reset and a confirmation of the system," the automaker said in a statement. It's worth noting that issues with the usability of modern infotainment systems have caused customer satisfaction scores to drop. Lexus, though, has been mostly immune to such complaints, having come in first place in J.D. Power's most recent Vehicle Dependability study. Not that you should automatically trust those findings, anyway... Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. News Source: Lexus via Twitter Lexus Toyota Auto Repair Ownership Technology Infotainment

The refreshed 2018 Lexus NX looks just like a baby RX

The refreshed 2018 Lexus NX compact crossover debuted this week at the Shanghai Motor Show. Most of the changes are visual, and it should keep the NX fresh for the next few years until more extensive changes come. Power and performance remain the same, but Lexus claims its smallest SUV is quieter and more refined thanks to some updates under the skin. As the automaker's third best-selling vehicle in 2016, behind the venerable RX crossover and ES sedan, the NX has been a huge hit for Lexus in every market. Up front, the love it or hate it spindle grille remains, though it has received a few modifications. The upper portions of the grille and fenders have been reworked to flow better into the hood and doors. In addition to the sleeker visuals, it should help improve aerodynamics. New headlights with three projectors are similar to those on the new Lexus LC sport coupe. The bottom portion of the bumper has been pulled forward a bit, making the NX look both less pointy and more like a small RX than ever. In the rear, the bumper is redesigned, adding in design elements that draw influence from the spindle grille. Like the headlights, the taillights have been updated with a shape that's similar to those on the LC. Other changes include reshaped exhaust tips, new 18-inch wheels, and a kick sensor that opens the rear hatch if you make a motion under the rear bumper. Like the exterior, the changes to the interior are small but notable. The infotainment screen has grown from 7 inches to 10.3 inches. The controls for both the infotainment and HVAC system have been updated. Nearly all of the control knobs and switches have what Lexus is calling a metallic satin finish, essentially a silver-gray looking matte coloring. Like with many other Toyota and Lexus products, the automaker's Lexus Safety System + now comes standard on all models. This includes emergency braking, radar cruise control, lane departure warnings, and automatic high beams. The turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four carries over unchanged, though the model is now known as the NX 300 (formerly the NX 200t). Likewise, the hybrid system in the NX 300h is unchanged. There have been some updates to the suspension, adding in a modified version of the adaptive variable suspension system from the LC. Lexus claims this should improve both ride and handling. No word on pricing or a release date, so look for more news some time in the next few months.

Toyota announces new, more efficient powertrains for 60 percent of its vehicles by 2021

In the face of increasingly strict standards on fuel economy and CO2 emissions, Toyota announced today that it's introducing a new hybrid system, a new 2.5-liter direct-injection inline four-cylinder engine, and two new transmissions – an eight- and a 10-speed. The development of all of these components will be based around the Toyota New Global Architecture, or TNGA. Development of the systems has moved forward and the new powertrains will find their way into vehicles starting next year. TNGA, like Mazda's Skyactiv technology, is a complete design philosophy that focuses on more than just a clean or efficient engine. The first vehicle to deploy the TNGA platform was the current, fourth-generation Prius. With TNGA, Toyota focused on improving handling, ride, and braking performance. The new powertrains are meant to compliment this new platform by being both engaging to drive and fuel efficient. Since TNGA can be adapted for front-, rear-, or all-wheel-drive layouts, it's capable of underpinning a number of potential products. Toyota is arguably the leader in hybrid technology, and taking lessons learned in the development of the current Prius, the automaker has developed the new Toyota Hybrid System II, or THS-II, for rear-wheel-drive applications. Performance has improved versus the outgoing model, and Toyota says efficiency, especially at high speeds, has been improved. In addition, the system's use in plug-in vehicles has been improved. For the first time, the electric motor will be able to provide direct driving power, whereas before it simply acted as a generator. The new, naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder, like the THS-II, has been designed around the TNGA platform. Most notably, the thermal efficiency of the engine has been improved. This means a higher output and improved exhaust and cooling. The new engine, which works in both traditional and hybrid applications, will proliferate through the Toyota and Lexus lineup. Toyota's two new automatic transmissions, like the new engines, are based on the TNGA system. That means a lighter and more compact design relative to similar transmissions. The 10-speed is intended for rear-wheel-drive Lexus products like the GS and LS. The tuning has been adjusted to improve response and smooth out shifts, though it's impossible to say how much it's been improved without getting behind the wheel.