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Recharge Wrap-up: Toyota Prius, V earn IIHS awards, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV approved for V2H

The Toyota Prius and Prius V have earned IIHS 2015 Top Safety Pick+ ratings. The Prius V was singled out for its improved performance in the small overlap crash test. Lexus CT models built after September 2014 were also given the distinguished safety rating. In all, eight vehicles from Toyota and Lexus earned Top Safety Pick+ awards, while four more from Toyota and Scion were named Top Safety Picks. Read more in the press release below. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV can now provide power to the home in Japan. The vehicle-to-home capability requires the CHAdeMO quick charging socket and either Mitsubishi's own Smart V2H system, or the EVPower Station or Tsubaki eLINK system. The Outlander PHEV gained vehicle-to-home approval alongside all-electric vehicles because its electric motor doesn't run when used in for this purpose. The system allows owners to power their homes during outages and emergencies, and the Outlander PHEV can also directly power appliances with its 1500W AC100V power feeder. Read more at Green Car Congress. The Electric Vehicle Institute has published an updated "Plug-In Around the EV World" poster. The poster depicts the various connector types used by EVs. It shows the standard AC connectors for the US and Europe, DC and combination connectors for fast charging and, of course, Tesla's own charging connector for the Model S. It also shows the standard plug types used around the world, which are color coded by country on a world map. See the Electric Vehicle Institute's poster here, or read more at Green Car Reports. Toyota Decks the Halls with IIHS 2015 'Top Safety Pick' Awards Eight Toyota and Lexus Models Earn Institute's Highest Top Safety Pick+ Four Toyota and Scion Vehicles Named Top Safety Picks December 23, 2014 TORRANCE, Calif., Dec. 23, 2014 - On the 12th day of Christmas, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave to Toyota, 12 awards awarding. In fact, the automaker won more awards than any other automaker, including the most of the Institute's highest honor. In all, eight Toyota and Lexus vehicles earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating. IIHS in particular recognized the Prius V for its significantly improved performance all-around in the small overlap crash test – naming it a Top Safety Pick+. The Toyota Sienna was also the only minivan awarded the 2015 Top Safety Pick + designation. IIHS also recognized four additional Toyota and Scion vehicles as 2015 Top Safety Picks.

The 2018 Lexus LC 500 to co-star in Marvel's Black Panther

The Marvel Cinematic Universe may be known for big action and colorful superheroes, but cars have always played a supporting role in the films. Iron Man in particular has showcased a number of new or future cars, including the Acura NSX and Audi R8. Black Panther, the upcoming film about T'Challa and the advanced African nation of Wakanda will feature the wonderful new Lexus LC 500 coupe. The film is set to debut February 16, 2018. We've driven the new Lexus LC 500 a few times now, and it hasn't failed to impress. Whether it's on a track or simply cruising around town, the new luxury coupe has proved itself to be a fantastic follow-up to the much-loved but hugely expensive LFA. Killer looks and an amazing soundtrack make this one of the best GTs we've driven in a long time. The car will presumably be driven by Black Panther himself, though we'll have to wait until next year to see the pair in action.

Lexus CT 200h gets four changes for 2016

As Toyota rolls out its updated 2016 model range, it's clear that some refreshes are fresher than others. Whereas the 2016 Scion tC got breathed on, the 2016 Lexus CT 200h gets a mere glance, and only for a moment. Just four items differentiate the coming model from the one currently on sale, and three of those are optional: a chrome surround for the grille is standard; a moonroof, Lexus Enform Remote, and Lexus Service Connect are options. Lexus Enform Remote gives owners control of the car through an iOS or Android smartphone app so they can do things like unlock and lock the doors, remote start the engine, and locate the vehicle. Lexus Service Connect works through iOS or LexusDrivers.com site only and provides notes on vehicle health. Both services are by subscription. The CT 200h doesn't make a lot of headlines but it's a good performer for Lexus. It wins awards, it's the only luxury hybrid to get more than 40 miles per gallon, it's put up consistent sales numbers for the four years it's been on the market, and it's the brand's second-best-selling hybrid globally after the RX hybrid. We've already told you what's new, the press release below can tell you everything else you'd want to know. Related Video: 2016 Lexus CT 200h Offers Compact Attitude With Impressive MPG - 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 July 24, 2015 - 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.