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Toyota wants improved crash scores with midcycle facelifts

The performances of some Toyotas in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) regimen of crash tests leave something to be desired. Consider the small overlap frontal crash test: only six Toyota, Lexus and Scion vehicles have undergone the new test, yet all but one of them received a poor rating. Osama Nagata, CEO of Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America Inc., says midcycle vehicle updates are in the works to address the safety issues brought to light by the IIHS test, Automotive News reports. He confirmed that the RAV4 is getting safety updates following its crash test performance last month, but he didn't name any other models.
All three Toyotas that were tested - 2013 RAV4, 2012-2013 Prius V, 2012-2013 Camry - received poor ratings. The 2007-2012 Lexus ES 350 and 2006-2013 IS 250/350 also received poor ratings. The only other Toyota Motor Corp. vehicle to score better than poor is the 2014 Scion TC. It received an acceptable rating in the small overlap frontal crash test and is the only recent vehicle in Toyota's line-up to get the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating.
The small overlap front crash test measures the safety of a car when its front left corner is strikes an object during an accident, bypassing traditional crumple zones, which deform in a way to protect passengers. In 2009, automakers were alerted to the forthcoming addition of the test, which was first implemented last year, IIHS spokesman Russ Rader says. They responded with differing intensity, he says, pointing out that Subaru and Honda started incorporating design changes early on so their cars would perform well in the tests.

Scion gets weird with '70s-inspired xB and Slayer tC at SEMA

Scion certainly isn't afraid of taking a step into the bizarre at this year's SEMA Show, with at least two concepts that are probably the last thing you would expect from the brand.
First, the company is taking a step back into the 1970s heyday of custom vans with the Scion x Riley Hawk Skate Tour xB seen above. It's painted in an eye-popping shade of orange with an oh-so-retro white, yellow and card red stripe running down both sides. The fenders are connected by a streak of brown, and there's a pop-up skateboard holder on the roof in a matching color scheme to the rest of the body. The Cragar-look wheels trimmed in raised white letter tires and the throwback mirrors really sell the period look. The interior is similarly decked out in disco-era touches like shag carpeting, woodgrain trim and brown leather. In a nod towards the modern, there's a Pioneer media center in the back.
If the xB is too sunshine-feel-good for your style, then the Scion x Slayer Mobile Amp tC goes for an angrier vibe, with inspiration from the heavy metal band Slayer. The exterior is inky black with airbrushed skulls running over each side and the band's crossed-swords emblem on the hood. The motif is carried to the wheels with their blade-shaped spokes. When the custom's suicide doors open, you find a massive Pioneer sound system with a tower of speakers inside that should be loud enough to deafen anyone tempted to turn it up to 11.

Scion FR-S recalled for key interlock problem

The Basics: Scion will recall 26,000 examples of the 2013-2016 Scion FR-S. The Problem: Some models with the automatic transmission might not have the connection for the key interlock. On these vehicles, it would be possible for owners to remove the key, even if the gearshift isn't in Park. This condition puts the coupes out of compliance with federal rules. Injuries/Deaths: "We are not providing specifics at this time," Scion spokesperson Cindy Knight told Autoblog. The company's announcement makes no mention of injuries or deaths. The Fix: Scion dealers will inspect the vehicles and connect the key interlock if necessary. If You Own One: Owner notification will begin in early March, according to Knight. More Information: Autoblog reached out to Subaru to see if there would be a similar recall for the BRZ. "We've confirmed with our Quality Assurance dept. that the BRZ does not have that defect, as the issue is related to the work conducted during pre-delivery service prior to sale," company spokesperson Michael McHale said. Related Video: TOYOTA RECALLS CERTAIN SCION FR-S VEHICLES TORRANCE, Calif., February 9, 2016 – Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. today announced that it is conducting a safety recall of approximately 26,000 Model Year 2013-2016 Scion FR-S vehicles. In the involved vehicles, connectors for the automatic transmission key interlock on some vehicles may not have been connected during pre-delivery service prior to sale. If the delivery mode connectors are not connected, it is possible to remove the key in gear positions other than "Park", causing the vehicles not to comply with a portion of Federal/Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 114. This could increase the risk of vehicle rollaway and a crash. All known owners of the subject vehicles will be notified by first class mail and instructed to return the vehicle to a Toyota dealer to have the ignition key interlock function confirmed, and if necessary, delivery mode connectors connected at no charge. Information about automotive recalls, including but not limited to the list of involved vehicles, is subject to change over time. For the most up-to-date Safety Recall information on Lexus, Toyota and Scion customers should check their vehicle's status by visiting http://www.toyota.com/recall and entering the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Safety Recall inquiry by individual VIN is also available at the NHTSA site: safercar.gov/vin.