2003 Toyota Highlander Base No Reserve on 2040-cars

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Hello, Siri? Please don't crash the car

Hands on the wheel and eyes on the road? You could still be distracted while driving. Voice-recognition software that many automakers tout as a safer alternative to handheld devices can still divert drivers' attention, a new study published by AAA found. Researchers noted that workload ratings were the highest on their scales when participants in the study used Siri. The technology is alluring because it allows drivers to do things like change the radio station or compose a text message without removing their hands from the wheel or their gaze from the road. But many of those tasks increase a driver's cognitive workload. Depending on the situation, that can be dangerous. "It's especially problematic, because you can be distracted and not know it," J. Peter Kissinger, president of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, told Autoblog. "That's the nature of mental distraction. It's hard to appreciate. ... Often, you don't know you're distracted until it's too late." There's significant variation in the results of the study. Simple, single-task car commands for operations like changing the radio station caused minimal increases in workload, about the same as listening to an audio book. Composing information using speech-to-text technology was more burdensome, and using menu-based functions caused a high level of cognitive workload. Siri-based interactions posed the highest levels of distraction, according to AAA. Researchers noted that workload ratings were the highest on their scales when participants in the study used Siri, and two of the three simulator crashes they observed during the study of 36 participants came while the subjects were interacting with Siri. The subjects weren't looking at nor making contact with their iPhones during these interactions. "Common issues involved inconsistencies in which Siri would produce different responses to seemingly identical commands," the researchers wrote. "In other circumstances, Siri required exact phrases to accomplish specific tasks and subtle deviations from that phrasing would result in a failure. ... Some participants also reported frustration with Siri's occasional sarcasm and wit." It wasn't just the complexity of the task that caused variations in level of distraction – the variations could also be dependent on the particular make and model of the car being tested.

Lexus gets new boss, and he's a designer

A reshuffle in the uppermost ranks of Lexus could see the Japanese luxury brand further energize its recent focus on design. Tokuo Fukuichi, Toyota's global design boss, is the new head of Lexus International.
Fukuichi will retain his role as the overall head of design for Toyota, Lexus and Scion, and will assume his new position at the head of Lexus and on its board on April 1 (no fooling). This is going to be an interesting move for fans of design to watch, as Fukuichi has repeatedly been mentioned as a designer that enjoys pushing the edge of the envelope and experimenting. He is, after all, the man responsible for designing the most awesomely odd minivan of the 1990s, the mid-engined, rear-drive Toyota Previa, and more recently, he signed off on the controversial Lexus LF-NX concept, which is said to presage a new production small crossover.
"Regarding changes in design, no one has 100 percent confidence," Fukuichi told Forbes back in January 2013. "No one can really say with pure certainty that, 'In two years, this will sell well.'" As Akio Toyoda continues to demand more assertive, edgier designs, it's that point of view that should make Fukuichi a valuable addition to Lexus, as it continues to challenge the competition from Germany.

Recharge Wrap-up: TRD Toyota Prius, new Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell dealer

A new study predicts that biofuels capacity will grow to 61 billion gallons per year by 2018. The findings from Lux Research also suggest that biodiesel and ethanol will make up 96 percent (about 5.76 billion gallons) of that. Sixty-four percent of biofuels will come from the Americas, led by the US and Brazil, but with Colombia and Argentina emerging as important producers. Other large emerging producers are China, Indonesia, and Thailand in Asia, and Portugal, Poland, and France in Europe. A large share of next-generation biofuels are expected to come from waste oils. Read more at Domestic Fuel. Images of Toyota Racing Development equipment for the 2016 Prius have leaked. The images show what are likely cosmetic upgrades for the JDM version of the hybrid, including a rear spoiler, front spoiler lip, extended side skirts and a selection of wheels ranging from 15 to 18 inches. Also shown are LED daytime running lights and a dual-tip, centrally mounted exhaust. Expect to see the official reveal of the TRD Prius at the Tokyo Motor Show, where there will surely be more details about the add-ons, including the possibility of some interior features. See the leaked images and read more at Motor1. A fourth Hyundai dealer in southern California now sells the Tucson Fuel Cell. Keyes Hyundai in northern Los Angeles has met the requirements to sell the hydrogen-powered CUV. So far, Hyundai has delivered more than 75 Tucson Fuel Cell vehicles, which have logged almost 700,000 miles on southern California roads. "Keyes Hyundai is thrilled to be added as a qualified dealer for Hyundai's zero-emissions Tucson Fuel Cell hydrogen electric vehicle," says David Kohan, the dealership's general manager. "Our location in the northern Los Angeles region makes it even more convenient for local residents to conveniently acquire their new Tucson Fuel Cell CUV, helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions." The other qualified dealerships are located in Anaheim, Carson and Tustin. Read more in the press release below. Keyes Hyundai In Los Angeles Added To Growing Collection Of Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell Dealers Keyes Hyundai Joins Tustin Hyundai, Win Hyundai in Carson and Hardin Hyundai in Anaheim as a Qualified Hydrogen Fuel Cell Dealer LOS ANGELES, Sept. 22, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Keyes Hyundai in Los Angeles became the fourth qualified dealer for Hyundai's zero-emissions Tucson Fuel Cell hydrogen electric vehicle today. Hyundai is the only manufacturer in the U.S.