Lexus ES350, ES300h recalled for overactive pre-collision system

Lexus Australia has issued a recall notice for its ES350 petrol and ES300h hybrid sedans, over concerns that its pre-collision safety systems may not function correctly.

The luxury carmaker reports that in both cars, the system’s sensors may interpret steel expansion joints or plates in the road as an object to be avoided.

The overly sensitive system may then sound a warning alert, and may also apply the brakes as it is designed to do in a genuine accident situation.

The company says that unexpected braking “when no impending collision object is present” could increase the risk of an accident.

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A specific number of affected vehicles has not been confirmed, although vehicles between the VIN numbers 02082530 to 02210168 for the ES350, and 02038007 to 02100549 for the ES300h, may be affected.

Lexus has confirmed it will contact owners of affected vehicles by mail, however concerned owners are advised to contact their nearest Lexus dealer.

Posted on 04:32 / 0 comments / Read More

2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class convertible spied with undisguised fabric top

The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class cabriolet has been spotted again by our spy photography team, but this time there’s no camouflage on the car’s top.

Previous spy photos have shown prototype vehicles with their tops up, but also with a layer of camouflage and disguise on top.

A few pieces of strategically placed false panelling and the odd straight line have led someone online to wonder if the upcoming C-Class convertible will go head-to-head with BMW 4 Series convertible in offering a electrically folding hardtop.

These latest photos show that the new C-Class convertible, the first of its name, will indeed feature fabric top.

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Under the skin, the convertible will share most of its components with recently launched C-Class coupe. In the interests of structural rigidity there will likely be a few extra structural elements hidden away below the surface.

Naturally the roof mechanism and bracing will cause the cabrio to be heftier than its fixed roof counterpart, but performance shouldn’t differ too much, at least at speeds that are legal in Australia.

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Drivetrains options will be roughly line-ball with what’s offered in the coupe. Engine options in the coupe stretch from the 115kW 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder in the C180 all the way through to the 375kW/700Nm twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 in the AMG C63 S.

This C-Class convertible prototype was spotted in a Mercedes-Benz holding yard. In the background there’s a GLC Coupe prototype, while the foreground there are a number of next-generation E-Class sedans.

Posted on 04:30 / 0 comments / Read More