General
Lexus Introduces Accessorized IS 350C
The $375,000 Lexus LFA isn’t the only rare Lexus being released soon. OK, so it’s not nearly as exotic as the LFA, but the 2010 IS 350C F-Sport Special Edition will have a limited run of 100 examples and feature a slew of Lexus performance accessory parts.
The F-Sport starts with the hardtop convertible IS 350C and adds 19-inch wheels, upgraded brakes and suspension goodies. The F-Sport sits on a suspension that’s been dropped an inch, featuring Bilstein performance shocks and upgraded sway bars. Capping off the package is a unique grille, badges on the outside and a numbered badge on the inside to show off its uniqueness.
Besides the added accessories, you’ll find heated and ventilated front seats, adaptive bi-xenon headlights, a navigation system with hard drive and a backup camera.
F-Sport models of the IS 350C start at $57,500, not including an $875 destination charge, and they will arrive at dealerships later this month.
Pictured is an IS 350C wearing F-Sport accessories. Lexus will have images of the F-Sport Special Edition soon, though we don’t expect it to look drastically different than what you see here.
BMW’s Spring Financing Offers
BMW is offering financing credits of up to $2,500 on certain 3 Series models and the Z4 roadster, as well as $1,500 on other models. Called the Spring Drive Credit, the cash is applied to reduce the total amount financed.
On the 3 Series, the $2,500 can be applied on sedan, coupe, convertible and wagon versions of the 328 and 335. The sDrive30i Z4 and sDrive35i also get the $2,500 credit. The 1 Series also sees an offer, amounting to $1,500 on the 128i and 135i coupe and convertible.
Also available are numerous interest rate specials as low as 0.9%.
These current offers are good until April 30.
California Highway Patrol Assists Runaway Prius
James Sikes, a Prius driver near San Diego, went to pass another vehicle
Monday when, he says, he noticed the car continuing to accelerate.
After he passed 90 mph, he called 911.
Originally, it was reported that a California Highway Patrol officer
used his car as a brake for the Prius, but that turns out not to be the
case. The rest of the story from the California Highway Patrol:
“The California Highway Patrol immediately went through a series of
actions with negative results.
“CHP Officers immediately responded to the area were able to locate the
vehicle eastbound I-8 east of Kitchen Creek Rd. A CHP Officer was able
to pull along side and instruct Mr. Sikes via the PA system. With the
Officer's assistance, he was able to slow the Prius to approximately 50
m.p.h. The Officer then placed his patrol vehicle in front of the Prius
as it came to a stop in the number #1 lane of e/b I-8. The Officer then
placed the patrol vehicle against the front bumper of Prius.
“The vehicles did not touch until after they came to a stop.”
Toyota executives said a technical specialist his been dispatched to
look at the car.
Runaway
Toyota Prius Stopped By California Patrol Car (Jalopnik)
Ford Gives Sync Internet Security Upgrade
With Wi-Fi access coming to Ford’s Sync system for 2011, the automaker is thinking ahead in terms of web security. On-board connectivity brings with it the opportunity for hackers to access the car’s systems and information, just like they might do on a PC.
Ford’s security features include a hardware firewall that controls what information can go between the Sync’s entertainment system and the vehicle’s computer. The firewall prevents external parties from accessing the car’s computer.
The entertainment computer itself does not allow the download or execution of external applications, which could include dangerous software. Any upgrades to the Sync system will not come over the Internet directly. Instead, drivers will need to download an upgrade from a home computer and transfer it to a thumb drive that’s plugged into the car’s USB port. The computer won’t even run software that doesn’t come from Ford.
Data such as contact lists and address books from smartphones will also be protected. This includes a “valet mode” that lets drivers use a four-digit PIN to protect stored information from those they don’t want to have access.
Ford says it has no real-world instances of internet thieves attempting to hack on-board computers. But as car connectivity proliferates, surely this type of crime will become more tempting.
Ford Adds Security and Other Features to Sync (Gadgetwise)
ZCG Dyno day 04/10/10
Hello Z Car fans,
I can’t believe its been 6 years. ZCG will celebrate its 6th birthday on April 7th 2010. Its been a great ride with lots of Z car good times. Zonc will be joining us to host our Dyno day celebration. See the details below.
Today’s News From the Cars.com Family
A reader wants to know what’s new on the 2011 Volvo C70, and Ask.cars.com reveals the changes. Then, PickupTrucks.com reports on the first drive of the highly anticipated 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty. Finally, MotherProof.com reviews the 2010 Kia Forte.
I’m Looking to Buy a 2011 Volvo C70 Convertible. What’s New? (Ask.cars.com)
First Drive Review: 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty Introduction, Part 1 (PickupTrucks.com)
MotherProof.com Review: 2010 Kia Forte (MotherProof.com)
Today’s News From the Cars.com Family
A reader wants to know what’s new on the 2011 Volvo C70, and Ask.cars.com reveals the changes. Then, PickupTrucks.com reports on the first drive of the highly anticipated 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty. Finally, MotherProof.com reviews the 2010 Kia Forte.
I’m Looking to Buy a 2011 Volvo C70 Convertible. What’s New? (Ask.cars.com)
First Drive Review: 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty Introduction, Part 1 (PickupTrucks.com)
MotherProof.com Review: 2010 Kia Forte (MotherProof.com)
Toyota May Expand Tundra Frame Recall
Toyota has alerted dealers in 30 additional states that it is conducting a “Special Service Campaign” over the same 2000-2003 Tundra rust issue that caused the automaker and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to issue a recall in November 2009 in 20 cold weather states.
While Toyota isn’t calling the campaign an official recall, spokesman Brian Lyons said to think of it as a “heads up” for the other 30 states:
“The service campaign could mirror what’s in the current recall, but final instructions won’t come until March,” said Lyons.
Owners of Tundras originally sold or currently registered in the remaining 30 states will be notified by Toyota in the coming weeks. In the original recall, corrosion could lead to spare tires falling from the vehicle’s underside, as well as excessive corrosion affecting brake lines and fuel tank straps.
We’ll be following developments as they become available, so stay tuned.
Toyota May Expand Tundra Frame Recall
Toyota has alerted dealers in 30 additional states that it is conducting a “Special Service Campaign” over the same 2000-2003 Tundra rust issue that caused the automaker and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to issue a recall in November 2009 in 20 cold weather states.
While Toyota isn’t calling the campaign an official recall, spokesman Brian Lyons said to think of it as a “heads up” for the other 30 states:
“The service campaign could mirror what’s in the current recall, but final instructions won’t come until March,” said Lyons.
Owners of Tundras originally sold or currently registered in the remaining 30 states will be notified by Toyota in the coming weeks. In the original recall, corrosion could lead to spare tires falling from the vehicle’s underside, as well as excessive corrosion affecting brake lines and fuel tank straps.
We’ll be following developments as they become available, so stay tuned.
Toyota Vehicles: Toyota Responds to Inaccurate Reports of Future Prius Recall for Floormat Entrapment
Media reports, citing a Wall Street Journal article, have incorrectly reported that Toyota plans to announce a new recall for the 2004-2009 Prius to address the potential risk for floor mat entrapment of accelerator pedals. 
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