it be that Toyota actually planted that story in the Wall Street Journal? Is Toyota in on a high level automotive conspiracy that even the WSJ isn’t immune from? Will they tell us whatever they chose, leading us to believe it’s fact instead of fiction? Where’s Mulder & Scully!?! And we need the real ones, not the Kimberly Kane adult movie spoof versions! (Although, she’s a really good Scully too).

According to Jalopnik, “An unnamed spokesperson at NHTSA, the U.S. agency responsible for examining Toyota unintended acceleration problems, claims last week’s Wall Street Journal story asserting “driver error” was the main cause, was planted by Toyota.” Though the blog and pretty much anyone else involved say that, even though the story was planted, it probably was indeed driver error.

You see, somewhere around 99% of these “Sudden Acceleration” accidents are caused by the driver, not the vehicle itself. So, Toyota might have jumped the gun, sending this bit of info to the Wall Street Journal, but that doesn’t mean it’s false – just in poor taste. This too, is how Toyota (and any other smart company) gets out of paying off a lot of wrongful death lawsuits.

Also from Jalopnik: “A Wall Street Journal article from this past week claimed that initial findings from the US Department of Transportation (DOT), of which the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is a part, stated that drivers have been to blame for the unintended acceleration by pressing the wrong pedals.”

However, NHTSA, the body responsible for examining the Toyota pedal problems in the US, has firmly rebutted claims the story came from the safety organization. An anonymous NHTSA spokeswoman even went so far as to claim “that story was planted by Toyota” to the publication just-auto. She went on,”Toyota is the source – yes we know that for definite. It is [the] Toyota PR machine. We knew they were going to put it out.”

Stay tuned folks, because like Mulder we all want to believe.

Source: Jalopnik

The project is part of a global initiate by the Japanese auto maker, which involves 600 plug-in Prius vehicles sent to the United States, Canada, England and Australia.

Each plug-in Toyota Prius is almost identical to the third generations hybrid car on the roads of America and the UK today. But there is one distinct difference: each is equipped with a 240-volt rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack for power.

According to the press release: The rechargeable battery technology gives Prius Plug-in extended capabilities when it is driven in EV (electric vehicle) mode: capable of running for up to 12.5 miles solely on its electric motor – battery charge and road conditions permitting – at speeds up to 62mph, it can accomplish the great majority of typical urban journeys with zero fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions.

Prius Plug-in’s combined cycle fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are 108.6mpg and 59g/km respectively.

Many of you have checked out the all new Toyota Prius at your local dealership. Some have even taken the Prius hybrid for a test drive. But how about a spin in the upcoming Prius Plug-in? Much like it’s gas-electric twin, Toyota’s Prius Plug-in holds that classic aerodynamic sedan form, made famous by the Japanese auto maker and their best-selling hybrid car.

But two very noticeable exterior traits separate it from the hybrid – Toyota’s Plug-in decals and the charging port. Behind that port door is a J1772 plug, which connects to three separate battery packs: the main hybrid battery and two sub-battery packs – all of which are lithium-ion. Prius Plug-in can be charged using standard American 110V or 220v outlets, requiring 3 hours to 1.5 hours of charge time respectively.

Under it’s hood, Prius Plug-in contains a completely new battery powered, rechargeable all electric engine. This allows for up to 60 miles per hour in full EV mode, with extra power taken from a 1.8L Atkinson engine.

Inside, the Plug-in Prius loses a bit of cargo room due to its three battery packs. But the vehicle still seats up to five passengers comfortably. Extras coming from Toyota include a leak sealant and battery-run air compressor, to be used in the event of a flat tire.

Source: EV World

Just a day after Mr. Sikes apparently lost control of his Toyota Prius in Southern California, a suburban New Yorker claimed they couldn’t brake and slammed a Toyota Prius into the side of a building. NHTSA states their computer data from the Toyota Prius shows at the time of the accident its throttle was open. Meaning: driver was not applying the brakes. Tisk tisk, crafty New Yorker.

But mounting speculation against Mr. Sikes and this negative test result only adds insult to the case against this possible new Ballon Boy. Or was this all the media’s fault? According to Fox News, and this hilarious yet completely serious clip, this all might be:

In the end, we may never actually know if Sikes was full of it, or that his Prius really did try to kill him. Everyone has their opinion, and Toyota, of course, disagrees with his claims:

While a final report is not yet complete, there are strong indications that the driver’s account of the event is inconsistent with the findings of the preliminary analysis.
The investigation revealed the following initial findings:
• The accelerator pedal was tested and found to be working normally with no
mechanical binding or friction. It should be noted that the Prius is not subject to a recall for sticking accelerator pedals and the Prius component is made by a different supplier than the one recalled.
• The front brakes showed severe wear and damage from overheating. The rear brakes and parking brake were in good condition and functional.
• A Toyota carpeted floor mat of the correct type for the vehicle was installed but not secured to the retention hooks. It was not found to be interfering or even touching the accelerator pedal.
• The pushbutton power switch worked normally and shut the vehicle off when depressed for 3 seconds as the 911 operator advised Mr. Sikes to do.
• The shift lever also worked normally and neutral could be selected. The neutral position is clearly marked and can be easily engaged by moving the lever left to the “N” marking.
• There were no diagnostic trouble codes found in the power management computer, nor was the dashboard malfunction indicator light activated. The hybrid self- diagnostic system did show evidence of numerous, rapidly repeated on-and- off applications of both the accelerator and the brake pedals.
• After examination of individual components, the front brakes were replaced and the vehicle was test driven, during which the vehicle was observed to be functioning normally.
• During testing, the brakes were purposely abused by continuous light application in order to overheat them. The vehicle could be safely stopped by means of the brake pedal, even when overheated.

You can’t let the public think for a second that there’s a shadow of a doubt you’re full of s–t. Rumors began from the moment a CHiPs officer saved “runaway Prius” driver James Sikes that he was faking the entire event. 911 calls from whens he supposedly traveled at 90+ MPH down a San Diego highway didn’t help Sikes case – an operator had to instruct him how to use the emergency brake.

Is a dumb driver enough to make claims he was lying? No…but other facts surfacing are not helping his case. Mr. Sikes is somewhere around $700,000 in debt, bankrupt, and 5 months behind on payments with his Toytoa Prius. James and his wife, Patty, who were both in charge of a failed real estate firm, filed for bankruptcy in June of 2008. Sikes ALSO has an apparent history of items in his possession being stolen, followed by insurance claims (see pic above).

And now the oddest part of James Sikes’ story: a search of California Business Records shows the company Adutlswinglife LLC is owned by a Mr. James Sikes. The company operatesAdultSwingLife.com, which advertises that it supports “The Adult lifestyle, wife swapping, hook-up, Swinger clubs, adult social club, booty call, Friends with Benefits, NASCA” with web chats, message boards and other services. Sign us up, Mr. Sikes!

Sources: Jalop 1 | Jalop 2

According to a press release from Toyota, the world’s largest automaker says customers of these vehicles have experienced inconsistent braking “during slow and steady application of brakes on rough or slick road surfaces when the ABS is activated in an effort to maintain tire traction.” An update to the braking software is expected to improve “ABS response time, as well as the system’s overall sensitivity to tire slippage.”

“I apologise for causing trouble and worries for many customers over the quality and safety of Toyota,” said Toyota president Akio Toyoda in a news conference. “We sincerely acknowledge safety concerns from our customers. We have decided to recall as we regard safety for our customers as our foremost priority.”

Separately, Toyota recalled 7,300 2010 Toyota Camry models that could develop a hole in the front brake fluid line. I’m guessing now is a good time to buy stock, it’ll have to go back up eventually.

About 350 of the Plug-ins are headed to Japan, for testing and use by fancy Toyota Execs who always receive new models for personal enjoyment. Toy will slowly start rolling out the make for US audiences next year.

According to officials, “Toyota says the battery is good for 13 miles and a top speed of 60 mph. That’s up from one mile and 25 mph from the NiMH pack in the standard Prius. It’ll charge in three hours at 110 volts and 90 minutes at 220. The company has spent more than three years developing the pack and racked up more than 1 million miles testing them.”

via Wired

These flower sculptures take power from the sun via solar panels on the back of each petal and too of the stem. You can seat up to 10 people at each one, and plug in from 8 am until 9 pm (apparently solar flowers work regular hours with no overtime. This is all part of the 2010 Toyota Prius theme “Harmony Between Man, Nature and Machine.”

The Solar Flowers are making their way cross-country on a little alternative energy tour. These sculptures and solar ventilation bus shelters with similar designs will debut in early July, and travel to a half-dozen large cities. So, next time you’re in a public space and see one of these Prius Solar Flowers make sure to plug in your iPhone, MacBook and sit down with your Caribou Coffee while kicking up those squeaky clean Converse…hipster.

Source: Examiner