The big news for the 2011 lineup is the installation of brake override technology as standard equipment across the range. This technology is designed to stop a car if the brakes and accelerator are applied simultaneously (see Consumer Report's video after the jump) and was adopted by Toyota to ease consumer concerns over sudden acceleration of its vehicles.
Aside from the redesigned 2011 Avalon that was introduced with the safety feature, brake override technology is now standard on the Yaris, RAV4 SUV, Land Cruiser SUV, Sequoia SUV and Tundra pickup truck.
There are more changes on certain models for the 2011 model year that you can check out in detail in the press release after the jump.
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For the record, the Toyota models not affected by the temporary sales halt are the Prius, Tacoma, Sienna, Venza, Solara, Yaris, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser and select Camry models, including all Camry hybrids, which will remain for sale.
According to the company, the new sticking accelerator pedal recall is separate from the on-going recall of around 1.7 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles to reduce the risk of pedal entrapment by incorrect or out of place accessory floor mats.
In this latest recall, the Japanese automaker said that it has investigated isolated reports of sticking accelerator pedal mechanisms in certain vehicles even without the presence of floor mats.
According to Toyota, there's a possibility that certain accelerators may, "in rare instances, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position."
"Helping ensure the safety of our customers and restoring confidence in Toyota are very important to our company," commented Group Vice President and Toyota Division General Manager Bob Carter.
"This action is necessary until a remedy is finalized. We're making every effort to address this situation for our customers as quickly as possible."
Because of the sales halt, the company said that it will stop producing vehicles on certain production lines for the week of February 1. The affected factories are listed below:
--Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Canada (Corolla, Matrix, and RAV4)
--Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (Sequoia and Highlander)
--Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky – Line 1 (Camry and Avalon)
--Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. (Camry)
--Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas (Tundra)
Ah yes, yet another 2010MY vehicle is being launched in the U.S. This time it's Toyota and its full size 2010 Tundra pickup truck and Sequoia SUV models that will begin arriving at dealerships at the end of the month. Both models benefit from the introduction of a new 4.6-liter V8 engine with 310HP and 327 lb-ft of peak torque that's mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Compared to the previous 4.7-liter V8, the new engine delivers 34 additional horsepower with a preliminary EPA fuel efficiency rating of 15 mpg city and 20 mpg highway on the Tundra 4x2 models and 14 mpg city and 19 mpg highway on the Sequoia.
Furthermore, all 2010MY Tundra pickups receive a redesigned front grille and tail lamps while there's also an all-new Platinum Package for the CrewMax Limited models equipped with the 5.7-liter V8 and Flex Fuel powertrains. This package adds an array of features such as heated and ventilated seats, sunroof, and wood grain trim, and carries an MSRP of $4,662.
Prices for the 2010 Tundra range from $22,960 for the Regular Cab 4x2 standard bed with a V6 engine to $42,155 for the range-topping CrewMax Limited 4x4 with a 5.7-liter V8 engine. The new MSRPs reflect an average overall increase of $557 over the previous model.
The 2010MY Sequoia SUV has been enhanced with a higher level of standard comfort and safety features such as driver and front passenger knee airbag and the new standard audio system that has been upgraded to include Bluetooth, satellite radio capability and MP3 interface with an auxiliary audio jack and USB port.
The base MSRP for the Sequoia ranges from $38,530 for the SR5 4x2 with a new 4.6-liter V8 engine to $58,905 for the Platinum 4x4 with a 5.7-liter V8. According to the Japanese automaker, the new MSRPs reflect a significant average overall increase of $3,361 for all Sequoia models.
