Toyota Floormatgate: Autobox Burnouts Banned?
Automotive News [sub] is reporting that Toyota will replace or reshape some 3.8m accelerator pedals to reduce the risk of them becoming lodged against floormats. Toyota will also be replacing some floormats as it battles a recent unintended acceleration scare. But far more interesting than the prosaic alterations to pedals and mats is Toyota’s decision to take modifications a step further on certain affected models. AN [sub] explains:
Toyota will install a brake override system on the involved Camry, Avalon, and Lexus ES 350, IS 350 and IS 250 models “as an extra measure of confidence.” The system will shut off engine power if drivers press the accelerator pedal and brake pedal simultaneously.
Oy. More proof that it only takes a few idiots thinking their car is possessed to ruin burnouts for everyone. Well, everyone who owns a slushbox Toyota or Lexus, anyway.
More by Edward Niedermeyer
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@psarhjinian, Thanks for that bit of data. Didn't have time to do F=MA calcs and comparisons, actual tests on the ground is even better. (ie, stopping car in this time/dist requires "x" braking HP, so even if engine is outputting peak HP, it will require "y" extra distance to stop - more or less)
I wonder why the IS-F and the IS-C seem to be exempt from this.
Well, I have to say I'm staggered that the existing Toyota/Lexus ECU doesn't already have software that detects brake application AND accelerator application. The sensors are there already, and the logic is probably pretty simple to define.