The Toyota Group may be off the hook over suspicions of unwanted sudden acceleration caused by software-driven throttles after the findings of the NHTSA-NASA study, but the Japanese automaker is once again making headlines over trapped accelerator pedals. Today, Toyota announced that it will conduct a voluntary safety recall of approximately 2.12 million vehicles in the United States to address accelerator pedals that could become entrapped in floor mats or jammed in carpeting.

More specifically, Toyota is recalling approximately 20,000 Lexus GS 300 and GS 350 All-Wheel Drive vehicles from the 2006-2007 model years to modify the shape of the plastic pad embedded in the driver’s side floor carpet. According to the company, if the floor carpet is not properly replaced in the correct position after a service operation, it is possible that the plastic pad embedded into the floor carpet may jam against the accelerator pedal and keep it from returning to the idle position.

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The recently revealed 2010 Toyota Mark X was given a sporty makeover at the Tokyo Auto Salon with the presentation of the G Sports branded concept model. The rear-wheel drive sport sedan that's based on the Lexus GS boasted a full body kit with a new front bumper that incorporates LED daytime lights, hood and fender vents, chunky side skirts, carbon fiber roof and trunk spoiler, and a new rear bumper with side air outlets and a diffuser.

The carbon fiber exterior mirrors, four-pipe exhaust system and the 20-inch aluminum wheels in Yokohama Advan Sports tires complete the list of the exterior mods.

Inside, the sedan's cabin is spiced up with Recaro sport seats, a new leather steering wheel and transmission lever with red stitching and plenty of carbon fiber decorative trim.

Toyota's G Sport division kept the standard Mark X's 318HP 3.5-liter V6 engine but upgraded the mid-size saloon's braking system and suspension hardware while they also added underbody panels to improve the vehicle's aerodynamics.

The automaker is planning to launch G Sport versions of most of its JDM models starting from this summer. Aside from the Mark X, Toyota also showed G Sport concepts based on the FT-86 coupe, Noah and Voxy vans and the Prius Hybrid.

Photos by Phil Alex with the help of friends Mike and Aaron

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European buyers will get their first look at the subtly revised 2010 model year Lexus GS sedan when it makes its world premiere in about two weeks time from now at the Frankfurt Motor Show. According to Lexus, the entire GS range benefits from enhanced safety features, new exterior and interior colors as well as from upgraded audio and navigation systems. Furthermore, the GS 450h hybrid model gains several bespoke styling cues to set it apart from its conventionally-powered siblings.

From what we can tell by looking at the single press shot of the 2010 GS 450h, the hybrid model gets a new front grille with a highlighted 'Lexus' logo and new exterior mirrors with integrated turning signals.

Aside from the 2010 GS, Lexus will also stage the world debut of the LF-Ch premium compact hatchback prototype and the updated 2010 LS range

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As well as announcing the world premieres of the pre-production Auris Hybrid and Prius Plug-in Hybrid concept, Toyota has also confirmed that it will take the covers off the completely redesigned Land Cruiser at the Frankfurt motorshow. Even though the Japanese automaker is keeping details and photos of the 2010 Land Cruiser / Prado to itself, a JDM brochure that leaked onto the internet in the beginning of August has reveals that the SUV receives new sheetmetal with softer forms along with a redesigned interior.

The revamped Land Cruiser, which should pave the way for a new Lexus GS in the States sometime next year, will go on sale in Europe during the 4th quarter of 2009. Check our previous report on the 2010 Land Cruiser by clicking here.

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Lexus has announced pricing for the facelifted 2008 GS luxury sedans (click here for details and images) that received subtle interior and exterior enhancements along with the replacement of the GS 430 by the GS 460 which features a more powerful 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 342 Hp (+52 Hp).

If any of you are interested in the GS then you should be happy to know that base prices remain unchanged for the 2008 GS 350 and GS 450h hybrid at $44,150 and $54,900 respectively. As for the new GS 460, it receives a petty increase of just 0.47 percent or $245 over the less powerful GS 430 it replaces, to $52,620.

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