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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Chinese automaker BYD marked its fourth consecutive appearance at the North American International Auto Show with the world premiere of the S6DM hybrid, with the DM in the name standing for "Dual-Mode".

The gasoline-electric hybrid is based on the Chinese firm's S6, a mid-size SUV model first introduced at the Shanghai Auto Show in 2009. And no, you're not the only one to find the overall styling of the S6 reminiscent of the previous generation Lexus RX.

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With the all-new Lexus RX just around the corner (UK sales begin this summer), Lexus is apparently trying to push out as many examples of the current model as possible. Release right after the New Year, the RX 400h Limited Edition and Executive Limited Edition promise to deliver an array of otherwise extra features at a competitive price. Beginning with the RX 400h Limited Edition that costs £35,995, it comes with luxury features including leather upholstery, heated electrically adjustable front seats, and the Lexus Multimedia system .

The RX400h Executive Limited Edition which is priced at £37,995, extends the standard equipment specification with electric tilt and slide sunroof, electrically adjustable steering wheel, memory settings for the driver's seat, steering wheel and door mirrors, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, entry lighting system and a power tailgate.

Both new RX 400h special editions come with a two-year/20,000-mile servicing package. Included in the on-the-road price, this covers all routine vehicle servicing during the stated period, with a customer value of around £360.

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