Toyota May Recall Up to 270,000 Cars Including Lexus IS, GS & LS Over Engine Problems

It looks like Toyota might be hit by another recall (the second one in a week after the HS 250h announcement) as the Japanese automaker admitted today that about 270,000 of its Lexus IS, GS and LS, and Toyota Crown vehicles may have a problem causing engines to stall.

In particular, the world's biggest carmaker said it discovered "improperly functioning valve springs" in some engines that could lead to abnormal engine noise or unstable idling, and in some instances, even cause the engine to stop while in motion. Toyota said that there are no reported accidents related to this issue.

The models that could be affected by this problem are the Lexus GS 350, GS 450h, GS 460, IS 350, LS 460, LS 600h and LS 600hL, and the Toyota Crown, the company said adding that around 90,000 of those vehicles were sold in Japan, with the rest in other markets around the world.

Toyota issued an additional statement in the UK stating that 3,200 Lexus vehicles including the GS 450h, GS 460, LS 460 and LS 600h models that were sold in Britain may be affected by this issue.

The company stated that "additional information detailing further actions will be provided as and when it becomes available."

We'll update this story on AutosWallscreen as soon as more details emerge.

Source: Lexus UK & LATimes

New Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG DR 520 Special Edition with 520HP and 301km/h

So what has Mercedes-Benz come up with this time? The C63 AMG DR 520; an exclusive edition of the flagship C-Class model made for the UK market boasting more power and unique touches. Only 20 examples of the hotter C63 AMG in either saloon or estate body styles will be produced and sold exclusively through the company's Specialist Products division at Mercedes-Benz World at Brooklands, Surrey.

Mercedes-Benz did not release technical details on the performance kit, but the result is a 60HP and 50Nm kick in output and torque over the standard C63 AMG, to 520HP and 650Nm / 479.5 lb-ft.

The modifications enable the C63 AMG DR 520 saloon to sprint from zero to 62 mph in 4.1 seconds with the Estate achieving the same in 4.2 seconds and for both models to reach an electronically governed top speed of 187mph or 301km/h.

An AMG Performance Pack Plus with the division's high-performance braking system with red calipers, specific engine upgrades in the form of forged pistons, newly-developed connecting rods and a revised crankshaft, as well as an AMG Carbon Fibre rear spoiler for the four-door sedan, is fitted to the DR 520 as standard.

Buyers of the DR520 can choose between a black or a white matte wrap, which is complimented by Titanium finish alloy wheels, grille and discreet DR 520 badging on the wing and the boot lid.

Interior upgrades include sports seats upholstered in leather and exclusive Alcantara finished with red or white contrast stitching, while the same material is also used on the dashboard and upper door panels. In addition, there's a multi-function AMG Performance steering wheel clad in Nappa leather and Alcantara.

Mercedes said that DR 520 costs £9,995 above the standard C 63 AMG price, which brings the final price to £62,430 OTR for the DR 520 Saloon and £63,680 OTR for the Estate.