Toyota To Add Eco Driving Indicator To All Next-Gen Models
01-10-2008, 02:50 PM
#1
Former Sponsor
SL Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Arlington, Virginia USA
Posts: 264
Toyota To Add Eco Driving Indicator To All Next-Gen Models
BonAllscion -- an e-commerce website with news and accessories for your Scions
http://www.allscion.com/store
http://www.groovygreen.com/groove/?p=2415
While it would be great if everyone paid attention to driving habits in relation to saving fuel — the truth is not many of us know exactly the best way to efficiently hit the open road. For those currently sitting in a car equipped with Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive, you probably already have an idea of what “Eco” mode is. Basically, when you’re driving most efficiently, an eco lamp lights up on the dashboard. Hitting the pedal with a lead foot will turn it off. This back and forth of trial and error eventually places you in the “zone” of fuel savings — about 5-10%.
Anyways, Toyota plans on implementing this system across their lineup — including all Lexus and Scion models sometime in 2009.
Anyways, Toyota plans on implementing this system across their lineup — including all Lexus and Scion models sometime in 2009.
01-10-2008, 02:56 PM
#3
Senior Member
SL Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Cupertino, CA
Posts: 2,208
that's pretty cool although I don't necessarily think a light will make people drive more efficiently. when you drive, you should have a good idea of if you are driving efficiently vs driving with a leadfoot.
fwiw, it's another "option" they can add to window stickers, thus increasing the cost of the car for consumers.
fwiw, it's another "option" they can add to window stickers, thus increasing the cost of the car for consumers.
01-10-2008, 05:16 PM
#8
Senior Member
SL Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Carrollton, TX
Posts: 501
pretty much all toyota's with the ect button near the gear shift had them and all newer Lexus has them as well. It's call an econ button, along with pow and norm. Then Toyota decided to remove the econ button in the mid 80's til now.
I would rather have a start/stop function or mild hyrid especially for the xB2. With such a function xB2 could get mileage more like xB1 but with more performance. 
01-10-2008, 09:01 PM
#12
Senior Member
SL Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Richmond, VA
Posts: 2,084
VW had them in the cars in the 80s, it was called an upshift indicator since they did not offer automatics in the first years.
Most people removed the bulb or ignored it as those who used it ended up lugging the engine down so much it needed the rings replaced in a few thousand miles. It worked off the vacuum and combination of throttle.
A real way to test efficiency is to get a vacuum meter or a sensor/code scanner to read the map sensor data.
How do I get 46mpg from my xa stick shift? I just tap/lightly press the gas petal and let the car get me up to speed. Shift at 3 grand, avoid stop and go traffic by taking the interstate and not idling once the car is warrmed up. I kill the engine at long stop lights, drive ins and do not use the heat til the blue light goes off. I engine brake much as possible and try to still be rolling so when a red light turns green again I can roll off in 2nd gear or higher if I am traveling faster.
For the record, worse fuel economy has been 32mpg.
Most people removed the bulb or ignored it as those who used it ended up lugging the engine down so much it needed the rings replaced in a few thousand miles. It worked off the vacuum and combination of throttle.
A real way to test efficiency is to get a vacuum meter or a sensor/code scanner to read the map sensor data.
How do I get 46mpg from my xa stick shift? I just tap/lightly press the gas petal and let the car get me up to speed. Shift at 3 grand, avoid stop and go traffic by taking the interstate and not idling once the car is warrmed up. I kill the engine at long stop lights, drive ins and do not use the heat til the blue light goes off. I engine brake much as possible and try to still be rolling so when a red light turns green again I can roll off in 2nd gear or higher if I am traveling faster.
For the record, worse fuel economy has been 32mpg.
01-10-2008, 09:56 PM
#13
Member
SL Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: LA, Cali.
Posts: 69
Originally Posted by smokeydog001
Its nothing new. A few cars in the 70s had it.My Caddy had a light but it was always on, I think it was broken. I guess an 8.2L isn't very economic anyways.
01-10-2008, 10:07 PM
#14
Senior Member
SL Member
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 13,963
Originally Posted by smokeydog001
Its nothing new. A few cars in the 70s had it.http://www.nybclub.org/m-r/engine/FuelPacer/index.htm
:D
01-11-2008, 01:53 AM
#15
Senior Member
SL Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Columbia, MD
Posts: 167
BMW 3 and 5 series had in indicator beneath the tach, it was annoying and distracting, no wonder it didn't last long bast 1992. This new initiative brings us all closer to the cars that drive themselves, count me out. P.S. it will be good for P.R. but really, who cares 
01-11-2008, 02:34 AM
#16
Senior Member
SL Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 419
smokeydog001 Posted: 1/10/08 11:55AM
Its nothing new. A few cars in the 70s had it.
Its nothing new. A few cars in the 70s had it.
I have a feeling that idiot lights and trip computers are making a comeback.
01-12-2008, 03:11 PM
#19
Senior Member
SL Member
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 13,963
Originally Posted by MoScion
The light should turn on if I am not driving economically, a light that is always on would get annoying.
Originally Posted by duck_dodgers_24_5
chrysler had it back in 74-78 was called the "fuel pacer it was vacuum controlled
http://www.nybclub.org/m-r/engine/FuelPacer/index.htm
:D
