Electric Cars

Toyota has initiated a significant recall affecting over half a million 2025 and 2026 Camry sedan models in the United States. The core of the problem lies in the vehicle's 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, which has been found to occasionally fail upon startup, resulting in a completely blank display. This malfunction not only deprives drivers of essential speed information but also impacts turn signal feedback and other vital warning indicators, posing a potential safety risk. Owners of specific trim levels, including LE, SE, and Nightshade, are advised to take their vehicles to a dealership for a necessary software update, which will be provided free of charge.

The recall, publicly announced on August 6, 2026, specifically targets Camry models equipped with the 7.0-inch digital "combination meter." This component integrates the speedometer, various warning lights, and key driver information into a single screen. Toyota’s higher-end trims, such as the XLE and XSE, which feature a larger 12.3-inch instrument display, are not included in this recall as their display systems are unaffected by this particular defect. The issue is a software-related fault that prevents the smaller digital display from activating correctly when the car is started.

When the 7.0-inch display unit fails to power on, drivers are left without crucial information, including their current speed, turn signal confirmations, hazard lamp status, and any audible alerts typically linked to the instrument cluster. This lack of visual and auditory feedback can create dangerous driving conditions, as motorists may be unaware of their speed or impending hazards. This isn't an isolated incident for Toyota; the company has faced similar issues with blank instrument clusters in other models, including previous 2025 Camrys and certain Land Cruiser and Mirai vehicles equipped with 12.3-inch displays, over the past fourteen months.

To rectify this problem, Toyota's solution involves a mandatory software update for the affected combination meters. Unlike some earlier recall campaigns that permitted over-the-air updates, this particular fix requires owners to visit an authorized Toyota dealership. Technicians at the dealership will perform the software reprogramming at no cost to the customer. Owners of implicated 2025 or 2026 Camry vehicles should expect to receive recall notifications by early October 2026. However, drivers can proactively check their vehicle identification number (VIN) against Toyota's recall lookup tool or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database to ascertain if their car is part of the recall and to schedule the necessary service appointment.

This latest recall underscores the importance of promptly addressing safety-related software issues in modern vehicles. Owners of affected Toyota Camry models are strongly encouraged to adhere to the recall instructions and ensure their vehicles receive the crucial software update to maintain full functionality of their digital instrument clusters and enhance overall road safety.

The eagerly anticipated Smart #2 electric vehicle has been officially detailed ahead of its planned Paris Motor Show unveiling, thanks to an early release from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). This disclosure provides a comprehensive look at the production model's design, precise dimensions, and critical powertrain characteristics. For enthusiasts of compact urban transportation, this leak offers the most definitive preview yet of how Smart intends to reintroduce its iconic two-seater concept into the electric era.

The MIIT documentation solidifies the Smart #2’s position as a specialized, all-electric two-seater, utilizing a purpose-built EV platform rather than adapting an existing internal combustion engine chassis. The filing confirms all major specifications, from its exterior size to its motor output and maximum velocity, enabling prospective buyers and brand loyalists to understand its suitability for congested city environments and daily urban commutes. This definitive information puts an end to earlier conjectures based on promotional art and concept sketches.

Smart #2: Design Evolution and Production Insights

The regulatory images showcase the production version of the Smart #2, complete with fully functional lighting, bumpers, and distinct trim elements, a departure from the stylized visuals previously used in global promotional campaigns. Notable design cues include its short front and rear overhangs, a raised roofline, and a blunt front fascia, all reminiscent of the original ForTwo. These features are complemented by contemporary, streamlined surfaces and optimized aerodynamic elements around the front and rear, characteristic of modern electric vehicles.

In contrast to previous concept renderings and initial teasers, the MIIT filing provides granular details such as the intricate design of the headlights, the exact contour of the tailgate glass, and the visual interplay between the contrasting black tridion-style safety cell and the vehicle's body color. This official disclosure serves as a definitive blueprint, clarifying design aspects that were previously hinted at through artistic street murals and conceptual imagery.

Dimensions, Performance, and Range Capabilities

The Smart #2, as cataloged by China's MIIT, measures approximately 108.3–108.8 inches in length, 65.7 inches in width, and 61.2 inches in height, with a wheelbase spanning 73.8 inches. Its curb weight is around 2,491 pounds. These figures underscore the vehicle's identity as a true micro-EV, specifically engineered for dense urban centers, differentiating it from larger "city SUVs" like the Smart #1 and #3.

Powering the Smart #2 is a lithium iron phosphate battery, supplied by CATL, integrated with a 60-kilowatt electric motor from InfiMotion. The vehicle is rated for a top speed of 87 miles per hour. Current projections, drawing from both Smart’s statements and external analyses, indicate a 35.7 kilowatt-hour battery pack, targeting a WLTP range of approximately 186 miles, with an anticipated European starting price below roughly $24,700. This combination of compact dimensions, practical highway capabilities, and competitive pricing positions the Smart #2 as a compelling successor to the original ForTwo, now re-envisioned for the electric age.