Smart throttle: Great idea, but where do I find it?

Consumer Reports News: June 08, 2010 07:38 AM

Smart-throttle technology, also known as brake override, can mitigate the risks associated with unintended acceleration by allowing the driver to quickly, intuitively bring a car to a safe stop by depressing the brake pedal and therefore negating throttle input. We have applauded its use on several models we have tested, and we have advocated for adding it on all cars as a helpful safety measure.

But, what cars have it now? There is not a tidy list available, so our team compiled one.

Not all manufacturers responded to our requests. Some confirmed current availability with a simple "yes" or "no" while others said that several cars would have it in the future beginning with the 2011 (or later) model year. Some manufacturers said they are actively studying its feasibility and timing. The following chart gives a detailed list of which makes/models offer smart-throttle technology as of mid-2010.

BRAND	MODELS WITH SMART THROTTLE
Audi	All models
BMW	All models
Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep	All models except the PT Cruiser
Ford/Lincoln/Mercury	Only on the Ford Fiesta--coming to more models soon
GM	All models by the end of 2012. Currently on Chevrolet Corvette, Camaro V8, Malibu 4, Colorado V8, Cobalt, HHR, GMC Canyon V8, and Cadillac CTS-V
Honda/Acura	None. All by the end of 2011
Hyundai	Sonata; Azera; Genesis; Genesis Coupe; Tucson; Santa Fe; Veracruz
Jaguar/Land Rover	Did not respond to repeated requests for information
Kia	Borrego; Forte; Optima; Rondo; Sedona; Sorento
Mazda	None. Will rollout with the2011 Mazda2. All by the end of the 2011 model year
Mercedes-Benz	All models
Mini	All models
Mitsubishi	None. Planned for 2012 model year: Lancer and Sportback
Nissan/Infiniti	All except the Altima Hybrid
Porsche	Did not respond to repeated requests for information
Saab	Did not respond to repeated requests for information
Smart	All models
Subaru	None yet
Suzuki	Only the Suzuki Equator
Toyota/Lexus	All hybrids. Will be added to most new models by end of 2010. Toyota will also install it on 2005-2010 Tacoma, 2009-2010 Venza and 2008-2010 Sequoia, 2007-2010 Camry, 2005-2010 Avalon, and the 2007-2010 Lexus ES 350, 2006-2010 IS 350, and 2006-2010 IS 250 models
Volkswagen	All models
Volvo	None