"George Orwell" wrote in message news: snipped-for-privacy@mixmaster.it...
Autoblog
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> About a month ago, we told you about the all-new Toyota Tundra's
> stunning four-star NHTSA crash test score, which was lower than the
> five stars received by the F-150 and Silverado. Toyota seemed as
> surprised as anyone else by the test scores, and now they've saved > some
> face by getting the highest possible score of "Good" from the IIHS > in
> front crash testing for both the 2WD and 4WD Double Cab model
>
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> The poor showing in the NHTSA crash score testing was yet another > blow
> to the Tundra as it was searching for respect in the
> ultra-competitive
> full-size pickup market, and with a "Good" score from the IIHS, we
> think the San Antonio-made Tundra got quite a bit of that respect > back.
> ----------
> Comments:
>
> --Soooo what's the difference between the NHTSA test and the IIHS > test
> that caused the higher mark?
>
> --NHTSA is a full frontal collision at 35mph, IIHS is an offset > frontal
> collision at 40mph. IIHS is a more severe test.
>
> --Why is there the need to have 2 different crash tests when one
> comprehensive test would suffice? I think it causes confusion as to
> which one is the better test as with the Tundra in the above
> story...
>
> --LOL. Respect. Tundra. Sorry, those two words don't go together. > Try
> again!
>
> --Ohh good, the anti-Toyota 'tards are out early today to provide me > a
> hearty laugh as I start my workday.
Personally, I dislike the IIHS. The offset barrier test is unrealistically severe and yet is so specific that manufacturer's can design vehicles to do well in that specific test. The old Tundra did well in the offset barrier test, the old F150 did poorly yet both had essentially the same injury loss rating. If the results of the test aren't reflected in real world injury histories, what is the value of the test?
I also dislike the IIHS because they are constantly trying to ram safety features of dubious value down my throat (ABS, Air Bags, 5 mph Bumpers, etc.). Just remember, the IIHS is not a public interest group, it is funded by the Insurance Industry and it protects the interests of the insurance companies, which are not necessarily the same as yours.
One final thing. In the IIHS rating for the Tundra it was noted that "Two tests of this vehicle were conducted, one by the Institute and the other by the vehicle manufacturer as part of frontal crash test verification. Ratings are based on both tests." I wonder how different the test were?
Ed