Was the Prius the first to utilize the "Power" button & SKS?

[acousticbiker]

Or was it a Lexus model first? Just curious...

[Tideland Prius]

SKS, Lexus (called SmartAccess). It debuted on the LS430 in... 2004? It also debuted on the S-Class (Keyless Go!) around that time too.

POWER, Prius. No other car, except the Camry Hybrid has a POWER button. The others all say Engine Start Stop and sometimes have an image too.

[Hawk]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(acousticbiker @ Apr 7 2006, 09:12 PM) [snapback]236655[/snapback]</div>

Or was it a Lexus model first? Just curious...
[/b]

I had a rental car in Germany in 2003 that had a smart key. It was a Citron.

[priusham]

The Honda S2000 has had a "Start" button since it first appeared over ten years ago.

No SKS though... although I was told by a pasenger that the Corvette and several Caddys have that feature.

[daniel]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Apr 7 2006, 09:30 PM) [snapback]236671[/snapback]</div>

SKS, Lexus (called SmartAccess). It debuted on the LS430 in... 2004? It also debuted on the S-Class (Keyless Go!) around that time too.

POWER, Prius. No other car, except the Camry Hybrid has a POWER button. The others all say Engine Start Stop and sometimes have an image too.
[/b]

Are you saying there are other cars that start with a button? It hardly matters whether the button says Power or Engine Start. I thought the Prius was the first car to start without using a mechanical key, but I know nearly nothing about what's available on other cars out there.

[qbee42]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(daniel @ Apr 8 2006, 09:54 AM) [snapback]236734[/snapback]</div>

Are you saying there are other cars that start with a button? It hardly matters whether the button says Power or Engine Start. I thought the Prius was the first car to start without using a mechanical key, but I know nearly nothing about what's available on other cars out there.
[/b]

A lot of old cars used a "start" button. Some had a power switch with a starter switch on the floor, much like the foot operated high-beam switches on older cars. Key switches were added to keep people from driving off with your car. Eventually the starter switch was incorporated into the key. Later the key switches were moved to the steering column to allow for a mechanical steering lock.

[IsrAmeriPrius]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Hawk @ Apr 8 2006, 12:27 AM) [snapback]236690[/snapback]</div>

I had a rental car in Germany in 2003 that had a smart key. It was a Citron.
[/b]

Citron is fruit from the citrus family, similar to a lemon.

Citroën is the car.

[daniel]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(qbee42 @ Apr 8 2006, 07:03 AM) [snapback]236745[/snapback]</div>

A lot of old cars used a "start" button. Some had a power switch with a starter switch on the floor, much like the foot operated high-beam switches on older cars. Key switches were added to keep people from driving off with your car. Eventually the starter switch was incorporated into the key. Later the key switches were moved to the steering column to allow for a mechanical steering lock.
[/b]

Okay, sure. I remember my step-father's Oldsmobile back in the 50's. The key turned on the ignition, and the button operated the starter.

But I was asking if other cars use the SKS, allowing the car to be both turned on and started with a single keyless button.

[Jonnycat26]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(daniel @ Apr 8 2006, 01:27 PM) [snapback]236813[/snapback]</div>

But I was asking if other cars use the SKS, allowing the car to be both turned on and started with a single keyless button.
[/b]

I believe the Cadillac has had a power button and some form of keyless since the CTS made it's debut, and I know the Corvette also has a start button.

[Tideland Prius]

Ok, are we talking about start buttons in general or keyless types? Cause some like the S2000 and Bentley Continental GT (and even Ferraris) require you to stick the key into the ignition and turn the key to ON before press the nice red START button to start the car. To turn off, they turn the key to ACC just like a normal car. For that type, pretty much all high performance cars have them (Aston Martin, SLR McLaren, F360 Modena/F430, S2000 etc)

As for keyless type entry, Renault was the FIRST car manufacturer to implement this type of system back in 2001. They had a "Renault Card" which is the size of a credit card. That system was clumsy cause you had to push the card into the dash to start the car and pull out to stop it. Also, you had to bring the card in contact with the door handle.

Other cars with start buttons (SKS or no SKS but with electronic fobs that slot into the dash) include the Infiniti M35/45, BMW 3 Series, BMW 1 Series, BMW 7 series, Lexus LS460, Lexus GS sedans, Lexus GS450h, Lexus IS sedans, Lexus ES350, Toyota Avalon Limited, Toyota Camry XLE/Hybrid.