I've heard from more than one C6 (6th gen Corvette) owner that if their battery dies the only way in is to use the key to open the hatch (since there are no keyholes on the doors) and climb through to the inside of the car.

Seeing as how this system is becoming standard or optional in many cars now (including Lexus models)... many of which don't even have a way to climb through the trunk, much less would I expect them to expect owners to do that... what is the failsafe for a dead battery on those cars?

 

Don't Lexus ones have the pop open lid that allows you to use a key?

 

I believe you are correct. You pop off the cover plate and simply use the key.

 

I have a Corvette C6 and you don't have to climb in through the trunk, you stick the key in a slot above the license plate and it opens the hatch. Inside the hatch is a lever that you pull to open the door manually. You can then put the key fob in a slot in the glovebox to start the car. Not the most convenient way to get your car started but hopefully it won't have to be used at all, and it's nice to know it's there if you need it

 

If your battery dies you can't go anywhere anyway.

But as far as access, car companies always provide an additional way.

 

don't know about the newer lexus but my old lexus has smart access and i can still use the key even if the battery died..

 

...

 

Newer key has a removable one.

 

The Acura RL system proved troublesome to Car and Driver and Sports Car International, burning out the battery on them b/c they thought the car was off.

 

That will give me a chance to break in to my own car. Nice.

Also, I think the new lexus smart key has really stupid design. It should just be the size of a credit card, and really light.

 

Isn't the LS' smartkey able to fit in a wallet like a credit card? I imagine the next generation design for all of the other lexus vehicles will move to this new wallet type design...

 

system really works well, and I never had any problems with it... if your KEY's batter dies, you open the car with mechanical popup key and then you hold the key next to the start-stop button and it will let you turn on the car.

I have it on 2 of my cars and refuse buying an car without it...

 

I think that's an option for another 1500$. I see new LS having the same key fob as my IS350 which is really heavy, bulky, IMO, poorly designed.

But I am glad that Lexus is nice enough not to charge 500$ for option and make it standard.

 

I'm not sure how most cars work, but my fob has a removable key in case the battery dies. Now, I am a vanity ***** and replaced my key hole with a painted cover - but still, in a pinch I could go through the trunk.

 

I understand your concern, but the chances of a battery going out in the first place are much lower today than in the past....though of course it will eventually happen.
Batteries today, in general, last longer than they used to, are more efficient, provide more CCA (Cold Cranking Amps), and in general are much less likely to run down than in past years.....the alternators and computerized charging systems that support them are also a lot more efficient. And, to top it off, most cars today have headlights and stereo systems that go off with the ignition switch, and some premium cars even have battery rundown protection that will cut off dome lights, trunk lights, glove compartment lights, etc... if you walk away from the car with your head up your a**.

(Don't laugh...we ALL do that sooner or later, me included ).