jrock65

So even C&D is saying that the "rumor" is that the RAV4 will get the 300hp 3.5L GR. Automobile said this as well. Are they both on crack? Or is the "rumor" source on crack?

http://www.caranddriver.com/article....ticle_id=10047

np20412

I think the rumor is on crack.


I just can't see it happening, not for a BASE model LOWEST END SUV.

they sure would sell like hotcakes if it had that engine though.

CK6Speed

iTrader: (1)

One good thing if it is true though is over time the abundance of used 3.5L GR engines would be great.

TRDFantasy

This is most likely not true ... unless Toyota managers in Japan have been eating too much Wasabi .

The IS350's engine is Direct Injection, and so far, only Lexus models get direct injection.

Toyota models will probably all use the non-DI GR engines ... so my guess is that at best, the Rav 4 will get the 3.5L GR from the Avalon.

Leets

This just sounds more likely to me. I'm sure it'll have some variation of the new engines, but I just can't see Lexus NA allowing any Toyota branded vehicle to roll around with one of their "premium" engines. My guess is that the lack of DI will also make it more cost effective for the mass market.

Although, if the chassis is designed around the 3.5L that means a high-performance RAV4 could easily be produced with off the shelf parts... only, where's the market for a high-performance RAV4?

jrock65

From what I understand, direct injection isn't necessarily more expensive to implement than electronic injection. Apparently, electronic injection was the way to go because it of sulfur levels in US fuel.

But now that US law will require fuel to have less sulfur, more and more companies will start bringing over DI engines, as evidenced by the GS300 and IS350.

http://www.thecarconnection.com/Indu...198.A4649.html

GFerg

They arent making me a believer. Is it possible?? Yes, as Toyota/Lexus is trying to focus on more powerful cars. I think it will share the same V6 with the new Camry. That means the Highlander will get a new engine as well in the coming years. Possibly from the Camry or Avalon.

If it happens, I will be pretty damn hyped though.

jrock65

Well, whatever the case may be, I guess it's a given that the RAV4 is gonna get some kind of V6 and go upmarket in terms of room and features.

I also wonder if this is part of Toyota's strategy to give Lexus in a couple years a "little brother to the RX" . . . a $30k Lexus SUV based on this V6 RAV4.

With the coming Acura RDX, Infiniti CX, Audi Q5, MB MLK, and the X3 already on the market, I wouldn't be surprised at all. Lexus is king of the luxury SUV market, and would probably like to have all its bases covered.

They're starting to run out of letters though:

Infiniti has CX, FX and QX.

Lexus already has GX, JX, LX, RX, VX.

Maybe IX350? BX350? EX350?

RON430

I don't know what the latest rumors are for the quickly class lagging GS line but if that motor goes into a RAV before the GS 300, which lags the Avalon currently, I would be very, very surprised. I think the biggest holdup in improving the GS300 is that they are not ready to improve the GS 430 which would be in no man's land if that motor goes into the GS 300. Putting the IS 350 motor in the RAV makes about as much sense as putting it in the Tercel. Fun as that might be....

TRDFantasy

Class lagging? Really ... and who's the dictator that proclaimed that to be the case

Hold your horses ... unless you've been living under a rock, it's common knowledge that the GS is getting updated engines next year, with the GS300 becoming the GS350 and getting the IS350's engine, while the GS430 becomes the GS460 and gets the V8 from the new LS.

biker

This the same unproven rumor that has made the car rag/forum mill before.

There's just no way such an engine will make it into the bottom of the line SUV. Some common sense has to be used on some of these rumors.