LexBob2

I saw a Sport and non-sport sitting next to each other at the Chicago Auto Show today and IMO the no spare look is a much better/cleaner. Don't care for the run flats tires though.

Joeb427

iTrader: (1)

I had a RAV4 Sport on order and then decided to buyout the RX lease.
Looks so much nicer and more expensive looking without the wheel in back.
Sport appearance package option needed to get that no spare on the door look.

A very nice well worth it package at $577 list.I hate runflats,though.


Sport Appearance Package
Unique rear door with chrome accents; Rear bumper applique protector; Run-flat tires; Color-keyed foldable power heated outside mirrors with turn-signal indicators; Leather-wrapped shift **** with stainless steel insert; Chrome interior door handles, parking brake tip and vent trim; Unique doorsill covers; Unique RAV4/Sport badges; Stainless steel exhaust tip; Deletes four standard tires, spare tire, spare tire cover from rear of vehicle and black rear bumper step protector

spwolf

this new model will not have run flats anymore, regular tires + factory repair kit

pagemaster

http://www.hybridcars.com/news/toyot...rid-27338.html

UK’s Autocar website reported yesterday that Jim Lentz, president of Toyota Motors Sales, confirmed development of a hybrid gas-electric version of the company’s RAV4 crossover SUV. Lentz added that Toyota’s 1.8-liter hybrid system will become the company’s “core powertrain.”

The RAV4 Hybrid is due in spring 2012, but only the five-door model will get the hybrid option.

HybridCars.com reported last April that the RAV4 Hybrid was in the works. The Toyota Highlander has an EPA rating of 27 in the city and 25 on the highway. As a smaller vehicle, the RAV4 Hybrid could exceed 30 miles per gallon—possibly becoming the most fuel-efficient SUV on the market. Currently, the Ford Escape Hybrid, 34 highway / 31 city, has that distinction. Hybrid fans have been hoping for a gas-electric RAV4 for several years.

The conventional Toyota RAV4, introduced in 1996, was one of the first so-called crossover SUVs, built with some of the capabilities of a truck-based SUV, but focused on many of the creature comforts of a passenger car. Since then, the vehicle has grown in size.

Toyota will unveil minor styling changes to the RAV4 at next month’s Geneva Motor Show. The company describes the modifications as a more “sophisticated” front-end design and more refined interior.

UberNoob

thats a repost and its confirmed for european market
nothing announced for NA yet as far as i know

SLegacy99

Hmmm....The RXh has an excellent system I'd like to see it in some more vehicles. However, a 1.8L Rav 4 would be dangerously slow. I believe that a 2.5L hybrid would make much more sense and should be installed in the Camry, Rav 4, Sienna, Venza, and HS.

(Cj)

The 1.8L system is for the Euro Rav4 which is about the size of the Matrix.

Our Rav4 will probably have a version of the Camry hybrid powertrain.

spwolf

where would it be dangerously slow... on F1 track? ;-).
Although, not sure it will be using same system... Rav4 is heavier than Prius.

SLegacy99

Presumably it would be the same. But yes, a 0-60 time of 15 seconds would be dangerously slow.

MR_F1

hybrid + rav4 = sell like hot cakes. It'd be more popular than money.

TorontoIS

I agree, I would consider that vehicle.

spwolf

why would it go 0-60 in 15 seconds?

2.0l Euro Rav4 weights 30-40kg more than 1.8l Prius. Add 1.8l engine, aluminium hood/hatch, and hybrid system, it would end up around 10% heavier at most.

And I cant see why would 10% extra weight, add 50% to 0-60 time ;-).

I dont see it hapening in USA though, it will probably get 2.0l engine to go with Rav4. Same goes for Europe too.

TRDFantasy

Hybrid Rav4 would be huge, it would very likely beat the fuel economy of the hybrid Escape.