By Steve Laser
Toyota held the world premiere of the new, sixth-generation RAV4 in Tokyo this week. With all-new designs, new features, and new technologies, the RAV4 will offer three styles – Adventure, Core, and the first RAV4 GR Sport (shown left to right below).
Adventure will be called Woodland in the U.S. market, Core encompasses trims like LE, XLE, and Limited, while GR Sport captures the essence of a new motorsports-inspired model. The new RAV4 offers improved electrified Hybrid (HEV) and Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) powertrains, along with the choice of front- or intelligent all-wheel drive.
GR Sport takes RAV4 to a new destination, offering motorsports-inspired handling and sporty design elements. “GR” stands for GAZOO Racing, Toyota’s motorsports group, with the GR moniker applied to models like the GR86 and GR Supra. In Japan, Toyota offers GR Sport versions of vehicles including the Aqua, Corolla Cross, Yaris Cross and Copen.
Since the launch of the original more than 30 years ago, RAV4 has sold an amazing 15 million units, and Toyota now offers it in 180 countries and regions across the globe. With the key design development theme, “Life is an Adventure,” Toyota displayed models representing five generations of the RAV4 at the launch event, plus a special concept.
The RAV-FOUR concept vehicle (above) made its original debut at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1989. “The Toyota RAV-FOUR, a neo-urban 4WD car designed to cater to the active lifestyles of young city dwellers by integrating the functions of an off-road 4WD vehicle, is on display,” said the automaker in a press release from the show 36 years ago.
Toyota shared a variety of development sketches that highlight the process of redesigning its iconic SUV for the new sixth generation. Early design sketches (above) show the new RAV4 taking shape as a “Nimble Trekker” with “Square-Loid” architecture and dynamic form.
This mid-stage idea sketch (above) shows the new model getting closer to its final form. Toyota says the new RAV4 design is based on three elements; “Big Foot,” emphasizing the large tires, “Life-up,” targeting off-road performance, and “Utility” with ample space for cargo.
The production-ready RAV4 Core model that Toyota displayed at the premiere represents the volume seller of the sixth generation. Signature styling cues include a “hammerhead” front fascia with an integrated bumper and grille.
The Adventure style, designed to emphasize ruggedness, gains a wider tread, unique fender moldings, and a taller, larger grille. Toyota says the Adventure’s off-road feel is emphasized by raising the hammerhead nose peak. All-terrain tires, raised roof rails, and outdoor-inspired accessories are planned.
The new RAV4 GR Sport features special design elements, including a functional matrix grille, front and rear spoilers, and aero-style, lightweight alloy wheels. Compared to its siblings, the GR Sport has a wider tread (+20 mm), and GR-tuned suspension and electric power steering.
When fitted with the PHEV system, GR Sport is expected to offer a stout 320 combined horsepower. Toyota says the GR Sport was tested for 70,000 development hours at its Shimoyama test track by the GR development team.
RAV4’s latest PHEV system features a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, two electric motors, plus a higher-capacity drive battery with available DC rapid charging. The front axle uses silicon-carbide power semiconductors to reduce size and improve efficiency. BEV cruising range (development target) is 150 km for Japan (50 miles estimated for U.S. models). Meanwhile, the RAV4 hybrid (HEV) gains improved motor output with a revised transaxle, power control unit, battery, and other components.
The new RAV4’s redesigned interior is based on an “island architecture” concept with controls and displays grouped together and arranged like islands. Benefits are said to include improved ease of use, along with reduced eye movement for viewing displays and controls (final design sketch shown above).
GR Sport’s interior highlights the sporty character of the model, with design touches including synthetic leather and suede upholstery, along with GR logos and red accents on the seats and steering wheel. Contributing to the ambience are aluminum sport pedals, plus steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
Toyota says the new RAV4 will be the first vehicle to use the new Arene software development platform, a product of Woven by Toyota, Inc. A new generation multimedia system includes a customizable home screen designed for improved operation, along with more accurate voice recognition and comfortable interaction (Core style interior shown above).
An enhanced suite of Toyota Safety Sense features for the new RAV4 includes an Emergency Driving Stop System (EDSS) that can automatically slow down and stop the vehicle, and Sudden Acceleration Suppression, that can restrain acceleration if it detects excessive or accidental accelerator input.
Note: Prototype vehicles are shown in this story. Features and specifications for future production models are subject to change without notice.
News source and photos courtesy of Toyota Motor Corp.
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