LA Show 2010: New Toyota RAV4 EV Powered by Tesla Appears in the Flesh [with Video]

[Updated gallery] Apparently the RAV4 is still around, and Toyota has partnered with Tesla to make a new EV version of the SUV so the common man can be just like Tom Hanks. The second generation of RAV4 EV is currently undergoing a 35-vehicle test run and analysis through 2011 (similar to the Mini E's pilot program), with production vehicles set to start showing up in 2012... as long as something catastrophic doesn't happen.

The creation of the RAV4 EV was a two pronged attack: Toyota engineers took care of the powertrain upgrade/engineering as they normally would a mid-cycle product change, while Tesla engineers developed the battery pack and related systems.

Toyota says that the EV version of Toyota's CR-V fighter weighs about 220 lbs more than a comparably equipped V6 model, but retains similar acceleration figures. Due to the weight gain (couldn't we call in Lotus to tackle that?), suspension and steering components had to be properly modified or relocated to maintain proper balance.

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New Toyota RAV4 EV Powered by Tesla at LA SHOW 2010

New RAV4 from Toyota at LA SHOW 2010 has partnered with Tesla Corporation  to make a new EV version of the SUV so the common man can be just like Tom Hanks movie. this is the second generation of RAV4 EV is currently undergoing a 35-vehicle test run and analysis through 2011 (similar to the Mini E's pilot program), with production vehicles set to start showing up in 2012... as long as something catastrophic doesn't happen.

Toyota RAV4 EV was a two pronged attack: Toyota engineers took care of the powertrain upgrade/engineering as they normally would a mid-cycle product change, while Tesla engineers developed the battery pack and related systems.

Toyota   EV version of Toyota's CR-V fighter weighs about 220 lbs more than a comparably equipped V6 model, but retains similar acceleration figures. Due to the weight gain (couldn't we call in Lotus to tackle that?), suspension and steering components had to be properly modified or relocated to maintain proper balance.

Toyota RAV4 EV "Powered by Tesla" to bow at Los Angeles Auto Show

As previously reported, Toyota partnered with Tesla to develop all-electric versions of the RAV4 and Lexus RX SUVs. Earlier this summer, the Japanese maker declined to confirm the two models, but today announced that the RAV4 EV will have its world premiere at this year's edition of the Los Angeles Auto Show.

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2010 Toyota RAV-4 Introduces New Features and Sport Appearance Package for 4-Cylinder Models

Continuing the announcements on its revised U.S. market lineup, Toyota has released details on the 2010 model year RAV-4. Changes include the addition of the backup monitor system with rear-view camera and monitor integrated into the electrochromic mirror to the Base model while the Sport grade now offers a new optional JBL audio system with steering wheel audio controls and hands-free Bluetooth connectivity.

Moreover, Toyota is expanding the availability of the Sport Appearance package that was initially introduced for the 2009 4x4 269HP 3.5-liter V6 models, on the Sport grade 4x2 and 4x4 versions equipped with the 179HP 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine in early 2010. Other external cues include

On the outside, the Sport Appearance Package adds a specific rear door design featuring chrome accents and no spare tire (run-flat tires come as standard), color-keyed power, heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals, a stainless steel exhaust tip and special badging while retaining the Sport grade's 18-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the Sport Appearance Package upgrades the RAV-4's cabin with a chrome accented shift knob with a leather insert, chrome interior door handles, parking brake and vent trim, and specific doorsills.

*All photos depict the 2009 Toyota RAV-4 V6 Sport Grade with the Sport Appearance Package

Toyota Announces Minor Changes for 2010 Avalon, Yaris, RAV4, Highlander and Tacoma

Along with the 2010 FJ Cruiser that gains a more powerful V6 engine, Toyota has also announced minor upgrades for its 2010MY Avalon full-size sedan, Yaris subcompact hatch, Highlander mid-size SUV, RAV4 compact SUV and the Tacoma pickup truck. With the exception of the Highlander that's expected to arrive at Toyota dealerships in September, the rest of the 2010 model year range will go on sale across the States in early August.

Beginning with the RAV4, the 2010 model receives minor styling enhancements that include chrome-accented interior appointments on the limited model. The MSRP remains unchanged for 2010 RAV4 with prices ranging from $21,500 for the base four-cylinder 2WD model to $27,810 for the 4WD Limited V6.

Toyota's flagship sedan, the Avalon gets rear-passenger auto up/down windows and a new exterior color, Sandy Beach Metallic. The base MSRP for the 2010 Avalon ranges from $27,945 for the XL to $35,285 for the Limited, which translates to an increase of $100, or 0.3 to 0.4 percent over the 2009 model year.

For 2010, the Yaris receives standard Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC) that add $150 to the model's prices that range from $12,355 for the three-door model with manual transmission, to $13,915 for the four-door sedan with an automatic transmission.

The only updates for the 2010 Highlander concern an available backup monitor on the multi-informational display for the Base grade V6, and a power tilt/slide moonroof for the Base grade four-cylinder model. The MSRP for the gas and hybrid models remains unchanged except for the Highlander Sport, which gets a stainless-steel exhaust tip that increases the price by $50. The base MSRP for the 2010 Highlander ranges from $25,705 for the base four-cylinder 2WD to $41,020 for the Limited 4WD hybrid model.

As for the Tacoma pick-up truck, the 2010MY brings an enhancement to the front cup-holder functionality and, well that's about it. Prices carry over unchanged from the 2009MY ranging from $15,170 for the Regular Cab with a five-speed manual transmission to $27,075 for the V6 4x4 Double Cab Long Bed with a five-speed automatic transmission.

Buyers should note that all MSRPs mentioned above do not include a delivery, processing, and handling (DPH) fee of $750 for passenger cars and $800 for light trucks.

* Tacoma Aside, All other Vehicles Shown in the Photos are 2009MY

BMW X1 Priced 7 to 11 Percent Lower than X3 and Relatively Close to VW Tiguan in Germany

As well as publishing the official photos and specs of the X1, BMW has also confirmed pricing on its new compact SUV for many European markets. In Germany, the entry-level, rear-wheel drive X1 sDrive18i petrol model will go on sale in Europe from the beginning of 2010 with a starting price of €27,200. The range topping, all-wheel drive xDrive28i with its 258HP straight six gasoline engine is priced from €41,500 or 7.3 percent (€3,400) less than the 272HP X3 xDrive30i.

Since the X3 is not offered with the option of rear wheel drive, we can only compare the xDrive variants of the two vehicles. Both the xDrive18d and 20d are priced around 10 percent lower than the respective X3 models.

But how does the X1 compare price-wise with other compact SUVs in Germany? As we said before, the base X1 RWD sDrive18i, which should logically come with a 143HP 2.0-liter petrol, costs €27,200.

In comparison, the entry-level, front-wheel drive VW Tiguan 1.4 TSI 140HP is priced at €26,050 while the basic Toyota RAV4 that is moved by a 2.0-liter with 158HP, costs €23,200.

The base all-wheel drive diesel version of the X1, the 143HP xDrive18d that should be one of most popular versions in Europe, begins from €31,550. That's compared to the VW Tiguan 140HP TDI 4Motion's starting price of €29,600 and the Toyota RAV4 150HP 2.2-liter D-4D's €27,300.

Price Comparison X1 vs X3 in Germany

BMW X1 sDrive18i €27,200 -

BMW X1 sDrive18d €29,550 -

BMW X1 xDrive18d €31,550 - BMW X3 xDrive18d €35,550 (+ €4,000)

BMW X1 sDrive20d €32,400 -

BMW X1 xDrive20d €34,400 - BMW X3 xDrive20d €38,300 (+ €3,900)

BMW X1 xDrive23d €38,800 -

BMW X1 xDrive28i 258HP €41,500 - BMW X3 xDrive30i 272HP €44,900 (+ €3,400)

Toyota Unveils Modified RAV4 SUV and Yaris at Melbourne Auto Show

It may have passed your attention, but Friday was the opening day of the 2009 Melbourne Motor Show. Aside from the Camry Hybrid study, Toyota also revealed two new locally developed show cars in Melbourne. The modified Yaris and RAV4 are the result of collaboration with Australian promoter of street car shows and events, Auto Salon. "Basically, Toyota gave us the cars and told us to go crazy," said project leader William Ng.

Starting off with the Auto Salon RAV4, the show car stands out thanks to its bright red pearlescent custom paint job, massive 22-inch wheels and tires, new front and rear bumper panels, deep side skirts and "shaved" external door handles. Furthermore, Auto Salon equipped the RAV4 with a custom-built airbag suspension that allows the compact SUV to be lowered on its wheels by up to 250mm for display purposes and then raised again for driving.

The Auto Salon Yaris is an even more extreme proposition distinguished by a camouflage paint-scheme and modified "double-wide" bodywork featuring guards that have been heavily flared to house over-sized 17-inch raised titanium lip wheels and 245/40 Michelin Pilot Preceda tires. The city car's suspension has also been modified with the addition of Buddy Club coil-over suspension adjustable for ride and rebound.

Other modifications include the addition of race-style TRD Recaro driver and front passenger seats, a TRD instrument gauge cluster mounted on the steering column and a high-end Fujitsu Eclipse sound system featuring four amplifiers and six sub-woofers.

2009 Toyota RAV4 Facelift with New Engines Debuts in Bologna - 37 High Res Photos

Along with the revised 2009 Yaris and Aygo, Toyota's Bologna Motor Show stand also hosted the debut of the facelifted, European market RAV4 SUV. The cosmetic changes are rather difficult to spot, being limited to a new chrome grille treatment, revised headlamps and tail-lights, turn indicators that have been relocated to the door mirrors and restyled bumpers. There's also a different alloy wheel design or two. Inside, changes include new materials and colors as well as the availability of a 'sport' flat-bottom steering wheel.

Under the hood, Toyota's engineers have been busy tweaking the RAV4's mechanicals as the facelift model receives a new 2.0-liter gasoline engine developing 158HP and 196Nm of torque that's hooked up to a 6-speed manual gearbox or optionally, to a newly developed CVT transmission called Multidrive S. Toyota promises that the new 2.O VVT-i engine is not only more powerful but also 5% more fuel efficient that the outgoing 2.0-liter unit it replaces

Toyota has also revised the 2.2 D-4D diesel engine that gains new piezoelectric injectors. The result is a 14-horspower bump to 150HP while torque increases by about 10% to 340 Nm between 2000 and 2800 rpm. The diesel engine is also available with a new Sports Direct Shift 6-speed automatic transmission.

Sales of the revised Toyota RAV4 will begin in Europe in early 2009.