Next RAV4 to replace JDM Vanguard - hybrid version on the cards

SUV sales in the States are dropping and the current RAV4 hasn't been left unaffected. Fuel efficiency is one of the most important factors nowadays, as the price of the petrol has been significantly increased worldwide, and therefore, Toyota plans to bring out a lot of hybrids (earlier post). Therefore, Toyota plans to replace the 3.5 L V6 engine of the current model with a hybrid version equipped with a 2.5 L petrol engine.

Currently, the are two versions of the RAV4 in Japan, as a longer version called Vanguard ヴァンガード is being sold as well, but this is about to change since the new model will be offered only in one. The length of the next-gen RAV4 is going to be 4,500 mm, which between the length of the current RAV4 and Vanguard. According to Mag-X, the next-gen RAV4 will make its debut in October 2012.

Toyota officially outlines eco-car plans & battery research progress

Following the post about Toyota's "eco" future lineup, the company has now officially announced details of its plans for “eco-car” development and launches (confirming what has already been posted), as well as the progress in next-generation secondary-battery research.

1. Hybrid Vehicles: TMC plans to introduce 11 models by the end of 2012, consisting of all-new models and redesigned models.  Of the planned new models, one is a compact with fuel efficiency in excess of 40 km/L under the 10-15 Japanese test cycle.

2. Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles: By early 2012, TMC plans to begin sales of a “Prius”-based PHV, mainly in Japan, the United States and Europe.  Sales are targeted at more than 50,000 units annually, and the price for Japan is expected to be in the 3-million-yen range.

3. Electric Vehicles: In 2012, in addition to the U.S. market, an iQ-based EV will also be introduced in Japan and Europe.
• Launch preparations call for road trials in Japan, U.S., and Europe starting in 2011.
• Launch in China is also being considered, with road trials planned for 2011.

Separately, the “RAV4 EV” concept, which was developed jointly with Tesla Motors, will be on display until November 28 at the Los Angeles Auto Show in Los Angeles, United States.

Toyota's "eco" future lineup

Toyota plans to introduce eleven (11) new hybrid models (one is the next-gen Camry - earlier post) by the end of 2012, consisting of all-new models and redesigned models.

By early 2012, Toyota plans to begin sales of a "Prius"-based PHV (mainly in Japan, USA & Europe.) Sales targeted at more than 50,000 per annum.

In 2012, in addition to the U.S. market, an iQ-based EV will also be introduced in Japan and Europe (earlier post).

Toyota, please don't mesh up with the FT-86....

[Source: Scott Brownlee - Head of PR and social media for Toyota and Lexus in the UK]

Toyota RAV4 EV... powered by Tesla

The RAV4 EV shown today is considered a mid-cycle "major-minor" product change: major powertrain option w/ minor feature & cosmetic changes. It has a target range of 100-miles in actual road driving conditions.

According to Toyota, a large part of the team’s focus on the customer experience targeted driveability. In this case, the end goal is a vehicle with driveability characteristics as close to the conventional RAV4 as possible. The demo vehicle weights 220 pounds more than the current RAV4 V6 yet it will accelerate from zero to sixty nearly as quickly.

The demo vehicle is powered by a lithium metal oxide battery with usable output rated in the mid-30 kwh range. However, many decisions regarding both the product, as well as the business model, have not been finalized. Battery size and final output ratings, as well as pricing and volume projections of the vehicle have not been decided.

Now, who is responsible for what? Tesla is responsible for building and supplying the battery, as well as other components that meet Toyota's engineering specs for performance, quality and durability. On the other hand, Toyota is responsible for the development and manufacturing, leadership and integration of the powertrain.

Expect to see it on the streets in 2012.

Toyota going electric with RAV4 and compact EVs

Toyota will show the RAV4 EV at the Los Angeles Auto Show which will be "powered by Tesla". Toyota will pay Tesla around $60 million to develop the parts for the new RAV4 EV. Toyota owns a $50 million stake in Tesla with a goal of collaborating in batter-powered vehicle production. It's still unknown whether an EV version of Vanguard (ヴァンガード) will be offered in Japan.

However, this is just the beginning as Toyota will introduce a compact EV in Japan in 2012. This model will compete with Nissan's LEAF and Chevy's Volt.