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Comments
~alpha
I am with alpha in thinking it is HIGHLY unlikely that a RAV will have an optional engine with so much power before it is available in the larger and luxury models.
Now, if you were to say to me that this V-6 will be the engine for the next-gen Highlander, I would say "yes, most likely", because of the sharing that model does with the Lexus RX.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
If the Rav is going bigger and more upscale...it makes sense to me.
I like the prior suggestion of an effecient 2.5L V6 putting out 190-210. That'd be just about perfect.
Like I said, the 2.5L V6 out of the IS with cheaper plumbing is my best guess. That will be a hand-me-down engine soon anyway.
I just wish some more concrete info would come out about the 4 cyl model.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
On paper, due to compliance with new SAE standards, the Camry 4 cylinder has lost 6 horses and 3 foot pounds of torque for the 2006 model year. In March of 2006, an all new Camry will debut for the 2007 model year. There have not been any modifications to the Camry's actual engines, though, and acceleration times will not be affected by the change.
The all-new 2006 RAV4 4cylinder will debut by November/December of this year, followed by a V6 variant (not sure which one though) by Feb/March 2006.
~alpha
It is the Legacy, BTW.
I was over looking at Toyotas yesterday, and the "old" RAV still looks pretty fresh to me. This is one model for which the model revision was less necessary. In the SUV line, though, Toyotas have gotten pretty darn pricey. If you want a Highlander, 4Runner, or even a Tacoma with a V-6 and 4WD, you are going to be looking at stickers over $30K. I hope they don't update RAV so much they need to put one of those huge price stickers on it.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I agree that the RAV4 looks good as is - but would be nice to see the 06 just to compare.
It will be difficult for Toyota to raise prices much - the CR-V that outsells it by 2:1 is not changing nor going up in price much so to stay competitive the sticker increase should be minimal. V6 models OTOH have no match in the CR-V line so those could be much higher.
As long as side air bags come standard (they should - they are on the CR-V) the price the way I'd configure it for my wife might about the same - no need for the L upgrade anymore.
Besides, if they are going to have a V-6 next time around, that is going to increase the price spread on the RAV even more than it already is, and considering that all the models will have pretty much the same interior from the cheapest to the most expensive, they ought to be working to try to reduce the price spread.
Let the xB cover the really basic part of the price range for a cute ute of this sort.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
found a tiny pic of the cover of a Japanese car mag and based on the "cell phone" pics that surfaced a few weeks ago, this may be the real thing. The grill has Toyota's Japanese emblem and the word RAV4 is beside the vihicle on the cover.
It has the "stacked" fog/driving lights of the cell phone pic and the grill shape is almost identical. Only a front view, so nothing else to see but looks promising.
http://ca.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/mgh8572000/my_photos?urlhint=actn,del%3as,1%3af,0
Check it out.
http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=102996
Only Chrysler and GM seem to have a lot of products coming. Ford only has the Shelby GT500, Fusion/Milan, Zephyr and Expedition/Navigator redesigns.
Here's the real deal.
Enjoy!
Mike
Anyway, I'll post more photos and info whenever available.
Mike
When do the 2006 RAV 4s hit the showrooms?
Carlv1
Mike
http://www.toyota.com/vehicles/future/rav4.html
It looks real nice
Mike
That Yaris there looks great too, but I'd like the 5 door hatchback.
Yep!
Pretty cool, huh?
As for the Yaris - I think the 5-door looks better anyway. If you haven't seen this version, you can view some good exterior shots here and here.
Mike
I'm looking forward to seeing a rear 3/4 picture and the engine specs on the V6, if not just to calm down the crackheads that think it'll be a 3.5L putting out more HP than the RX330.
The new Yaris (Echo replacement, right?) is pretty sharp, too. I'd get one of those before one of those Scion abominations.
That interior shot of the pre-production unit shows steering-wheel-mounted Bluetooth telephone controls, a push-button starter, and dual-zone climate control. In addition to the obvious navigation system.
Very nice! Wish they'd throw in an AUX port for an MP3 player too.
From the information I have, the 4-cylinder units should be on lots by Thanksgiving. V6 models will likely be available very ealy in 2006, say, January or February. The European-spec RAV4 will debut on the 12th of September, whilst the US-spec version will bow at the SEMA show in early November. Also remember that the all-new, Acura TSX-based Honda CR-V will debut next year as a 2007 model.
Source1
Source2 [.pdf]
Mike