Latest news with #ToyotaRAV4GRSport
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Volkswagen ‘open' for a second generation Tiguan R
If approved, the choice of powertrain could remain a conventional combustion option, or even a plug-in hybrid similar to the new Toyota RAV4 GR Sport. Original R debuted in South Africa in 2022 as the most powerful and fastest Tiguan ever made. Image: Volkswagen Reportedly not yet under consideration for market development, Volkswagen has let slip that it hasn't ruled-out the possibility of introducing a second generation Tiguan R before the end of the decade either. Possibility is there Limited to the now discontinued second generation Tiguan, the R made its unveiling five years ago as part of the facelift model's line-up, with the same 235kW/420Nm outputs from its 2.0 TSI engine as the Golf 8 R. ALSO READ: WATCH: Call the VW Tiguan R a 'mommy wagon' at your own peril The first Tiguan to nearly breach the R1-million mark with a price of R999 900 at the time of its South African market launch in 2022, the most powerful Tiguan ever made could, allegedly, get a further power boost if approved for production. 'I would never say no. The Tiguan [R] was very successful in Europe and Australia… we'll see', R division boss, Martinez Diaz, told Australia's last week. Ideal powertrain fit? Despite the R division's well publicised switch towards complete electrification by 2030, the selected powertrain, if production gets the greenlight, could be a plug-in hybrid similar to the one that powers the Tiguan eHybrid. In this setup, Wolfsburg's long serving 1.4 TSI comes paired to a 19.7-kWh battery pack powering an 85 kW electric for a total of 150kW/300Nm or 200kW/400Nm in its most powerful state of tune. Depicted R-Line currently heads the new third generation Tiguan range. Image: Volkswagen A set-up that will be similar to the Tiguan's long-time rival, the Toyota RAV4, whose new GR Sport derivate combines a 2.5-litre petrol engine with a 22.7-kWh battery for a total of 235 kW, the Tiguan R could also remain combustion motivated only with the same 245kW/420Nm outputs as the Golf 8.5 R. As its stands, the flagship non-electrically assisted Tiguan model remains the TSI 265, whose 2.0 TSI, as its name states, produces 265 pferdestarke (PS) or 195kW/400Nm. Locally, the same engine develops 140kW/350Nm in the range-topping 2.0 TSI R-Line 4Motion DSG due in part to South Africa's poor fuel quality compared to Europe. Watch this space For the moment, the Tiguan R remains a pipe dream, however, with an introduction not wiped-off off table, don't be surprised if spy images do emerge over the next 12 to 18 months of it undergoing testing. NOW READ: New Volkswagen Tiguan not perfect but still a capable performer
USA Today
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- USA Today
Toyota just announced its sportiest RAV4 SUV ever: What car buyers should know
Toyota just announced its sportiest RAV4 SUV ever: What car buyers should know Internal combustion and electricity are at the heart of the RAV4 GR Sport. Show Caption Hide Caption Self-driving tech coming to personally owned vehicles Waymo & Toyota have announced a partnership to co-develop autonomous vehicle platforms, aiming to integrate Waymo's self-driving technology into Toyota's POV's. Cheddar Toyota just introduced a Gazoo Racing trim for the RAV4 small SUV for the first time ever. The 2026 Toyota RAV4 GR Sport is a plug-in hybrid SUV with sufficient power and electric driving range. The RAV4 GR Sport combines thrilling driving dynamics with a more aggressive appearance than other trims. The sixth-generation Toyota RAV4 was revealed on May 20. The new RAV4 generation features a major redesign and an exciting new performance-oriented GR trim. The RAV4 small SUV is more powerful than ever before thanks to its powertrain options. Its new Gazoo Racing model incorporates design elements from Toyota's world-renowned motorsports engineering division. The 2026 Toyota RAV4 GR Sport is the most powerful RAV4 ever Like several Toyota models, the next generation RAV4 has completely moved away from internal combustion engine powertrains. Now, every new RAV4 model will be powered by a hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrain setup. The 2026 Toyota RAV4 GR Sport uses an internal combustion engine and electric motors to drive power to the wheels. It "takes inspiration from motorsports for a model that is an expression of driving enjoyment", Toyota says. The 2026 RAV4 GR Sport produces a whopping 320 horsepower. It's the only GR model that's also a PHEV(plug-in hybrid electric vehicle), since other GR models tend to be powered by turbocharged gas engines. The RAV4 GR Sport features an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. It comes standard with all-wheel drive for better traction and capability. The SUV also features Toyota Gazoo Racing-tuned handling. Toyota's upcoming performance oriented RAV4 model is its most powerful RAV4 yet. The 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid produces 302 horsepower, 18 ponies shy of the 2026 GR Sport's total power output. It rockets from 0-60 miles per hour in a mere 5.6 seconds, according to Toyota. Toyota's new performance trim has 50 miles of electric driving range Thanks to its electric motors and battery, the 2026 Toyota RAV4 GR Sport is able to travel on just electricity. It has an estimated electric-only range of 50 miles. Its battery can be recharged (and range replenished) via electric vehicle chargers similar to EVs. Electric-only driving range allows plug-in hybrids like the RAV4 GR Sport to be more efficient. The new performance SUV is likely to feature several different driving modes including an EV-only mode and sport mode. The 2025 RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid has a similar powertrain setup and offers drivers four different primary driving modes, allowing drivers to use hybrid and electric power in different ways. 2026 Toyota RAV4 GR Sport features Plenty of power and electric-only driving range are just the tip of the spear when it comes to the 2026 RAV4 GR Sport. It's also loaded with plenty of sports car touches for drivers interested in exterior/interior styling and design. Features include: Aggressive exterior styling GR functional MATRIX grille Summer tires on 20-inch wheels Front/rear wing-type spoilers Red interior stitching, GR logos on front headrests and steering wheels Toyota is also including paddle shifters and aluminum pedals on the RAV4 GR Sport to "give it a sporty appeal", according to the press release. Between its high power output, tuned suspension, and refined interior, the GR Sport is as sporty as the RAV4 gets. The 2026 Toyota RAV4 is slated to hit dealers later this year.
Man of Many
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Man of Many
2026 Toyota RAV4 Revealed, Australia's Top-Selling Vehicle Overhauled
By Ben McKimm - News Published: 21 May 2025 Share Copy Link Readtime: 4 min Every product is carefully selected by our editors and experts. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more. For more information on how we test products, click here. The covers have been taken off the 2026 Toyota RAV4, which is all-new in its sixth generation, and introduces Toyota's first PHEV powertrain for the market before it arrives in Australia in the first half of 2026. While popular 143kW series-parallel hybrid system variants will remain the core of the line-up, the PHEV variants will be available in 2WD or AWD arrangements with a 2.5-litre petrol engine that's combined with a new 22.7 kWh high-capacity lithium-ion battery to provide a targeted electric-only driving range of up to 100km based on the WLTP cycle. Power-wise, the new 150kW front electric motor helps the top-of-the-range 2026 Toyota RAV4 AWD models produce a combined system output of 227kW, meaning the RAV4 can accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 5.8 seconds. That's quicker than a brand-new 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI, which manages the same in 5.9 seconds. Meanwhile, affordable 2WD PHEV variants will also be offered with a total system output of 201kW. 2026 Toyota RAV4 | Image: Supplied / Toyota Look inside the new 2026 Toyota RAV4 and you'll find an overhauled interior with plenty of new technology, physical buttons, and Toyota's latest multimedia system powered by something they're calling 'Arene.' This is essentially a fancy word for AI modelling that they're using for improved data utilisation to improve the multimedia functionality and driver assistance systems. This new screen has improved clarity and a new configurable home screen layout. There's also voice control that is used with features like Google Points of Interest and real-time navigation. Ultimately, none of this probably matters to you as you'll likely just use wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Safety features have also been improved with front cross-traffic alert, blind spot monitoring with rear vehicle approach indicator, lane change assist with turn signal-linked autonomous lane change functionality on highways (with adaptive cruise control and lane tracing assist), and the Pre Collision System functionality has been expanded to recognise obstacles, bicycles and motorbikes. Finally, the advanced parking feature now lets owners control parking from outside the vehicle with a smartphone and a three-dimensional panoramic view monitor has been added. 2026 Toyota RAV4 | Image: Supplied / Toyota 2026 Toyota RAV4 GR Sport | Image: Supplied / Toyota 2026 Toyota RAV4 GR Sport | Image: Supplied / Toyota 2026 Toyota RAV4 GR Sport | Image: Supplied / Toyota To make the most of the 2.5-litre PHEV powertrain that produces 227kW of power in AWD model grades, Toyota has introduced a flagship GR Sport variant that stands out with lightweight 20-inch twin-spoke black alloy wheels, aerodynamic front and rear spoilers, and a distinctive grille design with GR mesh pattern for a deeper 3D effect. Beyond the visual additions, it will be a 'more dynamic expression of the RAV4's handling characteristics,' and this results from a 20 mm-wider wheel track and upgraded high-performance damper design with stiffer rear suspension brace, retuned suspension, and retuned power steering calibration. Typical for a GR Sport model, the interior adds plenty of GR logos and red accents, and you'll find them on the sports seats that use a combination of synthetic leather and suede upholstery, console knee pads and aluminium pedals. 'The all-new sixth-generation RAV4 will carry on the legacy created by its predecessors, while introducing exciting new Toyota-first technologies like plug-in hybrid powertrains and next-generation software,' said Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley. 'Since the 2001 launch of Toyota's first hybrid electric vehicle in Australia, we have led the development of hybrid technology that is refined, powerful and efficient, delivering customer confidence for quality, durability and reliability.' We still don't know the local specification, grade line-up, or pricing for the 2026 Toyota RAV4, but these things will be revealed closer to its arrival in the first half of 2026. The current entry-level GX model is priced from AUD$42,260 plus on-road costs, while the top-spec Edge starts at $58,360 plus on-road costs.
