Are We Getting a Toyota RAV4 TRD? Probably.
Pictured: 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
Last week during press days at the Chicago Auto Show, Toyota unveiled its all-new Tacoma TRD Pro Model. While the focus was most definitely on this badass truck, group vice president and Toyota division general manager Bill Fay did also hint at another TRD model: a Toyota RAV4 TRD.
At the show, near the end of the presentation, Fay commented, “You might just find some of that TRD racing magic trickle down to a special production RAV4 model. That would be awesome.”
Awesome indeed, Bill.
Pictured: 2016 Toyota Rally RAV4
So what else do we know currently? Nothing, really, but if Bill Fay is going to be a tease, we assume he is one that eventually puts out. Puts out the models he’s teasing, of course.
And now would be the perfect time for Toyota to develop something like this. The brand is already touting its rally RAV4 model (pictured above), especially now that driver Ryan Millen is taking it to more than five races for 2016.
The rally RAV4 is powered by the same engine found in the 2016 Toyota RAV4 SE, meaning it nets 176 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque. Applying the TRD treatment to the RAV4 would bolster performance significantly.
If we’re lucky, maybe Bill Fay will make an appearance at the New York International Auto Show in April and give us more updates on the upcoming Toyota RAV4 TRD. Until then, we have only our imaginations.
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