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

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.

Exterior changes for the RAV4 EV were limited to an all-new front end, while interior enhancements include a push-button transmission shifter, EV-only displays/meters, and new seat trim. No official numbers or production info have been released, but Toyota is currently testing the vehicles with lithium metal oxide batteries that with "usable output" somewhere around 30-35 kWh.

By Phil Alex

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VIDEO: Toyota Land Cruiser and Hilux Pick-Up on ramp-duty

Having few things to do this weekend, I decided to crash a Toyota event. It was the 2010 Toyota Experience, which will eventually cover 17 Romanian cities and is meant to promote the Japanese manufacturer's European line-up, from the cute-and-cuddly iQ to the rough-and-tough Hilux truck and the more stylish Land Cruiser. Video after break.

Toyota chose a parking lot at a mall, very close to a main access road to the city, so that the ramp-activity could be seen by a lot of people. That's how we got there, after seeing a Hilux doing something that closely resembled rope dancing.

I'm not a fan of off-road driving, not because I don't like it, but because I'm bad at it. I managed to get a Range Rover stuck in 10 centimeters of water. Same outcome with a Defender... It seems I have that rare talent to get a vehicle stuck in a bucket of jam.

But there are drivers who make off-roading seem like it's the easiest thing in the world. Like the pilots in our video. Bear with us as the action gets more interesting after the 4 minute mark.

By Csaba Daradics

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Toyota Confirms New Prius Minivan Debut for 2011 Detroit Show in January, Releases New Teaser Video

With a simple tweet on its Twitter page that said "Next member of the #Prius family (to be revealed at Detroit Auto Show) will be all-new model w/ more comfort, style and versatility", Toyota announced that the world premier of its highly anticipated Prius Minivan will take place at the forthcoming Detroit motor show in the second week of January, 2011.

The as-of-yet unnamed minivan will be the second Prius-badged hybrid in Toyota's range, while the company has already revealed plans to extend the Prius family with a third model that will be smaller than the current five-door liftback. Both the smaller and larger Prius-branded hybrid-electric vehicles are scheduled to go on sale in the States by 2013.

The Japanese firm recently teased the Prius minivan with a billboard picture located in Malibu, California. Now, we also have a video from the making of the billboard that you can check out below.

According to a Carscoop eye-witness that snagged a camouflaged prototype of the car in California a couple of weeks ago, the forthcoming hybrid minivan is roughly the same size as the Mazda5 MPV.

We'll keep you updated on any new developments as and when they happen.

Link: Twitter

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