by Toyota’s Chief Engineer Confirms Technical Readiness
The sixth-generation RAV4 has already received its most powerful version in history — the GR Sport. However, the chief engineer of this crossover leaves room for creating an even hotter modification. Whether it appears depends solely on whether enough buyers voice their desire.
Technical Specifications of the Current GR Sport Version
The GR Sport hybrid setup combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing a total of 324 hp in the US version. This is more than the GR Corolla with its turbocharged three-cylinder engine. However, a different powertrain could further boost the crossover’s performance.
Position of Engineers and Management
In an interview with the Australian publication Drive, RAV4 Chief Engineer Yoshinori Futonagane stated that the GR Sport in its current form is “sufficiently powerful” and “very fast.” According to him, the obstacle to creating a full-fledged GR version is not engineering limitations.
The only thing standing between the current RAV4 GR Sport and a full GR is “management’s awareness of customer demand,” not “technical limitations.”
In other words, the team can build such a car, but the financiers need to see a business case.
Potential Engine for a Future GR Version
Futonagane also confirmed that the RAV4 is compatible with a turbocharged engine, adding:
If people start making noise and saying, “Yes, we want a 2.4-liter turbo,” it could end up on the agenda.
Such an engine is already used in the Lexus NX, RX, as well as the Toyota Tacoma, 4Runner, and Land Cruiser. In the Lexus RX500h F Sport Performance and the Toyota Crown i-Force Max Hybrid, the turbocharged 2.4-liter engine is part of a hybrid system producing a total of 366 hp.
Expected Changes in Design and Chassis
Besides a more powerful engine, the GR RAV4 would likely get a more aggressive body kit and even sharper chassis tuning. However, the GR Sport already covers a significant portion of these improvements thanks to a lowered suspension, additional body reinforcements, and larger wheels.
Whether Gazoo Racing will apply its magic to the RAV4 using a turbo engine remains to be seen. One thing is clear: the public has the power to push the company in this direction.
Interestingly, Toyota already has a ready technical base for creating a truly “hot” crossover. Using the 2.4-liter turbo engine with a hybrid system would not only increase power but also maintain acceptable efficiency. Given the RAV4’s popularity in the global market, even a small percentage of buyers willing to pay extra for a GR version could create sufficient demand to launch production. The only question is whether Toyota’s management will hear this voice amidst the overall success of the standard crossover versions.
