Could Toyota Fit A Turbo In The RAV4?

Toyota also introduced a sportier GR variant alongside the sixth-generation RAV4. It’s not a full GR model but instead wears the GR Sport badge; a hotter crossover could be on the cards if buyers demand it.

The crossover’s chief engineer, Yoshinori Futonagane, told Australia’s Drive that a larger engine could be fitted under the hood of the RAV4. “We could actually fit a 2.4-liter turbo in that engine bay,” he said.

The T24A-FTS is a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine that powers a variety of models, including Lexus. The engine delivers 275 horsepower in the RX350 and 366 hp in the RX 500h when paired with the automaker’s electric hybrid system.

Even by itself, the turbocharged 2.4-liter engine wouldn’t be enough to outgun the GR Sport’s plug-in hybrid powertrain. It produces 320 horsepower and features suspension and steering systems that have been fine-tuned by the GR engineering division.

Is there actually going to be a GR RAV4?

The hot GR RAV4 is not on Toyota’s to-do list right now. The automaker already considers the GR Sport “powerful enough,” but that could change, said Futonagane. He said, “The

‘If people started making a noise and saying, ‘Yeah, we want a 2.4-liter turbo’, it might end up on the agenda.’

There are “no official plans at the moment” but it seems that management sign-off is the only remaining hurdle to a GR RAV4. “The only things missing are an understanding of market demand and the potential wow factor,” said Futonagane.

If Toyota gives a green light for a GR RAV4, it would likely get a different powertrain than the T24A-FTS. The automaker is developing a new family of 1.5- and 2.0-liter four-cylinder combustion engines that will also be used in Toyota’s future GR models.

The engine was developed up to 600 hp.

• Read More: Sales Of Toyota Vehicles Fell By 7.3 Percent