SEMA 2008: Toyota RAV4 "Performance Sport" lacks performance and sport
by Damon Lavrinc on Nov 5th 2008 at 6:43PM 
Click above for high-res gallery of the Toyota RAV4 Performance Sport
Santa Ana-based MV Designz took Toyota's overtly practical RAV4 and kicked the majority of the 'ute's functionality out the hatch. With a custom wide body kit, front and rear fascias, LED headlamps, hood and panoramic glass roof, the RAV4 Performance Sport comes off as a prop reject from the stillborn Judge Dredd sequel, and the 22x9.5 (front) and 22x10 (rear) USW wheels and lowered suspension won't do it any dynamic favors. No word on engine mods outside of a new exhaust, but with the added aerodynamic drag and an interior stocked with Alpine goodies, we'd guess that the base V6 will have a hard time living up to Toyota's line about the RAV4 Performance Sport being "ready to set new speed records."
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Torrent 6:49PM (11/05/2008)
It's the new Pontiac Torrent!
well. Isn't this ironic?
it wouldn't really suck as a Pontiac, but as a toyota? hell to the naw.
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The Luigiian 6:49PM (11/05/2008)
Wow. That is truly horrid.
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Johari 6:52PM (11/05/2008)
So, they basically made a last-gen Matrix.
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sunnycyclist 6:58PM (11/05/2008)
Except this monstrosity looks like it weighs twice as much as a Matrix.
BlackEmblem 7:05PM (11/05/2008)
Nice ricer.
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Mike 7:21PM (11/05/2008)
Associating anything Toyota currently makes with the words "Sport" or "Performance" should get you banned from the auto industry for life, with no possibility of parole.
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Axis 9:21PM (11/05/2008)
Hey now their old models were quite impressive, celica alltrac/ the supra/ the mr2. Just sucks they have lost their sense of direction these days on what sport and performance is. I blame the Prius, but hey it's what the general public wants.
BoneHeadOtto 8:25AM (11/06/2008)
Actually the Rav-4 is the fastest SUV this side of $40k. Seriously the v6 rav-4 has impossible performance and economy. It far faster than the competition and more fuel efficient.... oh yeah and cheaper. Toyota actually has some decent performance right now.
Personally i wish they had a rav-4 with a manual, lowered and sport suspension.
moyoi 1:18PM (11/06/2008)
Otto, you fail - Trailblazer SS starts at $37,900 and has an LS2, fastest SUV this side of $40k.
waiownsyou 7:20PM (11/05/2008)
Poor Rav4 :(
I hope its parents don't see this.
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Bluestreak 7:47PM (11/05/2008)
Wow... thought that was a Pontiac at first. Then it might be less surprising, if not at all appealing.
I prefer the plain-vanilla Toyota stock styling over this hideous display of aftermarket tastelessness. Who could possibly find that attractive (that is old enough to have a driver's license)?
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Kevin 8:00PM (11/05/2008)
Pontiac called. They want their twin grilles back.
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Chris 10:02PM (11/05/2008)
nice headlights though
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Jeremy B 8:14PM (11/05/2008)
Another boring ass toyota.
I wish i had the experience and knowledge to become a CEO. I would take over toyota. I have so much reconstruction i would want to do.
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tekd 10:41PM (11/05/2008)
I doubt that the world's most successful car company needs your help.
But seriously, you gotta realize that back when Toyota built crazy niche vehicles all the time they sold very low volume compared to today. They've exploded into the largest car company in the world now, and you can't really expect them to put out crazy cars that won't sell.
They had a lot more room to experiment with back when they didn't really sell that many cars.
Mike 10:06AM (11/06/2008)
Come on tekd, do you really believe a small company can afford to put out niche vehicles more than a large one can?
Toyota's been swimming in extra cash for a few years now, they just don't care about the performance side of the business, nor do they care about the enthusiast. They just want to sell you a refrigerator on wheels for more than it's worth and laugh while the general public buys up their products as quickly as they buy their PR spin.
My prediction is that they will either get back into performance, or they will lose out to other companies whose quality is now equal to or better than theirs and has a performance car or division. There are many of us that fell in love with a performance car and have thereby purchased more practical models from the same company based on loyalty. It may not be the largest number of sales but if a company has both the quality rep and attractive halo cars, it would be a win-win for them.
Toyota's so pathetic now that in the legends race that they sponsor and was held at Laguna Seca, they gave these previous racing legends Scion TCs to race. To think, that's the sportiest car they have. Laughable.
happy_penguin 8:39PM (11/05/2008)
Toyota can suck it. :)
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Richard 9:11PM (11/05/2008)
Oh!
At first glance I thought it was a riced-up Saabaru (9-2x).
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Level 10:40PM (11/05/2008)
looks like a SAAB from the front...
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Luke 11:31PM (11/05/2008)
Get a life Toyota and COME ORIGINAL!!! This is the SECOND vehicle in the last few weeks that looks like another manufacturer's vehicle...this looks like a Pontiac and the other looked like a Ford Edge! Toyota must be running out of original ideas for design....
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