Toyota Motor Sales staged the North American debuts of the all-new 2006 RAV4 SUV and 2007 Yaris hatchback today at SEMA. We've reported on both cars before, notably in our Frankfurt Auto Show coverage, but there are some changes in the North American version of the RAV4, especially under the hood.
The new RAV4 is hailed by Jim Lentz, Toyota Division group VP and GM, as an "extreme makeover for 2006." The new SUV is larger and more powerful than its predecessor, with an available 3.5-liter V6 (269 hp, 246 lbs-ft torque) hustling it from 0 to 60 mph in under seven seconds. Both the V6 and the standard 2.4-liter four are expected to be EPA-certified as ULEV2. All models come standard with Toyota's Star Safety System, which includes stability control, traction control, ABS with electronic brake distribution and brake assist.
Fourteen inches longer than the 05 model, the 06 RAV4 allows for optional third-row seating for the first time. More pics after the jump.
The Yaris, European Car of the Year in 2000, finally makes it to the U.S., as Toyota?s low price leader. As with every new model these days, the next-gen Yaris is longer and wider than the original, giving some extra interior room - probably a good thing in the ?bigger? U.S. market. A four-door version is scheduled for its U.S. debut at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show. Specs are virtually a carbon copy of the Hyundai Accent (or vice versa), albeit with a slightly smaller and less powerful 1.5-liter engine, making 106 hp. See our earlier post for pics and specs.
[Source: Toyota]
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