2019 Genesis G70 Launched In Russia

2019 Genesis G70 Launched In Russia The 2019 Genesis G70 is headed to the Russian market following a recent ceremony at The Museum of Moscow. Over 500 guests and influencers joined the Genesis brand for a music festival that ultimately welcomed the G70 to Russia. In the Russian market, the G70 will come in five trim levels: Premier, Elegance, Advance, Sport, and Supreme.
“The launch of G70 in the Russian market confirms our strong commitment to deliver customer-oriented models that combine innovative technology, superior design, and the latest engineering advancements,” said Alexey Kalitsev, Managing Director of Genesis Brand in CIS.
Expansion & Design
The G70 is the brand’s foothold in an already competitive entry-level luxury segment. The car rounds out the Genesis sedan lineup alongside the G80, G80 Sport, and flagship G90.
“The brand will continue to expand its product portfolio to all areas of the luxury auto market,” reads a statement from Genesis.
The G70 is characterized by the company’s “Athletic Elegance” design language, which consists of a long hood, short overhangs, and high beltline. From the side, Genesis notes the “parabolic character line” that accents the curves and smooth surfaces alike. Similar its sedan stablemates, the G70 features the Genesis Crest Grille with LED daytime-running lights.
The 2019 Genesis G70 debuts in Russia. Photo: Genesis Motor America.
Power & Performance
The 2019 G70 for the Russian market will be offered with two different four-cylinder engines with 197 and 247 horsepower respectively. Engine availability will depend on trim level. In the United States, the G70 is offered in both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive, although Genesis was not exactly clear in their press materials if this would be the case in Russia.
The G70 will have a generous array of safety features with the Genesis Active Safety Control package.
Pricing (RUB)
In the basic version, the G70 is 1,949,000. The G70 in Elegance starts from 1,999,000. Advance (197 horsepower) – from 2,249,000 and the Supreme from 2,709,000. The G70 Sport is 2,899,000.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.
Photos & Source: Genesis Motor America.



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New Dodge Durango Package Keeps Departed Era Alive

New Dodge Durango Package Keeps Departed Era Alive The Dodge Durango is one of the most underrated SUVs of our time. I’ve said this before, but “grown ups” who still love performance or muscle cars will find the Durango satisfying to their appetites. The modern day Durango has plenty of room, comfort, and technology for the family, but lots of grunt under the hood. It’s so nicely balanced on the spectrum: there’s luxury and technology, but also aggressive styling and raw power. Lots of raw power. Lots.
House of Power
For example, the 2018 Durango SRT features a 392 (cubic inches) HEMI V8 with 475 horsepower and 470 lb-ft. of torque. It hits 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and runs the quarter-mile in 12.9 seconds as certified by the National Hot Rod Association. Trips to the swimming pool, piano recital, and grocery store are now infinitely more exciting. The Dodge Durango laughs at the notion that family vehicles are boring vehicles. And Dodge is continuing to chuckle with the new Rallye Appearance Package for the 2018 Durango GT.
If this were any other SUV, a new appearance package might fly under the radar. New appearance packages sprout up like dandelions on a spring day, and understandably so since they do dress up a given vehicle nicely. Yet, for Dodge, announcements like this go just a bit farther, because they are the only automaker still carrying the muscle car torch. This was evidenced recently by the new Shakedown Package for the mighty Challenger, which gives the iconic car a Dominic Toretto, Brian O’Conner vibe.
The Dodge Shakedown Challenger mixes design cues from the past and present to create an original Mopar machine. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Light Em’ Up
Again, new packages like this are common, but for Dodge there is distinct purpose when they release one. It goes beyond trying to attract more people to the dealership, or to get the automotive press to talk about it, or to jazz up the front end so it looks pretty at the auto show. Yeah, it may well do all those things, but for Dodge it’s about adding one more layer as they stay true to the unembellished and fervent mantras that are the muscle car culture. The GT resides at the midpoint in the Durango lineup, but it’s no exception. It gets lit by that aforementioned torch just as the Challenger would.
“Many of our customers love the performance look of the Durango R/T and Durango SRT, but are happy with the award-winning Pentastar V6 engine’s 295 horsepower and the excellent fuel efficiency it delivers,” explained Steve Beahm, Head of Passenger Cars, Dodge/SRT, Chrysler and FIAT, FCA – North America. “This new Durango GT Rallye Appearance Package gives those three-row SUV buyers the best of both worlds.”
The Durango GT’s new Rallye Appearance Package adds a performance-inspired hood with a cold air duct and two heat extractors. The front fascia and LED fog lamps have a look that mimics the R/T and SRT models, and it’s available with the popular Brass Monkey Wheels. That’s it. Simple. Simple but effective.
2018 Dodge Durango R/T (left) and 2018 Dodge Durango GT. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Performance & Technology
The Durango GT runs a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 that generates 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft. of torque, mated to a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic. When properly equipped, it can tow 6,200 lbs., a best-in-class figure according to Dodge. The Durango’s list of available features is nearly endless from Blu-ray and DVD players, to premium audio systems and navigation. Inside, driver’s have 85 cubic feet of cargo space and 50 different seating configurations at their disposal.
Pricing & Availability
The new Rallye Appearance Package for the Dodge Durango GT is $1,495 and is available now. If you add it to your Durango, do share a picture with us on Twitter.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. He studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan.
Photos & Source: FCA US LLC.



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Toyota & Alabama A&M University Partner On Mobility Initiative

Toyota & Alabama A&M University Partner On Mobility Initiative Toyota Motor North America and Alabama A&M University (AAMU) are launching a “student-led mobility initiative,” which aims to strengthen the area’s connection and access to education, jobs, and clean vehicles. The initiative will unite an interdisciplinary team of students and faculty for the “Clean Low Emissions Approach & Novel Transportation Innovation Practice,” otherwise known as “CLEAN-TRIP.”
The effort is the first of similar initiatives Toyota is establishing across the United States.
“Creating a clean, safe and more efficient environment for the campus proper, as well as the immediate and larger community, has been a major thrust of AAMU for decades,” explained Dr. Ernst Cebert, facilitator of the project and professor within the College of Agricultural, Life and Natural Sciences. “Through this project, we will engage students with hands-on learning to address real world problems.”
“We partnered with AAMU because of their focus on renewable energy, strong STEAM programs, and history of preparing well-qualified graduates,” added Al Smith, Group Vice President, Toyota Social Innovation.
Toyota is providing an initial grant of $300,000, which includes scholarships for students accepted into the program.  In addition to monetary support, students will work with Toyota to learn the company’s approach to problem solving and critical thinking. Once in the program, students will interact with local residents to better understand their mobility challenges.
“By developing a mobility solution through collaboration with the community, we can help guide students to create better ways to move that also improve quality of life,” Smith said.
In 2017, AAMU received funding from the Federal Transportation Agency to purchase zero-emission electric buses. AAMU was founded in 1875 by a former slave, William Hooper Councill and opened as the Huntsville Normal School. Today, the university has nearly 5,000 undergraduates and over 800 graduate students, with 75 percent of those students already involved in community service projects.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.
Photo & Source: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., Alabama A&M University.



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Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo  

6C 1500 Sports Two Seater

After engineer higher Vitorrio Jano of the notch designed the large successful runner of P2 Prix, it turned to the design “a cheap light car with the brilliant execution”. The new car was completely a departure with the cars earlier of the road of sparte, than all of large “furnaces” used and “sixes”. At the beginning shown in Milan Motorshow 1925, that always took two years before the 6C 1500 would be available for the many eager customers. It was the beginning of a chain of the sports cars designed and strongly successful of D Alfa Romeo de Jano.
Like several of the designs of Jano, the 6C 1500 was clean and simple, but strongly effective. It believed that the engines should look at as good as they function, and its engines turned superbly. An integrated engine of six cylinders, moving just below 1.5 liter was installed in the 6C 1500 (consequently the name). It was equipped with an air camshaft simple conduit by an axis. A gear box at four speeds was directly bolted on the engine.

The engine and the gear box were adapted in a steel reinforcement, which was suspended by the axes of phase and the springs blade semi-finale-elliptic around. It was available like short version of footing of 2900 millimetres and version length of footing of 3100 millimetres. The factory offered a certain number of four and six bodies of seater like standard and spider of two seater were available on request. Several of the coachbuilders of Italy like travelling and Zagato also offered bodies for the light and nimble frame.

For the use of competition the version of “sport” was launched in 1928. It was equipped with a double air version of camshaft, which increased the power with 10 BHP with 54 BHP. The execution was further increased by adding a superheater, increasing the power still other. With a 6C overfed 1500, Alfa Romeo recorded the first of eleven victories in the Thousand Miglia. The highest output of 84 BHP was carried out by the superb sport Testafissa, which comprised a block and the head moulded in-unit.

At 1929 the 6C 1500 was succeeded by the 6C with larger engine 1750. Today very little is on the left around 1000 6C 1500s built and the majority of them are now equipped with the more powerful engine 1750.

Described is a 6C 1500, equipped with an open body established by Alfa Romeo along the lines of a design of Zagato. One sees it here with bidding 2005 of Retromobile de Christie, where it changed hands for Juste more than $150.000.

Country of origin general of characteristics of the years of Italy of the production 1927 - 1929 presented at numbers 1925 of Milan Motorshow established the design Alfa Romeo of body 862 (of all the versions) inspired by the kilo of Zagato Weight 1000/2204.6 books

The engine of gear box directly before place of 6 engines, Cu the litre/90.7 longitudinally assembled displacement 1.487 in Valvetrain 2 valves/cylinder, aspiration of the D2 carburettor of zenith 30 of fuel food of SOHC naturally aspired the hand drive operation of wheel of back of drive speed of the gear box 4

The figures of execution actuate 44 BHP/33 kilowatts @ couple N/A BHP/Liter 30 power of BHP of 4200 t/mn/litre to weigh the report/ratio 0.04 BHP/kilogramme of higher km/h speed 110/68 M/H: “mph 0-60 M/H: “acceleration N/A of mph

By Papa Keren.

 
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Acura

Acura

Acura's Future Cars

Acura, the manufacturer of quality Acura catalytic converter, is set to offer three new and exciting cars: 2 as 2008 year model and 1 as 2009 year model. These three cars are the 2008 RDX, 2008 MDX, and the 2009 Acura NSX.
The RDX has the same roofline, greenhouse, and C-pillars as the last yearÕs concept vehicle. However, the doors are different. This is not just due to the handles. In last yearÕs concept, rear doors were cut out around the wheels. But for manufacture, their shape is more squared off.

Under the hood of the RDX is the first turbocharged engine for either Honda or Acura street vehicle. The all new 2.3-liter i-VTEC turbocharged four-cylinder yields 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. It is paired to a five-speed manual-automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. Standard with this vehicle is AcuraÕs Super Handling All Wheel Drive system, standard front, side, and side curtain air bags. The vehicle also comes with Acura's navigation system with real-time traffic reports and an ELS DVD-Audio surround sound stereo system.

The RDX will form part of the small, premium cross over segment, along with the Land Rover Freelander and the Audi Q5.

An SUV competed with the Mercedes-Benz ML and the Lexus RX300, the 2008 Acura MDX is built to straight at the BMW X5 and the Porsche Cayenne. To have the same level of performance as it competitors, AcuraÕs engineers built the vehicles parts at Germany s Nurburgring, which is known for its ability to produce quality parts that will give driving dynamics.

The exterior of the new MDX exposes several refinements. Frank Paluch, the chief engineer of both the original and second-generation MDX models, asserted that their aim was to provide a stealth family package. This was done by the design team through lowering the visual center of the new MDX, which they call the C-line. The D-pillar was also angled sharply forward to blend with the third row seating. Paluch added the new MDX looks smaller, but wider, longer, and lower.

Acura is doubted about power train performance, but Paluch says their goal is for best-in-class V-6 performance.

Last, but certainly not the least among Acura cars, is the 2009 NSX. The conceptualization of the next NSX is not yet final. Automobilemag.com said Honda is still in the process of finalizing what kind of car it should be and what will its appearance be.

The mid-engine Honda HSC concept will no longer be seen on the next NSX. The new vehicle will have front-engine, and not mid-engine as compared to the first mentioned car. Honda Motor CEO Takeo Fukui decreed a ten-cylinder engine that frustrated employees from Japan to California to Ohio , who would like to develop a V-8 that could be used across a wider product range, such as a proper flagship sedan for Acura.

By Evander Klum.

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/acura/

2017 New York Preview: The Infiniti QX80 Monograph Concept revealed ahead of Javits debut

2017 New York Preview: The Infiniti QX80 Monograph Concept revealed ahead of Javits debut The Infiniti QX80 soldiers on on as the company’s flagship SUV based on the Nissan Patrol/Armada and this concept previews a new version.
What’s going on?
Infiniti just revealed a new concept car due for the New York International Auto Show. Meet the new Infiniti QX80 Monograph Concept.
Details are sparse. But as of now, it’s safe to assume that this QX80 Monograph Concept previews not only an updated QX80, but perhaps a flagship version as well.
“The QX80 Monograph represents a detailed study into our expertise of exterior design,” describes Roland Krueger, Infiniti’s current president. “QX80 Monograph shows our concept of luxury and style on the road, and is an exploration into how we could enhance our future Infiniti offering in the luxury SUV segment.”
Ok. Anything else?
Nope, just a single picture, which you can see in HD below.
The Infiniti QX80 Monograph Concept looks fairly close to production ready. So we anticipate the actual car to look very similar. Automakers are also introducing ultra-luxury versions of their high-end vehicles for foreign and affluent markets. So in a way, you can describe this new Infiniti QX80 Monograph Concept as a potential alternative to others, like the Range Rover Autobiography.
Though, I’d still rather have a Range Rover.
– By: Chris Chin
Infiniti QX80 Monograph Concept

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SoCal Private Country Club For Gearheads Opens New Track

SoCal Private Country Club For Gearheads Opens New Track

A lot of the time, I read the words “country club” and my jaw clenches. I start thinking it’s time for a short ride in the tumbril and a date with The National Razor. And honestly, in this case, I thought the same, briefly. Then I realized, well, I’m a car guy, albeit one of limited means.
That does not take away from the fact that as a gearhead, I, like all gearheads, are always, pretty much as random background noise, thinking “what if, what if?”
Endless Possibilities
And by “what if,” I mean, “what if I had an “extra” 20-thousand dollars? What kind of car would I buy?” or “what if I had an “extra” 200-thousand dollars? What kind of car would I buy?” or “what if I won the Powerball Lotto? What kind of cars would I buy?” See, for a gearhead, it’s never “would you” but “could you.” And, in the back of my mind, smooth and febrile as it may be, the equation is always one of “get a warehouse, and fill it with all the cars I can afford.”
Motorsports Country Club
Suppose that you’re already in that position. Suppose you’re richer than Croesus. Now suppose you are really into the track and racing cars. So much into them that you have, let’s say, a dozen or so of the beasts carefully stored and waiting. Now, where do you drive the things? It’s not like having a bunch of old Packards and De Sotos. Even if they’re old, you can still take them out for a drive, early on a warm Sunday morning. But you have ten or a dozen racers – a Porsche 908, a fully prepped 911 RSR, an older Devin, that sort of thing – what do you do?
Enter the motorsports country club.
As the name implies, it’s a country club minus the golf links and tennis courts, with garages, storage facilities, and most importantly, a track. And, like a country club, you pay your (idiotically exorbitant (but who cares, you own a dozen racing cars!)) fee and you get your own, semi private (or at least exclusive) playground to use. And, besides having access to mechanics and tools, you’re also around other like-minded and like-enriched car people to go out on the track and play with.
These things, country clubs for rich gearheads, have been cropping up for a while now. There’s a couple in Colorado, and a slew in the desert southwest, where the weather is much more amenable to this sort of thing. Also much more amenable is the land, which there is plenty of, and is cheap like the budgie. For example, The Thermal Club, which is located in Palm Desert, California, right next to Palm Springs.
The Thermal Club’s road courses can be utilized for vintage race cars, modern GT3 cars, and motorcycles. Photo: The Thermal Club.
Track Treatments
The Thermal Club is a private motorsports country club that offers up a whole bunch of well healed conveniences for its members. It sits on 344 acres of land in the California desert, about half the size of Central Park in New York. About half an hour from Palm Springs, The Thermal Club offers luxurious villa accommodations, 5.1 miles of private pavement, and three different tracks. There’s also a club house, a fueling station (no mention on kinds and qualities, but I’m guessing/hoping all the way up to and including AvGas), and a tuning shop for repair and maintenance. No mention if you can wrench on your car yourself, or if there are available dogsbodies to be ordered around and abused just like great-grand-papa did when he was working for the East India Company.
The Thermal Club just expanded, adding a third track, The Desert Track, that joins the North and South tracks. The Thermal Club says the new course is its most technical road course to date. They also say that “since monotony is not an option, all three tracks can be combined, allowing for 22 different configurations, giving drivers a new experience each time they take to the tarmac.” Yes, that monotony can be such a bother in your daily life. I mean, how many times can you take dives into your Scrooge McDuck vault of gold doubloons or waste more hours looking through catalogues for your fifth trophy wife? Life can be such a struggle, can’t it?
All of the circuits were developed by track designer Alan Wilson, the brains behind the revamped Circuit Mont-Tremblant, Barber Motorsports Park, and The Utah Motorsports Complex. The Thermal Club also has a karting track, skid pad, and autocross course.
“Our goal is to have a country club that the entire family can be a part of and give our members a place that feels like home for a day at the track or a long weekend getaway,” said Tim Rogers, Thermal Club Founder. Photo: The Thermal Club.


Exclusive Treatments
The Thermal Club just finished work on an all-new Tower Clubhouse that features gourmet cuisine served by executive chef, Armando Rivera for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. All the chow, er, cuisine is prepared by the on-site gourmet chefs in a state-of-the-art kitchen. The Tower Clubhouse also has a full bar, comfortable seating, and a premium wine selection.
You want more, you say? But of course! The Thermal Club gives its members their own custom designed luxurious villas, all the aforementioned dining and drinking and such as well as activities for all members of the family. An athletic center, spa, and kids club is planned for the near future. It’s located close enough to L.A. that if you’re one of the cities richer denizens with a serious car Jones, then it’s a convenient drive away for the weekend. If not, you can always take the G 650 into PSP and take the short drive from there.
Before Graham Hill became a triple world driving champion, he used to sell cars for Colin Chapman. At one point, he was showing a prospective buyer around the Lotus showroom when the client asked, “this car is much more expensive than that one, why is that?” To which Graham replied, “speed equals money sir, how fast would you care to go?”
The Thermal Club, in its own, unassuming and humble way, is also here to help answer that question.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
Photo: The Thermal Club.
Photos & Source: The Thermal Club



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The Lotus Evora Sport 410 GP Edition is a new version for our shores

The Lotus Evora Sport 410 GP Edition is a new version for our shores Lotus is bringing a more powerful Evora Sport 410 to the US, in legendary GP livery for enthusiasts.

What’s going on?
I frequently look at Lotus’ lineage during my lifetime as being broken into three distinct periods. Firstly, Lotus Esprits were often broken at the local exotic shop when I was a kid,. Then, there were Lotus Elises that friends my age were actually owned and enjoyed. And Lotus Exiges and Evoras proved to me that the British have yet to slow down with their oh-so-popular-yet-historic nameplate. The thing is, the Elise may have been fast because of its ridiculously light aluminum and fiberglass construction. But it just never had the extra cylinders like one of those Esprits I remembered from the garage.
I’m here to tell you that Lotus made all my big-kid dreams come true. By taking the more powerful Evora we’ve all come to love, shaving an exciting 154 pounds from the 400 model (yes!) and painting it in classic Lotus black and gold (yes!!), they’ve created the Evora Sport 410 GP Edition. And the real winner… they’re bringing it to North America.












So why the excitement over some black and gold paint? Why couldn’t we just order black, and then have a little gold vinyl cut up for it?
Well, we’re hoping Lotus screens its buyers to prevent this sort of DIY disgrace in the future. But until then, you should know that the GP trim is based on the John Player Special Team cars that Lotus was racing from 1972 to 1986 in Formula One.
They’ve given a great homage to this bit of heritage via the gold stripes on the hood, doors, fenders, and rockers. There’s a “Wold Champions” piece on the engine cover, and 410 logo on the tail end. If you know a Lotus fanatic, you know this is very, very different from make-believe racing lineage livery slapped on mid-range sports cars. Black and gold are the colors of Lotus’ blood – and likely the color of your enthusiast friend’s underwear.
And my last bit of excitement, they’ve decided to finally bring this wonderful machine to North America. The 410 weighs just 2,921 pounds, and boasts a 3.5 liter supercharged V6 with 400 ponies, and 302 pound-feet of torque. There’s a 6 speed manual standard and a Torsen-type LSD making sure this thing doesn’t mess up that beautiful Lotus handling with all that power. 0-60 in 3.9 seconds, and a top speed of 190 MPH round out these specs.
Going back to my earlier moment of Lotus nostalgia, it’s like Lotus took the muscle of their latest 6-cylinder platform, put it through the Elise’s fat-burning gym membership, and then brought it to us Americans in the most “gotta have it” appearance possible. The only downside (aside from hearing about this a mere 2 weeks before the IRS takes my Lotus money away), is that Lotus will only be producing 150 of the Evora Sport 410 GP Edition. You’d better believe we’re excited to wait in line for it though.
– By: Pat Miller
Source: Lotus
Lotus Evora Sport 410 GP Edition Gallery








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2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road Review: Great for Playing in the Mud!

2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road Review: Great for Playing in the Mud! 2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-RoadIn Our Opinion: The 2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road is the newest member of the automaker's TRD family. While the off-road capability is a given, we were taken back by how comfortable this RAV4 is on dry pavement. It was a pleasant surprise to discover this off-road rig was still pretty good in the city. Although we are not sold on the exterior styling, the interior is sharp and that makes up for it. Exterior Styling 74Interior Layout 87Driving Dynamics91Safety & Tech Features 86Everyday Functionality87ProsComfortable Off-Road Chops Chassis & SuspensionConsRoad & Wind Noise Feels Top-Heavy Sometimes 85Suffice it to say; we had a ton of fun with the 2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road! During our week-long test drive, rain was often in the forecast across Southeast Michigan. We used the occasion to head north of Detroit and hit some muddy and washed-out gravel roads. With selectable off-road modes (Multi-Terrain Select), the RAV4 TRD Off-Road certainly has the off-pavement chops, but what about everyday driving?



While off-road capabilities have their allure, things like fuel economy and comfort are also important. How does the new RAV4 TRD Off-Road stack up? Here is what we found during our week-long test drive.



Toyota RAV4: What’s New for 2020? 



All RAV4 models receive Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa functionality. The LE and XLE grades, both gas and Hybrid, receive a three-month trial of SiriusXM. Limited models receive a special JBL Audio package with an 800-watt amplifier. 



The TRD Off-Road is a new trim level for 2020, while the RAV4 Hybrid receives only minor updates.  



RAV4 TRD Off-Road Performance Upgrades



Inspired by Ryan Millen’s Rally RAV4.8.6-inches of ground clearance and off-road suspension.Multi-Terrain Select modes: Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, and Snow.Twin-tube shocks are re-valved and feature internal rebound springs.Bump stops maximize compression-direction and improve body control.18×7-inch matte-black TRD alloy wheels with Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail tires.Tires are “Severe Snow Rated” with open shoulder grooving for harsh terrain.Standard Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive with Driveline Disconnect.Our 2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road press vehicle. LED fog lights are standard on this model. 2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road Press Vehicle



Our press vehicle came from the factory with Dynamic Torque Vectoring (all-wheel drive), a TRD-tuned suspension, and the Multi-Terrain Select system mentioned above. Under the hood was a 2.5-liter four-cylinder.



The TRD Off-Road Technology Package gave us front and rear parking assist with automated braking, wireless charging, bird’s-eye view camera, and a cool digital rearview mirror. We enjoyed the Premium Audio, Dynamic Navigation w/ JBL Package (which is a mouthful!). That package includes niceties like an eight-inch touchscreen, 11-speaker JBL stereo with a subwoofer, and Toyota’s Dynamic Navigation system with a three-year trial.



Our RAV4 TRD Off-Road press vehicle included these helpful features from Toyota Connected Services: Safety Connect w/ one-year trial, Service Connect w/ 10-year trial, and Wi-Fi Connect w/ up to two GB on a three-month trial. 



The TRD Off-Road Weather Package added heated and ventilated leather seats and rain-sensing wipers with de-icer. Meanwhile, the Safety & Convenience package included the following safety feature as part of Toyota Safety Sense 2.0: 



Road Sign AssistLane Tracing AssistAutomatic High BeamsLane Departure Alert with Steering AssistPre-Collision System with Pedestrian DetectionFull-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise ControlOur 2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road came standard with eight airbags, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, and the LATCH system (lower anchor and tether) for car seats. 



Window sticker of our 2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road press vehicle.What Does The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Cost?



The base price for our 2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road came to $35,180. With the packages outlined above, some one-off add-ons, and a destination fee of $1,120, total MSRP was $41,418 for our press vehicle.



By comparison, the 2020 Toyota RAV4 starts at $25,950.



Interior Highlights: Initial Impressions



The 2020 RAV4 rides on Toyota’s New Global Architecture, sometimes called the “TNGA-K” platform. On the one hand, this makes the vehicle more rugged and capable when the blacktop ends (sorry, I was listening to Keith Urban). On the other, it helps the RAV4 feel roomy inside, despite being smaller in stature.



Inside, the 2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road looks sharp with its red accents and black SofTex leather seats. Stitched into the headrests is the TRD logo, and the all-weather floor mats are a nice touch. In terms of tech and connectivity features, everything about the RAV4 TRD Off-Road is solid. Our concern was not so much with things like this, but how it would ride on the open road.



2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road interior layout. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.Interior Highlights: Surprised In a Good Way!



The concern for us was how the 2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road would feel on dry pavement. We were skeptical at first, but the TRD Off-Road is surprisingly smooth and comfortable on the highway, despite its off-pavement leanings. While wind and road noise will enter the cabin on occasion, the RAV4 TRD Off-Road was remarkably pleasant for us on I-75 through the Detroit metro.



The TNGA-K platform makes all the difference here in our minds. The RAV4’s unibody chassis is 57 percent more rigid than the previous model, and it makes a significant difference on the open road. While off-road, this rigid structure has numerous benefits for sure. On the interstate or during normal road conditions, however, it helps the RAV4 TRD Off-Road feel more composed from the driver’s seat.



The RAV4 TRD Off-Road may feel top-heavy at times with the additional ground clearance, but backing off a few mph will mitigate that, especially through tighter corners on the highway. Otherwise, the interior is stylish and functional, and pleasantly surprising in terms of ride comfort.



While the RAV4 TRD Off-Road can handle the dirt and mud, it’s surprisingly smooth when you find concrete again. 2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road Powertrain



The 2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road employs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with direct injection, dual overhead cams, and variable valve timing. Complete with an aluminum alloy block and cylinder heads, the engine produces 203 horsepower (6,600 rpm) and 184 lb-ft. of torque (5,000 rpm). Attached to the engine is an eight-speed automatic with a differential radio of 3.177.



When properly equipped, the 2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road can tow 3,500 lbs.



EPA fuel economy ratings are 25/32 city/highway and 27 combined. During our week-long drive, we were right at that and even a little better at times.



Related: Everything you need to know about Toyota’s warranty. Driving Dynamics: When The Going Gets Fun!



The week we had our RAV4 TRD Off-Road was a rainy one in the Detroit metro. Given the weather and the off-road upgrades of our press vehicle, we started at the Stone Railroad Bridge on Indian Lake Road, just off M-24 near Lake Orion, Michigan. Indian Lake Road is unpaved and twists around a wooded area past Indian Lake and another unnamed inlet lake.  



It was the ideal place, especially in the rain, to test our RAV4 TRD Off-Road press vehicle. We placed the Multi-Terrain Select system into Rock & Dirt and hit the gas! 



2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road: In The Mud



Through the rough and muddy corners, Toyota’s Dynamic Torque Vectoring system shined for us. When necessary, it can send up to 50 percent of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels, but it can also distribute torque between the left and right rear wheels. Despite giving the RAV4 some grunt through the wet corners, Toyota’s torque vectoring technology kept us balanced. Likewise, the meaty Falken Wildpeak tires dig in and don’t let go. 



Once again, the rigidity of the TNGA-K platform is critical when trouncing through the dirt and mud. The same platform, chassis, and suspension that gave us a composed ride on the way up I-75 was now taking hits from the rougher, wet terrain. Based on our drive, we believe the chassis, suspension, and tires work in unison with the torque vectoring and Multi-Terrain select systems to deliver a confident (and fun) ride when the pavement disappears.



The video below was filmed with our Garmin Tandem dash camera.





Should You Buy a 2020 RAV4 TRD Off-Road?



The 2020 Toyota TRD Off-Road is a blast when plowing through the north forty, but it’s comfortable enough for city cruising. Add to that a stylish and sporty interior, and Toyota has a winner here. If you don’t need all the performance upgrades, we recommend looking at the RAV4 LE or XLE. Both of those trim levels offer all-wheel drive but have a lower MSRP than the TRD Off-Road.



However, if you don’t mind spending the extra dough, the 2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road is one fun machine.



Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and a member of the Midwest Automotive Media Association and the Society of Automotive Historians. He serves on the board of directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, is a past president of Detroit Working Writers, and a loyal Detroit Lions fan.
Original article: 2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road Review: Great for Playing in the Mud!



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