Toyota Stages U.S. Debut of All-New 2006 RAV4 SUV and 2007 Yaris Liftback at the 2005 SEMA Show

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 2, 2005 -- Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., unveiled the all-new third-generation RAV4 compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) and the all-new Yaris three-door liftback at a press conference today at the 2005 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show.

Featuring vastly improved performance, overall refinement, and a larger, restyled design, the RAV4 will redefine a segment it created nearly 10 years ago. The RAV4, which first launched in January 1996, revolutionized the SUV market as the first SUV developed on a uni-body passenger-car platform instead of a traditional ladder-frame truck platform. The success of the first RAV4 spawned the development of the car-based compact SUV, which now commands nearly 79 percent of the small SUV market.

"The arrival of the new RAV4, nearly 10 years after pioneering the compact SUV segment, receives an extreme makeover for 2006," said Jim Lentz, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager. "Completely re-styled, the new RAV4 is larger and more powerful to provide the necessary utility and performance for active singles and the comfort, versatility and convenience to meet the demands of young couples, with and without children."

The 2006 RAV4 is offered in three distinct grades in two- and four-wheel-drive. They include the standard grade, a new performance-driven Sport grade, and the top-of-the-line Limited.

All grades will offer an all-new class-leading 3.5-liter V6 engine paired to a gated-shift five-speed automatic transmission. Equipped with dual variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) the new V6 will generate a best-in-class 269 horsepower at 6,200 RPM, and 246 lbs.-ft. of torque @ 4,700 RPM.

The V6-equipped RAV4 can effortlessly accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in under seven seconds while achieving an impressive estimated preliminary EPA fuel economy mpg rating of 20 city/28 highway for 4x2 models and 20 city/27 highway for 4x4 grades.

The standard powertrain will be an upgraded 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with VVT-i equipped with a gated-shift four-speed automatic. The engine will deliver 166 horsepower (an increase of five hp) with 165 lbs.-ft of torque @ 4,000 RPM, making it one of the most powerful four-cylinder engines in the small SUV segment and close in horsepower to some competitor V6's. The additional horsepower is matched with improved fuel efficiency with EPA preliminary mpg estimates of 24 city/29 highway on 4x2 configurations and 23 city/27 highway on 4x4 models.

In addition to improvements in power and fuel efficiency, both the V6 and four-cylinder engines are expected to be EPA certified as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle II (ULEV2).

Like all SUVs in the Toyota lineup, RAV4 comes standard with the Star Safety System. The standard system includes vehicle stability control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), anti-lock brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). The new RAV4 adds to the Star Safety System with the addition of all-new enhancements to VSC. This new system goes beyond conventional traction and stability controls that simply react to challenging conditions.

With an increased length of more than 14-inches over the previous generation, a new seating design features second row seating for three and optional third row seating, a first in the small SUV segment. The larger dimensions create a larger cabin, increasing shoulder room for all passengers, and additional head clearance and legroom for second row passengers, allowing for overall greater passenger comfort.

Form, fun and functionality is in abundance with an array of standard convenience features across all three grades that includes CFC free manual air-conditioning, AM/FM CD with six speakers with a mini-plug jack and MP3/WMA playback capability, remote keyless entry, ten front and rear bottle/cup holders, power windows and door locks, larger foldable power mirrors, privacy glass, three 12-volt auxiliary power outlets, and a tilt and telescopic steering wheel. RAV4 also features the first in-use application of lever-operated brake deceleration cruise control as standard equipment.

The vast improvements in the all-new RAV4 will be matched with pricing that is very competitive within the compact segment, making the RAV4 an excellent all-around value.

2007 Yaris

The 2005 SEMA Show also marks the U.S. debut of the all-new second-generation Yaris. Launched in 1999, the first generation Yaris was Toyota's best-selling model in Europe and was named the (2000) European "Car of the Year."

"The Yaris has been a hit in Europe and we are looking forward to its launch here in the U.S.," said Jim Lentz, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager. "As Toyota's most affordable passenger car, the Yaris will feature modern exterior styling and a surprising and upscale interior. It will be one of the most economic and youthful passenger cars Toyota has built."

The next-generation Yaris rides on an all-new platform that is longer and wider than its predecessor. Air conditioning, tilt-steering wheel, and color-keyed mirrors and door handles are among the many standard features.

The Yaris interior provides unexpected roominess and a comfortable cabin. The upscale interior provides remarkable design and a rear seat featuring a center headrest. Driver and front passenger advanced airbags, and ample storage space are among the array of standard interior features.

Powering the Yaris liftback will be a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) that will have impressive fuel economy. Mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, the engine will produce 106 horsepower and 103 ft.-lb. of torque. Combined with the MacPherson strut front and rear torsion beam suspension, the Yaris will offer fun-to-drive handling and excellent maneuverability.

In addition to good overall handling, the Yaris also will offer seat-mounted side and front and rear side curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes, an audio system with MP3 capability and mini-jack port, power windows, mirrors and door locks, and a 60/40 split rear seat with reclining, sliding and fold flat features among its optional equipment.

A four-door sedan configuration of the Yaris will be unveiled at a press conference at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show.