NEW YORK: THE 2015 TOYOTA RALLY RAV4 was revealed at the Monster Energy Supercross Championship finale in Las Vegas last weekend. Toyota says Ryan Millen (brother of Rhys and son of Rod), who won the 2014 Baja 1000 in a Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, will drive the RAV4 rally vehicle at various rally races including some of the 2015 Rally America 2WD-Open Class season.
The Rally RAV4 will be the only SUV competing at 2015 Rally America and will be up against heavily modified street cars. Toyota says the vehicle gets a stock transmission and a stock 2.5-liter, four-cylinder, double-overhead cam engine that pushes 131kW and 232Nm of torque. According to Toyota Ryan Millen and his team have stripped out around 226kg from the RAV4, have added a roll cage, BFGoodrich all-terrain DOT 215/75R15 tyres, and fitted TEIN suspension to the front and back.
“I’ve driven just about everything Toyota has to offer,” says Millen. “And I’ve been very impressed with the RAV4’s tight, compact body and smooth handling. I’m looking forward to putting it through its paces this season.”
“Over the years, RAV4 has become known more for its benefits as a practical family-vehicle alternative to a larger SUV, and we felt it was due time that its performance and handling characteristics were put on display,” said Alex Du, RAV4 Vehicle Marketing & Communications Manager. “That will undoubtedly be the case with Ryan Millen at the wheel of this incredible Rally RAV4.”
