New Toyota RAV4 Debuts at IAA

Press Release

Integrated Active Drive System

 

The VSC+ works with the electric power steering (EPS) to add steering torque assistance to the conventional stability control system. It anticipates the occurrence of understeer or oversteer and assists the driver by making the correct steering action easier and an incorrect action more difficult.

It also allows a better control when braking or accelerating on road surfaces with different traction characteristics under the left & right wheels, by providing additional steering torque to compensate for differences in left-right drive force.

In addition, the interconnection with the Active Torque Control 4WD system allows the cooperation of VSC with the drive torque distribution. This results in minimizing any over-steering or under­steering reaction when acceleration on a slippery road surface, enabling excellent stability and acceleration performance.

An Active Torque Control 4WD system continuously monitors and controls the torque transfer between front and rear wheels. The system allows the vehicle to switch continuously between front wheel drive and four-wheel drive mode, optimising stability under all driving conditions and maximising fuel consumption. It helps to improve driving performance in terms of stability, acceleration and cornering. The conventional centre differential is removed and the electronic sensors monitor information from throttle angle, engine torque and speed, gear ratio, vehicle speed and steering angle.

 

Using values calculated from the sensors, the Active Torque Control 4WD system selects one of the three control modes by switching torque from front to rear:

• The ‘Start-off control’ ensures sufficient traction and acceleration when required. The torque distribution is 55:45.
• The ‘Normal control’ allows the system to switch from 4-wheel drive to front wheel drive (100:0) to ensure sufficient acceleration and improve fuel consumption. The torque distribution can then vary between 55:45 and 100:00.
• The ‘Cornering control’ increases cornering stability by monitoring the appropriate yaw rate that should be applied to the car.
• Active Torque Control 4WD
• Sensor

The result is greatly enhanced performance and stability under all driving conditions; allowing more precise control in corners and under heavy braking and acceleration, and also improved fuel economy.

In addition, the driver has the possibility to lock the torque distribution to the 55:45 ratio by the 4WD LOCK mode switch.

 

Other standard control systems are hill-start assist control (HAC) which prevents the vehicle from rolling back on steep inclines and down hill assist control (DAC) which assists the driver by controlling wheel speed during steep descents (available with A/T only).

 

Front and rear suspensions have been completely redesigned to enhance stability and passenger comfort.

 

The front suspension utilises McPherson struts that have been completely re-designed from the lower arm to the coil springs and shock absorbers. The lower ball joints have been moved forward to increase the caster trail to achieve under-steering against the lateral force that occurs during cornering. And the roll centre height has been lowered to improved straight ahead driving stability.

 

Front suspension

 

The rear suspension utilises a newly developed trailing type double wishbone suspension which offers improved vehicle stability by achieving lateral under-steering during cornering. and, because the shock absorber of the rear suspension has been positioned diagonally, luggage space width has been increased by 230 mm.

 

Ride comfort has been improved by increasing the front and rear suspension compliance when the vehicle goes over bumps.

 

On-road precision is enhanced by the electric power steering (tilt and telescope steering column) while the agility of the new RAV4 is emphasised by its tight turning circle. Despite its increased overall length, the new RAV4 will now turn in 5.1 metres.

 

Passive safety has also been a key feature of the new RAV4 and Toyota is confident of achieving clas-leading Euro NCAP results. The newly development chassis is designed to be impact absorbing in the event of an accident with minimal cabin deformation.

 

The new Toyota RAV4 will be available with seven airbags: dual stage SRS driver and passenger airbags, SRS side airbags, SRS curtain shield airbags across front and rear and, for the first time in this segment, a driver’s knee airbag.

 

“The launch of our first Recreational Active Vehicle with 4-wheel drive in 1994, has created one of the most dynamic trend in the automotive industry in recent years.� says Andrea Formica, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Toyota Motor Marketing Europe. “This success story has strongly contributed to Toyota’s image in Europe. Today with a unique blend of technology, versatility and quality, the al-new third generation RAV4 wil once again reset the standards it established a decade ago, while redefining customers expectations�