New RAV4 prototype revs up

We can’t think of many cars that are more ripe for a complete update than a Toyota RAV4. (OK, so we can: the Mitsubishi Pajero.) The current generation crossover was first unveiled seven years ago, putting it at the end of its automotive life cycle for 2012. And that’s why our spy was able to snap these first images of a heavily camouflaged RAV4 prototype undergoing testing on the streets of Europe. He tells us the wheelbase is expected to be a little longer than on the current model to free up more interior room and sharpen up the car’s dynamics, even if the platform is most likely staying current-gen. It’s the styling and the powertrains that will really matter, as Toyota is preparing to offer the next RAV4 with an updated six-speed tranny and more frugal engines.