Automakers and tuners are gearing up for the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon, running from January 10-12, 2025. This year’s show looks exciting, including Nissan bringing an EV-converted R32 Skyline GT-R and a widebody Lamborghini Miura from Liberty Walk.
Toyota will have a massive booth for this year’s show. The company will display its modern race cars and will have an array of classic vehicles there, too. Like other exhibitors, Toyota will also have several tuned models on display, such as a seemingly cyberpunk-inspired RAV4.
The Toyota RAV4 Dark Side Performance Concept
Teal-colored lighting accentuates the body, including the lower fascia, grille, running lights, rear bumper, and dashboard. The exterior features boxy pieces around the nose and fenders that give the vehicle a more aggressive aesthetic. A large “9” decal decorates the driver’s door. There are no clear photos of the modifications to the concept’s tail yet.
Imagine a modern
from an alternate universe, where the blocky, futuristic aesthetic of Bladerunner or the Shadowrun tabletop roleplaying game series is the primary aesthetic. This is what the new Dark Side Performance concept looks like.
The interior of this RAV4 concept doesn’t change as much as the exterior. The center screen gets a facelift with graphics that seem to include a radar display and the view of a sci-fi city. The digital instrument panel has a matching aesthetic for its visuals.
Toyota described this vehicle’s look as “a mysterious and futuristic concept model that is completely different from the outdoor image of the RAV4” in the model’s announcement. The accent lighting and angular body kit emphasize the cyberpunk appearance.
The RAV4 Concept Runs From Drones
Toyota produced a video (above) showing off the RAV4 Dark Side Performance Concept. In the clip, the vehicle drives through a futuristic city when drones start chasing it. The model speeds away and escapes just in time before a lockdown takes effect.
A Rugged RAV4
In addition to the futuristic take on the RAV4, Toyota is also showing the Off-Road Package for the model. The automaker doesn’t describe it in the announcement, but the apparent upgrades include a roof rack and graphics on the nose.
TopSpeed’s Take
Tokyo Auto Salon is similar to the annual SEMA Show in the United States. Both events focus on the aftermarket and vehicle modification. The RAV4 Dark Side Performance Concept offers just a taste of what to expect this year.
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