Twelve months after Toyota announced the Hilux GR-Sport via the cover of this publication, it’s time for the Fortuner to gain the Gazoo treatment.
Looking for a new or used Toyota? Find it here with CARmag!
Toyota’s performance-focused GR (Gazoo Racing) division has not only established itself as a formidable force in motorsport – including Le Mans and Dakar – but, via its sub-brands, has become a popular means of establishing dynamic kudos within the firm’s modern model line-up. While this includes impressively focused ground-up creations such as the GR Yaris and GR Corolla, the GR-Sport collection aims to introduce considered cosmetic and mechanical upgrades to the broader portfolio of vehicles.
Related: Did Red Bull Miss Out On Something By Signing Lawson?
As the Toyota GRMN team returns from its thirteenth consecutive outing at the gruelling Dakar Rally, the brand’s local office is finalising plans to introduce the newest member of its broader Gazoo family, the Fortuner GR-Sport.
Styling
Available at launch in either black or white, the Fortuner GR-Sport gains a bespoke front bumper design, black side mirrors, colour-coded door handles, and model-specific black 18-inch alloy wheels with 265/60 R18 tyres. GR-branded red brake callipers add a sporty touch while, as per the flagship VX derivative upon which this model is based, the new car boasts black side steps, an extended roof spoiler and distinct LED daytime running lights. GR-Sport badging on the lower front apron and the tailgate aims to make this model stand out. The trim above the rear number plate is body coloured in this application as opposed to chrome on the flagship VX.
Interior
The sportiest Fortuner derivative to date will feature sports seats finished in suede and leather, along with GR branding and a generous amount of red stitching. This should stand out against the car’s dark roof lining. Expect to find more branding on the steering wheel, the engine start/stop button, bespoke instrumentation, and the key fob. Complementing carbon fibre-look trim around the transmission lever and centre console is an aluminium pedal set and steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles.
Related: Road Test: Aston Martin Vantage Coupé
The modern Fortuner range includes an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless smartphone mirroring and, in top trim, an upgraded JBL audio system.
Powertrain
The Fortuner GR-Sport is powered by the brand’s proven 2.8GD-6 turbodiesel engine, tuned to deliver 165 kW at 3 000 r/min and 550 N.m of torque available between 1 600 and 2 800 r/min. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and incorporating 48V mild-hybrid technology for improved efficiency, the Fortuner GR-Sport looks likely to be sold exclusively with a 4×4 drivetrain, including low-range.
Fort reference, the mechanically identical Fortuner 2.8GD-6 48V 4×4 VX boasts a claimed fuel consumption figure of 7.6 L/100 km.
Underpinnings
While the Hilux GR-Sport is notable for its wider stance (including track widths and wheel arches) compared with its stablemates, the Fortuner GR-Sport retains much of its family-familiar ladder-frame architecture, except for an upgrade to monotube dampers for improved ride and handling characteristics.
Advanced Safety
The Fortuner GR-Sport shares much of its safety-feature suite with the related VX model. This includes Toyota’s Safe Sense (TSS) technology, which incorporates lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, active traction control and collision avoidance systems.
Find the full feature in the February issue of CAR Magazine.
