Toyota Fortuner GR Sport launched in Thailand



A day after launching the Toyota Hilux GR Sport 2WD and 4WD models, Toyota Motor Thailand has unveiled the new Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GR Sport 4WD. This makes it the fifth GR-branded model in Thailand after the Toyota Corolla Altis GR Sport, Toyota GR Supra, Toyota GR Yaris and yesterday’s Hilux GR Sport.

The new Toyota Fortuner GR Sport 4WD is priced at THB1,899,000 (approx RM243k), surpassing the Fortuner 2.8 Legender by THB60,000, making it the priciest Fortuner model.

So, apart from the known GR Sport exterior and interior updates, what else is added to make up the THB60,000 (RM7,700) premium? The new aerokit up front looks rather simple as it’s based on the already-sporty Fortuner 2.8 VRZ/Legender front fascia.

Similar to the Toyota Hilux GR Sport, the GR treatment removes the off-road themed silver-painted bumper underguard. At the sides, the subtle wheel arch extensions are body colour coded and now house large 20-inch wheels with 265/50R20 tyres.

At the rear, the garnishing trim between the tail lamps has been applied with body colour as opposed to gloss black. Toyota also included a new GR Sport roof spoiler to complement the sporty image. Three signature GR Sport shades are made available, which are Emotional Red, White Pearl and Attitude black, and all three are presented in dual-tone thanks to gloss black upper half finish.

To be validated as a true GR Sport product, improvement to the handling must be done so the Toyota Fortuner GR Sport includes sportier-tuned monotube shock absorbers at all four corners. The bright red brake calipers (front and back too) with GR logo carry no performance upgrades but they do communicate the sportiness of the vehicle much better.  

At launch, the all-new Toyota Land Cruiser already has a GR Sport variant. Find out the performance upgrades that were done on the ultimate Japanese SUV here!

Inside, the GR Sport treatment consists of the GR-specific instrument cluster (logo and red needles), multi-function leather-wrapped steering wheel with red centre-marking, perforated suede and leather seat upholstery with red stitching and GR logo and metallic foot pedals.

Both the ignition button as well as the smart key are also decorated with the GR logo.

Soft-touch pads on the dashboard and doors also get red stitching on black material. This is perhaps the first GR Sport product to feature a faux carbon fibre pattern, covering the lower console and lid of the cupholder.

Other features in the 2.8 Legender 4WD such as JBL 11-speaker Premium Audio system, 9-inch infotainment display, power-adjustable front seats, Sport drive mode, front and rear automatic air-conditioning system and a handsfree powered tailgate are also maintained for the Toyota Fortuner GR Sport.

GR Sport variants do not impose higher engine output, so, no changes to the 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine which develops 204 hp and 500 Nm of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles is the sole transmission available and paired to a part-time 4WD system with shift-on-the-fly, as well as brake assisted traction controllers such as Active Limited Slip Differential and Active TRC (A-TRC) for use in challenging terrain.

All the safety features are also carried over from the Legender 2.8 4WD. Key items include Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning with Steering Assist, Pre-collision System, Blind Spot Monitor and Panoramic View Monitor with 3D View.

Will we see a Toyota Camry GR Sport joining the line-up? What about the hugely popular Toyota Corolla Cross? That is rather welcomed given the mass market appeal of the SUV/crossover product and its styling certainly could gain some additional tweaks from the Toyota GR Sport division.

Check out Toyota Motor Indonesia’s GR Sport range, now up to six models! But do they get upgraded fun-to-drive attributes? More about the line-up here.


GALLERY