By Otsile Kadiege

The current generation Fortuner is one of Toyota South Africa’s best-selling models and a popular choice for customers who are in the market for a seven-seater adventure SUV. That said, the current model might be long-in-the-tooth as it’s starting to show its age when you start comparing it with some of its arch rivals. So, in a bid to somewhat keep the Fortuner relevant in its respective segment, TSAM will soon launch a new GR-Sport derivative which introduces grade-specific styling and hopefully uprated power and torque as well as a unique suspension setup.

Fortuner GR-S exterior and interior styling

Outside, the Fortuner GR-S sets itself apart from the rest of the Fortuner range with a redesigned front bumper with a larger gloss black housing for the LED fog lights and an aggressive-looking lower grille with a ‘GR’ badge. In profile, the GR-S Fortuner gets more ‘GR’ badges on the front fenders, contrasting gloss black mirror caps and a set of newly designed black 18-inch alloy wheels. At the rear, the tailgate gets another ‘GR’ badge and a cosmetic gloss black rear diffuser.

Hopping inside, the Fortuner GR-Sport gets suede and leather combination front and rear seats with red stitching, ‘GR’ branding on the headrests, floor mats, start/stop button and steering wheel which also gets red contrast stitching and integrated paddle shifters, as well as a 9-speaker JBL sound system.

Performance

Powering the Fortuner GR-S is Toyota’s tried and tested 2.8-litre turbodiesel GD-6 engine. In some markets, The Gazoo Racing Sport Fortuner still churns 150 kW and 500 Nm, however we suspect South Africa’s version might get a power and torque boost of 15 kW and 50 Nm, respectively, just like the Hilux GR-S III. This powerplant will be paired with a 6-speed automatic gearbox.

When it comes to suspension setup, the Fortuner GR-S makes use of Double Wishbone + Monotube Shock Absorbers up front Rear while the rear makes use of Multi-Link + Monotube Shock Absorbers. Braking performance comes in the form of ventilated disk brakes with ‘GR’ branded front brake calipers.

Availability

According to Toyota South Africa Motors website, the brand will launch the Fortuner GR-S during the first-quarter of 2025.

Image source: https://toyotadipolog.com.ph/fortuner-gr-s/