Toyota seems to have a motto that “GR all the stuff”
Toyota didn’t mince words when it said it would launch high performance versions of all its products. Although the announcement was made in February 2019, the GR portfolio debuted in September 2017 in Japan with Gazoo-branded versions small hatchbacks, sedans and minivans.
There are three levels of performance in the lineup. The entry-level models carry the GR Sport badge, followed by the GR and the GRMN. Toyota’s hybrid hypercar will be at the top. It will be complemented with an LMDh racecar as part of its FIA WEC program. The GR family continues to grow, with the Fortuner GR Sport being the latest addition.
What is a Fortuner? The Fortuner, which has been on sale since 2004, is currently in its sixth year of its second-generation life cycle. It’s a body on-frame SUV that Gazoo Racing has launched, much like the Land Cruiser GR Sport. This might be confusing as we tend to associate “sport” with off-road capabilities.
The Fortuner GR Sport was introduced in Indonesia this week. It replaces the TRD Sportivo brand. Since it is a GR Sport version, rather than a hotter GR, or GRMN version, cosmetic changes are minimal. This SUV is only available in a 4×2 configuration.
The Toyota Fortuner GR Sport comes exclusively with a six speed automatic transmission. It can be powered by either a 2.7-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that produces 161 hp (162 Nm) (178 lbft) or a 2.4 liter turbodiesel that makes 147 hp (402 Nm) (295 lbft). The oily bits are the same as those of the ladder-frame SUVs. Toyota reserves the right to make mechanical adjustments to the GR or GRMNmodels.
The Fortuner isn’t the only Toyota Indonesia model to receive the Gazoo Racing treatment.