Toyota has given us a surprise, in the form of the Fortuner GR-S which has just been launched at a starting price of Rs 48.43 lakh (ex-showroom). The Toyota Fortuner GR-S sits above the Legender in the lineup and will be offered a single 4x4 trim with an automatic transmission.
Toyota Fortuner GR-S Design
The basic silhouette of the Fortuner GR-S remains identical to the standard car, but there are certain changes to add flair and sportiness to what is already a handsome, butch SUV. Like the Legender, the GR-S receives a black-finished grille with black Toyota badging, and a redesigned front bumper. You also get all-black alloy wheels, and the rear bumper has been redesigned as well. To differentiate it from the standard Fortuner, the GR-S also receives GR Sport badges at the grille and the tailgate.
Toyota Fortuner GR-S — What’s under the skin?
In terms of the mechanicals, the Fortuner GR-S remains identical to the standard car, retaining the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel powertrain which churns out 201bhp and 500Nm of torque. The last bit is crucial because the Fortuner GR-S will only be offered with the six-speed torque converter automatic transmission, and you get 4x4 as standard.
Toyota Fortuner GR-S Equipment on offer
The interiors of the Fortuner GR-S too receive mild changes, in the sense you get GR Sport seats with badging on the headrests, along with black upholstery in the cabin with silver inserts. You do get red contrast stitching to emphasise the sportiness, and the GR badging is also present on the leather-wrapped steering wheel. The dashboard remains the same as before with the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Some standard features include a 11-speaker JBL sound system, dual-zone climate control, three driving modes, powered tailgate, black instrument dials, geo-fencing, vehicle tracking, a wireless charging pad, cruise control, and heat-rejection glass.
Safety-wise, you get seven airbags, traction control, ABS, hill assist, vehicle stability control, brake assist, downhill assist control, and a locking differential.
Toyota Fortuner GR-S Price and Rivals
Prices for the Toyota Fortuner GR-S begin from Rs 48.43 lakh (ex-showroom), commanding a premium of Rs 3.8 lakh over the Legender 4x4, which already is quite expensive. Interestingly, the Fortuner GR-S comes at a time when the Jeep Meridian is expected to be launched as well. Is Toyota feeling the heat from its American rival and the MG Gloster? We’ll find out in the months to come!