Long rumoured for the local market, the Toyota Fortuner GR-S has finally been confirmed for South Africa. And it’ll bring extra power when it launches in Q1 2025…
The Toyota Fortuner GR-S has finally been confirmed for South Africa, with the Japanese automaker’s local division announcing that this “performance-orientated variant” will launch in the opening quarter of 2025.
According to Toyota SA Motors, the GR-S derivative – which will surely be built alongside the existing Fortuner variants at the firm’s Prospecton plant in KwaZulu-Natal – will “come with more power and style to complement its exceptional off-road capabilities and versatility”.
The automaker furthermore says the GR-S (which is short for “GR Sport”) version of the strong-selling adventure SUV will boast “sport-inspired features and aesthetics, an aggressive stance as well as performance-focused upgrades”. While further details have yet to be released, we can perhaps look to the closely related Hilux GR-S for an idea of what to expect.
As a reminder, existing Fortuner derivatives fitted with Toyota’s familiar 2.8-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel motor offer 150 kW and 500 Nm. If the upcoming Fortuner GR-S scores the same engine tune as the hottest Hilux, it will upgrade to peak outputs of 165 kW and 550 Nm, delivered to all 4 wheels through a 6-speed automatic gearbox.
Moreover, based on the Fortuner GR-S model offered in various overseas markets, we’d speculate this derivative will furthermore gain items such as red brake callipers, black alloy wheels and uprated shock absorbers, along with subtle exterior styling revisions and the requisite smattering of “GR” badges.
Inside the uprated ladder-frame SUV, we can likely expect yet more “GR” branding (perhaps on the front-seat headrests, starter button and steering wheel), various red accents and GR-specific instrument panel features.
As a reminder, the current Fortuner portfolio comprises 11 derivatives, 3 of which employ the 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine. The remaining 8 variants use the aforementioned 2.8 GD-6 powerplant, with 4 furthermore gaining a 48 V mild-hybrid system. Pricing runs from R679 100 to R961 800. Year to date (end of November 2024), Toyota SA Motors has sold as many as 9 323 units of the Fortuner.
Look out for more official details – and, of course, pricing – closer to the official local launch of the Fortuner GR-S in Q1 2025…
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