The Gazoo Racing (GR) branding has been making the rounds of Toyota Motor Philippines’ (TMP) model lineup, and it looks like there’s no end in sight just yet. Next on the roster is the Fortuner midsize SUV, with the anticipated local arrival of its GR Sport trim.
The current Fortuner LTD 4x4 could be replaced with the arrival of the GR Sport
If it sets foot on Philippine soil, this new variant is set to displace the recently-updated LTD as the flagship for the Fortuner range. An Autoindustriya report cites an anonymous insider source as saying that the Fortuner GR Sport could have a slightly heftier premium, to the tune of Php 2.509 million. That’s a Php 69,000 difference against the current top-spec LTD 4x4. Barring preemptive releases by its local rivals, the Fortuner GR Sport could potentially be the most expensive truck-based midsize SUV not only for TMP, but the local segment in general.
It isn’t a stretch to say that this will be a test of customers’ devotion to the brand, so the variant’s success will depend on one of two scenarios. The first possibility is that TMP will import the GR Sport from Indonesia, where it has been sourcing PH-spec Fortuner units from the get-go.
Toyota Indonesia's Fortuner GR Sport was released first and features restrained styling cues
Toyota Indonesia’s Fortuner GR Sport comes off as rather unassuming, largely resembling the lower-spec trims. Its fascia comprises the standard grille flanked by bi-beam LED headlamps, with a revised skid plate to visually distinguish it from the rest of the stable. The presence of GR badging along the sides and rear is the closest it comes to proclaiming its identity and even the interior can be easily mistaken for one of the lower variants. Prospective buyers could view this as a downgrade for a flagship variant.
The second possibility is that TMP will be importing the latest Fortuner from Thailand. After all, the local LTD variant already bears the more overt styling of the Thai-spec GR Sport trim, particularly the two-tier grille and split-type LED headlamps. Thailand’s Fortuner GR Sport adds the GR badges on the front and back of the two-tone body. If that’s not enough, more GR branding appears on inside, from the embroidery on the front headrests to the engine start button.
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Our local LTD 4x4 variant was patterned after the Thai-spec Fortuner Legender, which in turn inspired their GR Sport version
Our range-topping Fortuner LTD is powered by a 2.8-liter turbodiesel mill that squeezes out 201 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque, the same engine used in Thailand. However, the alloy wheels top out at 18 inches, just like the one in Indonesia. A potential GR Sport version might see an upgrade to 20-inch alloys, but that’s pure speculation at this point.
Something understated or something that’s a little flashier? We’ll have to wait for the local launch of the Toyota Fortuner GR Sport to find out which of them is worth two and a half million pesos.
You won’t need to fork over some serious dough to get our updates at Philkotse.com.