Toyota continues testing the new Fortuner in Thailand. Expected to be officially unveiled by July 2015 in South East Asian markets, here’s one more spy picture from there teasing the upcoming SUV’s shape.
The next generation models of the Innova, Fortuner and Hilux will be partly based on the newly developed Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), analogous to Volkswagen’s highly flexible MQB architecture. Apropos to being a proper, old-school SUV, the new Fortuner will continue with a new ladder frame chassis which would be lighter and stiffer than the outgoing version and should make for better off-road prowess.
Styling will be all-new, while the big and imposing presence shall remain. It’ll also wear just the right amount of chrome to make the average Fortuner buyer in India drool and flock to the shops. A spy photo of the front fascia reveals generous usage of shine that makes Indian buyers swoon. Chrome will be found in and around the grille, while the fog lamp surrounds are laced with the same.
2016 Toyota Fortuner – exploratory sketches (?)
The 2016 Toyota Fortuner model will receive new interiors and the usual 5-speed manual and automatic transmissions with two-wheel and four-wheel drive options. New engines might be in the offing too. In India, the current Fortuner is available with either 3.0-liter (171 hp/343 Nm) or 2.5-liter (144 hp/343 Nm) D-4D diesel engines.
When launched in India by 2015’s second half, it will compete with the Hyundai Santa Fe, the new Ford Endeavour, and the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. Reports suggest that it could retail from anywhere between 20-25 lakh INR(ex-showroom).
Source : Headlightmag.com
