The hot-selling Toyota Fortuner is set to get a generational update globally. A host of changes are expected on the new model. Going forward, the carmaker will have both ICE and hybrid versions of the Fortuner. As per sources, the next generation Fortuner will get a new turbocharged petrol engine. This engine could also make its way to the Hilux as well.
Fortuner’s New Turbo Petrol Engine: What Is It?
Reports say that the new engine will be a 2.0L turbocharged petrol unit. It will likely produce 300 hp and 400 Nm. The 2.8L diesel that does duty on the outgoing Fortuner produces just 204 hp. The new turbo-petrol would thus have a significant upper hand. Toyota claims the new engine to offer good on-road and off-road performance. It would also be more fuel-efficient than the current petrol. ( The India-spec Fortuner currently has a 2.7L NA petrol engine on sale).
In some markets, Toyota offers 2.4 L turbo engines in some models. The new powertrain will replace these. The 2.0L petrol will be 30% more fuel efficient and 10% smaller in size.
Toyota hopes the next generation Fortuner to be a lot greener than the current one. But this will not be by going electric. Instead, being greener here would mean delivering more fuel efficiency- burning less fuel!
The engine will also be compatible with carbon-neutral fuels such as ethanol, synthetic fuels and liquid Hydrogen. Toyota has immense expertise in making alternative fuel vehicles. These will be used in hybrid powertrains as well.
GR Sport Getting It First?
It is too early to say which variant of the upcoming Fortuner will get the new engine, or if it will be available across trims. Speculations suggest that the GR Sport could get it first. The Fortuner GR Sport is already known for its sportier and more aggressive character. The new engine will only add to its appeal.
More Smaller Engines Coming!
The Japanese manufacturer is also known to be working on a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated and turbocharged petrol engines. This family consisting of 1.5L turbo and NA, and 2.0L turbocharged units will replace larger engines for efficiency and power gains.
More Toyota Models To Get This Engine Soon
The new 2.0-litre turbo engine won’t be exclusive to the Fortuner. It will also be used in the Hilux which is built on the same platform as the Fortuner. It will also power some of Toyota’s upcoming sports cars, including the Toyota MR2 and Celica, in which it will be good enough to produce 400hp and 549Nm. The manufacturer could even build a 600hp version of it, for use in motorsport.
It’s unclear if the new engine will be introduced in the current-generation Fortuner or if it will be exclusive to the next-generation SUV, expected to arrive in 2025. The current generation is nearing the end of its life cycle. Thus, the upcoming generational update has the most chance of debuting this mill.
Diesel Variants Will Not Die!
The next generation Fortuner will not be a petrol-only model. It will have a mild hybrid version based on the current 2.8L diesel engine. The 48V mild hybrid powertrain will be able to produce 201 PS and 500 Nm. It will have more low-end torque and improved fuel efficiency.
The MHEV powertrain gets a 48V electric motor or generator, instead of a conventional alternator. There is a DC-DC converter and a 48V battery pack as well. The electric motor charges the battery pack while coasting and during deceleration. It is further used to power the motor that provides additional electric assist to the engine. The electric setup is claimed to generate 16 PS and 65 Nm. Toyota also has plans to make the MHEV powertrain available on the Hilux in future.
