Toyota Fortuner – The buzz about the Toyota Fortuner has returned again. Just a few days after the global debut of the new Hilux Travo, digital artist Kleber Silva created a new generation Fortuner visualization. By taking cues from the new Hilux and the rugged 4Runner, this imagined model provides an excellent opportunity to see how Toyota’s historical full-size SUV might evolve in the next chapter.
Design
The visual identity of the rendered Fortuner is inspired heavily by the new Hilux, starting with the ‘Cyber Sumo’ front fascia which is quite bold. Sleek LED headlamps, a wide grille with ‘TOYOTA’ lettering in place of the traditional emblem, aggressive bumper vents, circular fog lamps, and a wide grille create a strong and commanding nose. The sculpted bonnet, dark skid plate, and sharp DRLs give the car that fresh-up-and-intimidating-road-presence look. The side profile carries the Hilux influence all the way to the B-pillar where it morphs into a 4Runner-style glasshouse line with an upward-kink window and an extended quarterglass. Black cladding around the wheel arches, functional roof rails, and short overhangs add to the SUV’s character. The rear continues the luxurious rugged theme with a spoiler, bold bumper lines, connected LED tail lamps, and styling hints that from a distance evoke the Land Cruiser.
Inspiration
The visualization merges the characteristics of both Toyota’s classic machines the Hilux and the 4Runner. A lot of the contemporary design aspects of the Hilux are easily and quickly transferred to the body of the Fortuner and they look like an SUV’s natural costume. The 4Runner’s character is felt in the contour lines of the rear part and the structure of the windows, which is a light that promotes Fortuner as a rough and more wilderness-seeking vehicle. The mixture seems to be real and not extravagant, which gives the virtual design the honor of being one of the most realistic Fortuner interpretations.
Platform
Toyota’s IMV platform has always been the underlying support for both the Fortuner and Hilux. A while ago, there was a rumor floating around the industry about a switch to the more modern TNGA-F structure the same as that of the Land Cruiser and other luxurious Toyota SUVs. However, the unveiling of the latest Hilux confirmed the use of an improved IMV platform, coupled with better comfort and the ‘Dynamic Cloud’ suspension system. Although there are still many who dream that the next-gen Fortuner would come to TNGA for the sake of luxury feel and extra features, such a transition would undoubtedly lead to a significant increase in the price. Toyota might opt for the IMV platform for the Fortuner, thereby ensuring refinement, reliability, and cost-efficiency, but we will never know until the very end what the choice was.
