Toyota Racing Development Team Tries its Hand on the Toyota Fortuner

MANILA: Toyota Racing Development, popular by its TRD abbreviation, is Toyota's indigenous workshop that works in close proximity with its worldwide racing teams. In addition, to cater the Zoom-zoom needs of Toyota racers, it also takes cares of customers' need for speed and performance. Adding to the list of its powerful creations is the recently launched all-new Toyota Fortuner. The TRD team has added a special body kit both on the exterior and interior front of the 2016 Fortuner, enhancing it on the performance and looks square.

The all new Toyota Fortuner was recently launched on the Philippines shores on 14th January 2016, but until now we have no updates whether its new hulk sibling will come accompanying it here or not. With 2016 MIAS just around the corner, we have one question in mind, what new we'll get to see this time at the home-based auto show. All these factors are hinting towards a TRD badged Toyota Fortuner booking the stage at 7th to 10th April scheduled Manila International Auto Show.

TRD pinned Fortuner has received many technical updations, exterior beautification, and cabin look and feel enhancements. So an added cost is obvious to come along and that to a big one. 2016 Toyota Fortuner price ranges from PhP 1,319,000 - PhP 2,120,000, so if a TRD version comes knocking our door some day, we expect it to carry a price premium of approx PhP 30,000 to 50,000.

Coming to Fortuner TRD upgradations, vital changes are discussed below in detail.

Exterior Modifications-

Dimensions being the same, the TRD Fortuner carries a bolder look compared to the non-TRD Fortuner. At the front, the TRD version carries wider fog lamp case, carrying the same honeycomb design as the air vents. The side profile showcases a different set of alloy wheels that now measures 20-inches. Also, the A-, B-, and C-pillars are covered in black and accompanying them is the mat-black colored roof, only adding to its masculine appearance. At the rear, it gets a red TRD badging, boldly announcing presence of a hulk within.

Cabin Modifications -

Red and Black together represent power and boldness. This perfect color combination is used inside the TRD Fortuner by Toyota, with major imprints on leather seats, meter console, center console and door panels. And like all best-in-class models, it comes stuffed with a multi-functional steering wheel, seven-inch infotainment system and what not.

Handling & Drivability Up-gradations

Now that's important when we talk about a TRD bagged car. In order to properly coordinate with its 2.8L turbo engine and what is is destined to do, the Fortuner TRD version comes equipped with more responsive front and rear disc brakes and in-house manufactured shock absorbs.

Availability

Currently, the new TRD kid has only reached the Thai market, where it seems to accompany its non-TRD sedan sibling - the all new Toyota Vios.

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