The next-generation Toyota Fortuner will feature a mild-hybrid diesel powertrain when it debuts in Thailand next year, according to sources for Thai publication Headlight Magazine. According to the magazine’s source, the forthcoming full-model change for the Fortuner will adopt the TNGA-F architecture, and the mild-hybrid diesel powertrain that it accommodates will make for a model that will be the first for an SUV in Thailand, as well as becoming the first such model from Toyota.
Specifically, it is the 1GD family of
diesel engines that will gain mild-hybrid electrification, noted Headlight
Magazine. In addition to providing momentary drive assistance when setting off
from a standstill, this will also supply power to the air-conditioning in order
to reduce fuel consumption. In the current-generation Fortuner, the 1GD-FTV 2.8
litre four-cylinder turbodiesel outputs 204 PS and 500 Nm of torque.
When the next-generation Toyota Fortuner
debuts next year with the mild-hybrid diesel powertrain, this variant is
expected to priced lower than the Thai-market Fortuner Legender, suggests
Headlight Magazine. The development of diesel-hybrid powertrains at Toyota have
been the subject of rumours since August last year, when Japanese publication
Best Car Web wrote that the powertrain type is expected to see service in
“off-road 4WD vehicles” and commercial vehicle-based models.
The earlier report by the Japanese
publication noted that Japanese-market models without hybrid powertrains
include the Land Cruiser, Land Cruiser Prado, Hiace Wagon, GranAce and more,
and these have been said to incorporate hybrid engines displacing 2.5 litres
and 3.5 litres.
