Toyota in Australia says it “wouldn't rule anything out” after being asked if the Fortuner was in line for the full-fat Gazoo Racing treatment.

The folks over at CarsGuide.com.au posed the question to the Japanese firm, pointing out that whatever treatment is handed to the Hilux is often repeated on the closely related Fortuner.

Of course, the latest reports suggest the next-generation Hilux will debut in 2023, complete with a range-topping GR-badged variant powered by the firm’s rumoured “all-new” 3,3-litre V6 turbodiesel engine (itself set to debut in the new Land Cruiser 300).

"We are always evaluating trends, and if the market moves in that direction then we wouldn't rule anything out," a Toyota spokesperson told the Australian publication.

At the start of 2020, Toyota applied to trademark the “GR Hilux” nameplate, although the Japanese firm insisted it had “no plans” to offer a high-performance version of the bakkie just yet.

Still, a high-performance Hilux flagship is looking increasingly likely to arrive with the ninth-generation version of the popular bakkie. Question is, will Toyota extend the GR treatment to the next-generation Fortuner, too?

Original article from Car