Following the global success of the exhilarating GT86 (Scion FR-S/Toyota GT86/Subaru BRZ) coupe, the Toyota Open concept has been created to gauge customer reaction to the possible launch of a convertible version of Toyota's remarkable, front 'boxer' engined, rear-wheel drive, compact 2+2 sports car. The FT-86 Open concept (FT-86 stands for "Future Toyota 86 Concept") featured a multi-layered fabric roof construction with a glass rear screen. It retained the GT86's 2+2 seating format, the roof being stowed behind fixed rear seats with minimal impact on luggage capacity.
The FT-86 Open concept shares the platform and powertrain of the GT86; the world's first horizontally opposed engine with D-4S injection technology - a 1,998 cc, low centre of gravity, naturally aspirated, high-revving sports engine capable of developing 100 DIN hp per litre- driving the rear wheels via a short throw, 'flick of the wrist' manual gear shift or a 6-speed automatic transmission with the world's fastest paddle shifting speed of only 0.2 seconds. (netcarshow.com)
Update: According to whatcar.com, Toyota has cancelled plans to produce a convertible version of its GT86 sports car - for the time being, at least. (whatcar.com)
(Photos from autowp.ru, carxmotor.com & leftlanenews.com)
2013 Toyota GT86 coupe
