Following last night’s premature reveal, Toyota has officially presented its new GT86 / Scion FR-S-based FT-86 Open concept, just days before we get to see in the flesh at the 83rd edition of the Geneva Motor Show.
Besides a more comprehensive and higher-resolution image gallery, Toyota also published the first video of the car on the move and initial specifications.
It only takes a quick look at the pictures to see that the FT-86 Open is more of a pre-production model than a concept, something that even Toyota admits, adding that it created the car “to test the water for the possible introduction of a convertible version”.
Aimed at the likes of the successful Mazda MX-5, the FT-86 Open replaces the GT86’s (FR-S) fixed hard-top with a multi-layered fabric roof with a glass rear screen. Unlike the Mazda, however, the Toyota model has the same 2+2 seating format as the coupe, which can be a bonus feature for many buyers.
The blue-colored roof neatly tucks away behind the fixed rear seats, with Toyota stating that it has “minimal impact on the space available for luggage”.
The convertible model’s external dimensions match those of the coupe at 4,240mm long, 1,750mm wide and 1,270mm long, while it also retains the same 2.0-liter boxer engine paired to either a standard six-speed manual or the optional 6sp automatic, driving the rear wheels. The suspension components remain unchanged.
What’s different about the show car (other than the absence of the hard top), is the ambience of the interior, which was customized with a pure bright white and navy blue colour scheme with yellow accent stitching. It was designed by Toyota Boshoku Milan Design (TBMD) who said he wanted “to capture the spirit and atmosphere of Milan”.
Looking at the snazzier interior of the FT-86 makes you wonder why Toyota doesn’t offer a similar option(s) for the production model – think something in the likes of BMW‘s Individual program.
Thanks to everyone who sent in a video tip!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xFp55EhIHA
PHOTO GALLERY
