Toyota releases convertible concept of GT86 ahead of Geneva

Almost since the day Toyota and Scion debuted the FR-S sports car, there was conjecture that a convertible version would eventually follow. On Friday, the drop-top’s prospects got a lot better.

Toyota’s UK office announced it would be bringing the FT-86 convertible concept to the Geneva Motor Show. The car is the open-top version of the Toyota GT86, which is sold in the U.S. as the Scion FR-S. It’s also nearly identical to the Subaru BRZ.

Though Toyota asserts the car is only a concept, it appears production-ready. The fabric roof has multiple layers to keep the elements out and also features a glass rear window.

Photos: Toyota FT-86 convertible concept

The car retains the 2+2 seating arrangement (which means the second “2� still doesn’t accommodate adults), and Toyota says the folding roof will have a minimal effect on luggage space in the trunk.

Toyota didn’t release the weight of the concept, and said it would need further time to study the best way to keep the convertible’s curb weight similar to that of the coupe while keeping the chassis as rigid.

The concept’s powertrain remains unchanged from the coupe’s. This means it will have a direct-injected, naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four cylinder engine that makes 200 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. It’s paired with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, which pushes this power to the rear wheels.

The FR-S starts at $25,255 in the U.S. and tops out at around $27,500. Pricing of the convertible hasn’t been announced but would likely get close to the $30,000 mark.

Toyota will likely release more details when the concept is officially unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show on March 5.

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