Toyota Investigating GT 86 (Scion FR-S) Convertible, But Don’t Expect It Any Time Soon

Toyota FT-86 Open Concept


A year after Toyota showed a sweet-looking topless FR-S show car called the FT-86 Open concept at the 2013 Geneva auto show, Toyota is looking into building the long-rumored convertible without help from production partner Subaru, according to Scion VP Doug Murtha in an interview with Wards Auto. But the reality of a Scion FR-S convertible coming to the U.S. any time soon remains as unlikely as ever, according to our sources.

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On one hand, Toyota is one of the most profitable car companies in the world, and could probably afford the development costs of the ragtop with the change in its pockets. On the other hand, considering that the former 10Best-winning FR-S was not designed as a convertible from the outset—and thus would require additional reinforcements on the transmission tunnel, rocker panels, and elsewhere—the cost of such reengineering would be considerable. And Toyota didn’t become as rich by building money-losing products.

For its part, Subaru, which actually builds all global versions of the GT 86 / FR-S / Subaru BRZ, all but snuffed out the idea. Brand chief Yasuyuki Yoshinaga told Automotive News, “We make the car, so if we don’t make it, it can’t happen.” So there.

The added weight would also compromise performance, of course, and according to a source inside the Toyota, the softtop would add $3000—$3500 to the FR-S’s price (currently about $25K—$29K). This would stretch the MSRP of such a vehicle far beyond a price point for which the Scion brand was originally conceived. Moreover, as Scion refocuses on entry-level volume products, the prospect of a $30K model looks increasingly unlikely.

• Feature: Subaru BRZ and Scion FR-S—A Study in Comparison and Contrast
• Comparison Test: 2013 Scion FR-S vs. 2012 Porsche Cayman S
• Long-Term Road Test Update: 2013 Subaru BRZ

At the very least, the inquiries around parts sourcing for a convertible GT 86 shows that Toyota is interested in a convertible version of this car. However, our sources tell us that it would make far more sense to wait until the second generation of the FR-S is developed.​

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I don't think this car is worth $25k. I know it's about "driver feel" but despite the fact that it only feels smaller/lower/stiffer than the wrx, you get soooo much more value with the wrx. Much faster, more tuning capability, more space, torque... I just don't get it. I feel like if this car could be offered at $20k it would be much more appealing. At 25k you can also get the 274hp Genesis Coupe that is turbocharged...

 

This car looks good aesthetically but performance wise like Johnny said isn't worth the price. Sometimes I don't get why car makers release overpriced cars that aren't worth the money. Whatever it is, I'm sure it's still going to sell once Toyota have officially launched it.