Although Toyota says the FT-86 Open concept is “a study model based on the rear-wheel drive 86 sports car that was created to test and verify potential sports car variations”, it has also confirmed that engineering prototypes are already undergoing testing. Few details have been revealed ahead of the FT-86’s world premiere at next week’s Geneva motor show, but Toyota has confirmed the concept is fitted with an electrically operated soft-top, “allowing a feeling of oneness with nature while maintaining the joy and sense of oneness with the vehicle created by the 86”.
The Japanese giant said a Milan-based designer colour-coordinated the concept’s interior and exterior, which feature contrasting white and navy blue hues to emphasise the vehicle's proportions and “the integrated nature of the design”.
Toyota says the Open concept’s seats and floormats also feature yellow-gold stitching, but remains tight-lipped on other details.
However, it’s almost certain the topless 86 will come with the same mechanical configuration as the fixed-roof 86, meaning a 2.0-litre boxer petrol engine delivering 147kW/205Nm to the rear wheels.
Expect the final production version of the 86 Convertible to be revealed at the Tokyo motor show on November 20, before going on sale here next year priced around $35,000, making its closest competitors the (front-drive) Peugeot 207 CC (from $33,490) and MINI Roadster (from $37,500).
While the 86 Convertible will be Toyota’s first convertible since the 2002-2006 MR2 Spyder, so far there is no sign of an open-top version of its mechanical twin, Subaru’s BRZ.