Photo Illustration by Nick Wilcox
Since rumors are already flying about the possibility of a Toyota FT-86 convertible, we thought we would give you an idea what such a vehicle might look like. Not bad eh?
Supposedly a Toyota official told someone at a Dutch website that the company would build such a vehicle "if there was sufficient demand." Well, given that the FT-86 was the unofficial star of the 2009 Tokyo auto show, we're guessing that an FT-86 convertible would create more than enough demand to justify its existence.
An FT-86 convertible would also do something that an FT-86 coupe probably would not -- that is, lure non-enthusiast buyers who simply want a stylish two-door that gets decent mileage. Makes for a much better business case, and the way Toyota's fortunes are going it could use a few hits.
94_gsr_cpe says:
05:34 AM, 11/ 2/09
Do it to it. I think this is a very smart move.
rallyandbosox says:
07:58 AM, 11/ 2/09
Looks kinda like the S2000.
racinbilly says:
08:48 AM, 11/ 2/09
It's a good idea. Currently most of Toyotas line up is a little bland. Building this car may bring a more sporty image to the plain-safe-stodgy Toyota brand. After all, not everyone wants to buy Scion.
porschecarrera says:
09:36 AM, 11/ 2/09
I'd buy one.
thaitanium15 says:
09:45 AM, 11/ 2/09
Nice. Make this and kill the Solara.
notabigdeal says:
10:09 AM, 11/ 2/09
Depends on its price range. Seems like it would make a decent competitor for the VW Eos and volvo c70.
greenpony says:
10:12 AM, 11/ 2/09
Did they graft a Solara rear onto an S2000 front?
dc325ix says:
10:51 AM, 11/ 2/09
start it at 27k for the base model and 35k for fully loaded one and they would have a home run. As for the comment about the line up being bland, I agree - Toyota needs something sexy in its lineup.
das_stig says:
11:26 AM, 11/ 2/09
I do agree that Toyota needs a stunning car like this in it's lineup, but at 27K, the base model would somewhat lose it's essence in terms of marketing due to the high price. If they start off the base model around 22K and push it up for a full option/high performance engine model around the range of 28-30K, they could make a big hit in the market considering it will be cheaper than a base S2000. Other than that, I think it's a good move if they're well enough to pull it off. Best of luck Toyota.
cz75 says:
01:53 PM, 11/ 2/09
Why is it Toyota is suddenly moving to make interesting cars while Honda is moving toward boring appliances for getting from A to B?
10k says:
03:11 PM, 11/ 2/09
If you build it, they will come.
This is the 2nd time I’ve responded to one of these online car comments; and the 1st time was about this same exact subject, the FT-86 concept. In short, it’s something that I’m really looking forward to – and I’m sure others do too! We hope Toyota builds it!
Keep the price under that of an S2K, or in the same category/price of the Miata, and it’s A’okay in my books!
Last comment: Naturally Aspirated, Please! –But keep our options available; I like the idea of freedom of choice... BTW, I'm not really a convertible kind of guy .. so given the choice, my vote goes coupe; however, even as a convertible, it looks more promising than any other lightweight FR-layout currently available - given the assumed price bracket.
[just had to sign up to post this comment ... that's a lot of work for a consumer! that means this product looks promising! ;) ]
estreka says:
04:45 PM, 11/ 2/09
I dunno where some of you are drawing S2K references. The front is raked and stubbier. It's also a lot curvier than the S.
I think a convertible would be a good decision. I wouldn't build one until FT-86 sales prove viable, though.
estreka says:
05:47 PM, 11/ 2/09
Actually, it strikes me more as a Mazda 6 in profile.
stephen987 says:
05:47 AM, 11/ 3/09
Great--let the posers subsidize the production of another sports car, but don't let them take over.
cjw88 says:
09:34 AM, 11/ 8/09
I'm just hoping they'll do something different with the wheels for the production model. Sure those look very interesting and catch a good bit of attention, but I think they're hideous.