We acknowledge the fact that the Toyota 86 is a bit underpowered, and it seems to be a fun car driving with the top down. Coupled with Toyota teasing us with the FT-86 Open Concept back at the Geneva Motor Show, we thought both the convertible and turbocharged variants are going to be the next model range for this new and sporty Japanese FR machine; but we were wrong.
It seems that these two models would not be bringing Toyota that much benefit, which had prompted them to come with the decision of axing both the long-rumoured convertible and the turbocharged variants.
Despite the fact that the FT-86 Open Concept was well-received by both the press and visitors alike, a report from Automotive News suggests that removing the top from the 86 requires a big investment that is hard to justify as the convertible will undoubtedly be a low-volume model.
And since Toyota gave their word to not add any weight for the convertible, they will be facing a serious challenge in strengthening the coupe’s body and designing a soft-top mechanism without adding up the weight.
While the turbocharged version will just remain as an idea, Toyota is still trying to get the hybrid version into production, saying that it will be able to provide a noticeable bump in power. If the project gets a green light, the car is at least two to three years away from reaching the production lines.
