X

Toyota FT-86 Open pulls up to Geneva with its ceiling missing (pictures)

The much hyped Toyota GT86 / Scion FR-S / Subaru BRZ triplets get a conceptual convertible conversion at the 2013 Geneva Auto Show.

Antuan Goodwin
Antuan Goodwin gained his automotive knowledge the old fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. From drivetrain tech and electrification to car audio installs and cabin tech, if it's on wheels, Antuan is knowledgeable.
Antuan Goodwin
Toyota_GTOpen07.jpg
1 of 9 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Toyota FT-86 Open pulls up to Geneva with its ceiling missing

The Toyota FT-86 Open was announced as a convertible concept variant of the much hyped Toyota GT86 / Scion FR-S / Subaru BRZ sports coupe triplets and it arrives at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show with no surprises in tow. It is literally and simply a custom version of the car we know sans the roof; exactly what it says on the tin.
Toyota_GTOpen01.jpg
2 of 9 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Open air fun

Just because we're not surprised by the Open concept, doesn't mean that it's any less interesting as a concept for a future Toyota (and, by extension, Scion) model. The FT-86 departs from the archetype established by the Hachiroku AE86, which was never offered as a rag top, to the best of my knowledge.
Toyota_GTOpen05.jpg
3 of 9 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Neatly folded roof

The Open's soft top folds neatly into the space behind the rear seat, forming it's own tonneau. At least, we think it does. I've spotted no photos or video of the Open with the top closed.

The rear seat itself is a point of contention for fellow Car Tech editor Wayne Cunningham. "Four seater convertibles look like tubs," he states. This 2+2 doesn't look too bad, I think.
Toyota_GTOpen02.jpg
4 of 9 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Nitpicking

Also like most coupés that are converted to convertibles after the fact, the FT-86 Open's design has a few rough spots. For example, the rear deck begins to curve upward at what would be the end of the roofline, but terminates awkwardly. A smooth transition would look better, but I'm really nitpicking at this point.
Toyota_GTOpen03.jpg
5 of 9 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Still quite the looker

Nitpicks, rear seats, and quibbles aside, the FT-86 does look quite fetching with the top peeled back. The automaker has released a video of the convertible in action, which you can view below.

Toyota_GTOpen04.jpg
6 of 9 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Maxi-Mazda-Miata

However, if you were unimpressed with the GT86's 200-horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque, prepare to be disappointed again. The FT-86 Open uses the same boxer-four engine. On the other hand, fans well-balanced, rear-driven, open-topped sports cars who want more space than the oft-compared Mazda Miata offers should be chomping at the bit for this car's production.
Toyota_GTOpen09.jpg
7 of 9 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Color scheme

The Open concept makes use of a special pure bright white paint with the folded fabric top and interior trim being a contrasting navy blue. Gold accent stitching on the interior are supposed to remind us of Milan. Okay, sure...
Toyota_GTOpen06.jpg
8 of 9 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Converting to convertible

Toyota claims that the GT86 was already developed with a convertible version in mind. Hence, its frameless doors didn't need modification. On the other hand, the chasis will still need to be braced and stiffened to deal with the lack of the aluminum roof, which is a structural member in the coupe.
Toyota_GTOpen10.jpg
9 of 9 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

More work to be done

So while the FT-86 Open is not necessarily an afterthought, the automaker will still need to put in a bit more R&D before a convertible Scion FR-S or Subaru BRZ rolls onto your dealer's floor and strips down. For now, the Open is merely a design study.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos