Toyota to preview GT-86 drop-top with concept
Upcoming convertible teased in sketch form before concept is shown at Geneva
As we reported back in March, the go-ahead has already been given for an open-topped version of the GT-86. Indeed, appetite for this derivative over at Toyota is strong. As Autocar reports, Toyota’s tech bods know they’re onto a winner with the GT-86, and they want to capitalise on that by churning out a clutch of different variants. No word yet on what those will be, although Gazoo Racing’s fascinating turbo-supercharged effort, as well as the slightly more low-key TRD package, both show that there are undoubtedly plenty of ideas bubbling around in the GT-86 development stew.
However, for now, all we know for sure is that the first '86-based car we can look forward to will be the drop-top. The sketch suggests it’ll be a two-plus-two, and logic would dictate that it’ll retain the fizzy 200hp, 151lb ft 2.0-litre boxer engine of the coupe. Early reports have, however, suggested that the price may be a trifle on the steep side – around £5,000 more than the coupe, to be precise.
Leaving price to one side for the moment, the real challenge for Toyota will be whether it can keep the convertible simultaneously stiff enough and light enough to retain the same pure driving experience that made the coupe our Car Of The Year. If it manages that, and assuming the price isn’t too unpalatable, then the lure of the GT-86 chassis combined with the appeal of blue-sky motoring will prove hard to resist.
[Sources: Toyota; Autocar]
However, it is a shame that they don't look outside the JDM and give a percentage of the population a chance to buy what is missing from the mass offering: a cost effective track car.
The R26.R was the last factory caged, semi-affordable, mainstream offering that I can recall (can anyone name an OEM spec car with a cage option that is sub 911 GT3 price?)
Please Toyota, Subaru, etc, give the UK a stripped out, cage option, GT86/BRZ - there is no competition in this market segment!
Make power windows, A/C and rear seats an option.
Add cage and harnesses as a dealer fit/factory option
Job done.
Please Toyota, Subaru, etc, give the UK a stripped out, cage option, GT86/BRZ - there is no competition in this market segment!
Make power windows, A/C and rear seats an option.
Add cage and harnesses as a dealer fit/factory option
Job done.
This is the car they need to offer and not just in the UK. Get it as light as possible and as cheap as possible. Take the back seats out and replace the bulky recliners with a cheap composite
seats, remove the soundproofing and possibly fit more basic trim, fit the TRD springs but leave the standard dampers. Perspex rear windows would be nice too.
Offer this and a premium version. Done.
Please Toyota, Subaru, etc, give the UK a stripped out, cage option, GT86/BRZ - there is no competition in this market segment!
Make power windows, A/C and rear seats an option.
Add cage and harnesses as a dealer fit/factory option
Job done.
This is the car they need to offer and not just in the UK. Get it as light as possible and as cheap as possible. Take the back seats out and replace the bulky recliners with a cheap composite
seats, remove the soundproofing and possibly fit more basic trim, fit the TRD springs but leave the standard dampers. Perspex rear windows would be nice too.
Offer this and a premium version. Done.
However, although the R26.R was released at the beginning of the financial recession, it has to be said they hardly sold any. Mine was no154 & was one of the last batch of 6 brought into the UK
Please Toyota, Subaru, etc, give the UK a stripped out, cage option, GT86/BRZ - there is no competition in this market segment!
Make power windows, A/C and rear seats an option.
Add cage and harnesses as a dealer fit/factory option
Job done.
This is the car they need to offer and not just in the UK. Get it as light as possible and as cheap as possible. Take the back seats out and replace the bulky recliners with a cheap composite
seats, remove the soundproofing and possibly fit more basic trim, fit the TRD springs but leave the standard dampers. Perspex rear windows would be nice too.
Offer this and a premium version. Done.
However, although the R26.R was released at the beginning of the financial recession, it has to be said they hardly sold any. Mine was no154 & was one of the last batch of 6 brought into the UK
As for a convertible GT-86, why not? I suspect they'll lose the +2 seats to make it work, but if they keep it simple and it's not too wobbly it could be a lovely way to get around.
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