The Japanese manufacturer has offered an early preview of its Geneva motor show stars, including a convertible version of the highly regarded Toyota GT86
Toyota has previewed an open-topped version of the lauded Toyota GT86 sportscar, a model that is certain to be one of the stars of next month’s Geneva motor show.
The Toyota FT-86 Open concept, so far only seen in sketch form, previews a possible future development of the award-winning GT86 sports coupe.
Toyota says it will use the Geneva concept to gauge public reaction to the idea, although the Japanese company adds that it will press ahead with engineering tests on a prototype at the same time.
As reported by Autocar last May, key Toyota engineering staff involved with the development of the rear-wheel-drive coupé are keen to capitalise on the positive reaction to the car by producing several variants.
Toyota GT86 project engineer Tetsuya Tada has previously confirmed to Autocar that a convertible version of the car is “technically feasible”.
Given the engineering work already undertaken and the likely popularity of an open-top version, particularly in California, a production convertible is almost inevitable, and could possibly be on sale as early as 2014.
Also making its world premiere at the Swiss automotive expo will be the Toyota i-Road concept. It has been conceived as a compact, emissions-free two-person vehicle to offer quick and efficient urban transport.
The two concepts will share Toyota's show stand with the production-ready version of the Toyota Auris Touring Sports.
The new estate is not expected to differ dramatically from the preview example of the British-built model that was revealed at last year's Paris motor show. The model’s debut will be supported by the presentation of a special design study called the Auris Touring Sports Black.
The final jewel in Toyota's Geneva crown is the first appearance of the Toyota RAV4 at a European motor show. The debut of the fourth-generation SUV will be supported by two special design studies, the RAV4 Premium and RAV4 Adventure.