Currently reading: Tokyo motor show: Toyota FT-86 Open concept
Our image from Tokyo motor show highlights the FT-86 Open's roof for the first time

The latest iteration of the Toyota FT-86 Open concept has been unveiled at the Tokyo motor show.

The car had previously been seen at the Geneva motor show and the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Although officially a concept, Toyota is gauging reaction to the idea of an open-top GT86.  The production-ready looks of the concept suggest that a fabric-roofed GT86 should soon become a reality.

The firm says "further engineering evaluation" must be undertaken on the FT-86 Open concept - FT standing for Future Toyota - for it to become a production reality. Rigidity, balance, weight and aerodynamics are the areas that require additional work.

Toyota hints that the GT86's transition from coupé to convertible should be relatively straightforward, because the coupé was 'package protected' in its design and engineering, through parts such as frameless doors, to be turned into a convertible. 

“There is an inevitable loss in rigidity when you take the roof away,” said a source, “but it’s not pronounced.” Structural reinforcements have been employed in the car’s rocker panels and around its A pillar and front bulkhead.

Final production versions of the convertible derivative of the Toyota GT86 should carry less than 100kg in overall weight penalty, the firm says. 

At the same time, chassis rates will be reappraised for a smoother, freer-flowing ride. “It’s not as simple as just lowing spring and damper rates,” said our source, “but we’re confident we can achieve a more laid-back compromise, as well as slightly less reactive handling, which convertible customers will want.”

The concept gets a multi-layered fabric roof with a glass rear screen that automatically retracts behind the two rear passenger seats, maintaining the 2+2 cabin and having 'minimal' impact on luggage capacity.

The concept's trim has been developed in Milan. It mixes a white exterior with a blue fabric roof and bright white and navy blue with yellow trim inside.

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This light, uncomplicated coupé promises so much. Can the Toyota GT86 deliver?

Mark Tisshaw

mark-tisshaw-autocar
Title: Editor

Mark is a journalist with more than a decade of top-level experience in the automotive industry. He first joined Autocar in 2009, having previously worked in local newspapers. He has held several roles at Autocar, including news editor, deputy editor, digital editor and his current position of editor, one he has held since 2017.

From this position he oversees all of Autocar’s content across the print magazine, autocar.co.uk website, social media, video, and podcast channels, as well as our recent launch, Autocar Business. Mark regularly interviews the very top global executives in the automotive industry, telling their stories and holding them to account, meeting them at shows and events around the world.

Mark is a Car of the Year juror, a prestigious annual award that Autocar is one of the main sponsors of. He has made media appearances on the likes of the BBC, and contributed to titles including What Car?Move Electric and Pistonheads, and has written a column for The Sun.

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scotty5 15 November 2013

Mazda?

Remove the badges and in my eyes that looks a collaboration between Honda and Mazda. Can't see any Toyota influence at all.
RCT V 15 November 2013

The "funereal" interior of the existing coupe

That looks VERY attractive :) As important, significant, as the new open-top convertible - with its multi-layered fabric roof - is the preview of the “two-tone” interior which includes lighter colours . . . compared to what can only be described as the "funereal" interior of the existing coupe - even when it includes the “red” option :(
Peter Cavellini 15 November 2013

Hmmmmmm!?,very interesting

Toyota's MX5....?,well, no, not really, but the images have a look of Mazda's nice little earner,it looks good with the Roof off.