Toyota FT-86 FR-S Convertible Possible

[import_nation]

So according to a recent article/review there may be a Toyota FT-86 convertible in the works...

Is there going to be an FT-86 with more power and a mechanical differential?

Turbocharging the flat-four would be straightforward (after all, that’s what Subaru does with the Impreza), but chief engineer Tetsuya Tada told us that he ‘doesn’t like turbos’ and has ‘decided to reject the numeric power war’. He also said that an R version of the FT-86 was coming with less weight, Brembo brakes (our test car’s stoppers were from Hitachi), a rollcage, a larger rear wing, no rear seats and, yes, a mechanical LSD but no more power.

And bear in mind that Toyota had invited us for our input and that this was a fairly early car – things will be tweaked for production. Our cars were still disguised, although pictures of the FT-86 production car have leaked out in recent days.

Other options are also on the cards: a convertible is ‘possible’, while an auto gearbox is confirmed – it’s a six-speed unit based on the eight-speeder in the high-performance Lexus ISF.

[FR_S_Fan]

I think AutoCar mentioned that all models, FR-S, BRZ and FT86 will be available as a convertible but Subaru is the only one that mentioned anything about it saying the Subaru BRZ convertible is "under construction"

Looking forward to this.

[dboz]

So are the girls. No serious performing car is a convertible. Yes, all the exotics make them for the "look at me in my 400k car" but the serious people buy fixed roofs.

[AE86]

i would only but it if the weight numbers stayed down, other wise why not just opt for an s2000....

doesnt like turbos what kind of slow R spec is this now your in the 21st century... turbos are wayy better than what they used to be.

[whaap]

So are the girls. No serious performing car is a convertible. Yes, all the exotics make them for the "look at me in my 400k car" but the serious people buy fixed roofs.

It would be pretty hard to argue that most people driving Miata (convertibles) aren't serious enthusiasts.

[dboz]

I have NEVER considered a MIATA. Just never appealed to me. Too small, no power, poor lines, girly stature. Guess I must be missing out.

Now, I have seen the MIATABUSA project, that would interest me.

[import_nation]

The Miatas are great cars but they aren't for everyone. They are not very powerful but they are known for their very responsive and balanced handling. When the FR-S was announced I think some people were expecting the FR-S FT-86 to be sort of like a Miata. Lightweight, 200hp, RWD.

[whaap]

The Miatas are great cars but they aren't for everyone. They are not very powerful but they are known for their very responsive and balanced handling. When the FR-S was announced I think some people were expecting the FR-S FT-86 to be sort of like a Miata. Lightweight, 200hp, RWD.

Correct. As far as power goes, it's interesting how today we look at power differently than we did in days long gone by. In 1972 I bought a '71 Corvette from Roger Penske. In those days that car was considered pretty awesome. Today my '02 Miata does 0-60 in .1 second slower than my Corvette did back in '72. It's only people that have never owned/driven a Miata that think of them as "girlie" cars.

[dboz]

My '72 Corvette sucked also, but I fixed that with a nice 500hp 383 stroker build!
I mod all my cars. Just never saw much potential in the Mazda short of the LS transplant. The dimensions of the car just never had any aggressive appeal. That is what makes it "girlie" to me. The performance is OK.

I guess I should try one. I see some nice add ons and widebody stuff that gets them to a more repectable level.

[import_nation]

Its all in what you want out of the car. Different projects require different platforms. Don't know how much power you can get out of those miata motors. But you could always drop another motor in if you want more power.

Power is great but it means nothing if you can't get it to the ground.
Try driving a 600whp integra haha.

[rwdftw]

well convertibles in general i find a tad more girle than any other cars,since it was originally sold as beach cars and party cars back a while ago i think..

[import_nation]

Even if convertible cars are more feminine then regular cars does not mean guys shouldn't drive convertibles. ??

[dboz]

Convertibles add weight, add drag, and are generally structurally weaker. So if you want performance, you don't want a convertible.

[import_nation]

What about the Honda S2000. I would think that is a performance car. I have heard of ONE girl who drives an S2000. And I would like to meet her..

in my bed

[rwdftw]

S2000 are convertibles but there one hell of a performance car, and there not exactly pigs either, as they are pretty strong in general.. the rest of them i couldnt tell ya.