Toyota will present its new FT-86 Open concept for the first time
at the Geneva motor show, a car created to test the water for the
possible introduction of a convertible version of its globally
acclaimed GT86 sports coupe.
Its external dimensions match those of the coupe (length 4,240mm,
width 1,750mm, height 1,270mm), with the fixed hard-top replaced
by a multi-layered fabric roof with a glass rear screen. Inside
it has the same 2+2 seating format, with the roof folding down
behind the fixed rear seats, with minimal impact on the space
available for luggage.
The show car has a special pure bright white and navy blue colour
scheme designed by Toyota Boshoku Milan Design (TBMD) to capture
the spirit and atmosphere of Milan, one of the world’s leading
centres for fashion and design.
The bodywork is finished in
white, contrasting with the blue of the roof. Inside, the
perforated white leather upholstery is layered over a navy blue
backing, with golden yellow accent stitching and carpets.
The FT-86 Open uses the same platform and powertrain as the GT86.
At its heart is the naturally aspirated, horizontally opposed
1,998cc four cylinder “boxer” engine. Equipped with Toyota’s D-4S
direct injection technology, this compact unit is set low,
helping lower the car’s overall centre of gravity, and is capable
of producing 100bhp per litre.
It drives the rear wheels through
a short-throw, six-speed manual gear shift or a six-speed
automatic – the latter with the world’s fastest paddle shift
speed, just two tenths of a second.
As with the production GT86, it features MacPherson strut front
and double wishbone rear suspension to give a direct handling
feel, instant response and a high level of control.
