Convertible Scion FR-S On The Way For 2013?

By Nelson Ireson

Nelson Ireson

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Nelson is a Senior Editor at High Gear Media focusing on reviewing cars and covering the hottest topics in luxury and performance cars, car culture... More

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2013 Scion FR-S

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Previous reports have quoted Toyota's lead developer for the 86 project, Tetsuya Tada, as saying the car was designed from the start to be both a coupe and a convertible, meaning the groundwork is already there. The question would be whether there is a business case for a roadster in addition to a coupe.

The answer to that question may come down to a year of sales of the coupe version: if sales hold strong, the convertible would be a natural addition to meet more potential demand. If sales slow quickly, however, after the initial rush, Toyota won't likely take the expensive gamble.

According to Car and Driver, however, the project is already go for the FR-S, at least, though the BRZ isn't included. Despite the "confirmation," C/D says the FR-S convertible won't likely arrive before late 2013 or early 2014--which seems like an unduly long waiting period for a design that was included in the original concept unless Toyota is holding out for strong sales to make the full business case.

While it's clear that Toyota has the capability, perhaps even the desire, to build a convertible FR-S, we can't quite call the matter settled just yet. But we can hope--and we can hope going to a convertible top won't significantly affect the weight, balance, or handling of the very entertaining little sports coupe.