The Toyota GT86 has been spied for the first time, ahead of its Geneva motor show debut. The open-topped version of the lauded sportscar had previously only been seen in an official sketch
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.
The shots show the car's styling is virtually unchanged from the coupe. The bootlid is raised, suggesting this could be close to production-spec. It is thought the car will feature a fabric roof in an effort to keep any weight increases to a minimum.
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”. A drop-top version of the Subaru BRZ is also in the pipeline.
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.
