Motortrades Insight Magazine Online
Geneva 2013: Toyota FT-86 Open Concept
TOYOTA is to present its stunning FT-86 Open Concept at the Geneva Motor Show this month, suggesting the Japanese manufacturer is planning to evolve the popular GT86 coupe for a more refined convertible later this year.It has been designed to deliver lively performance and have the capabilities of the Toyota GT86 with the added appeal of being exposed to the elements.
The bright-white FT-86, designed in Italy by Toyota Boshoku Milan Design, is targeting drivers who are looking for an alternative sports car styled for the fashion-conscious European market and 'urban man'.
A blue roof, it also has leather upholstery layered over a navy blue backing, with golden yellow accent stitching and carpets, and uses the same platform as last year's 140mph GT86 - on the market from £24,995 and has CO2 emissions of 181g/km.
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.
The electric power steering has a quick 13.1:1 ratio that's on a par with racing models, while large ventilated disc brakes fore and aft deliver excellent pedal feel for car control finesse.
Toyota has pinpointed numerous areas that will need further engineering evaluation to assess the impact of the cabriolet design on performance, vehicle rigidity, balance, weight and aerodynamics.
But with features such as frameless doors, the GT86 was designed with the development of a convertible in mind, which means the impact on structural rigidity by converting to an open-top design should not be great. Efficient measures to preserve rigidity are being analysed, such as the use of door lock reinforcements.
With the GT86 weighing only 1,257kg, with a 53:47 front to rear weight distribution, engineering the convertible could prove to be far more challenging should Toyota decide to progress with the project.
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