Scion FR-S Convertible Still Under Study

[vh_supra26]

Although there have been reports to the contrary, Scion is still investigating the feasibility of bringing a convertible version of the FR-S to market.

One of the challenges facing the car is that Subaru, co-creator of the FR-S, does not want a convertible version of its sports car, the BRZ.

“It’s something we’re looking at internally from both a manufacturing standpoint – where do we build something that’s relatively low-volume, if not at Subaru,” Doug Murtha, VP for Scion in the U.S told Ward’s Auto. “And from an engineering standpoint, where are those resources going to come from to do it,” said Murtha.

Fuji Heavy Industries, Subaru’s parent company, builds both the BRZ and FR-S, so if Toyota wishes to build a convertible, they would have to do it themselves. “When you look at their [Subaru] global volume relative to our global volume and convert that to their potential share of the convertible segment, and it’s probably more in Toyota’s interest to pursue a vehicle like that,” said Murtha.

Toyota and Scion have requested that every dealer turn in projected volume targets if they wish to sell the convertible, just for a sense of exactly how many units the brand’s would be able to move.

Sales of the FR-S have been pretty strong so far, with 18,327 units moved last year. Still, that is short of Toyota’s goal of 20,000 sales in the US. The third year of sports car sales is usually when the numbers start to fall, so no doubt Toyota will be watching closely and weighing its options for more FR-S variants over the next year.

http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2...ill-study.html

[vh_supra26]

Company is running that math to see if they can do it alone

Fuji Heavy Industries President Yasuyuki Yoshinaga recently downplayed the possibility of a Toyotaru convertible but that hasn't stopped Toyota from considering making it by themselves.

In an interview with Wards Auto, Scion Vice President Doug Murtha said “It’s something we’re looking at internally from both a manufacturing standpoint – where do we build something that’s relatively low-volume, if not at Subaru – and from an engineering standpoint: Where are those resources going to come from to do it?”

The key sticking point is Subaru makes all three sports cars and they believe the model would need an extensive redesign to be offered as a convertible. As Yoshinaga previously explained, "We make the car, so if we don't make it, it can't happen."

Despite this, Toyota and Scion are calculating the sales potential of an 86 and FR-S Convertible to determine if it's worth making by themselves.

http://www.worldcarfans.com/11401236...t-subarus-help

[Ponwh]

any chance of a hardtop convertible?

[Tromatic]

I wonder how much it weighs.

[AirborneDeth]

I just want a sun roof.


Sent from somewhere.

[Whitigir]

Vh_supra. Thanks for a lot of posts. That is a very interesting news. My guess s that they are taking it into the consideration under the Influence of the Next Generation 86 to be their own beast. Completely Un-related to Subaru by all mean.

Rumors:

1/ Next gen 86 to be developed by Toyota alone including Engine I4 with DI and Turbo, or Hybrids.

2/ Next gen 86, if developed by Toyota alone, then the Chasis have to be different as well. Since they are weighing the option for Convertible, I am quiet sure that the Next gen 86 will be different.

3/ Last, and not least Tada San said that he wanted to do atleast one Power Upgrade to the current Gen 86. Therefore, the 2.5 will probably come. I wouldn't be surprised though, as how much money Toyota is throwing into Next gen 86 + Convertible = May leave the current gen 86 Un-Touched, until next gen. 2016-2017

Also, it doesn't even make any sense to Bore the Engine out to 2.5, and release it for 1-2 years, or Limited Productions.

2.5 also means that the Engine Engineering Spec loses the 86.....in it

[vh_supra26]

Originally Posted by Tromatic

I wonder how much it weighs.

The press release said the concept only weights 13lbs more than the concept.

[vh_supra26]

Originally Posted by Whitigir

Vh_supra. Thanks for a lot of posts. That is a very interesting news. My guess s that they are taking it into the consideration under the Influence of the Next Generation 86 to be their own beast. Completely Un-related to Subaru by all mean.

Rumors:

1/ Next gen 86 to be developed by Toyota alone including Engine I4 with DI and Turbo, or Hybrids.

2/ Next gen 86, if developed by Toyota alone, then the Chasiss have to be different as well. Since they are weighing the option for Convertible, I am quiet sure that the Next gen 86 will be different.

3/ Last, and not least Tada San said that he wanted to do atleast one Power Upgrade to the current Gen 86. Therefore, the 2.5 will probably come. I wouldn't be surprised though, as how much money Toyota is throwing into Next gen 86 + Convertible = May leave the current gen 86 Un-Touched, until next gen. 2016-2017

Also, it doesn't even make any sense to Bore the Engine out to 2.5, and release it for 1-2 years, or Limited Productions.

2.5 also means that the Engine Engineering Spec loses the 86.....in it

NP

Thanks for your input. That would make sense. It may just be best for Toyota and Subaru to part ways.

OR

Toyota could just increase its shares in Subaru and have a controlling interest

[rice_classic]

I'm not a fan of this engine. I'm ok with the specs, but I feel like it's an underachiever for the technology wrapped around it.

A square 2L with 8 injectors and DI with a 12.5:1CR just should provide "more". I don't have a technical reason for this, I just "feel" like it's under performing, but then again, as I've said before... I've been spoiled by Hondas. But to be fair I've had my complaints about the S2k as well (like absolutely no power below 5k and the 6th gear was insanely too short).

If Toyota wants to ditch the Boxer engine, I'd welcome that. I don't think the hit to the CoG is anything your average driver will notice and I think Toyota can produce more out of a 2L 4Cyl when they're milking their own cow.


I still love my FRS though, it's just a great little car, however I feel it achieves this despite the engine, not because of it. But that's just me.

[chaoskaze]

For the love of god, just make a targa & not convertible.

Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk

[RojerLockless]

I'd kick the shit out of a baby for T tops.... Seriously I would. Give me a baby...