Rendered Speculation: Toyota iQ convertible
If the new Toyota iQ is going to compete against the smart fortwo, an open-top version is going to be a necessity. We've already heard rumblings of a possible roadster based on the iQ's underpinnings, so a convertible option certainly seems possible. If renderings from Japan's Best Car are to be believed (we're not convinced), the Japanese automaker could mimic the fortwo's cabriolet style by removing the front and rear roof sections, fitting an integrated roll bar and adding a set of soft-tops.
The main advantage for the iQ has over the fortwo is the city car's extra passenger seats. Unlike the smart, Toyota's microcar manages to cram four belts into its tiny frame and a drop-top variant would make the iQ the world's smallest-ever four-seat convertible. While a credible contender to the fortwo cabrio is surely in the cards, we're still waiting to see the iQ rebadged a Scion and brought to the U.S. to truly give smart a run for its money.
[Source: Best Car via Carscoop]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
P.V. 6:35PM (11/25/2008)
The regular model is OK, but the cabrio isn't doing it for me at all.
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TyWright 6:37PM (11/25/2008)
Love it other than the name. It's so "me too" as a competitor to Smart. Bad branding Toyota...
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Torrent 6:40PM (11/25/2008)
stop it.
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the vegas style guy 7:05PM (11/25/2008)
I like this, but i'm gay. lol
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Red 7:11PM (11/25/2008)
I nominate this guy for "Comment of the Year". lmao
I am not gay, and I kinda like it. And yes...I'm seriously about not being gay and liking it. lol
The Luigiian 7:45PM (11/25/2008)
A few choice quotes from our Commenter of the Year:
"Btw, that Town Car was completely totalled but the passenger cage was intact. Say what you will about American cars but that big bitch took it like a man and I strongly suggest anyone worried about safety think about getting one."
"In addition, with the Town Car dying (some day, probably right after Cher, or never) the Escalade (please stop saying " 'Slade" ,that is so not cool) is the preferred choice of limo companies."
"Oh Artie really!"
"Sirs, at long last, have you NO honor?"
"In the immortal words of Bud Bundy
'yum yum give me some'"
"I was a model agent in Tokyo. They have a serious white fetish."--from an earlier post on the iQ
"A lot of you nattering nabobs of negativity just love to bash American products. You practically slobber at the mention of any American car because you think you smell blood.
"The blood you smell is the dried blood on the carcass of your 80's mindset.
"Get over it."
"Biden is a Town Car.We all know why."
"Lately, I've been liking the Aztek.
I know. You don't even have to say it."
"GO AUDI! GET BUSY! IT'S YOUR BURFHDAY!"
Vegas Style Guy, I have not even noticed you until today but I will state your posting is awesome. I would have your children if I had ovaries.
But I can't because I don't have ovaries. Also, because I'm not gay.
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Michael 8:54PM (11/25/2008)
I keep thinking your name is "Lugian."
The Luigiian 9:24PM (11/25/2008)
A lot of people have trouble with my name. It's an enigma, like the Large Hadron Collider or calculus.
Nobody really knows what it means, but it means everything. It reveals hidden truths about the mysteries of the universe. Luigiians are powerful yet tiny little dead plastic people who have nothing but love everything. They're little cuties.
Not like the Lugians. They're violent meanies.
Or they were Scottish.
Or Germans.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lugii
So apparently that's where Asheron's Call 2 got the name...
Oh wait, the iQ convertible? Yeah, it's cute. Crap, I almost forgot what we were talking about! Well, anyway, I don't like either the iQ or the Smart ForTwo that much, but they serve their purpose in cities like San Francisco. I'm sure this would be nice for a romp through the Castro District. You know, if I swung "that way", which I definitely don't. Nope, not at all. So I'd take it someplace nice along the California coast. Sounds good. But I'd rather have a big ol' pickup truck anyway. Yep. Because I'm a manly man with manly needs. That's me, man.
...Although I'll admit I have a little secret desire for a Volkswagen New Beetle every once in a while. Or a Mini. All of which are adorable, just like the Toyota iQ.
happy_penguin 9:58PM (11/25/2008)
HAHA Thanks for that, Luigiian! Vegas style guy certainly does have it, style! :D
the vegas style guy 3:10AM (11/26/2008)
I would like to thank the Academy and .....
LOL You guys are funny!
happy_penguin 9:46PM (11/25/2008)
Y A W N !
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DP 9:58PM (11/25/2008)
Is this car at the LA Auto Show? We've been told by "reliable sources" that it would, but I haven't heard any news of it at LA?
Anyone else know?
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mike 10:40PM (11/25/2008)
It would be nice if they made some mention of the iQ not being at the scion booth in LA since it was so talked about by all the major car blogs.
I mean... did anyone even ask about it not being there... and what about all those "sources" that assured everyone it would be there?
What are those sources saying now... and does it matter what they are saying since they are so obviously fallible?
So many questions...
- mike
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tankd0g 12:55AM (11/26/2008)
There goes any worries I had about surviving the impact.
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calGuy 1:32AM (11/26/2008)
IF they do it, they should definitely not bother with the removable roof rails. I have a smart (coupe) and during one of its extended visits to the shop for problems, I got a cabrio loaner. This car is JUST as good with the roof rails intact. There's no point removing them that I could see.
BTW, I think this might be the FIRST photo of an iQ in a non-white color. Dazzling!
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iiohhohoh 3:12AM (11/26/2008)
I would buy one in a second. Destroys the smart, they might even go under if this does come here. Why? Toyota quality, carries more people, and has more than a 24 month warranty!
Add in a possible roadster and I am sold. Sign me up.
p.s. - The Luigiian is a babbling ass!
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The Luigiian 1:32PM (11/26/2008)
"The Luigiian is a babbling ass!"
I can't help it, I'm a Democrat.