Scion FR-S convertible coming by early 2014

Noah Joseph — Tue, 08 May 2012 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Scion, Toyota

With an epic chassis and the lowest center of gravity in the business, there's plenty for enthusiast to love about the Scion FR-S. Except, that is, for those who prefer to take their nimble, affordable sports cars with the roof down. Their choices are rather limited in this price category to the Mazda MX-5 and Ford Mustang, but if the latest reports prove accurate, the FR-S - which is, of course, virtually identical to the Subaru BRZ and sold overseas as the Toyota GT 86 - is preparing to throw its hat in the ring, as well.

Long rumored, a convertible version of the jointly-developed "Toyobaru" coupe could stand to boost sales figures and help the bean-counters justify the expenditure on the new platform. However while the speedster concept recently showcased at Long Beach lost its rear seats (along with most of its windshield), Car and Driver predicts that the FR-S convertible will keep the auxiliary pair in the back - though the addition of a folding roof mechanism would likely mean that would come at the expense of most of the trunk room.

We're told to expect the FR-S convertible to arrive sometime late in 2013 or early in 2014, with a price tag that would tack a few grand onto the coupe's $25,000 MSRP. Look for the same 2.0-liter, 200-horsepower boxer four to carry over with a choice of six-speed transmissions in either manual or automatic configurations. Beyond that, Toyota may be considering basing a larger four-door sedan and coupe off the new platform, which could stand to make the money men back at headquarters - to say nothing of the enthusiasts - even more happy.

Scion FR-S convertible coming by early 2014 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 May 2012 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Cartel Customs to showcase Scion FR-S Speedster at Long Beach

Noah Joseph — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, Convertible, Performance, Scion

When an automaker comes out with a two-door sportscar, you know what will come next: a roadster version. But while we haven't heard anything from Toyota, its Scion division or its partner in crime Subaru on the prospect of a GT 86/FR-S/BRZ convertible, a California coachbuilder has stepped up to the plate with a concept version of its own.

The Scion FR-S Speedster concept you see here was worked up by Cartel Customs, a company with a history of chopping the roofs off of Scions. But while the lack of roof and chopped-down windscreen are what set it apart, Cartel hasn't stopped there. The aftermarket outfit also installed a giant 61-inch rear wing and upgraded the suspension, brakes, rolling stock, exhaust and clutch, and gave the open cockpit a hot rod-style retrofit, too.

Although this appears to be a one-off chop-job, the fact that it's set to kick off the festivities at the Toyota-sponsored Long Beach Grand Prix CART race this weekend has us raising an eyebrow like Cartel Customs has raised the roof on this beauty you can check out in greater detail in the high-res image gallery.

Cartel Customs to showcase Scion FR-S Speedster at Long Beach originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments