After CAR reported on a Toyota/BMW partnership, news emerged that the next Supra is more likely to receive a convertible variant than the 86.
Cost is at the heart of the decision, and the Supra is being developed and engineered in such a way that it can accommodate an open-roof variant. In addition, the Supra will have a heftier price as a production car, making it more unique. Because this will attract wealthier buyers, the Supra will be more exclusive, all of which favour a drop top.
Toyota chief engineer Tetsuya Tada says: “I’m thinking the convertible model will be on higher model … maybe.”
Though the design of the Supra draws on the FT-1 concept, it is not necessarily the productions car’s final design. And while a front-mounted engine is most likely, Toyota has not ruled out a mid-engine layout.
The fact that Toyota is developing the platform of the new Supra with BMW means that the latter will also use it in its own line up, most likely for a successor to its Z4 roadster, further aiding speculation of a convertible in the Supra range.
It is still uncertain whether Toyota will develop a drop top version of its 86 – either with the current or the next model – because of poor sales of the 86.
– Charlen Raymond
