Geneva 2013: Toyota FT-86 Open Concept images leaked ahead of Swiss debut

By Nick Jaynes February 28, 2013

This is it folks: the Toyota FT-86 Open Concept convertible in the flesh. Well, sort of. About as in-the-flesh as you can get until it premiers at Geneva next week.

We reported on the rumors surrounding the exciting Toyota drop-top since we heard about it in early February. And frankly, it’s better than we had imagined.

We assumed (wrongly) Toyota was going to chop the top and call it good. But they did more – much more. Toyota has really tarted up the convertible concept of the vehicle we’ll know in the States as the Scion FR-S.

Toyota designers have fitted a higher quality dash complete with extra gauges and a special GT-86 badge smartphone holder – a feature we love and hope goes to production. The specially designed sport seats and sport steering wheel have been covered in white perforated leather to match the crisp white paint job and include yellow stitching. Instead of a drab black carpet, Toyota has instead opted for a burnt yellow set that really give the rear-wheel drive coupe a retro feel.

Designers had planned form the outset of the GT-86 build process to offer a convertible variant at one point so we assume the outstanding driving dynamics of the hardtop haven’t been spoiled much by letting the sun in.

One thing that disappoints us a bit is the close resemblance the FT-86 convertible has to the fated Honda S2000 sports car – especially from the side. While clearly different beasts, the two could be cousins. The S2000 wasn’t a bad looking car, we’d just hoped for something a bit more dramatic from the GT-86.

The leaked images haven’t been attached to a spec sheet so we’ll just have to guess that the normally aspirated 200 horsepower 2.0-liter Boxer four-cylinder hasn’t changed. The one thing we’ll know will be different is the back seat. It’ll be way easier to access in the convertible versus the coupe.

When we learn the specs on this beauty, we’ll let you know. Until then, you have to just imagine yourself in the driver’s seat on that gorgeous coastal highway.

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Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…

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Hyundai teases hydrogen-powered Intrado concept ahead of Geneva Motor Show

hyundai teases hydrogen powered intrado ahead geneva motor show 1

When Hyundai first teased its Intrado concept car in December of last year, it perked up our interest. Not only was it powered by fuel cells, but it also promised a revolutionary new construction technique. Well now Hyundai has released a few more details - and pictures - of the Intrado ahead of its official debut at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show.
So for starters, what's with the name? It turns out, it's not Latin for something inappropriate; it's actually the term for the area of the underside of an aircraft's wing that creates lift. The term was chosen not only because automakers love comparing cars to aircraft, but also because the Intrado pioneers new construction techniques.
While Hyundai is still being coy on the details, we do know that the car makes extensive use of composites, including a carbon frame. Not only is this unusual for a car that is not designed to push the limits of speed, it's assembled using a new technique. This new technique is still being kept close to Hyundai's vest, but it seems to involve how panels and components are joined. It is possible that it may involve a heat or pressure method of forming panels together.
Regardless of the exact method, Hyundai claims that the strength and rigidity of the carbon fiber central structure allows greater flexibility in the materials for body panels. This flexibility should reduce weight as well as making the car easier to repair.
The low weight should come in handy when it comes to design a powertrain. The Intrado is powered by a next-generation hydrogen fuel cell, that charges a 36 kWh lithium ion battery. Hyundai promises a range of over 600 kilometers, or about 370 miles, and a refueling time equivalent to that of a normal gas powered car.
Hyundai has already demonstrated its commitment to hydrogen technology and is about to start selling fuel cell powered Tuscons crossovers in the United States. When seen in that light the Intrado is no mere pie in the sky concept, or even a tech demonstrator, but a genuine indication of what the future of Hyundai crossovers might look like.
It is already possible to look at the Intrado and see the styling as an evolution of what Hyundai is already doing in the Tucson. The technology on the Intrado might not show up on the next generation of Tucson, but don't be surprised if you can buy something a whole lot like the Intrado in the not too distant future.

Cars

Your next dream car: McLaren’s 650S hits the web before official Geneva debut – UPDATE

next dream car mclarens 650s hits web official geneva debut 01 mclaren coupe

The pictures are grainy and the video is hand-held and uninspiring but the vehicle they portray is nothing shy of awe-inspiring.
No, I don’t mean for its looks – which, if I am quite honest, are not as striking as I was hoping they’d be – but rather for its guaranteed driving perfection.
Enough with my thoughts, though, let’s get to the important bits. The McLaren 650S will be the British supercar maker’s mid-level car, placed carefully between the MP4-12C and the P1 hypercar.
"The 650S badge designation refers to the power output – 650PS (641 horsepower), - of the unique British-built McLaren M838T twin turbo V8 engine. ‘S’ stands for ‘Sport’, underlining the focus and developments made to handling, transmission, drivability and engagement," McLaren said in a press release. "Performance figures will be confirmed ahead of the Geneva Show but will improve on the already rapid 12C which continues on sale."
We do know from the video that the 650S’ transmission offer faster shifts, which adds more “flare” on downshifts, improving driving enjoyment. Improved, too, is steering feel and response. Funny, we didn’t know it could get better than the 12C. That’s like being told Genesis Rodriguez gets more beautiful or Santa gets more generous; it’s almost mind-boggling.
We’ll be watching all of the Internet’s tubes closely for any more McLaren 650S details. I am sure more will leak before the 2014 Geneva Motor Show next month. Be sure to check back often for more details.

Update: We added official engine specs and photos from McLaren.

Cars

Volvo to complete its stunning concept car trilogy at 2014 Geneva Motor Show

volvo complete concept car trilogy 2014 geneva motor show xc coupe 1

Today, the movie industry is all about franchising. Any film with popular (and merchandise-able) characters is potential fodder for a series. Volvo seems to think the same strategy will work with concept cars.
The Swedish automaker unveiled the Concept Coupe at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, and all thoughts of the old 780 melted away. Then it introduced the Concept XC Coupe in Detroit last month, as a preview of the 2015 XC90.
Now Volvo says it will complete its concept car trilogy with a final concept at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show next month.
As with the first two concepts, the Geneva show car will be based on Volvo's new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, which will underpin most upcoming Volvo production models, and will have a powertrain based around one of the company's new Drive-E engines.
Volvo senior vice president of design Thomas Ingenlath will probably give the new concept a similar look to its predecessors, with curved surfacing that stands in stark contrast to the boxy Volvo designs of the past, and a front end based around an attractive oval grille that is likely to become a brand trademark.
The Swedes haven't released any photos of the car, or even a teaser.
It would make sense for this third concept to have a different body style than the other two. Since Ingenlath hasn't done a sedan yet, perhaps it will serve as a preview for the next-generation S60, or a long-awaited full-size sedan that could replace the S80.
Either way, it should be quite a sight. With the trilogy finished, maybe Volvo will concentrate on making its production cars look as good as the concepts.