Scion FR-S convertible on the way?

By Stephen Edelstein May 17, 2012

The dust is still settling from the launch of Scion’s affordable sports car, the FR-S, and its Subaru BRZ twin. While some enthusiasts wonder if more powerful versions are on the way, engineers in Japan are thinking about cutting the cars’ roof off.

The FR-S and BRZ were codeveloped by Subaru and Scion’s parent, Toyota, with convertible versions in mind. According to Toyota project engineer Tetsuya Tada, a convertible is “technically feasible.” He said he would leave that decision up to the marketing department.

Product planners at Toyota and Subaru are mum, but it is possible that at least one of the cars (BRZ, FR-S, or the overseas market Toyota 86/GT86) will go topless. Toyota hopes to keep sales momentum going by offering different variants; the company is already working on a performance package for its version. Since the FR-S was engineered to be both a hardtop and convertible, Toyota wouldn’t have to invest too much many to make a completely different variant.

A convertible may attract different buyers than a performance package. The FR-S was designed to appeal to driving enthusiasts, but people who just want a small, relatively cheap convertible may also sign up. A convertible version would also put the FR-S in closer competition with the Mazda Miata. The two cars already have similar missions: they are both small two-seaters that emphasize handling over acceleration and speed. The Miata is currently the only small, sporty convertible available; if the small and sporty FR-S becomes a convertible, it seems likely that people will cross-shop the two. The Miata’s base price is $23,985, while the FR-S stickers for $24,930.

Despite the recent introduction of the FR-S and iQ micro car, Scion needs to do something to attract attention to its showrooms. The company’s other models (xB, xD, tC) are getting long in the tooth. That’s not good for a supposedly hip, youth-oriented brand. The most fundamental thing a car company can do to attract attention is introduce new models, and the FR-S seems like a relatively easy way to introduce at least one new model.

Editors' Recommendations

Can you imagine a Miata with a plug? Mazda says it’s possible

Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

Mobile

The 6 best car phone holders in 2024

Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Car Charger with an iPhone 14 Pro.

Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Car Charger Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Installing a car phone mount in your vehicle is the best way to make sure that you have easy access to your smartphone when behind the wheel. While you shouldn't be using your phone while driving, having it mounted on your windshield, dashboard, vent, or anywhere else will let you take a quick glance when you're using a navigation app, or to change your playlist when you stop for a traffic light, for example. Instead of having to pick up your device, it will be easier and faster to get these done while it's on a car phone mount for less time of having your eyes off the road.

Cars

Should you buy a used EV? Maybe, but it’s complicated

Electric cars are slowly but surely getting cheaper. Over the past year or so, Ford and Tesla have been discounting their most popular electric cars while other brands, like Rivian, are laying the groundwork for all-new cheaper models.

But you'd still be hard-pressed to call electric cars cheap, and buying a completely new car in the first place is a hurdle in and of itself for many potential buyers. According to Statista, used car sales represented around 74% of all car sales in 2022, and while this figure is likely to change as electric cars get cheaper, the fact remains that most car buyers would prefer to save cash and buy used rather than buy something new.
Buying a new car ain't what it used to be
Buying a car with an electric powertrain doesn't necessarily need to be all that different from buying an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. But there's a little more to it than that.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Ford Mustang Mach-E: Will the R2 be a better buy?

Side of the Rivian R2

The Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it could end up being the go-to EV for drivers who want a decently affordable electric car with a rugged look and feel. But when it finally launches to the public, it won't be the only option in its price range -- the Ford Mustang Mach-E could be one of its main competitors.

The Mustang Mach-E may not be quite as rugged-feeling as the Rivian R2, but it does have a lot going for it -- like an increasingly low price, sleek design, and comfortable interior. Is one of these EVs better than the other? We put the two head-to-head to find out.
Design
The first thing to note about the two cars is their design, as they’re pretty different. The Rivian R2 is built to be a little more rugged and outdoorsy, while the Mach-E instead has a sleeker and sportier look to it. Both cars look stylish and modern.