Scion FR-S Convertible Ruled Out for US Market
Toyota has decided not to produce a convertible version of the Scion FR-S for the United States, citing cost concerns and market positioning for its affordable sports coupe.
Toyota has confirmed that it will not bring a convertible version of the Scion FR-S to the United States. The decision was based on cost increases that would have made the car unaffordable for its intended market. This move came as a disappointment to American enthusiasts who had hoped for a drop-top version of the affordable sports coupe.
Toyota Cancels Scion FR-S Convertible for US Market
Background: The Scion FR-S and Its Siblings
The Scion FR-S was introduced as a budget-friendly, rear-wheel-drive sports coupe developed jointly by Toyota and Subaru. Closely related to the Toyota GT86 and Subaru BRZ, the FR-S used a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated flat-four Boxer engine. This engine, borrowed from Subaru and fitted with Toyota’s D-4S direct injection, produced 200 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 151 lb-ft of torque at 6,000 rpm. Buyers could choose between a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission.
When it launched in the US, the Scion FR-S coupe was priced just under $25,000 with a manual gearbox, making it one of the most affordable rear-wheel-drive sports cars on the market. Its platform-sharing siblings, the Toyota GT86 and Subaru BRZ, were also available as coupes in various markets. The affordable price point was central to the FR-S’s appeal among younger buyers and driving enthusiasts looking for a sports car experience at a reasonable cost.
Why the Convertible Was Cancelled
According to reports at the time, Toyota considered developing a convertible version of the FR-S. However, the extra engineering required for chassis reinforcement and additional safety features would have significantly raised the production cost. These changes were necessary to compensate for the loss of structural rigidity that comes with removing the fixed roof. As a result, the convertible would have been priced well above the $25,000 threshold, moving it out of reach for many of the FR-S’s target customers.
Toyota decided that keeping the car affordable was more important than offering a convertible variant. The company’s focus remained on delivering a budget-friendly, driver-focused coupe. This decision also aligned with the broader market context, where affordable rear-wheel-drive convertibles were rare and most competitors in the segment were coupes rather than drop-tops.
Market Context and Competitors
At the time of Toyota’s decision, the US sports car market featured few affordable rear-drive convertibles. The Ford Mustang Convertible was one of the few options available to buyers seeking a drop-top experience without moving into a much higher price bracket. Other rivals, such as the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, remained strictly coupes as well. This left the FR-S competing mainly with other hardtop sports cars in its price range.
While Toyota’s GT86 convertible was reportedly under consideration for markets outside the US, and there was speculation about a possible Subaru BRZ convertible, neither model reached production for the American market. The decision meant that US buyers interested in the FR-S, GT86, or BRZ were limited to coupe body styles only.
Consequences for Enthusiasts and the Brand
The absence of a convertible version limited the FR-S’s appeal for some buyers who preferred open-top driving. However, the model’s affordability, balanced handling, and rear-wheel-drive layout continued to attract a dedicated following. By focusing on the coupe, Toyota and Subaru maintained the car’s reputation as an accessible sports car for enthusiasts. The decision also allowed them to avoid the higher costs and potential sales risks associated with a more expensive convertible variant.
For those seeking a convertible sports car in the same price range, options remained limited. The Ford Mustang Convertible stood out as one of the few alternatives, but it offered a different driving experience and design philosophy compared to the lightweight, agile FR-S coupe.
Summary Table: FR-S Convertible Decision and Key Details
| Model | Convertible Offered in US? | Base Price (Coupe) | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scion FR-S | No | Under $25,000 | 2.0L flat-four, 200 hp |
| Toyota GT86 | No (US) | Similar to FR-S | 2.0L flat-four, 200 hp |
| Subaru BRZ | No | Similar to FR-S | 2.0L flat-four, 200 hp |
| Ford Mustang | Yes | Approx. $27,000 (Convertible) | Varies by model |
