It is almost a given that Toyota should follow up the GT86 sports coupe with a convertible version. That was the plan. They even gave us a preview of what the Toyota GT86 Convertible would be like with the FT-86 concept of the 2013 Geneva Show. Now though, priorities have apparently changed.

Toyota is said to have shelved the idea of a drop-top GT86, not giving it a place in 2014 and 2015 agenda. The whole project has been put on hold indefinitely, which means it may actually never happen.

Even though the FT-86 concept looked pretty much production ready, sources close to Toyota say the car still needs a bit of work in order to deliver what the customers expect from a convertible version of the brilliant GT86. As it is, the extra weight of the convertible is the biggest concern regarding its handling characteristics. And, of course, there is the cost issue. This car won’t be a success if it ends up costing the same as a SLK or a Z4.

What’s more, Mazda is about to bring out an all-new version of its MX-5; a car that would be a direct rival for the Toyota GT86 Convertible. Maybe Toyota is waiting to see what their fellow Japanese manufacturer is up to before giving the go ahead to the GT86 Cab.

Via Whatcar