The Toyota 86 Convertible has been shelved before ever being officially confirmed, according to the latest reports.
Industry journal Automotive News reports that a drop-top version of the 147kW/205Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder Boxer-powered Toyota 86 sports car has been canned after being deemed too expensive by the Japanese manufacturer.
According to the report, the convertible 86 – and a possible turbocharged variant – was under consideration but was seen as not financially viable for its expected limited sales volume.
"Toyota will leave those ideas to the aftermarket," the report says.
The reported shelving of an 86 Convertible comes as a surprise following the brand's apparent keenness for the model previewed by a near-production-ready concept unveiled at this year's Geneva motor show (pictured) and seen again in patent images.
While never officially confirmed for production, the soft-top 86 was tipped to potentially make its global debut at the Tokyo motor show in November.
