Yesterday, at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, Toyota unveiled the open-top version of its new GT86 sports car->ke4085. Of course, everyone expects to see this version put into production very soon. What now looks like a certain thing was once pretty uncertain; maybe this is why Toyota opted to initially offer a concept version first.

According to Toyota chief engineer, Tetsuya Tada, the company would only think about other variants after the GT86 proved itself a successful model. Now that it has shown its worth and an open-top concept is upon us, it looks like more versions are inevitable.

It looks like along with the convertible version, the future will also bring a more powerful version. He suggested that such a model could use a hybrid system similar to the "IMA" system used on the Honda CRZ. This is a potential suitor because an electric motor assist could provide substantial low-rpm torque boost for the boxer engine without affecting throttle response, fuel economy or emissions.

Since such a system will add a considerable weight, Toyota engineers will have to look for solutions to reduce the final weight so it does not affect the weight distribution. Fortunately, TRD has had no issue removing 100 kg (220 pounds) from the GT86, so dropping the necessary poundage shouldn’t be too tough.

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