You don’t need to tell us, because we already know: the 2013 to 2015 Scion FR-S is awesome. It’s an affordable sports car in the traditional front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, with a low curb weight and suspension setup that’s perfect for sideways high jinks. What’s not to love? Well, if the reviews are any indication, the slightly anemic four-banger under the hood can put a damper on things. And when it comes to sports cars, a roofless version, if done properly, can be a huge fun-factor multiplier.

So when rumors began to swirl that Toyota->ke88 was interested in creating turbocharged and cabrio versions of the GT 86->ke4085 platform, fans everywhere rejoiced. Unfortunately, that celebration appears to have been a bit premature. According to WardsAuto, Scion->ke79 execs have confirmed the death of the FR-S turbo and convertible.->ke144

In an interview at the LA Auto Show->ke211 last week, Scion’s senior vice president Doug Murtha seems downtrodden as the bearer of bad news: “I think we were pretty aggressive on our (submitted plan), but we looked at what we would have conceivably lost on the product and said, ‘We’re not going to even push it further.’ Nobody was more disappointed than we were.”

We’re not so sure about that last part, but oh well. While a factory turbo FR-S appears DOA, there’s still copious support from the aftermarket for anyone willing to start down the long, winding path of vehicle modification. As for a roofless FR-S, all we can say is that with enough time and money, anything is possible.

Click past the jump to read more about the Scion FR-S.

Why it matters

Making fun sports cars is always a gamble. Even with something as appealing as the FR-S, actually making the sales offset the cost of development and manufacturing can be a real struggle. This becomes obvious when you consider how Toyota and Subaru->ke86 had to collaborate and share risk in the creation of the FR-S and BRZ->ke3973. With sales tumbling, any additional investment simply isn’t feasible to the bean counters calling the shots. Moving forward, the real question remains: how will the new FR-S stay relevant, especially with a competitor like the MX-5->ke1185 nipping at its heels?

Scion FR-S

The sweetheart to journalists and enthusiasts alike, the GT 86 comes in a variety of flavors, with Scion offering the FR-S as the U.S.-bound spiritual successor to the celebrated Toyota Corolla AE86. Like most great sports cars, the philosophy is uncomplicated: low weight, rear-drive, and a large dose of counter steer, complete with svelte lines and an economical price tag. Inside is a 2+2 configuration, with the driving position mounted low and instrumentation centered on presentation of vital performance data rather than entertainment. There are basic amenities for passengers, but that’s unimportant, as the real draw comes from the squeal of the 215/45R17 tires. There’s also a manual six-speed, short-throw gearbox, or paddle-sifter slush box for the casuals out there.

The only real weak link lies under the hood, where a naturally aspirated, flat-four powerplant creates just 200 horsepower. With no forced induction from the factory, owners with a desire for more straight-line muscle will need to pull out the wrenches. Luckily, the opportunities for making your own pocket rocket are wide and varied for those willing to take the plunge with aftermarket accessories.