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Scion FR-S Convertible (in Toyota GT86 form) spied in South Africa

Though the eventual existence of a convertible version of the Toyota GT86 (and its Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ versions for America) is a no-brainer, we've yet to get a glimpse of the real-deal car until now.
Spotted in Cape Town, South Africa, of all places, this completely undisguised GT86 convertible seems to be in a remarkably advanced state of development. The image seen here was obviously sniped from quite a distance and without the aid of a powerful lens, but we can still make out a production-ready looking piece of rear bodywork for the convertible top to hide away in, as well as a functioning trunk lid. It's hard to make out with any certainty, based on this evidence, but there does seem to be space retained behind the front seats for two, small rear chairs.
With the first car spotted, we'd expect to seem some more and better images of it flow through in the near future, and if not, Toyota has already confirmed a concept version for next month's Geneva Motor Show, dubbed FT-86 Open, so stay tuned. For now, click through to the FT86Club.com forum to have a slightly closer look at the images.

Scion C-HR Concept looks sharp at LA Auto Show

The Scion C-HR concept was shown off as a Toyota concept last year at the Paris Motor Show, and we've been told it will show up at next year's Geneva Motor Show in production form. In the transition from a Toyota to a US-focused Scion, though, it's been saddled with a regrettable piece of marketing-speak: the press release says the C-HR concept was designed for "yuccies." That's an acronym describing 'young, urban creatives,' and it should go away. The C-HR is at the LA Auto Show, however, a visually fascinating concept that we're looking forward to seeing in production form; it could be good, or it could be meh. The C-HR stands for "Compact size and High Ride height," partly an effect of 21-inch wheels, and Scion says it will combine "supreme functionality" and "sporty performance" under that "polarizing" skin. We don't know much more than that about it now, save that its purpose is to be "a fantastic urban driving car." The press release below has lots of adjectives to help you imagine what that means; apparently, if you like cutting boards with grid lines and "earthy, modern terrariums," this will be for you. Related Video: Scion's Next Icon: World Debut of C-HR Concept Car at Los Angeles Auto Show TORRANCE, Calif., Nov. 18, 2015 – When the designers for the Scion C-HR concept began their research, they were told by young urban creative customers, "Polarizing is ok. Boring is not." That sentiment was evident today as the Scion C-HR concept had its World Debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. With an iconic design that also incorporates functionality and sporty performance, the Scion C-HR concept is much like Scion's customer in that it strives to stand out from the crowd. "Scion is known for doing things differently, and maybe even being a little weird," said Scion Vice President Andrew Gilleland. "This C-HR concept embraces that idea and wears it like a badge of honor. We couldn't be more excited to add the production version to our line-up." The C-HR concept is named for its Compact size and High Ride height. With five doors and a hatch for supreme functionality, it's the perfect vehicle for "yuccies," the young urban creatives who inspired the design. These customers put an emphasis on great design and wanted something distinctive, sophisticated, passionate and clean. They viewed most SUVs as too boring and wanted something for their urban lifestyle that sparked emotion.

Andrew Gilleland is new VP of Scion, Murtha moves to Toyota

Scion is getting some fresh blood at the top as Andrew Gilleland (pictured above) becomes the new vice president to take over for Doug Murtha. Gilleland is no stranger to the division, and served as the national field operations manager early in the brand's launch. Murtha moves to take leadership of corporate strategy and planning for Toyota in North America. "Now it's Andrew's charge to spread the message of the style and value of the iM and iA, as well as a third new vehicle that will be added to the lineup," Toyota division group vice president Bill Fay said in the announcement. Gilleland moves up from being general manager of Toyota's central Atlantic regional office. He takes the reins at Scion at a potential turning point for the division. Sales volume for the year through August is down 22.1 percent to 32,691 vehicles, but some big changes are afoot. The long-lived xB is likely about to bow out, and the brand is launching two new products with the iM and iA. They're getting some celebrity advertising, too. Spy shots also suggest the FR-S might get a refresh soon. Plus, the third model Fay teases is expected to be a compact crossover, possibly with styling inspiration from the Toyota C-HR concept. Scion could get a big boost by having an entry in that booming segment. New Products, Previous Player - Scion Introduces New Vice President Andrew Gilleland Returns to Youth Brand September 24, 2015 TORRANCE, Calif. (Sept. 24, 2015) – In the early days of Scion, when xAs and xBs were flying out of dealers' showrooms, Andrew Gilleland was the National Field Operations Manager for the youth brand. He was responsible for working with dealers to ensure they embraced the new products and processes Scion offered. Now, Scion is entering its teen years, and Gilleland is back as Vice President of Scion, once again encouraging dealers to sell its new models and investigate new methods to attract young buyers. "Scion has sold nearly a million vehicles since I left in 2005 and I'm excited to be back leading this team," said Gilleland. "The iM 5-door hatchback and iA sports sedan arrived at dealerships earlier this month and the response has been great.