Toyota has released the first images of its new sports car, confirming that it will go on sale next year as the GT 86.

Built on an all-new platform, the model is hoped to reestablish the Japanese brand as a sporty name following the dominance of best-selling but mainstream models such as the Camry sedan and Prius hybrid.

The GT 86 is a compact model boasting a 197 hp 2.0-liter engine which should give the car quick performance when combined with its light curb weight.

Measuring around 4.2m long, it is the most compact four-seater sports car available today and offers the lowest driver seating position of any Toyota production model.

Inside, the GT 86 has a small, buckskin-trimmed steering wheel, a large tachometer in the center of the instrument cluster and aviation-style rocker switches to control many of the electronics.

It will be officially unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show, which is open to the public December 3-11 in Tokyo, Japan.

Expect Toyota to launch GT86 with an expected price of $20,000+ in major auto markets around the world by next year.