Toyota has released first pictures and details of the FT-86 Open concept ahead of its Geneva debut next week, but it’s not just a flight of fantasy.

Toyota is using it to gauge customer feedback, and may put it into production in the future. The FT-86 Open Concept is currently just a study model based on the GT-86 rear-wheel-drive sports car to test and verify potential sports car variations.The concept features an electrically operated soft top, while the cabin is identical to the coupe, featuring high-contrast white and navy blue finish with yellow-gold floor mats.Just as the production GT-86, the FT-86 Open Concept is likely powered by a 198bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder boxer engine. Indeed most of the details are the same as they are in the hard-top, and structural rigidity hasn’t been massively compromised by the changes.

Toyota says that – if it progresses with the project – the engineers will work hard to keep the production car “Weight-neutral,” or balanced and poised in bends. Toyota is also premiering the Auris Touring Sports estate at the Geneva Show.