Toyota AE86

The AE86 series of the Toyota Corolla Levin and Toyota Sprinter Trueno are small, front-engine/rear-wheel-drive models within the front-engine/front-wheel-drive fifth generation Corolla (E80) range—marketed by Toyota from 1983 to 1987 in coupé and liftback configurations.

Lending themselves to racing, the cars were light, affordable, easily modifiable and combined a five-speed manual transmission, optional limited slip differential, MacPherson strut front suspension, high revving (7800 rpm), twin-cam engine with oil cooler (e.g., in the US), near 50/50 front/rear weight balance, and importantly, a front-engine/rear-drive layout—at a time when this configuration was waning industry-wide.

Widely popular for Showroom Stock, Group A, and Group N, Rally and Club racing, the cars' inherent qualities also earned the AE86 an early and enduring international prominence in the motorsport discipline of drifting. The AE86 was featured centrally in the popular, long-running Japanese manga and anime series titled '' Initial D'' (1995–2013)—as the main character's drift and tofu delivery car. In 2015, Road & Track called the AE86 "a cult icon, inextricably interwoven with the earliest days of drifting."

The AE86 would go on to inspire the Toyota 86 (2012–present), a 2+2 sports car jointly developed by Toyota and Subaru, manufactured by Subaru—and marketed also as the Toyota GT86, Toyota FT86, Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ.

In November 2021, Toyota temporarily restarted the production of a limited number of parts for the AE86, with dealers beginning to take orders for new steering knuckle arms and rear brake calipers. Rear axle half shafts have also been scheduled for new production. Toyota has also announced that this reboot is temporary, and parts will only be available as long as stocks last.

Name

The nameplate ''Trueno'' derives from the Spanish word for ''thunder'', and ''Levin'' derives from the Middle English for ''lightning''. In Japan, the Sprinter Trueno was exclusive to Toyota Japan dealerships called ''Toyota Auto Store,'' while the Corolla Levin was exclusive to ''Toyota Corolla Store''.

The name ''AE86'' derives from Toyota's internal code during the car's development, designating the 1600 cc RWD model from the fifth generation of the Corolla. In Toyota's code language, the "A" designates the car's engine (4A series), "E" designates Corolla, "8" designates fifth generation ( E80 series) and "6" designates the variant within this generation.

The AE86 is also called the "", Japanese for "eight-six". Similarly the AE85 was commonly called "", meaning "eight-five".
Bracketing a minor external facelift, models marketed between 1983 and 1985 are called "''zenki''" (前期, lit. ''early period''), and those marketed from 1986 to 1987 are called "''kouki''" (後期, lit. ''latter period'').Hachiroku.com.au Blog - はちろくブログ
- AE86: An In-Depth Look at A Legend

In 1986, Toyota marketed a limited edition model of the AE86 as the "Black Limited" model.

Engine/technical

The AE86 was available with a naturally aspirated 4A-GE inline-four engine, a DOHC four-valve-per-cylinder motor, in Japan and Europe, which was also used in the first-generation MR2 G Limited (AW11), Corona GT (AT141), Celica 1600GT-R (AA63) and Carina 1600GT (AA63) (Japan only) with a compression ratio of 9.4:1. It had a maximum SAE gross power output of at 6,600 rpm and at 5,200 rpm of torque in standard form, though it was later down-rated to and in net output.Drift Japan » Toyota Corolla AE86
- AE86 History and Overview The 4A-GE engines used in the AE86 and AW11 were also equipped with Denso electronic port fuel injection and T-VIS variable intake geometry.

In North America, a modified 4A-GEC engine was used to comply with California emissions regulations. Power was rated at and of torque.

The AE86 used ventilated disc brakes. The car was equipped with a MacPherson strut style independent suspension at the front and a four-link live axle with coil springs for the rear as well as stabilizer bars, front and rear, and an optional LSD. The AE86 came with a 5-speed manual gearbox, and later came with the option of an automatic.

Higher-spec American AE86 models known as the Sport GT-S featured the DOHC 4A-GEC engine, four-wheel disc brakes, color-matched bumpers, front lower bumper surround with a much more sporty and pronounced lip, molded door panels, tachometer redline at 7500 rpm, leather-wrapped steering wheel, seats with leather-wrapped tops (front seats are completely different from Sport SR5), optional LSD, and aluminium wheels. The chassis code in the VIN of the GT-S is AE88 (for North American market cars).

Lower-spec American AE86 SR5 models used the 4A-C SOHC unit, The SR5 rear end was a non-LSD with drum brakes. The SR5 model also had a softer suspension, and small styling and interior changes such as seats, gauge cluster, door panels, un-painted matte black front and rear bumpers, the lower part of the front bumper surround is shorter and flat, and its chassis code in the VIN differs as well, being AE86 for the SR5 model (for North American market cars).

Models equipped with the 4A-GE engine received a rear differential, while 3A-U (only offered on the AE85), 4A-U and 4A-C models received a smaller, weaker, rear differential.

The AE86 SR5 (4A-C equipped) had an optional 4-speed automatic transmission alongside the 5-speed manual, however the GT-S model (with the 4A-GE DOHC engine) only came with a standard 5-speed manual gearbox.

One of the staff who was behind the car's engineering work was Nobuaki Katayama, who would later head the company's motorsport department and who would become chief engineer of the Altezza project a decade later. He has a photo of an AE86 hung in his office.

Body styles

The Levin and Trueno featured fixed-headlights and retractable headlights respectively, with both available as hatchback or coupé. The export model name Corolla applies to both variations.
The AE86 (along with the lower spec AE85 and SR5 versions) was rear wheel drive, built on the rear wheel drive E70 Corolla platform (same wheelbase length, interchangeable parts, etc.), unlike the front wheel drive E80 models in the same range.

File:1983 Toyota Corolla-Levin 01.jpg, 1983–1985 Corolla Levin GTV liftback (Japan)
File:Toyota Corolla Levin 1983.jpg, 1983–1985 Corolla Levin GT Coupe with alternative optional grill (Japan)
File:Toyota Corolla Levin (AE86) GT-Apex 2-Door Coupe in Toyota Automobile Museum.jpg, 1983–1985 Corolla Levin GT-APEX coupé with alternative optional grill (Japan)
File:1983 Toyota Corolla-Levin 02.jpg, 1983–1985 Corolla Levin GT-V liftback (Japan)
File:Toyota COROLLA LEVIN GT (E-AE86-ESMQF) rear.jpg, 1983–1985 Corolla Levin GT coupé (Japan)
File:Sprinter Trueno 1600 GT (AE86).jpg, Initial D replica of 1983–1985 Sprinter Trueno GT liftback (Japan)
File:TOYOTA SPRINTER TRUENO 1600GT-APEX E-AE86 REAR IMAGE.jpg, 1983–1985 Sprinter Trueno GT-APEX liftback (Japan)
File:85trueno emblems.jpg, 1984–1985 Sprinter Trueno AE85/86 coupé taillights (Japan)
File:Toyota Corolla E80 Coupe 1983.jpg, 1983 Corolla 3-door liftback (AE86, UK)

Minor bodywork changes were made in 1985 which resulted in different tail lights, front and rear bumpers, corner and headlight trim lights, and grilles, are the main differences for both AE85/86 Levin and Trueno coupé and liftback models.

File:The frontview of Toyota COROLLA LEVIN GT APEX (E-AE86-ECMVF).jpg, 1985–1987 Toyota Corolla Levin GT-APEX liftback (Japan)
File:The rearview of Toyota COROLLA LEVIN GT APEX (E-AE86-ECMVF).jpg, 1985–1987 Toyota Corolla Levin GT-APEX liftback (Japan)
File:Toyota Corolla SR5 rear 1.27.18.jpg, 1985–1987 Corolla Levin taillights on the 1985–1987 Corolla Sport SR5 coupé (US)
File:Toyota SPRINTER TRUENO GT APEX (E-AE86-FSMVF) with VOLK RACING.jpg, 1985–1987 Sprinter Trueno GT-APEX coupé (Japan)
File:Coupe or Hatch - Flickr - Grif Batenhorst.jpg, 1985–1987 Sprinter Trueno coupé & liftback (Japan)

Models/specifications

In Japan, the DOHC 4A-GEU AE86 was offered in GT, GT-V and GT-APEX trims as the Corolla Levin or Sprinter Trueno. In North America, the top-spec DOHC 4A-GEC was sold as the Corolla Sport GT-S (with AE86 on the build plate in the engine bay but AE88 in the VIN), with the SOHC 4A-C being sold as the Corolla Sport SR5 (with AE86 on the build plate and in the VIN). Both versions were sold with Trueno pop-up headlights and Levin taillights, and had longer bumpers in the front and rear. Euro-spec models were sold as the Corolla GT with DOHC engines and fixed Levin-style headlights. Australian models were sold as the Toyota Sprinter, also with fixed Levin headlights but with Trueno taillights. The Middle East received the same basic model as the North American market, with Trueno pop-up headlights, Levin taillights, and the regulated 5 mph (8 km/h) bumpers.

The lightest AE86 is the Japanese 2 door GT model which weighs about . It has the same exterior as the GT-V trim, but with the interior of the AE85 with the exception of the gauges, and is equipped with rear drum brakes.

North American AE86 specifications

File:5th Toyota Corolla hatch.jpg, 1983–1987 Corolla Sport GT-S liftback (US)
File:Toyota Corolla GTS (5115548287).jpg, 1983–1987 Corolla Sport GT-S coupé (Canada)
File:Toyota Corolla GTS (5115547161).jpg, 1985–1987 Corolla Sport GT-S coupé (Canada)
File:Toyota Corolla SR5 hatch front.jpg, 1983–1987 Corolla Sport SR5 liftback (US)
File:Toyota Corolla SR5 hatch rear.jpg, 1985–1987 Corolla Sport SR5 liftback (US)

There are three types of Corolla Sport RWD for the US market: DX, SR5, and GT-S. Although the DX was generally an internal Toyota designation, as brochures, and advertising do not include the DX designation; it consisted of a lower trim level, lighter duty suspension parts and the like.
* Model Years of production: 1983 to 1987
* Versions: DX, SR5 and GT-S (85+ Only)
*

Note that the VIN and the chassis code do not match for all models.

DX & SR5 specifications

* First 7 characters of VIN: JT2AE85 (DX) or JT2AE86 (SR5)
* Chassis code: AE86 (which may differ from the VIN)
* Horsepower: @ 4800 rpm
* Torque: @ 2800 rpm
* Weight: approximately
* Engine: 4A-C,
* Engine type: SOHC 8-valve Inline-4 carbureted
* M/T transmission: T50, 6-bolt flywheel
* A/T transmission: A42DL, 4-speed overdrive w/lockup torque converter, mechanically controlled, with electronically engaged overdrive
* Compression: 9.0:1
* Differential: open with 4.10:1 ratio, 2-pinion (automatic) (S292) or 3.91:1 ratio, 4-pinion (5-speed) (S314)
* Wheels/tires: 13×5" +33 mm offset rims with 185/70R13 tires

GT-S specifications

* First 7 characters of VIN: JT2AE88
* Chassis code: AE86 (which differs from the VIN)
* Horsepower: @ 6600 rpm
* Torque: @ 4800 rpm
* Weight: approximately
* Engine: 4A-GE,
* Engine type: DOHC 16-valve Inline-4 AFM Multiport Fuel Injection w/T-VIS
* Transmission: T50, 8-bolt flywheel
* Injector size: approx. , low impedance
* Compression: 9.4:1
* Differential: Open (T282) or optional LSD (T283) with 4.30:1 Ratio, 2-pinion
* Wheels/tires: 14×5.5" +27 mm offset rims with 185/60R14 82H tires (195/60R14 85H for 86+ models)

The AE86 in motorsports

While in production, the AE86 was a popular choice for showroom stock, Group A, and Group N racing, especially in rallying and circuit races. After production ended, many private teams continued to race the AE86, and it remains a popular choice for rallying and club races today.

Part of the continued appeal of the AE86 for motorsports is its rear-drive configuration, not available in most newer lightweight coupes. In Group A touring car races, the car either dominated the lower category where eligible or fought it out with Honda Civics or the later AE92s and AE101s whilst maintaining its competitiveness. In Ireland, where rallying is considered one of the most popular forms of motorsport, as organizing regulations are more relaxed compared to that of other countries, the AE86 was popular when new, and remains so popular that teams will purchase cars from the UK due to local shortages. The AE86 is also popular for rally use in Finland, where the cars can be competitive in the F-Cup competition for naturally aspirated 2WD cars.

The AE86 was entered in the European Touring Car Championship from 1984 to 1988 with a 4A-GEU engine. In 1986 it beat the BMW M6, BMW 325i (E30), Rover Vitesse, Volvo 240 Turbo, Merkur XR4Ti, Mazda 929, Holden Commodore (VK), Alfa Romeo 75 (turbo V6), and Mercedes 190E 2.3-16 to win the Manufacturers Championship with 267 points, surpassing the 1986 Drivers Championship Schnitzer Motorsport BMW M6.

In 1986 and 1987 Chris Hodgetts won the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), beating the V8 Rover SD1's, Ford Sierra Cosworth's and BMW 3 Series (E30) M3's two years running for an overall points victory driving an AE86 for Toyota (GB) PLC and his own race prep team CHMS.

The semi-factory supported Kraft team entered a spaceframe Trueno in the JGTC for the GT300 regulations in 1999. The Trueno used a Dallara F3 chassis and was powered with a 3S-GTE engine that came from a SW20 MR2 Turbo that produces about . Despite being popular with the fans, the car had minor success and was abandoned from use halfway through the 2001 season when the AE86 burst into flames during the third round of the season at Sugo. Kraft subsequently replaced it with a newly delivered Toyota MR-S.

The rear wheel drive configuration, combined with the AE86's light weight (approximately 2300 lb (950–970 kg) curb weight), balance and relatively powerful (and easy to tune) 4A-GEU engine made it popular among the Japanese '' hashiriya'' (street racers in Japanese), many of whom raced in ''touge'' (mountain passes in Japanese) where the corners suited the AE86 best, especially on the downhill. Among those who utilized this car was Japanese racing legend Keiichi Tsuchiya also known as the ''Drift King'' ("Dori-Kin" in Japanese). Keiichi Tsuchiya helped popularize the sport of drifting, which involves taking a car on a set of controlled slides through corners. The AE86's FR configuration made it well suited to this kind of cornering, and currently the car is a mainstay of drift shows and competitions. Japanese drifters like Katsuhiro Ueo, Toshiki Yoshioka, Yoichi Imamura, Koichi Yamashita, Hiroshi Takahashi, Tetsuya Hibino, and Wataru Hayashi were also involved in making the AE86 famous in the drift scene.

AE86s around the world have been extensively modified for use in professional drifting.

In popular culture

The AE86 is considered as an iconic cultural symbol in Japanese popular culture following its inclusion in the '' Initial D'' anime and manga. The main character, Takumi Fujiwara, uses his father's AE86 Trueno GT-Apex Hatchback for racing and making his tofu deliveries. Takumi's friend, Itsuki Takeuchi, drives an AE85 Levin. Throughout the series, two of Takumi's opponents drive AE86s: Wataru Akiyama, who drives a turbocharged (later supercharged) AE86 Corolla Levin, and Shinji Inui, who drives the notchback coupé version of the AE86 Trueno. The AE86 is also a playable vehicle in the '' Initial D Arcade Stage'' series. The popularity of ''Initial D'' is cited as the main cause of the car's high resale price, which is often referred to as "Takumi tax" or "Tofu tax", after the main character and his tofu delivery occupation respectively.

In the 2001 film ''The Fast and the Furious'', a red Corolla AE86 can be briefly seen in the background waiting in line to enter Race Wars. The AE86 also made minor cameos in '' The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift'' and ''Fast & Furious''.

References

External links

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{{Toyota timeline (North America) 1980–2009

Toyota vehicles
Rear-wheel-drive vehicles
Rally cars
Sport compact cars
Hot hatches
1980s cars
Cars introduced in 1983