Toyota considering return of rear-wheel drive AE86?
Our pals at Winding Road just passed along a note that Toyota might be considering re-releasing the driftastic Corolla Sport. The endearingly tossable rear-wheel-drive AE86 platform was known by many names around the world: Corolla Levin, Sprinter Trueno, Corolla GT and of course the Corolla Sport in the States. Particularly in GT-S trim, it was one of the few sporty models to make its way into Toyota dealerships, alongside the Celica and Supra, and eventually the MR2, which essentially replaced it. But it was fun and cheap, and that set it apart. Available from 1983-1987, it was one of the last affordable rear-drive cars that could take a pounding, making it a favorite of budget street racers and the emerging drift scene in the '80s and '90s.
It looks like the suits at Toyota are close to greenlighting a new version. Apparently the idea has been floated several times over the years with mixed reaction, but it seems to be gaining some momentum lately. There is reportedly some disagreement within the corporate ranks over whether or not it would actually sell, but a few officials appear to be backing it strongly. Must be some Initial D fans up in there. A modernized Hachi-Roku would have to find a suitable rwd platform, but would be a blast to see in the lineup again. Of course, we've had access to AE86 in games like Need For Speed for years now, but getting our hands on the real deal would be sweet. We'll keep our fingers crossed on this one.
how about with a possible a 2.0 liter, 255 horsepower normally-aspirated four-cylinder that runs up to the class-mandated 8,500 rpm maximum (stock standard for starters??)
btw the 2.0 L , 255HP is on Toyota Corolla Super 2000.
Last edited by koolspyda; 03-30-2007 at 05:46 PM..
bring on the AE86. Dont want the concept one. roll out the exact ride as it was in late 90s.
i'll be happily play bunta. LOL
The idea is good but it won't go down too well with the big guns at Toyota. Bosses only wanna see profits at the end of the day. By remaking an exact same car with 20 year old interior, doubt they'll make any money at all.
However, maybe 20 or 30 years down the road, Toyota might be tempted to come out with a limited edition AE86 to commemorate this super car. Maybe a tweak here and there and beautify the car interior and etc. Just like how Ford remake the GT-40 couple of years back.
yes, toyota bosses want profitability. how else would they march (stomp) down other manufacturers to No 1 car production sales.
the "jones-of-the-world" need a car for mere transports more than enthusiast needs a drivers car.
however, as in the AWD toyota Corolla Super 2000 (as in pix above slated for 2008) is a limited 4WD production, you never know. It would not be too hard to convert 4wd-2wd. then if it back to retro or new & modernised corolla levin. my bet on the latter.
this is the rally look AWD toyota Corolla Super 2000
back in the 80s- early 90s, seeing the levin on the road, enthusiast will give the "oh-me-gawd, how i which i can find one to afford."
Last edited by koolspyda; 03-31-2007 at 09:01 AM..
The idea is good but it won't go down too well with the big guns at Toyota. Bosses only wanna see profits at the end of the day. By remaking an exact same car with 20 year old interior, doubt they'll make any money at all.
However, maybe 20 or 30 years down the road, Toyota might be tempted to come out with a limited edition AE86 to commemorate this super car. Maybe a tweak here and there and beautify the car interior and etc. Just like how Ford remake the GT-40 couple of years back.
well... yeah.u are right. toyota can copy what Ford did. roll out the new Ford GT that resemble almost the same thing as it was in the 60s. Ford tried that few times, but the 2005 (is it?) edition is the closest to the real thing
Maybe they can give us something that has the same pedigree or the essence of what Hachi-roku was. Its like, when people see that car, then they will automatically say " Hachi-roku!"
The fan base for this AE86 is huge, and its all over the world, thanks to its superb drive and of course, initial D cartoon series... if they roll out the exact car as it was also, no problem. but it seems unlikely, right?
bigger engine of course, is needed. rear wheel drive. handling, drift ability. everything.
people, brace yourself.
ps- wonder if the tofu shop advert on the old Hachiroku will be on the side of the new hachiroku... LOL
Right now you can actually buy a S15 to drift down Genting/Ulu Yam road also right?
s15 got no heritage....no passion......not talking about ferrari heritage or passion.....and takumi prefer his 86....well i still prefer a na car with good balance....and doing a down hill with a brandnew 86 and buddy videotaping it...and up loading it in youtube priceless.....
first of all, i'm confuse, does the reports mean that some Toyota AE86 gang urge Toyota management to make next Corolla class with FR power trans? or they will re-produce the exact AE86 model? confuse. Anyone call help here.
another thing is,
wonder if Toyota bring back AE86 "special edition" or "20 years retirement anniversary edition " (means exact model) with the price tag RM150K-RM200K (after AP, import tax and etc), how many so call "supporter" will buy that car?
A return of Hachi-Roku?? 
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