豐田AE86

The Toyota Corolla Levin/Sprinter Trueno (AE86) is a small, lightweight coupe introduced by Toyota in 1983 as part of the fifth generation Toyota Corolla line-up. For the purpose of brevity, the insider-chassis code of "AE86" is used to describe the whole range. In classic Toyota code, the "A" represents the engine that came in the car (the 4A) and the E86 represents the 6th revision of the fifth generation (E80 series) of the E model which is the Corolla. The main difference between the Levin and Trueno is that the former has fixed-headlights whilst the latter has pop-up headlights; the export Corolla name covers both variations. The AE86 (along with the lower spec AE85 versions) was rear wheel drive (unlike the front wheel drive AE82 models), and is among the last rear-drive cars of its type, at a time when most passenger cars were being switched to front-drive. The AE86 was replaced in 1987 by the front wheel drive AE92 Corolla/Sprinter range. The car was also known as the Hachi-Roku (ハチロク) (the numbers "eight" (hachi, ハチ) and "six" (roku, ロク) in Japanese).

Engine/technical

The AE86 was available with a fuel-injected 4-cylinder twin-cam 1587 cc 4A-GEU engine in Japan and Europe which was also used in the first-generation Toyota MR2 (AW11). This engine had a maximum power output of 130 PS (97 kW) and 103 ft-lbs (140 Nm) of torque in standard form. The AE86 came with a 5-speed manual gearbox, and later came with the option of an automatic. The 4A-GE engines used in the AE86 and AW11 were equipped with T-VIS (Toyota Variable Induction System). The AE86 had an optional Limited Slip Differential (LSD).

In North America, a modified 4A-GEC engine was used to comply with California emissions regulations. Power was rated at 112 bhp (84 kW), and 100 ft-lbs (136 Nm) 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. Stabilizer bars were present at both ends.

Lower-spec American AE86 SR5 models used the 1587 cc 4A-C SOHC unit, did not have an optional LSD, and had rear drum brakes.

Models equipped with the 4A-GE engine received a 6.7" rear differential, while 3A-U, 4A-U, and 4A-C models received a smaller, weaker, 6.38" rear differential.

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

Body styles

Both the Levin and Trueno variants were offered with either a 2-door coupe or 3-door liftback (sometimes called hatchback) body style. Both the Levin and Trueno were generally identical, apart from fixed, rectangular headlights on the Levin and pop-up headlights on the Trueno. Minor bodywork changes were made in 1986 which resulted in different tail lights for both Levin and Trueno models, along with the coupe and hatchback styles. The models sold between 1983–1985 are commonly referred to as "Zenki" and the models sold from 1986–1987 are referred to as "Kouki".

Models/specifications

In Japan, the DOHC 4A-GEU AE86 was offered in GT-APEX or GTV trims as the Corolla Levin or Sprinter Trueno, with SOHC 3A-U AE85 version sold in a variety of trims including SR, GT, et cetera. In America, the top-spec DOHC 4A-GEC AE86 was sold as the Corolla GT-S with the SOHC 4A-C AE86 bearing the Corolla SR5 tag, both versions sold with pop-up headlights only. Euro spec models were sold as the Corolla GT with DOHC engines and fixed Levin-style headlights. The Middle East received the same basic model as the North American market, with pop-up headlights and the regulated 5 mph (8 km/h) bumpers.

Due to a light weight of around 940 kg, and over 120 bhp (89 kW) power, the car could reach a top speed of 120 mph (193 km/h), and could accelerate from 0–60 mph in 8.5 seconds in standard specification.

North American AE86 specifications and year changes

There are three types of Corolla Sport RWD for the US market: DX, SR5, and GT-S, though it seems the DX was more of an internal Toyota designation, as brochures, and the like do not include the DX designation; it was more of an interior trim level, as most everything else is the same as the SR5. It is grouped in with the SR5 in this list, as that is the commonly used name for all North American Corolla Sport models that are not GT-S equipped.

Model Years of production: 1984 to 1987
Chassis Code: AE86
Versions: SR5 and GT-S (85+ Only)
Drag Coefficient: 0.39
Odometer Calibration: 637 revs = 1 km (Canada Only) / 1026 revs = 1 mile (USA Only)

SR5 specifications

Horsepower: 90 hp (67 kW) @ 4800 rpm
Torque: 85 ft·lbf (115 N·m) @ 2800 rpm
Weight: approximately 2200 lb (998 kg) to 2400 lb (1089 kg)
Engine: 4A-C, 1587 cc
Engine Type: SOHC 8-valve Inline-4 Carbeurated
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: 6.38" Open with 4.10:1 Ratio, 2-pinion (Automatic) (S292) or 3.91:1 Ratio, 4-pinion (5-speed) (S314)
Wheels/Tires: 13x5" +33 mm Offset Rims with 185/70-13 Tires
First 7 Digits of VIN: JT2AE86

GT-S specifications

Horsepower: 112 hp (84 kW) @ 6600 rpm
Torque: 97 ft·lbf (132 N·m) @ 4800 rpm
Weight: approximately 2200 lb (998 kg) to 2400 lb (1089 kg)
Engine: 4A-GEC, 1587 cc
Engine Type: DOHC 16-valve Inline-4 Multiport Fuel Injection w/T-VIS
Transmission: T50, 8-bolt flywheel
Injector Size: approx. 180 cc, low impedance
Compression: 9.4:1
Differential: 6.7" Open (T282) or optional LSD (USA Only) (T283) with 4.30:1 Ratio, 2-pinion
Wheels/Tires: 14x5.5" +27 mm Offset Rims with 185/60-14 Tires (195/60-14 for 86+ models)
First 7 Digits of VIN: JT2AE88

1984 model year (August 1983 to July 1984)

Introduced with a new body/interior over a very similar chassis to the AE71 Corolla it replaced
Available in both 3-door liftback and 2-door coupe versions
Only available with the 4A-C engine
Optional 4-spoke alloy wheels
Sunroof optional
Cruise control optional
Cruise control changed from switches mounted on the left side of the steering wheel to a stalk on the right of the steering column (01/84+ models)
Automatic and 5-speed optional
Air conditioning optional
Power mirrors optional
Optional 3-spoke steering wheel (Canada Only)
Climate control has descriptors on it (FOOT, COLD, WARM)
Map lights standard (Sunroof cars Only)
Rear window wiper optional
Power steering optional
Radiator fan shroud added on models with A/C
"Sport Interior" optional, interior is similar to standard GT-S interior made standard in 1985
Some vehicles with "Sport Interior" have cloth map pockets on doors, otherwise hard plastic
Interior Colours: Beige, Blue, Red

1985 model year (August 1984 to July 1985)

GT-S model introduced
Rear disc brakes standard (GT-S only)
5-speed only available (GT-S only)
Automatic and 5-speed still optional (SR5 Only)
Large decals added on fender, door, and quarter panels (GT-S Only)
Leather steering wheel and shift knob standard (GT-S Only)
"Sport Interior" no longer optional (SR5 only)
"Sport Interior" standard with 6-way adjustable driver's seat (GT-S Only)
Optional 3-spoke SR5 steering wheel no longer optional (Canada, SR5 Only)
3-spoke steering wheel standard (Canada, GT-S Only)
LSD optional (USA, GT-S Only)
Blank plate added beside e-brake (05/85+ models)
Clutch-start switch added (02/85+ models)
Spoiler added (GT-S, 3-door Only)
14x5.5" wheels standard (GT-S Only)
Silver and Gold "Pizza-Cutter" alloy wheels optional (GT-S Only)
Front bumper lower lip spoiler added (GT-S Only)
150mph/240 km/h speedometer added (GT-S Only)
7500 rpm redline tachometer added (GT-S Only)
Bumpers changed to the same colour as the car is painted (GT-S Only)
Side trim changed to same colour as the car is painted (GT-S Only)
Oil pressure gauge added to gauge cluster (GT-S Only)
Trunk badging changed to a decal-type instead of the emblem "SR5" on 84 models
Brake lines changed from a 7-line setup to a 5-line setup (05/85+ models)
SR5 interior colours: maroon, grey, blue
GT-S interior colours: maroon, grey, red
GT-S exterior colours: black, red, silver

1986 model year (August 1985 to July 1986)

Corolla Sport receives its first major cosmetic update
Power windows option added (GT-S Only)
Interior cloth changed from tweed-type to velour type with checker pattern (GT-S Only)
Door panels changed to cloth type from vinyl type (GT-S Only)
Doors received separate arm rests that screw on instead of the moulded vinyl type (GT-S Only)
Rear axles changed to a larger diameter (10/85+ models, GT-S Only)
Updated clutch master cylinder design, to provide less squealing
Automatic transmission shifter updated to a nicer look (SR5 Only)
Seat design updated, back changed to a single pad, from a 3-pad setup, hard shell extended upwards (GT-S Only)
Steering wheel updated from a square horn to a more rounded (6-sided) design (USA, GT-S Only)
Tail lights updated, black plastic garnish added around license plate
Spoiler removed (GT-S, 3-door Only)
Black plastic trunk garnish added (GT-S, 2-door Only)
Black plastic wheel opening trim added (GT-S Only)
Optional alloy wheels changed to a spoked "Snowflake" design, only available in silver (GT-S Only)
Optional alloy wheels changed to a 7-spoke design (SR5 Only)
Vacuum pump added to cruise control system
Vacuum switch added to cruise control system (04/86+ models)
Headlight garnishes changed to a more curved, reflector design from a flat black design
Front side markers changed to match front headlight garnishes
Front grille enlarged to extend underneath front headlights, bumper extensions appropriately made smaller
Third brake light added (CHSML) to comply with federal regulations
Gauge cluster illumination changed from green to white
Faint vertical lines added to gauge cluster background
Gauge cluster needles changed to white, and design changed
Smaller gauges changed to white needles, with different markings
Headliner changed from vinyl type to a fuzzy cloth type
Sun visors changed from all-vinyl to half vinyl/half fuzzy cloth type
Sun visor shape changed to block more sun above the rear view mirror
Climate control changed to an all-symbol design with a more textured feel to it
A/C compressor manifold frame has larger ports
Front/rear seat movement handle changed from inner section to outer section of front seats
Cutout added on rear privacy cover for 3rd brake light (3-door Only)
Switches on the dash (rear defog, rear wiper switch) now light up at night
Clock on dash now has the lettering all black, instead of being offset in white
Side decals made much smaller and are now only on the doors, not fenders or quarter panels (GT-S Only)
"Diagnostic" terminal replaces two-pin short-out terminal to get information from vehicle components and put engine in diagnostic mode
Horn moved from underneath headlight to hood latch support
Trunk decals changed to a gradient design from the lined type (silver to black gradient)
Gas tank receives baffling to prevent starving the fuel pump around corners when low on gas
Steering rack changed slightly, slightly smaller, with larger bushings to compensate when mounting
SR5 interior colours: black, blue, maroon
GT-S interior colours: black, blue
GT-S exterior colours: black, blue, light blue, red

1987 model year (August 1986 to July 1987)

Almost a direct carry over from 1986, with several small differences
"Sport Interior" made optional, though most cars still have it (GT-S Only)
Cloth changed back to tweed type from velour (GT-S with "Sport Interior" Only)
Headrest changed to cloth-type from vinyl (SR5, GT-S without "Sport Interior" Only)
Three-door version is much harder to come by, but are still available, 2-door more available (USA, GT-S Only)
Radio connector changed to the new Toyota standard plugs, used on almost all Toyotas until 2000
Some vehicles are equipped with the later, stronger 7-rib block, while retaining the smaller, lighter internals (GT-S Only)
SR5 interior colours: black, blue, maroon
GT-S interior colours: black, blue

The AE86 in motorsports

During its production life, the AE86 was a popular choice for showroom stock, Group A, and Group N racing, especially in rallying and circuit races. Even after production of the car was discontinued, many privateer teams still raced the AE86, and it is still is a popular choice for rallying and club races today. Part of the continued appeal of the AE86 for motorsports is its rear-drive configuration, a feature 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 organising regulations are more relaxed to that of other countries, the AE86 was popular when new, and is still so popular that teams will purchase cars from elsewhere in 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 normally-aspirated 2WD cars.

The semi-factory supported Kraft team entered a spaceframe Trueno at the JGTC with a 3S-GTE engine that came from a SW20 MR-2 Turbo producing about 300 hp as for the GT300 regulation in 1998. Despite being popular with the racefans, the car had minor success and was abandoned from use halfway through the 2001 season in favor of a newly delivered Toyota MR-S.

The rear wheel drive configuration, combined with the AE86's light weight (approximately 2300 lb (1043 kg) curb weight), balance and relatively powerful (and easy to tune) 4A-GEU|4A-GEC engine made it popular among the Japanese hashiriya (street racers in Japanese), many of whom raced in mountain passes (touge 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 Dori-Kin ("Drift King" in Japanese). 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. In fact most of the D1GP drivers who have competed have owned an AE86 and the last two D1GP's have been won by drivers with naturally aspirated 16-Valve AE86's; the older, lower-powered Corolla outperforming much newer, faster cars such as the Altezza and Skyline.

The AE86 in popular culture and media

Anime and manga

The Hachi-Roku is immortalized by manga artist Shuichi Shigeno (しげの秀一) in the hit manga/anime series Initial D, and this, in turn, led to a resurgence of interest in the car. The Trueno is driven by Takumi Fujiwara, who delivers tofu for his father Bunta Fujiwara. A Levin variant is driven by one of Takumi's later rivals Wataru Akiyama. Takumi's friend Itsuki Takeuchi unintentionally buys a lower trim Corolla, a Levin AE85, thinking it's an AE86.

The Eight-Six can be found in other anime, including éX-Driver, Tenjou Tenge, Over Rev, Azumanga Daioh, Dear Boys, School Rumble, Capeta, Transformers: Energon, and FLCL. Manga appearances include Beck and Shigeno's earlier work Tunnel Nuketara Sky Blue.

Video games

Among some of the games that have featured the AE86 include:

Capcom's Auto Modellista
Electronic Arts's Need for Speed: Underground 2 and Need For Speed Carbon (although under the American name Corolla GT-S)
Genki's Shutokou Battle and Kaido Battle (also known as Tokyo Xtreme Racer)
Konami/Genki's Street Supremacy (AE86 Trueno Sprinter Twin Cam 16)
Konami's Racing Jam (AE86 Trueno Sprinter Twin Cam 16)
Microsoft's Forza Motorsport (Trueno only)
Namco's Street Racing Syndicate and Superb Drift
Polyphony Digital's Gran Turismo, Gran Turismo 2, Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec, and Gran Turismo 4. (GT3 and GT4 include a Shuichi Shigeno edition Trueno.)
Sega/Sega Rosso's Initial D Arcade Stage
Sega/Wow Entertainment's Sega GT and its followups, Sega GT 2002 and Sega GT Online (Trueno only)
Taito's Battle Gear and Side by Side series
Namco's The Fast and the Furious (PS2 game)

Other appearances

The Law & Order: Special Victims Unit episode "Game" is about a murderer who bases his crimes on video games. The AE86 Corolla is referred to as a "black sports car".
The Chinese pop singer Jay Chou, who recorded the opening song for Initial D, is asked in the song what kind of car he drives and answers "AE86".
The Jrock group M.O.V.E. (Yuri, Motsu, and T-Kimura), who has done all of the official opening songs and most of the closing songs for Initial D, has made several uses of the Sprinter Trueno, notably in the music videos "FREAKY PLANET" and "Raimei ~out of kontrol~".
An AE86 with typically riced out modifications appears in one of the Poser Mobile's T-Mobile advertising campaign commercials.
The eurobeat group D-Team recorded a song titled "Speed Car" for an episode of Initial D. The lyrics mention the Sprinter Trueno by its chassis code, "AE86", as is done by the characters of Initial D.
The Jpop group Galla had a Sprinter Trueno featured in their MTV; Kimi Ga Iru (The ending theme for Initial D: Second Stage).

External links

Club4AG - Club4AG, largest information source on the AE86