Toyota AE86: An Automotive Cultural Icon

Few industries have experienced the wild competition and production level changes that have influenced the field of automobiles. Even more intensive are the innovations that spawned from Japanese car design teams and engineers.

The Toyota AE86 is a popular car that’s gained recognition in the JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) community as well as the racing community. From its portrayal in popular culture to its performance in racing circuits and drift competitions, the AE86 has earned its rightful place as an automotive legend.

History of the Car

Even though the AE86 may technically be a Toyota Corolla, it is much more than that. This car is an icon of the Japanese automotive industry for more reasons than would be evident at first. While the Corolla has mostly drifted into a position where it is regularly regarded as the definitive mainstream vehicle, the AE86 encompasses brilliant engineering.

To understand why the AE86 is such an impressive vehicle, it’s essential to examine the current state of cars in comparison to the ones which were being sold at the time when it was developed. During the early 80s, cars like the AE86 were not as prevalent, and this was (surprisingly) due to their drivetrain layout and the implications it presented.

A Unique Layout

The AE86 is an FR (front-engined, rear-wheel drive) vehicle, even though this was not the most popular setup for cars in Japan at the time. The entire Japanese automotive industry was moving away from rear-wheel drive configuration at the time, opting instead for a front-wheel-drive layout that emphasized control.

While front-wheel drive may be looked down upon when compared to other layouts in the present, you will find that it fills a niche which is attractive to the average buyer. Car lovers, on the other hand, may not consider a front-wheel drive layout as appealing since it will not be as explosive in its performance.

The decision to equip the AE86 with a rear-wheel drive layout would have been considered outdated in Japan at the time; regardless, it ended up being one of the wisest decisions that Toyota has made. In a sea of FF vehicles, the FR AE86 stood out as a shining beacon of fun, sporty performance.

Innovation Above All Else

Toyota was known for making vehicles that were impressive up until this point, but many of their models were designed to be relatively safe. In the automotive industry, selling a design which is considered “safe” can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on the circumstances of the market.

During the early 80s, when the AE86 was first marketed, the Japanese market was ready to be shaken up, and this car was more than happy to oblige. More precisely, the design team at Toyota was prepared to accommodate their loyal customers. Eschewing the trend at the time, Toyota decided to take a risk.

In any other market, sticking with the proven choice would be the decision that could be defined as “safe.” In Japan, however, it was the time to move away from rear-wheel drive vehicles since they are more difficult to control in adverse conditions. While this may not seem like the wisest decision, it ended up working out.

Competitors to the AE86

While the market may have been sparse for FR vehicles in Japan at the time, there were still other options available, from both Japan and other countries. Depending on whether you want to stick to the same layout or if you want a car which performs similarly, regardless of drivetrain, there were many exciting cars at the time.

BMW E30

One of the most popular options that are considered to be presently similar to an AE86 is the BMW E30. Even though it may not have been viewed as a direct competitor at the time, the E30 is an equivalent to the AE86 when it is looked at in retrospect.

The layout and the driving characteristics are both similar enough to make the E30 a legitimate competitor to the AE86. An exciting sports car which provided that fun factor which was so highly sought-after was rarer than one would imagine, especially since the Mazda Miata was introduced to the market.

Mazda MX-5 Miata

Speaking of the MX-5, many consider the Miata to be one of the most accessible sports cars of all time. The low price tag coupled with the light weight and the responsive performance of the Miata made it one of the most successful sports cars of all time when you take the number of sales into account.

The MX-5 made the sports car more attainable since it retailed for only 14,000 dollars when it was first released, in 1989. Over the course of its life, the Mazda MX-5 has only grown in popularity. Even though newer models of the Miata are slightly more expensive, they also contain more technology.

Datsun 240Z

After Mazda, another one of Toyota’s most significant competitors in this market was Nissan (vehicles which were exported by Nissan were sold under the Datsun name). One of the most popular competitors of the AE86 was and still is the Datsun 240Z.

The 240Z was more than just the predecessor to the beloved 360Z and 370Z for those who weren’t around for it. The Datsun 240Z was the export variant of the Nissan S30, which many consider as one of the legends of the Japanese auto market.

Nissan’s design (sold under the badge of Datsun to most of the world outside of Japan) was one of the first sports cars that were affordable for the general public. This was one of the vehicles which jump-started a love for speed and racing in an entire generation.

Successor to the Toyota AE86

After the Toyota AE86, the Toyota Corolla E90 was created. It has a front wheel drive system instead of the AE86’s rear wheel engine. The Corolla E90 was produced in June 1991 in Japan. However, it was ended by 1994.

While this car was a top performer, it did not live up to the Toyota AE86’s reputation. That’s why veteran drivers continued to use it even after its sixth generation successor was made.

Technical Specs

The Toyota AE86 came with ventilated disc brakes. It had a four-link axle with coil springs placed in the rear. And, the car was the fifth generation of Toyota Corolla’s overall lineup.

Because of these specs, the car has enhanced handling and is mainly seen around drift events. Here is a short table describing the Toyota’s interesting driving specifications:

Based on these specs, this car has a lot of utility beyond racing. With its five-speed manual, users can press the clutch pedal to get the clutch from its engine flywheel. Then, you shift towards the next highest gear and release it.

It has a max speed of 112 mph, which can be offputting for some. When paired with a 2,381 chassis, it’s a lightweight vehicle that has a lot of torque when traveling on the road. And it has four-wheel braking which enhances its handling.

Drivers like this vehicle because of its engine cylinders. It gave the Toyota AE86 enough power to handle exasperated performances up to 9 hours before needing to be refilled. Technically, this is the best car for drivers liking a balanced car that can work well on a drifting course.

How Much Does it Cost?

Previously,  the Toyota AE86 was priced at around $15,176. Unlike other iconic vehicles, this car was always available for an affordable price. Even vehicles that don’t have a Road Tax or MOT sell for at least $6598. If you want a perfect novelty vehicle, the Toyota AE86 is one of the best options available. At the same time, it’s rarity makes it a hard pickup for many collectors. 

Each model has a motor that belongs to Toyota’s 4A series. But, it’s 4A-GE engine is worth mentioning as well. It has a new exhaust and intake system; making it easier for drivers to make quick turns.

Its current price starts off at about $29,458. Due to its increase in prominence and popularity, it’s a rare vehicle that you’ll primarily find online or at select Japanese retailers, and occasionally, from a reliable reseller.

Why Is The AE86 So Popular Years Later?

While this car is over 30 years old, it’s still relevant culturally. Part of that is because of the famous Japanese racer Keiichi Tsuchiya. He is infamously known as the “Drift King” due to his outstanding performance.

In Japan, over 70% of the land is mountainous. Don’t even bother bringing a large vehicle or a jeep careening around the terrain. The Toyota AE86 was better than other cars in Japan not only because of its speed but because of its compact size and acrobatic agility.

Keiichi Tsuchiya would always praise the car during his interviews. He stated that the vehicle has an “overall balance” unlike of most muscle cars and other vehicles that are designed for power once the engine starts.

Some of the Reasons:

• Direct Ignition Kit
• Power: 217 (ps) at 7200 RPM
• Oil spacer
• 2 Layer Radiator
• Premium Muffler

Keiichi Tsuchiya’s Life

Because of these features, Keiichi Tsuchiya was able to win a myriad of races with the Toyota AE86. He started off by purchasing his car through working multiple jobs such as a chef, club bouncer, and a computer programmer.

Once he received his keys, he began practicing his driving skills with the car at night. Usually, he would do this once he was off of work. After he gained confidence, Tsuchiya started to use his vehicle in competitions and began building relationships with multiple engineers such as Mr. Sakurai.

Initial D

The Toyota AE86 has gained a lot of recognition from being the centerpiece for the anime Initial D. The main character Takumi Fujiwara was based on Keiichi Tsuchiya’s lifestyle. The anime is one of the most popular in history, spawning a multimedia franchise that included 20 video games and a full feature film, with the AE86 as the real star.

Keiichi Tsuchiya as the most famous AE86 user in history acted as a consultant for the anime. He worked with Shuichi Shigeno, and both gained the Kodansha Manga Award in 1985 due to Initial D’s quality and fan reception increasing the car’s popularity even further. By 1996, it acquired widespread popularity in the United States through Funimation Entertainment.

The reason why this car has remained wildly popular was that its performance and stature as a cultural icon propelled it beyond the position that was occupied by previously occupied by one or another of its competitors.

The AE86 also ended up being one of the most reliable models of its generation, which has led to many models lasting decades longer than anticipated. Due to Initial D’s overall impact, Keiichi Tsuchiya and the AE86’s stayed within the minds of drivers and anime fans for decades after.

Closing Remarks

All driving hobbyists have some opinion on the Toyota AE86.  The Toyota AE86 is a car that will stay popular in Japan and the racing industry. Once you sit behind the wheel, you’ll notice it’s efficient turning and handling. If you’re a serious car fan, the Toyota AE86 is a car you should have in your collection.

For those wanting to drift like Keiichi Tsuchiya, this is the best car for that. Its excellent balance and 112 HP of concentrated speed make it an attractive vehicle for mountain driving. The Toyota AE86 is a legendary car that’s worth every dollar.

Do you have any experiences using the Toyota AE86?

Share more in the comments.

Sources:

http://www.carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=37433

https://www.drifted.com/feature-the-world-famous-keiichi-tsuchiya-ae86-trueno/

https://jalopnik.com/japans-real-life-initial-d-car-scene-isnt-what-you-thin-1710304740

http://ae86toyota.blogspot.ca/2010/05/corolla-ae86-buyers-guide.html

http://www.turnology.com/news/hotshoe-spotlight-keiichi-tsuchiya-the-drift-king/

https://toyota86uae.wordpress.com/2013/05/20/the-hachi-roku-flow-chart/

https://www.worldtimeattack.com/index.php/keiichi-tsuchiya-is-coming-to-wtac/

Kris Beck

Kris is the founder of 86modified.com and has a love for cars and modifying them. He has owned many different Japanese cars and has enjoyed installing modifications to get more power or fitting body parts to change the aesthetics.

www.86modified.com