Toyota AE86 - the finest sports car from Japan

There is no doubt that when it comes to auto performance, Japanese cars are considered famous. In fact, one of the most popular sports cars in town in 1980 is the Toyota Ae86 or also known as the Hachi-Roku. In Japanese, this term means eight-six. This sports car has become incredibly well liked especially after it has appeared in the Japanese manga and anime series called as the initial D.

Actually, the Toyota AE86 was first introduced in 1983. This is famous for being the last small, rear-wheel drive coupe. It comes in two different body styles called as the Levin and the Trueno. These are essentially similar, only that they differ in the shape of its headlights. After three years, there came more variations in its designs and styles. These include the advancement in the taillights and hatchback styles it use. In earlier models, the change was known as the “Zenki”, which means early period in Japanese. Hence, the Toyota AE86 models with modern changes are called as the “Kouki”, which simply means as the “latter period”.

This Toyota AE86 was also very famous in different car shows. In fact, it was use in various race sports like the circuit racing and rally driving. Today, even if this model has been discontinued for use, the model remains to be popular in rally circles and club races. This is because the car is very much particular and adept in cornering especially when the vehicle runs through downhill. This then makes this model common for mountain pass street races in Japan, which is also called as the hashiriyas. This sports car is light, easily modifiable, quite powerful, and very well balanced. One of the legendary racers in Japan known as Dori-Kin or ‘drift king” also used this car in one the race event he has joined. Indeed, the Toyota AE86 became more popular with Keiichi Tsuchiya, which is famous as the sport of drifting. Today, this model is still popular in drifting competitions because of its fantastic cornering and early relation with the sport.

Likewise, the Japanese manga and anime series, and Initial D, had sparked a new interest in the car among automobile in terms of drifting fans all over the world. This model remains very well that it has received a lot of recognition that was featured as one of the high selling; realistic videogame races series Gran Turismo. Because of this, Toyota AE86 has gained a lot of attention, which makes the resale value of the car more increase.

The Toyota AE86 was actually released originally in North America under the Corolla name. This stood for “crown of a flower” and then came out in three different versions. Likewise, this has become fairly popular in the North America with the version called as the GT-S, which has stayed its production till 1991. Likewise, this Toyota AE86 was release in Australia and became popular under the name Sprinter. Unfortunately, this was not sold in the market so well because the stock engine it uses was poor. But when Australian car enthusiasts switched the engine, something happened. In fact, it has stayed popular for rally and track racing due to its good handling.

Despite the fact that Toyota Ae86 was released for over twenty years now, still the legendary car is highly regarded by the car enthusiasts because of its excellent handling and drifting abilities. These characteristics have actually make them famous for years since it has featured in many different car shows, games, cartoons, and television series. Because this was also the last of its kind and was used by the legendary king Keiichi Tsuchiya, it seems that Toyota AE86 will be staying and drifting for years to come.