Toyota AE86

The Toyota AE86 is a small, lightweight coupe introduced by Toyota in 1983 as part of the fifth generation Corolla line-up. Unlike the front wheel drive AE82 models, the AE86 (along with the lower spec AE85 versions) was rear wheel drive, and is said to be the last rear-drive car 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 (the numbers 'eight'(hachi) and 'six'(roku) 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), which had a maximum power output of 127 PS and 103 ft·lbf 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, and 100 ft·lbf of torque.

The AE86 used ventilated disc brakes at the front, and solid discs at the rear. The car was equipped with independent coil spring suspension at the front, and beam-axle coil springs for the rear.

The AE85 models came with a less-powerful 1452 cc SOHC carburettor 3A-U engine without the LSD and was equipped with rear drum brakes. 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.

In North America 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.