Car Directory / Toyota / Toyota Sprinter Trueno / History

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.

Bodystyles

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, etc. 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 bumpers.

Due to a light weight of around 940 kg, and over 120 bhp power, the car could reach a top speed of 120 mph, and could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 8.5 seconds in standard specification.

The AE86 in motorsport

The rear wheel drive configuration, combined with the AE86's light weight (approximately 2300 lb curb weight), balance and relatively powerful (and easy to tune) 4A-GEU | 4A-GEC engine made it popular among the Japanese hashiriya street racers, many of whom raced in mountain passes (these mountain races were often called "Touge" races) where the corners suited the Trueno 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). Tsuchiya helped popularize the sport of drifting, which involves taking a car on a set of controlled slides through corners. The AE86's RWD configuration made it well suited to this kind of cornering and currently, the car is a mainstay of drift shows and competitions.

The AE86 in Popular Culture and Media

The Hachi-Roku has now been immortalized by manga artist Shuichi Shigeno (しげの秀一) in the hit manga/anime series Initial D, and this, in turn, has led to a resurgence of interest in the car. This rise in the popularity of the AE86 has led to a growth in its demand and a subsequent rise in its resale value; what was once a car that was overlooked by many in the US and abroad (during a time when power and 1/4 mile times were focused on, more than cornering ability and balance) is now a hot commodity among auto-enthusiasts. The AE86 has even gained attention from current Western video game publishers, as the car was included in Electronic Arts's racing computer and video game Need for Speed: Underground 2 (although under the American name Corolla GTS), SRS, and Microsoft's Forza Motorsport. The makers of Gran Turismo have also given tribute to Initial D by adding the Shuichi Shigeno edition of the Trueno to Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec and Gran Turismo 4. The Shuichi Shigeno version differs in that its max RPM is 11,000 rpm, it has a light weight reduction (carbon fiber hood), and it is somewhat akin to the re-engined AE86 in Initial D Stage 2, Taito's Japanese Racer, Battle Gear and Genki's Shutokou Battle (1999), have the "Tuned" AE86 Trueno, that is the "Takumi Fujiwara" (the protagonist of Initial D) Trueno GT Apex AE86.

These cars have become quite popular as "grey imports" in recent years even though, for example in Ireland, after Vehicle Registration Tax and other costs have been added the cars (as of 2005) sell for around €6,000-8,000 - quite a significant price for a car of this age.

North American AE86 Specifications and Year Changes

There are 3 types of Corolla Sport RWD: DX, SR5, and GT-S, though it seems that 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: DX, 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 Specs

• Horsepower: 70 bhp @ 4800 rpm
• Torque: 85 ft·lbf @ 2800 rpm
• Weight: approximately 2200 lb to 2400 lb
• 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 Specs

• Horsepower: 112 bhp @ 6600 rpm
• Torque: 97 ft·lbf @ 4800 rpm
• Weight: approximately 2200 lb to 2400 lb
• 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 (08/83 to 07/84)

• 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 simlar to standard GT-S interior made standard in 85
• Some vehicles with "Sport Interior" have cloth map pockets on doors, otherwise hard plastic
• Interior Colours: Beige, Blue

1985 (08/84 to 07/85)

• 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

1986 (08/85 to 07/86)

• Corolla Sport receives it's 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 seperate 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
• 3rd 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
• 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 2-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

1987 (08/86 to 07/87)

• 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)
• 3-doors are 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