Toyota Corolla ae86 is a classic, a legend, a dream for any car enthusiast who knows a lot about cars. And whether it's a Corolla Levin or a Sprinter Trueno, this car will be the crowning achievement of any collection or the winner of a winding track.

What's in a name?

“As you call a ship, so it will sail” is an expression that is absolutely confirmed by the success story of the AE86 model, named after the numbers symbolizing wealth and happiness in Asia. Indeed, this "horse" has a very rich and happy history, although at first nothing foreshadowed such a resounding success. For her popularity, she even received the famous name "Hachiroku", consisting of the Japanese pronunciation of the number 86.

Birth of a legend

In the automotive market, "eighty-sixth" appeared in 1983. It was created as a model of the fifth generation Toyota Corolla, which can be a worthy addition to the lineup. Needless to say, the engineers ended up doing even more than they had planned. Chip, this model was rear-wheel drive, while all the many others were transferred to the front. The car was appreciated not only at home in Japan, but also abroad.

For some countries where the model was sold, there were special modifications. So in Australia there was a basic Corolla Levin hatchback, sold under the name Toyota Sprinter. In America, these were the Corolla GTS and Corolla SR5 hatchbacks or coupes with the Trueno Sprinter body. In Europe, the GT and SR5 models were also based on a variety of equipment options. Even a few strange car names have successfully taken root in other countries. The power and maneuverability of the cars really resembled "thunder" with "lightning", and this is how their names are translated - Trueno and Levin.

First of all, motorists appreciated the AE86 for its affordable price, lightness, but at the same time reliability on the road. The car became a real outlet for those who already at that time loved to drive along deserted streets and roads, but did not have enough money to buy an expensive sports car. So the AE86 Trueno and Levin became the ideal for thousands of enthusiastic racers.

Legend Characteristics

In terms of its sporty nature, the Hachiroka Sprinter Trueno and Levin received the legendary 4A series engines - 16-valve engines capable of power up to 97 kW, i.e. 130 horsepower, with such important technical characteristics as a long resource, ease of conversion and design. Not all cars had such advantages. In addition, these engines also sounded nice. So the success was well deserved.

The AE86 was produced in two-door and three-door body styles. The weight of the coupe was 950 kg, while that of the hatchback was 970 kg. Thanks to the difference in weight and greater rigidity in motorsport, it was the coupe that gained popularity. Both the coupe and the hatchback came in both the Corolla Levin version with rectangular headlights and the Sprinter Trueno version with "blind" headlights that could be removed under the hood.

In 1986, the design of the "eighty-sixth" was rebooted, after which some changes were made to the rear optics, bumper design, colors and interior. But the technical part is almost not touched. The redesigned cars became known as "Kouki", while the classic ones were called "Zenki" or "Zenki", which means "early". Both Corolla Levin and Sprinter Trueno have undergone modifications.

The popularity of the legend

The most popular configurations with a 4A engine were called GT, GT APEX, GTS and GTV. The latter, among other things, had a rigid suspension, a short steering rack and a differential lock. By the way, the GT APEX package was painted in two colors, usually black and white. Therefore, she was given the cute nickname "corolla panda."

Such a special car very soon became a regular participant in sports competitions. Incredibly good Toyota trueno 86 was drifting. All characteristics, all features like rear-wheel drive, manual transmission, optimal power-to-weight ratio of the model, were perfect for fast driving not only on Japanese mountain serpentines, but also on sports tracks around the world. The AE86, along with models similar to it, has become not only a symbol, but also the reason for the emergence and development of such a spectacular sport as drifting.

In addition to drifting, toyota ae86 raised the Japanese circuit championship to a new level. On the basis of this model, excellent fireballs were created. The car also performed well in other speed competitions, such as when two cars start on a winding road until one of the rivals is ahead of the other.

A legend that still lives on

5 years after the start of production, the toyota corolla ae86, like the toyota ae86 trueno, was replaced by a new practical model that could not win the same love and interest of motorists, however, like the rest of subsequent models.
But this does not mean that the Toyota AE86 has sunk into oblivion. The legend of this car served her so well that even today she participates in the N2 competition, in honor of the "eighty-sixth" festivals are held in Japan, Ireland, America and Australia, and true connoisseurs of the classics and good drifting around the world still dream of get a car like the Sprinter Trueno.

"HACHIROKA". It was this nickname that this small but nimble car, officially called the Toyota Corolla Levin AE 86, received in its homeland, in the Land of the Rising Sun. Actually, hachiroku in translation means only “eight six”. It was notable for rear-wheel drive, weight, weight distribution, rear disc brakes (on later versions), 4A-GE (U) engine and, most importantly, crazy potential. At one time, the great, without exaggeration, Dori King Keiichi Tsuchia used it for his studies.
However, let's not rush, since there is something to talk about.
And everyone who knew (and knows) this car to this day takes off his hat with the 4A-6E engine. And, I must say, there is a reason - after all, it is an exact copy of the legendary Cosworth BDA rally engine, created by the British several decades ago and is still considered one of the best racing engines.
The 5-speed gearbox also had fantastic survivability; according to one of the lucky owners of Levin AE 86, she rode under 300,000 kilometers without the slightest problem in terms of transmission, although no one ever felt sorry for her.

Toyota Corolla Levin AE 86 was produced with two different "muzzles" - pointed and so-called "blind". Both modifications were found only in Japan. Only “sharp-faced” ones got into the Australian market, “blind” ones, called Toyota Corolla Levin Truend, got into the American market.

Of course, for the beloved homeland, the flagship of the Japanese automotive industry tried more than for anyone else; "Native" cars were equipped with air conditioning, climate control, hydraulic booster and electronic instrument panel, multiplied by the traditionally exemplary Japanese quality. Both the Yankees and the sumcha ... Australians were deprived of all this.

What is happening with these machines now? In most cases, they live out their last days over the hill. A worthy copy can only be found among collectors. However, not everything is as bad as it seems at first glance. There are Hachiroki clubs all over the world; fans are looking for these cars and rebuilding them almost from the ashes.

Here is another very funny "feature" about Hachiroku. There is such a Japanese cartoon - "Initial D", very good and funny, like all real Japanese "manga". But the joy is not in this, but in the fact that the cartoon is dedicated to drifting and only drifting, and its most extreme "Mountain" variety. The main character of the series is Toyota AE 86. White, beautiful and fast. By the way, there is an opinion that it was the cartoon that made the model so popular. Quite possible! In Japan, as you know, cartoons are the most important of the arts.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Toyota Corolla Levin AE 86

engine's type

in-line, 4-cylinder, DOHC 16 valve

Toyota Corolla Levin (AE86)

Toyota Corolla Levin AE86 (Sprinter Trueno) "Hachiroku" is the fifth generation of the Corolla and the fourth version of the Levin modification, which appeared in 1983. This rear-wheel drive car has gained serious popularity among racers, especially among drifters. The reasons for this phenomenon were the excellent handling, balance and tendency of the AE86 to tuning. Toyota AE86 main competitors: Nissan Silvia S12/Skyline R30, Mazda RX-7, Mitsubishi Starion and other cars. The Levin AE86 was discontinued in 1987 when it was replaced by the Levin AE92. One of the successors of the AE86 was the 2012 Toyota GT86.

AE86 engines are ordinary in-line fours with a working volume of 1.6 liters, of various modifications. All these power units belong to the 4A engine family, which has become quite widespread on various Toyota models. Carburetor versions are nothing special, while the fuel-injected 4A-GE model is a much sportier engine with a different piston, intake, exhaust, camshafts and more. All this is easily modified in various ways and the power increases to 200+ hp.

When buying the legendary Toyota AE86 it is important to choose the right engine and WikiMotors will help you do that. It is here that you will find all the technical characteristics of AE86 engines, tuning, modifications, problems of these engines, repairs, oil and much more.

"HACHIROKA". It was this nickname that this small but nimble car, officially called the Toyota Corolla Levin AE 86, received in its homeland, in the Land of the Rising Sun. Actually, hachiroku in translation means only “eight six”. It was notable for rear-wheel drive, weight, weight distribution, rear disc brakes (on later versions), 4A-GE (U) engine and, most importantly, crazy potential. At one time, the great, without exaggeration, Dori King Keiichi Tsuchia used it for his studies.

Birth of a legend

In the automotive market, "eighty-sixth" appeared in 1983. It was created as a model of the fifth generation Toyota Corolla, which can be a worthy addition to the lineup. Needless to say, the engineers ended up doing even more than they had planned. Chip, this model was rear-wheel drive, while all the many others were transferred to the front. The car was appreciated not only at home in Japan, but also abroad.

For some countries where the model was sold, there were special modifications. So in Australia there was a basic Corolla Levin hatchback, sold under the name Toyota Sprinter. In America, these were the Corolla GTS and Corolla SR5 hatchbacks or coupes with the Trueno Sprinter body. In Europe, the GT and SR5 models were also based on a variety of equipment options. Even a few strange car names have successfully taken root in other countries. The power and maneuverability of the cars really resembled "thunder" with "lightning", and this is how their names are translated - Trueno and Levin.

First of all, motorists appreciated the AE86 for its affordable price, lightness, but at the same time reliability on the road. The car became a real outlet for those who already at that time loved to drive along deserted streets and roads, but did not have enough money to buy an expensive sports car. So the AE86 Trueno and Levin became the ideal for thousands of enthusiastic racers.

Design

The car was produced in different bodies (including a three-door hatchback), but it was the coupe that received the greatest popularity. The car has a harmonious appearance. The design is typical for the 80s - chopped shapes, square headlights and a minimum of exotic. This is the simplest and most affordable car. By the way, some versions had "blind" optics. The bumpers were not painted from the factory, however, fashionable body kits and a “lip” are often installed on the Toyota AE86, making it even more aerodynamic. Wheel arches allow you to fit any wheels. And after playing with the collapse, you can join the ranks of "stan" machines. This car looks very impressive on classic wheels.

Dimensions, ground clearance

The machine is quite compact. The length of the body is 4.28 meters, width - 1.62 meters, height - 1.33 meters. Small here and clearance - only 14 centimeters. The car swallows bumps very hard. Plus, there is a risk of hooking them on the bottom. Therefore, it is recommended to use the car mainly on smooth asphalt.

Specifications

Due to its sporty nature, the Hachiroka Sprinter Trueno and Levin received the legendary 4A series engines - 16-valve engines capable of power up to 97 kW, i.e. 130 horsepower, with such important technical characteristics as a long resource, ease of conversion and design. Not all cars had such advantages. In addition, these engines also sounded nice. So the success was well deserved.

The AE86 was produced in two-door and three-door body styles. The coupe weighed 950 kg, while the hatchback weighed 970 kg. Thanks to the difference in weight and greater rigidity in motorsport, it was the coupe that gained popularity. Both the coupe and the hatchback came in both the Corolla Levin version with rectangular headlights and the Sprinter Trueno version with "blind" headlights that could be removed under the hood.

In 1986, the design of the "eighty-sixth" was rebooted, after which some changes were made to the rear optics, bumper design, colors and interior. But the technical part is almost not touched. Cars of a redesigned design began to be called "Kouki" ("Kouki"), and classic ones - "Zenki" or "Zenki", which means "early". Both Corolla Levin and Sprinter Trueno have undergone modifications.

Interior

Salon "Toyota AE86" - a classic of the 80s. The Japanese love to use velor. It is everywhere here - from rugs, finishing door cards and rear shelf. However, this material is very durable. The steering wheel is on the right. The instrument panel has two main scales - a speedometer and a tachometer. On versions with automatic transmission, the mode was also duplicated (drive, parking, etc.). The car is devoid of any comfort - it is a pure ring car. There are no climate controls, power windows and other “bells and whistles”. For this, Toyota AE86 drifters love it. After all, with minimal alterations, it can be turned into a real "cramps".

Equipment

The most popular configurations with a 4A engine were called GT, GT APEX, GTS and GTV. The latter, among other things, had a rigid suspension, a short steering rack and a differential lock. By the way, the GT APEX package was painted in two colors, usually black and white. Therefore, she was given the cute nickname "corolla panda."

Such a special car very soon became a regular participant in sports competitions. Incredibly good Toyota trueno 86 was drifting. All characteristics, all features like rear-wheel drive, manual transmission, optimal power-to-weight ratio of the model, were perfect for fast driving not only on Japanese mountain serpentines, but also on sports tracks around the world. The AE86, along with models similar to it, has become not only a symbol, but also the reason for the emergence and development of such a spectacular sport as drifting.

In addition to drifting, toyota ae86 raised the Japanese circuit championship to a new level. On the basis of this model, excellent fireballs were created. The car also performed well in other speed competitions, such as when two cars start on a winding road until one of the rivals is ahead of the other.

Dynamics

It would seem, what can be a drift on 103 horses? But she manages to enter turns sideways very easily. And all thanks to the low curb weight. The weight of the Toyota Corolla AE86 Trueno is 850 kilograms. Therefore, acceleration to hundreds took only 8 and a half seconds. And this is in 82! The maximum speed was 193 kilometers per hour. The Japanese managed to achieve simply unrealistic performance indicators. It was the fastest Toyota among all that is in the lineup. The car created high competition for German cars.

Transmission

Two types of transmissions were installed on the "hachiroku". It was a five-speed manual or a four-band automatic. The latter, by the way, was not very fond of drifters. After all, this machine had a low efficiency and responded late to the gas pedal. Some make a "swap" on the mechanics and drive without problems. Although both boxes are quite reliable and do not cause problems for the car owner.

Chassis

The front of the car was equipped with MacPherson struts. A four-link independent suspension was installed at the rear. At the front, the Hachiroku has ventilated disc brakes. Behind are the classic "drums". Although the racers immediately finalize the brake system and install disks instead of “drums”. Additionally, the machine is equipped with two anti-roll bars. Optionally, the Toyota Corolla AE86 was equipped with a self-locking differential. The drive was carried out only on the rear axle. For better grip, wide tires are installed here on a low profile. Due to its light weight and proper weight distribution, this car confidently enters turns. Even on standard rubber, it cannot be called a roll. The car is simply made for circuit racing. Toyota is controlled very easily (despite the lack of power steering) and very predictable.

Interesting Facts:
1 One of the design engineers Nobaki Katayama(Nobuaki Katayama), later head of Toyota's motorsport department. He also became the chief engineer of the Toyota Altezza car, which was released in the next decade. CAR magazine says that Nobaki had a photo of the AE86 hanging in his office.
2 AE86- these 4 characters of the factory code carry useful information. For example, A is the designation of the engine model (motors of the 4A series); E - indicates the Corolla model; number 8 - fifth generation (body series E80); 6 - variation with 1.6 engines within a generation.
3 Many confuse and argue about the differences Levin and Trueno- bodies with classic headlights were called Levin, and with blind headlights were called Trueno.
4 AE86 and AE85 became the last rear-wheel drive cars of their type, because at that time most cars were becoming front-wheel drive.
5 AE86 became the inspiration for the modern sports car Toyota 86(GT86, Scion FR-S, Subaru BRZ):
Toyota AE86 became the favorite car of the legendary drifter Keichi Tsuchiya:

Toyota Corolla Levin / Sprinter Trueno (AE86)

Toyota AE86, also known as Toyota Corolla Levin and Toyota Sprinter Trueno, is a light (923 kg) hatchback or coupe car produced from 1983 to 1987 by Toyota. For brevity, the chassis code " AE86” denotes a 1600 cc rear wheel drive model.

When Toyota AE86 just came into being, no one expected that the car would become a legend and remain a serious Japanese classic even the day after tomorrow. Toyota Corolla Levin AE86 marketed as an affordable, lightweight, and reliable entry-level machine, and was available both in the Japanese market (JDM) and in other countries. The uniqueness of the car was in its rear-wheel drive, because by that time most car models had been transferred to front-wheel drive. RWD did AE86 the perfect machine for enthusiast racers.
Corolla AE86 in action

Series engines 4A used in car AE86, were also highly valued for their excellent technical characteristics - a long engine resource, its simple design and ease of modification. If you dive into the technical details of the model, Corolla AE86 equipped with a four-cylinder 1587 cc engine 4A-GE, issuing 130 hp and 150 Nm (JDM version). The same motor was used in the first generation of the roadster. Toyota MR2(AW11). As far as transmission is concerned, AE86 was available with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic, at the request of the buyer, an LSD (limited slip differential) could be installed in the manual transmission.

Because the AE86 had a sporty character, ventilated brake discs were installed on the car. The car's suspension was independent with McPherson struts and anti-roll bars at both ends.
Corolla AE86 owners club meeting


Though Toyota AE86 was popular among rally drivers, but its true purpose, thanks to its power and weight distribution, was to glide through corners and corners in the drift discipline. Let there be many sports cars in the world today, but AE86 will always be popular with car enthusiasts.

After the end of production Toyota AE86, only a few Toyota models have been able to attract as much attention and become as popular as this iconic and legendary car.

Drift on Corolla AE86

Interesting Facts:
1 One of the design engineers Nobaki Katayama(Nobuaki Katayama), later head of Toyota's motorsport department. He also became the chief engineer of the Toyota Altezza car, which was released in the next decade. CAR magazine says that Nobaki had a photo of the AE86 hanging in his office.
2 AE86- these 4 characters of the factory code carry useful information. For example, A is the designation of the engine model (motors of the 4A series); E - indicates the Corolla model; number 8 - fifth generation (body series E80); 6 - variation with 1.6 engines within a generation.
3 Many confuse and argue about the differences Levin and Trueno- bodies with classic headlights were called Levin, and with blind headlights were called Trueno. You can read more about the difference between Levin and Trueno here.