Hachi Roku (ハチロク)

Great cars need not be expensive ultra high performance machines. Cars sold in large numbers can also be legendary. This fact has been illustrated cars such as the Mini Cooper, the Volkswagen Golf etc. A few months ago, I discovered one such car for which I developed a strong liking. Those who have watched the anime Initial D would know what car I am talking about. Its the Toyota Corolla Levin/Sprinter Trueno (AE86), a small, lightweight coupe introduced by Toyota in 1983 as part of the fifth generation Toyota Corolla line-up.

The car, better known as Hachi Roku (86) in Japanese came in two models, Levin and Trueno, the difference being that the former had fixed head lights while the later had pop-up headlights. Minor bodywork changes were made in 1986 which resulted in different tail lights for both Levin and Trueno models. Two body shapes were available, a 2-door coupe as in the picture above and a 3-door liftback/hatchback (somewhat similar to the current Skoda Octavia’s hatch).

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). This engine had a maximum power output of 130 PS (97 kW) and 103 ft·lbf (140 Nm) 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 Japan, the AE86 was offered in GT-APEX or GTV trims as the Corolla Levin or Sprinter Trueno. The European model was known as Corolla GT and had fixed Levin style headlights. 

In North America, a modified 4A-GEC engine was used to comply with California emissions regulations. Power was rated at 112 bhp (84 kW), and 100 ft·lbf (136 Nm) of torque. This car was the Corolla GT-S. Another model, the Corolla SR5 used the 1587 cc 4A-C SOHC engine, did not have an optional LSD, and had rear drum brakes. All other AE-86 models used ventilated disc brakes and were equipped with a MacPherson strut style independent suspension at the front and a four-link live axle with coil springs for the rear. Stabilizer bars were present at both ends. The GT-S only came with a manual 5-speed transmission whereas the SR-5 was also offered with an automatic. All the models were front engined, rear wheel drive (FR). Due to its light weight, the car had a top speed of around 120mph (193kmph). 0-60 mph took around 8.5 seconds.

The AE86 has always been active in motorsports which is partly responsible for its popularity. When in production, it was popular in Group A and Group N racing, mostly rallying and circuit races. Even after the end of production, many teams continued to race with the 86. This appeal is mainly due to its light weight and front engined, rear wheel drive layout (FR), a feature absent in most newer lightweight coupes. It has competed in championships such as JGTC and many rally championships across Europe.

 The real reason for its popularity is its ability to drift. The car is popular among street racers in Japan and touge(mountain pass) racers around the world. Drift King Tsuchiya Keiichi, who popularised drifting, also used this car. It was AE86’s FR configuration that made it well suited for drifting. Currently the car is a mainstay of manny drift shows and competitions. In fact most of the D1GP drivers who have competed have owned an AE86 and the last two D1GP’s have been won by drivers with naturally aspirated 16-Valve AE86’s; the older, lower-powered Corolla outperforming much newer, faster cars such as the Altezza and Skyline. After the popularity of the anime and manga Initial D, the 86 has seen a revival due to increasing popularity of drifting and touge racing and is bound to become a classic.