GT5 Transcripts/Toyota AE86

Already considered a classic among enthusiasts today, this compact car has become a favorite for drifters and has been featured in movies and comic books. The car has its roots from the Corolla/Sprinter, but when this model changed its layout to FF (Front engine/Frond drive), the sporty version in the lineup, the AE86 or Corolla Levin/Sprinter Trueno, remained as a rear-wheel driver.

The “8-6” (or hachi roku, as it was called in Japan) developed an immediate following because of its rear-drive layout, light weight, excellent handling and affordable price tag. It came in two shapes: a 3-door hatchback and a 2-door notchback. The main difference between the Levin and Trueno was the front end, where the former featured a horizontal grille and fixed headlights and the latter no grille and retractable headlights.

Providing power was the newly developed 4A-GEU a 1.6-liter DOHC inline-4. This engine featured some of the day's most advanced technology, including EFI-D, which calculated fuel amount through a pressure sensor, and the T-VIS (Toyota Variable Injection System). This helped the four-cylinder to produce 128 HP and 109.9 ft-lb of torque.

It revved freely and quick, and demonstrated excellent throttle response, making the car wonderfully controllable through tricky corners. The suspension, body and engine worked harmoniously together to provide real sports car attributes. It was this performance and personality that made the “8-6” loved by so many.