Toyota considering return of rear-wheel drive AE86?

Mr Kleen · Post by **Mr Kleen** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 1:42 pm

Toyota considering return of rear-wheel drive AE86?

Our pals at Winding Road just passed along a note that Toyota might be considering re-releasing the driftastic Corolla Sport. The endearingly tossable rear-wheel-drive AE86 platform was known by many names around the world: Corolla Levin, Sprinter Trueno, Corolla GT and of course the Corolla Sport in the States. Particularly in GT-S trim, it was one of the few sporty models to make its way into Toyota dealerships, alongside the Celica and Supra, and eventually the MR2, which essentially replaced it. But it was fun and cheap, and that set it apart. Available from 1983-1987, it was one of the last affordable rear-drive cars that could take a pounding, making it a favorite of budget street racers and the emerging drift scene in the '80s and '90s.

It looks like the suits at Toyota are close to greenlighting a new version. Apparently the idea has been floated several times over the years with mixed reaction, but it seems to be gaining some momentum lately. There is reportedly some disagreement within the corporate ranks over whether or not it would actually sell, but a few officials appear to be backing it strongly. Must be some Initial D fans up in there. A modernized Hachi-Roku would have to find a suitable rwd platform, but would be a blast to see in the lineup again. Of course, we've had access to AE86 in games like Need For Speed for years now, but getting our hands on the real deal would be sweet. We'll keep our fingers crossed on this one.

[Source: Winding Road]

Post by **Sabre** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 1:50 pm

Corolla doesn't conjure up quick and agile in my head, but I'll reserve judgment till I see/drive it

thermobox · Post by **thermobox** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 8:27 pm

the hachi roku is more coveted in japan than a skyline, sti, evo, etc. i would love to see a new corolla. but with cars the way they are nowadays it will probably be a very watered down, bloated car. i will keep my fingers crossed

avriette · Post by **avriette** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 10:01 pm

thermobox wrote:the hachi roku is more coveted in japan than a skyline, sti, evo, etc. i would love to see a new corolla. but with cars the way they are nowadays it will probably be a very watered down, bloated car. i will keep my fingers crossed

One need look no further than the difference between an Evo 3 and an Evo 10 to realize there's no chance a new Hachi could be worthy of the name.

Mr Kleen · Post by **Mr Kleen** » Sat Mar 24, 2007 10:30 am

Sabre wrote:Corolla doesn't conjure up quick and agile in my head, but I'll reserve judgment till I see/drive it

you've never seen Initial D???

snaab · Post by **snaab** » Sat Mar 24, 2007 10:32 am

I took some camera pics of a real nice AE86 in Reston. I'll have to get them off the phone at some point to share.