Toyota · 1983–1987

Toyota AE86

The AE86 series of the Toyota Corolla Levin/Sprinter Trueno are small, front-engine/rear-wheel-drive compact cars within the mostly front-engine/front-wheel-drive fifth generation Corolla (E80) range—marketed and manufactured by Toyota from 1983 to 1987 in coupé and liftback configurations. It was the last production Corolla to feature rear-wheel drive. The cars were light, affordable, easily modifiable, and had a five-speed manual transmission, a limited-slip differential (optional), MacPherson strut front suspension, near 50/50 front/rear weight balance, and a front-engine/rear-drive layout—at a time when this configuration was waning industry-wide. In certain areas of the world (and optional in others) it was powered by a high revving (7800 rpm) twin-cam engine. Widely popular for Showroom Stock, Group A, and Group N, Rally and Club racing, the cars' inherent qualities also earned the AE86 an early and enduring international prominence in the motorsport discipline of drifting. The AE86 was featured centrally in the popular, long-running Japanese manga and anime series titled Initial D (1995–2013) as the main character's drift and tofu delivery car. In 2015, Road & Track called the AE86 "a cult icon, inextricably interwoven with the earliest days of drifting." The AE86 would go on to inspire the Toyota 86 (2012–present), a 2+2 sports car jointly developed by Toyota and Subaru, manufactured by Subaru—and marketed also as the Toyota GT86, Toyota GR86, Toyota FT86, Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ. In November 2021, Toyota temporarily restarted the production of a limited number of parts for the AE86, with dealers beginning to take orders for new steering knuckle arms and rear brake calipers. Rear axle half shafts have also been scheduled for new production. Toyota has also announced that this reboot is temporary, and parts will only be available as long as stocks last.

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Successor: Toyota Corolla E90

All Toyota AE86 data: UK builds, safety, recalls, model years → + Compare

Name

The nameplate Trueno derives from the Spanish word for thunder, and Levin derives from the Middle English for lightning. In Japan, the car is known colloquially as “Hachi-Roku” (ハチロク), meaning “Eight-Six” in Japanese, which is also used by AE86 enthusiasts outside Japan. The chassis code "AE86" is used to describe the 1.6 L RWD model of the E80 Corolla. The "A" represents the engine series that powered the car (Toyota A engine - 1.6 L 4A engines), "E8" represents the generation (E80 series Corolla) and "6" represents the variation within this generation (depending on the engine, drive layout or suspension choice, AE85 is also RWD model but powered by the smaller 1.5 L 3A-U engine, while AE82 is FWD model powered by the same 1.6 L 4A engines). Bracketing a minor external facelift, models marketed between 1983 and 1985 are called "zenki" (前期, lit. 'early period'), and those marketed from 1986 to 1987 are called "kouki" (後期, lit. 'latter period').

Technicals

The Japanese market AE86 was only available with a naturally aspirated 4A-GEU "blue top" 1,587 cc (1.6 L; 96.8 cu in) inline-four engine, a DOHC four-valve-per-cylinder engine, which was also used in MR2 G Limited (AW11), Corona GT (AT141), Celica 1600GT-R (AA63) and Carina 1600GTR (AA63) with a compression ratio of 9.4:1. It had a maximum gross output of 130 PS (128 hp; 96 kW) and 149 N⋅m (110 lb⋅ft) of torque in standard form, The 4A-GEU engines used in the Japanese market AE86 were also equipped with Denso electronic port fuel injection, T-VIS variable intake geometry and a manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor. In North America, a modified 4A-GEC engine was used to comply with California emissions regulations, which uses a mass air flow (MAF) sensor. Power was rated (SAE net) at 112 hp (114 PS; 84 kW) and 97–100 lb⋅ft (132–136 N⋅m) of torque, while the lower SOHC 4A-C was rated at 70–74 hp (71–75 PS; 52–55 kW) and 85–86 lb⋅ft (115–117 N⋅m) of torque. These North American specification engines were also available in Australia (4A-C only), Sweden, Switzerland and West Germany (4A-GEC only, from 1985). However, these engines claimed higher outputs (DIN) at 116–120 PS (114–118 hp; 85–88 kW) and 140 N⋅m (103 lb⋅ft) of torque for the 4A-GEC and 78 PS (77 hp; 57 kW) and 123 N⋅m (91 lb⋅ft) of torque for the 4A-C. For the rest of the word, the regular 4A-GE (with a MAP sensor) and 4A engines without a catalytic converter were offered instead. In Europe and selected general markets (such as Singapore), the twincam engine has a compression ratio of 10.0:1, and is rated at 124 PS (122 hp; 91 kW) and 142 N⋅m (105 lb⋅ft) of torque (DIN). The AE86 used ventilated disc brakes for the twincam model, while the single cam featured a front solid disc and rear drum brakes. The car was

Body styles

The Levin and Trueno featured fixed-headlights and retractable headlights respectively, with both available as hatchback or coupé. The export model name Corolla applies to both variations. The AE86 (along with the lower spec 1,452 cc (1.5 L; 88.6 cu in) AE85 and 1,587 cc (1.6 L; 96.8 cu in) SR5 and DX versions) was rear wheel drive, built on the rear wheel drive E70 Corolla platform (same wheelbase length, interchangeable parts, etc.), unlike the front wheel drive E80 models in the same range. The liftback claimed a drag coefficient of 0,35 Cd, while the coupé was higher at 0,38 Cd. Pre-facelift (Zenki). The Japanese market AE86 underwent minor changes in September 1983, it now featured different door mirrors, additional gold stripes for the Levin GT APEX thermostatic flip-up grille and revised optional 14-inch alloy wheels that were now in light gold with new center caps. A sports package was also introduced as factory option, which includes aero kit and leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob. Facelift (Kouki). Minor bodywork changes were made in May 1985, which resulted in different taillights, new sets of alloy wheels, updated bumpers with wrap-around front indicators, corner and headlight trim lights, interior, and grilles. New paint colors were shuffled around as well. Both the Levin and Trueno now had halogen lamps as standard. The seats on the GTV and GT APEX models were also redesigned. These were the main differences for both AE85/86 Levin and Trueno coupé and liftback models. In 1986, Toyota marketed a limited-edition model of the AE86 as the "Black Limited" model. It was advertised as a limited-production model with only 400 units, and was based on the Kouki Sprinter Trueno GT APEX 3-door liftback. In the early 1987, there was a soft-top convertib

Models and specifications

=== Japanese AE86 specifications === In Japan, the DOHC 4A-GEU AE86 was offered in GT, GTV and GT APEX trims as the Corolla Levin or Sprinter Trueno. All AE86 models produced for Japan featured the 1.6 L 4A-GEU engine, while all AE85 models had the smaller 1.5 L 3A-U engine and not available everywhere else. Japanese model variations. ==== GT APEX ==== This trim level is the highest level of the AE86, offered in both 2-door and 3-door body styles and coming in both Levin and Trueno versions. On the exterior, three two-tone paint colors are available, a standard 13-inch alloy wheels and had brown-tinted glass (a feature unique to the GT APEX only, as all other models (including export models) had blue-tinted glass instead). It has power mirrors, adjustable interval windshield wipers, and a rear windshield wiper on liftback models. A special thermostatic flip-up grille was also available as an option on the Levin for the Zenki models. On the interior, they have the interior of the AE86 GT, with a three-spoke steering wheel, sport seats, split-folding rear seat, power steering, a tilting steering column, rear defrost, air conditioning, manual windows, and interior illumination dimming. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, with the option of a four-speed automatic transmission being offered on the Kouki models. Options for this model include (but not limited to): limited-slip differential (LSD), cruise control, power windows, power sunroof, digital instrument cluster (standard on zenki liftback), automatic air conditioning, OEM aero sports package (available after Sep 1983), optional 14-inch alloy wheels, Alpine sound system, fog lights on the Levin (Kouki models only), mudflaps, and rear hatch visor and quarter window billboards. GTV. This trim level is the up

H2 and BEV concepts

In January 2023 at the Tokyo Auto Salon, Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) and Lexus exhibited two AE86 liftbacks concept cars called H2 and BEV Concepts that have been converted to run using a hydrogen engine and a battery-electric system. The H2 concept was based on the Sprinter Trueno and converted by TGR to run on hydrogen fuel while retaining the original 1.6 L engine that received special modifications, including fuel injectors, fuel pipes, and spark plugs and combined with two high-pressure hydrogen storage tanks from the Mirai. The BEV concept was based on the Corolla Levin that was converted as a battery electric vehicle by Lexus by combining an electric motor from the Tundra Hybrid, an 18.1-kWh battery from Prius PHEV/Lexus RX450h+ and also featured a manual transmission.

Motorsports

During its production run, the AE86 was a popular choice for showroom stock, Group A, and Group N racing, especially in rallying and circuit races. It competed in the under 2.0 L class, mostly in 1401 to 1600 cc A6 or N2 classes. After the production ended, many privateer teams continued to race the AE86, and it remains a popular choice for rallying and club races today. Part of the continued appeal of the AE86 for motorsports is its rear-drive configuration, not available in most newer lightweight coupes. In Group A touring car races, the car either dominated the lower category where eligible or fought it out with Honda Civics or the later AE92s and AE101s whilst maintaining its competitiveness. In Ireland, where rallying is considered one of the most popular forms of motorsport, as organizing regulations are more relaxed compared to that of other countries, the AE86 was popular when new, and remains so popular that teams will purchase cars from the UK and Japan due to local shortages. The AE86 is also popular for rally use in Finland, where the cars can be competitive in the F-Cup competition for naturally aspirated 2WD cars. From 1984 until late 1990s, many privateer teams competed with AE86s in World Rally Championship (WRC) events. Some of them found success by winning their class and sometimes became eligible to score WRC championship points when they finished in the top ten of the overall classifications. The first respectable result was in the 1984 Rally de Portugal, when driver Jorge Ortigão and co-driver João Baptista finished in second place behind the Group A class winner, the Volkswagen Golf GTi (Mk1), and finished in eighth place overall among the more powerful Group B cars. The first class win came three rounds later in the Acropolis Rally, when Manolis H

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

name

Toyota Corolla Levin, Sprinter Trueno (AE86)

Manufacturer

Toyota

Designer

Fumio Agetsuma

Production

May 1983– July 1987

Model years

1984–1987

Assembly

Japan: Toyota City (Takaoka plant), Japan: Higashi-Fuji plant, Susono, Shizuoka (Kanto Auto Works)

Class

Sport compact (C), Sports car (S)

Engine

1.6 L 4A/4A-C I4 SOHC, 1.6 L 4A-GE/GEC/GEU I4 DOHC

Transmission

T50 5-speed manual, A42DL 4-speed automatic, A44DE 4-speed automatic

Layout

Front-engine, rear-wheel drive

Body style

2-door coupé, 2-door convertible (dealer optional), 3-door liftback

Platform

E70

Related

Toyota AE85, Toyota Corolla (E70), Toyota Sprinter (E70), Daihatsu Charmant (A60)

Predecessor

Toyota Corolla Levin/Sprinter Trueno TE71

Successor

Toyota Corolla Levin/Sprinter Trueno AE92

Wheelbase

2400 mm

Length

Corolla Levin:, 4185 mm (1983–1985), 4200 mm (1985–1987), Sprinter Trueno:, 4205 mm (1983–1985), 4215 mm (1985–1987), North America/Middle East:, 4285 mm

Width

1625 mm

Height

1335 mm

Kerb weight

900 - <!-- need reliable sources

Specification summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Check the linked sources for citations.

More photos

Sources

• Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1377219CC0 1.0 · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_AE86CC BY-SA 4.0 · Text © Wikipedia contributors; revision 1376143573 · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Wikimedia Commons — https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:New_stock_ae86_coupe.jpgPublic domain · Photo: Jeff lange at English Wikipedia · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Car Model Index — https://models.autoculturesociety.com/Compiled record. Sources that do not permit reuse are not copied; this index is credited instead.

More from Toyota