The Japanese media have been going crazy over what could possibly be a long awaited replacement for the AE86 sprinter ‘cult car’. As previously reported by Carupdate, the original AE86 was the influence behind the successful ‘Initial D’ franchise in Japan.
Reports indicate that Toyota President Katsuaki Watanabe has confirmed that the small rear wheel drive, entry level sports car is currently in its initial development phase in conjunction with Subaru.
The test mule reportedly utilizes a Impreza platform with a 2.0-litre flat four and ‘rear wheel drive friendly’ double wishbone rear suspension set up. In order to keep costs under the ¥2,000,000 ($AU19,500) mark, and weight below the 1100kg mark Toyota/Subaru will lean towards a 1.5-litre horizontally opposed four pot motor to power the production version of the new AE86.
Sources indicate that the new AE86 could be in production as early as next year.
Darcy
[Source: 7tune]
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It’s got nice hips, but the high front haunches scream Mazda. Plus, the snout is too short. Are there any visible stylistic elements relating this version to the previous one, just to let us know the bloodlines are still there? But I’ll say this much: if they keep the compression high enough, and throw in a 6-spd manual, I’d get one!
they need to keep it 4age!!!!!!!! but with a 6 ogger as the fella above sed and keep the shape of the original but modernise it!!!!!!!!!
it looks retarted the way it looks now it cant be a flat 4 :S needs top be a inline
Toyota can’t cross the safety line too much. Emissions and safety regulations have changed in the past 20 years; Toyota wont market it as a “drift around your neighbourhood” car because that would be seen as irresponsible. The 4AGE is indeed an eager little engine, but don’t be surprised if it ends up with a Vitz (Yaris) 1.5L.
Also, unless it’s fitted with an indestructible transmission, decent LSD, tight independent suspension and kick-ass brakes… it wont drift any better than an 80s 6cyl Ford Falcon barge with a 4 speed auto. Lovers of the classic will be disappointed (unless miraculously, Toyota doesn’t void the warranty if you mod it).
Might be the right to call TRD supped up version
Elijah is on the money. Toyota can’t re-release the AE86 with a new motor and run smiling to the bank. I’m sure what we are likely to get off the show room floor won’t be all that exciting.
While it may well be that the car is not a drift legend off the floor it certainly hold great promise. Especially if released under the 1100kg with the wishbone inde rear and Subaru style motor.
Low weight + Low Centr of Gravity = interesting platform.
However, Toyota will now give us a new RWD Small car platform. Something missing entirely from recent Japanese release.
build a retro AE86 with altteza running gear
2ltr 3sge and 6 speed box
tub
It Lacks Simplicity (a Panelbeaters worst nightmare) make it straighter with a lower roofline, the Fronts too cut of and rounded get a nice straight bonnet without my help it will never match original 86′ i formally ask toyota to let me design it im 18 i own and love my original 1984 sprinter im also a car concept artist with a mechanical background if toyota did theyd get a direct direction from youth itself not advertising execs in suits the people who worship your creations i am the light of your future hire me toyota
oh and make your own cars for christ sake no-one respects borrowed parts, subaru involved? name one cult car they’ve made, what could they bring to the equasion when i heard new 86′, subaru, and flat four in one sentence if felt like choking myself to death
A Subaru cult car - the original WRX. Its lost its cult status now but it definitely had it in spades for quite a few model generations.
I like the sound of a flat four, keeps it from being too much a reproduction of the classic, anyone remember the Toyota BB ?