Monthly Archives: February 2009

There’s Something About Luxembourg

February 27, 2009 in Feature Cars by Garth Ivers

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When it comes to hachirokus, nothing gives me more happiness than a nicely sorted street-spec AE86. Sure mental AE86 driftcars and balls-out circuit racers are DAMN cool, but its a part of me that really respects a clean daily driven 86.

This orange bandit belongs to HR forum member Yves. A resident of Luxembourg like previous feature car owner Pentti, Yves says his 1985 GT Levin is nothing special right now and he aspires to bring it to the level of Miguel Newera’s 86, what he deems as ultimate hachiroku perfection!

Let me just say, you’ve not got far to go my friend.

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86 Trackday @ Mondello Park, Ireland

February 26, 2009 in Events by Garth Ivers

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The Ireland AE86 Owners Club organised a track day at their local circuit Mondello Park last weekend with an eclectic mix of makes and models showing up, not just the hachirokus! Several ProDrift drivers were in attendance as was Darren McNamara of MCNSPORT fame in his newly rebuilt Trueno hatch. Speaking to Darren last week, he mentioned the sheer brilliance of the N2 spec 4A-GE it is currently powered by, so expect a feature on it very soon!

Hit the jump for more info and lots of photos from Irish legend lenseman (say that three times fast…) Paddy McGrath.

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Euro AE86 One Make Battle!

February 25, 2009 in Events by Tobias

We started the Euro ’86 battle last year since we thought it would be cool to gather some AE86s on the track and have a fun and friendly competition. The main goal is to have a good time and do some fast laps on track, with the spoils being bragging rights and not much else. Last years turnout was not really as big as you might expect in Japan but it was still a lot of fun for everyone who came along.

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AE86 Levin GT-V: Long Distance Gunner

February 24, 2009 in Feature Cars by Garth Ivers

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Our mates across the Tasman have certainly been busy! NZ has always been a haven for hardcore modified AE86’s but Dan Udy’s Corolla Levin, apparently built for endurance racing, takes the cake! Packing an SR-20 powerplant, this 1985 GT-V not only houses quite a substantial engine swap but it’s presented in flawless show car quality!

With around 450hp flowing down via the rear wheels, and less than 1000kg of mass to push around, this Levin should have no problems being competitive. Truth be told, it actually stands a good chance of winning.

The purists might have a problem with the Nissan engine, but this Levin is just so clean and well executed you just gotta love it.

Read the full article and check out the expansive gallery @ NZ Performance Car Blog.

Hawaii 8-6:

February 23, 2009 in Events by Garth Ivers

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HR Forum member EVADE gives us the latest on what’s happening in the local Hawaiian AE86 scene.

The meet was just a bunch of friends meeting up at a park and getting out there doing some driving. ’86 meets hardly happen here in Hawaii so when it happens again I’ll be sure to let you guys know.

Until then, here are some photos of the latest meet.

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Taka Aono’s AE86 Turbo

February 22, 2009 in Feature Cars by Garth Ivers

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Fellow AE86 addict Antonio Alvendia shoots and specs America’s most famous AE86 as part of Speedhunters’ ongoing ‘Toyota Month’.

I think the build quality of Taka’s AE86 is outstanding. However even more outstanding is the way he fearlessly pilots his car; full throttle, full lock, full commitment. It will be interesting to see Taka and his AE86 during the 2009 Formula D season, now that he is no longer a works driver with Team Falken.

I just don’t think I could imagine this car wrapped in any other tire company’s livery than the blue and teal that it’s been wearing for the past few years. I guess we will see this April in Long Beach!

Jump over there now and check out an amazing AE86 engineering marvel! Absolutely insane…..

Toyota’s 086A (Still With A Boxer Heart)

February 20, 2009 in Community by Garth Ivers

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In a press interview at the Tokyo Auto Salon last month, the next President of Toyota Motor Co. Akio Toyoda was asked many questions about where Toyota was heading and also one question which might be of particular interest to Japanese sports car enthusiasts. “How’s the development coming along regarding the sports car jointly developed with Subaru?” His reply to the question was answered fairly assuredly in 3 parts.

The car has been codenamed internally as 086A, an obvious homage to the legendary AE86 Corolla.

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