Kit Car Magazine

The major automakers have tried their best to achieve carbon neutrality, but there are also manufacturers who do not follow common sense. For example, Toyota introduced two special models at Tokyo Tuning Show. These two models are based on familiar AE86, but unlike comic book protagonist Takumi Fujiwara's car, these two 86s are not powered by gasoline engines, but instead use electric motors and hydrogen power.

First of all, this is a purely electric model. This model is based on Levin version of previous AE86. electrical models.

The exterior mostly retains design of original car. The color uses familiar "Panda" color scheme. The front bumper is similar to D1GP styling. Watanabe wheels, very popular with retro models.

The inside of car is more militant than outside: Bride's two bucket seats are fitted with four-point seat belts, shifter is also shaped like a quick shift and fitted with a roll cage.

The engine under engine bay is no longer a 4AGE engine, but uses parts from its own electrified model. A place where tofu is transported.

The quickshifting mentioned above is not a decoration, this model of an electric car will have three pedals, and a manual transmission is a real part, which is really a big surprise.

Another hydrogen-powered version uses Trueno body, which is same Fujiwara Takumi car we're familiar with, but it's a later version of the AE86.

The hydrogen-powered version is also colored in style of initial D, and energy shape is also shown on side. Compared with EV model, except for difference between cornering light and front and rear, styles of two are almost same. The Watanabe rim also has same rim type as manga car.

Compared to EV version, cockpit styling is a bit lighter, mostly keeping look of original factory, and is not equipped with a roll cage, but two Bride seats are also equipped.

Under engine bay is familiar 4AGE engine. The cylinder head and ignition coil are painted blue to symbolize hydrogen energy, but rest remains same. If there is no special description, it is easy to mistake it for an ordinary repair machine.

The design of hydrogen powered car is basically same as original AE86. The only change is that Mirai's hydrogen tank is placed in trunk and covered in carbon fiber details.

Summary

These two AE86s show two new directions. Although they are still in testing phase and specific parameters have not yet been announced, according to experience of Japanese drivers after test drives, experience of driving EV models with manual transmissions is not good. It is inferior to original AE86, although it lacks iconic sound, but better low torque is more conducive to rider performance, and it is much easier to complete overall drifting action, which is also difficult to achieve in past AE86. The hydrogen-powered version replicates feel of a fuel-powered model one to one. Whether it's sound or actual power, it matches original model, which makes people look forward to it. Toyota has taken its AE86 executive model and modified it, which is a pretty bold undertaking in itself. Judging by current data, it seems that building a fun all-electric model isn't entirely impossible, but if hydrogen power can be further developed, it might even hit mark. replacement of oil energy. If electric cars can be fun, is there any reason not to choose them?