Toyota GT86 Initial D Concept re-imagines the AE86 Corolla

When the Toyota GT86, which is known as the Scion FR-S and soon to be Toyota 86, debuted in 2012, it was seen as the spiritual successor to the rear-wheel drive Corolla GT Coupe – also known as the AE86 – of the mid-1980s. Toyota is now re-emphasizing that connection with the creation of the GT86 Initial D concept, which is covered in livery from the Initial D Japanese manga comic series.

Toyota_Initial_D_GT86_Concept

When the Toyota GT86, which is known as the Scion FR-S and soon to be Toyota 86, debuted in 2012, it was seen as the spiritual successor to the rear-wheel drive Corolla GT Coupe – also known as the AE86 – of the mid-1980s. Toyota is now re-emphasizing that connection with the creation of the GT86 Initial D concept, which is covered in livery from the Initial D Japanese manga comic series.

Toyota_Initial_D_GT86_Concept

Initial D was a cult Japanese manga comic series in which the young hero, Takumi Fujiwara, famously drove a modified AE86, honing his driving skills on mountain roads while moonlighting as delivery driver for his father’s tofu shop. The car emerged as a star in its own right, influencing the emerging drifting scene and inspiring a live action movie and various arcade games.

Related: Scion FR-S will be reborn as the Toyota 86 this fall

Toyota_Initial_D_GT86_Concept

The one-off GT86 Initial D concept features distinctive panda-style monochrome livery, custom-made RS Watanabe alloy wheels, TRD suspension, a Fujitsubo exhaust system, Cusco strut brace, and a carbon fiber hood. The carbon fiber door handles and mirror covers are also similar to the black parts used on the AE86. The trunk spoiler has also been removed and the concept’s taillights have been tinted.

Toyota_Initial_D_GT86_Concept

Joe Clifford from the special projects team commented: “Right from the start, the Toyota GT86 was developed as a car that would appeal to enthusiasts, whether in standard trim or as an exploitable base for further modifications. With this Initial D concept we not only acknowledge how important the AE86 was in influencing Toyota’s modern approach to sports cars but also demonstrate how the GT86 can be aesthetically and dynamically improved with relatively simple aftermarket accessories. But perhaps most of all, we just thought it was an achingly cool idea.”

The concept will be shown off at several motoring events in the U.K. this summer.

Source: Toyota