Japanese Nostalgic Car

Rumors of an AE86 successor has been spreading across the web like the blob at end of Akira in the past couple of days. One of the few cars more well known by its chassis code than it’s actual name, the Toyota Corolla GT-S (or Sprinter Trueno / Corolla Levin if you hail from Japan), the potential hachiroku descendant is expected to have a 120hp 1.5L inline four, with possibly a 150hp performance version, weigh less than 2200lbs, and – most importantly – be rear wheel drive. That’s right, folks. After phasing numerous cheap, FR platforms like the Corolla and Celica to FF over the decades, Toyota is returning to is roots. Best of all, the target price for this neo-86 is expected to be $12,300. Driveshafts be praised!

We won’t hold our breaths for this one, but the buzz is definitely growing.  Earlier this year, Van from grandJDM posted this news in our forums.  While we know the famed AE86 isn’t quite nostalgic yet, it’s certain to become a classic someday. Plus, it has served as the gateway drug for many vintage Japanese car enthusiasts and we have to be thankful for that.

Source: [Best Car via World Car Fans]

Motoring J Style might have been the most publicized nostalgic car event of the weekend, but it wasn’t the only one. The Puget Sound Toyota Owners Club held their third annual Toyota Festival on Sunday, July 29.  The event welcomes Toyotas both new and old, like this bosozoku 1JZ-powered Corona Mark II wagon, as well as their Lexus and Scion badged cousins.  Check out this Flickr album for pics of the gathering.

Thanks to the Classic Toyota Town Group for the tip.

Spotted on the 101 just outside of San Francisco, the big brother of the random third-gen Celica from earlier today. Specimens like the Celica are rare enough on the east coast, but smooth, cleanly modded rides like this Supra – also rendered in beautiful, simple white – are like an Ogopogo sighting. The Mk II Supra has always been one of our favorites, for exuding just the right balance of 1980s rakish sportiness and angular Japanese boxiness, and for looking like nothing else on the road. And, rather than attempt to hide it’s bumpers and door guards in body-colored plastic, this one wears its black trim as proudly as Cindy Crawford’s mole.  Slam one on classic JDM rims and you’ve got a breathtaker.  We salute you, unidentified Supra driver.