The iconic Toyota AE86 was introduced to the world in 1983 in Japan, making this year the 40th anniversary of the beloved classic. So it was only fitting that Toyota mark the occasion by releasing a tribute edition of the GR86. While the package is mostly cosmetic, there are many nods to the Corolla Levin and Sprinter Trueno that inspired it.
Based on the top RZ trim, the GR86 40th Anniversary Limited is only available in two colors, Spark Red and Crystal White, a callback to the most popular colors of the original Levin and Trueno twins.
Other visual cues referencing the AE86 include a black door handles and wheels finished in gunmetal gray. The regular GR86 has matte black wheels, but the gray evokes the de rigeeur RS-Watanabes that are almost always paired with the Hachiroku.
While the engine doesn’t have any performance gains, the 40th Anniversary Limited does upgrade the brakes with 4-piston Brembos in front, and 2-piston units at the rear (the regular GR86 comes with 2-pot and single-piston brakes front and rear, respectively). Upgraded Sachs ZF dampers replace the stock ones as well.
Additionally, buyers can choose from dealer options like a dual-stripe door decal that evokes the two-tone paint scheme of the AE86. Instead of “Twin-Cam” and “16V” it says “Since 1983” and “40th” instead. A black spoiler also evokes the optional trunk lip of the original.
The interior features special red and black seats and red door panel inserts reminiscent of one of the AE86 interior color options. The obligatory contrast color stitching on the shift boot, steering wheel, handbrake, seats, and armrest is done in red as well.
The upper door panel padding on driver and passenger side also has the “Since 1983 and “40th” graphics embroidered into them. Special floor mats unique to the 40th Anniversary Limited are available as a dealer option as well.
Normally these anniversary edition models aren’t super-lustworthy when it’s on something like a Camry, but the GR86 is an excellent sports coupe in its own right. To an AE86 aficionado, the little details evoke just the right amount of nostalgia. Plus, it’s a great excuse to see the old and new Hachiroku, separated by four decades, together in a bunch of photos.
Additonal Images:
Well that is purely fine
Hi, they could have made this Iconic car more Special with just teamed up with Edelbrock to get a Major hp part or come out with a ‘Initial D’ version with a slight tune(But what do I know I sell ‘Hot Wheels ‘ cars in Birmingham Al.-Smith’ Hot Wheels guy’). Thanks
Hi, they could have made this Iconic car more Special with just teaming up with Edelbrock to get a Major hp part or come out with a ‘Initial D’ version with a slight tune(But what do I know I sell ‘Hot Wheels ‘ cars in Birmingham Al.-Smith’ Hot Wheels guy’). Thanks
Not a fan of the Subaru motored 86, I prefer a real Corolla with the E-code chassis. Make mine the GR Corolla