Why would Toyota be advertising the AE86 in 2007??

[oldeskewltoy]

I will add.... there are nearly a dozen major AE86 forum sites around the world. "Our" influence might be stronger than we think....

As I see it the keys to its revival...
is Toyota listening?
If they are listening, does it make sense to them?
Can they build a car essentially the same as the AE86, yet doing a better job then the recently introduced FJ
Will Toyota make any $$?
will it improve their reputation?


As I see it... it would almost have to be a 3SG powered vehicle. I see a shortened(about 100mm from the middle - between the axle lines) SXE10 chassis used. Both of these keep costs down, and are proven together already. Additional keys to its success... basic trim levels... remember the AE86 is an econo car first... simple in its fit. Toyota saves weight and tooling costs by keep things simple. Airbags, and safety would be required, but air bag technology isn't new... costs are known and can be economical if desired. Again since the SXE10 was already fitted with airbags, they can be redesigned or made a bit simpler to lower safety costs.

Problems as I see them.... (Noise)Would they ever make a hatch again? or is it a coupe? Headlamps... pop ups are no longer legal in some areas... would the Levin look be ok?? (remember worldwide) I'm sure there are other +s and -s....

[jamiemirror]

It will not hurt if Toyota people have lunch with someone from Lotus also

[Alex]

jamiemirror Wrote:It will not hurt if Toyota people have lunch with someone from Lotus also

... especially with suspension engineers

[jamiemirror]

We know that Lotus already use 2ZZ-GE engine - maybe Toyota can show us something like Opel Speedstar (cheap Lotus engineering) in AE86 "dress" ?

[gt99]

Some new photos



http://www.7tune.com/?p=75

[Apolan]

bit different than before, but the rims are still HUGE!

[Eircamae86]

Give it Up,
A new 86 will be shite, & more importantly none of use will be able to afford it
Airbags, abs, 19" Rims, traction Control, leather Interior, & "Other People" will have them, which will make us all sad bastards, or else we all get sales reps jobs & get free new ones.
Id rather have my 1st one back that buy a new one,
Please no more talk of the New Hachi Roku

[jamiemirror]

Ugh looks like Audi A3 + ugly rear lights

[Miguel - Newera]

The JDM Altezza RS200 Z-Edition was supposed to use some of the glory of the AE86, but it never succeeded.

I've a friend who is one of Toyota's designers here in Tokyo. He says there are no plans to make any sports cars, aside from perhaps the Supra. There's just not any thought towards sports cars or sports coupes in the walls of the marketting offices.

Besides, which - even if in the future another Corolla were made, it would have to carry heavy safety equipment, etc. No way there will ever be anything quite like the AE86 made again. Look after your AE86's well!

[Lipinhu]

Well, minutes ago, I was in the toilet doin some sh*t and thought in catch up some reading. Picked up the newest (17 aug) auto magazine in the bathroom and turned the 1st page. I must mention that i already have read that magazine (I thought), but as allways, I pick a auto magazine, you known, take a look at some new cars, view the market, reviews, bla bla.

On the second page I found this:

I´ll try to translate

"Toyota with new AE86?

Acording to the japanese newspaper Asahi, Toyota is working together with Fuji Heavy Industries, owner of Subaru, on a new low cost sports compact. This sports conpact would be designed along the lines of the old missed Corolla Gt Twincam AE86, and would be powered by a boxer engine suplied by Subaru. This setup is justified by the low center of gravity and working smoothness witch will tranfer its power to the rear wheels. This sports compact will arrive before the end of the decade."

Just news...

Dont know if i believe it or not. Certainly I wouldnt buy one, but if it adds some value to mine old one, than WELCOME![/i]