FR light weight sport AE86 Levin and Trueno, called "Hachiroku", were introduced in 1983 for those who enjoy sporty driving . The AE86 is powered by a 1.6-liter DOHC 4A-GEU engine which is approximately 23kg lighter than a 2T-G engine. Two body styles of the AE86 were offered, a 2-door coupe and a 3-door hatch back coupe. Also the Trueno adopted pop-up headlamps. In 1985, there was a mild facelift for the AE86 with a new front design face, tail lights and bumpers. Also a AT model was introduced.

Similarly for the AE92, the introduction of Supercharged 4A-GZE engine added another grade, the GT-Z, which naturally is a GT-APEX model equipped with a supercharged engine. The GT-Z was available from teh AE92 - AE101 models and was replaced with a BZ-G grade in the AE111 with the 2nd generation "black head" 20 Valve naturally aspirated 4A-GE, a return of the NA flagship Corolla.

Here's the deal on Japanese models of AE86...

AE86 Sprinter Trueno & Levin are basically sibling cars with identical engine and driveline/underpinnings...with different front body panels and tail. Sold through 2 separate dealership networks over there, they are much like our Camaro/Firebird twins.

What is different is the grade of specifications.

Both models are offered in GT,GT-V and GT-Apex. GT is the standard grade and minimal package required to have a 4A-GE engine, and then GT-V is sort of the sport use model with all the performance hardware like faster rack steering, LSD, and slightly stiffer spring rates, as well as rear disks. The GT-Apex steps down the performance spec of the GTV just slightly but adds a full list of luxury features like power windows and rear wipers to cruise and even CB radio if desired. Now by today's standards, OEM spec is so outdated for equipements such as todays tire technology and spec that none of the GTV's "performance" image is of any value, thus having a fully equipped APEX to start a project will make more sense.

Also, the more mundane AE85 (4A-C)are packaged with similar convenience features as well as WORK TRUCK grade like the SR and SE. This model more in tune with US versions of the SR5. Also, the more mundane AE85 (4A-C)are packaged with similar convenience features as well as WORK TRUCK grade like the SR and SE. This model more in tune with US versions of the SR5.

If you inspect a race track and analyse each of the turns attempting to find the fastest way around, eventually you can identify what racers call 'the line'. In simple terms the line is the best way to enter a turn, cross its apex and then exit at the highest possible speed. As you watch a race, you'll see drivers set themselves up for a turn at the outside edge of the track, sweep through to briefly touch the inside kerb of the turn, then accelerate out to the outer edge of tarmac and down the straight. On most circuits the line is easy to spot, because it is the darker area of the tarmac where the constant stream of traffic has left a trail of rubber on the track. Follow the correct line through each turn and you will be guaranteed a quick, smooth lap. The trick, however, is understanding that the line varies for each type of turn. If every circuit consisted of nothing but constant radius bends finding the line would be simple. But many turns have different angles; sometimes there are two apexes in the same long sweeping corner. Then there are esses - quick left-right bends that throw the car from side to side. Then there are hairpins, turns so sharp that cars must slow to a crawl and hug the inside in order to get round safely.