The “E” within the title of Toyota’s legendary AE86 was there to designate it as a Corolla, however would not or not it’s nice if it stood for “electrical” as a substitute? Apparently somebody on the firm thought so; Toyota is displaying off an idea model of what the ’80s icon would appear like if it have been powered by batteries (or hydrogen). The 2 automobiles are on show on the Tokyo Motor Present, which runs from January 13 to 15.
The AE86 BEV idea makes use of “Lexus-cultivated electrification applied sciences,” in keeping with Toyota’s web site, with elements from a Tundra and Prius hybrid. Coupled to the truck’s engine is one thing you do not normally see on electrical automobiles – a guide transmission. I am unable to say I am precisely certain what the lever can be like with a motor that may present virtually immediate torque, however I do know I would love to seek out out.
That being stated, I do not suppose this journey can be very fast or take very lengthy; whereas Toyota has clearly endeavored to retain a lot of the unique AE86 driving expertise, in keeping with Jalopnik that engine might produce solely 48 horsepower, lower than half of the unique. Additionally, a Prius battery simply will not get you very far.
Not that energy issues an excessive amount of to me – I am only a lover of automobiles with that quintessential 80s form. For anybody trying to make a automobile with barely any curves (ahem), that is the way you do it; not by copying PS1-era graphics, however by taking inspiration from geometric shapes such because the trapezoid. That’s, so long as you are making an attempt to focus on individuals who grew up within the 80s and 90s watching anime like Preliminary D, who famously launched an AE86 – and to whom these ideas clearly pay homage with their paint jobs and decals. I am going to admit that exterior of that demographic, most of the people most likely is not clamoring for a return to boxy automobiles.
Toyota has restored one other AE86 to make its authentic engine run on hydrogen, so you may get the “candy spots of sound and vibration” you’d get from a petroleum engine, however with out the carbon emissions, in keeping with Toyota. It is no use guessing that a few of the elements come from a Mirai, Toyota’s hydrogen experiment that (sadly, for my part) hasn’t attracted a lot curiosity or funding in America. As Ars Technica factors out, nonetheless, that this automobile most likely will not be as environment friendly as a Mirai or as fast as an unmodified AE86; There is a motive most hydrogen automobiles use it in gasoline cell kind fairly than burning it in an engine.
Whereas I would most likely go for the battery-powered model if I have been to purchase both of those automobiles, the AE86 H2 Idea has one large benefit over the electrical model: it has pop-up headlights as a substitute of fastened ones.
Not that I am more likely to ever have that alternative. Whereas Toyota hinted throughout its press convention that it is at the least excited about making an attempt to make issues simpler for individuals making an attempt to transform their very own beloved automobiles away from gasoline, it isn’t like there are a number of AE86s sitting round solely right here to be restored and modified. The corporate stopped making them in 1987.
Appears to be like just like the AE86 BEV and H2 are destined for a spot on my “automobiles I would like however can by no means get” record. They will be there alongside that unimaginable Hyundai Grandeur EV we noticed final yr, an American model of the Honda E, and a Ford Maverick with each AWD and hybrid programs bought at MSRP. (Ford, I do know you’ll be able to put these two issues collectively due to the Escape and the F-150, simply do it already!)
PS: if you wish to see these automobiles assembled, you’ll be able to take a look at this video detailing the method – though should you do not perceive Japanese, it is going to be a principally visible expertise.