Eurobeat Intensifies: Toyota Unveils Initial D-Inspired GT86
Toyota put some more hachi roku in the GT86 and our inner JDM fan boiz are screaming.
Toyota’s GT86 has always been the spiritual successor to the beloved AE86 Corolla of the 1980s. I mean, it even has hachi roku, or “86,” in the name. Continuing on the ethos of its predecessor, the GT86 is the low-power, lightweight, rear-wheel drive sport compact to have when hustling through the touge, or mountain roads.
It seems that only now, some four years into the GT86s production, that Toyota has decided to play on the obvious connections to Initial D. For the uninitiated, Initial D is a Japanese manga, or comic, revolving around Fujiwara Takumi and his AE86 as he learns to conquer the world of touge, drifting and, eventually, motorsport. The manga spawned a massively popular anime adaption that is still around, some 20 years later. Initial D has been the catalyst for many enthusiasts to adopt drifting as their passion of choice. Additionally, the AE86 has gained a hero-like status among Japanese car enthusiasts.
Toyota UK clearly understands the spirit of the 86, and what the new car represents. The brands UK branch stepped up, modifying a production GT86 to resemble the AE86 as it appears in Initial D. The GT86 wears black and white livery well, with Fujiwara Tofu Shop adorned on it’s doors. Classic Watanabe Racing Service wheels set off the look.
Truly, our inner JDM fan boi lusts after a factory-effort GT86 modified Initial D style. Though, it must be said that not using a Eurobeat soundtrack is such a missed opportunity. As far as we’re concerned, we will always be Running in the 90s when we hit the touge late at night.
