Toyota AE85

Toyota Corolla Levin / Sprinter Trueno (AE85)
Overview
Manufacturer	Toyota
Production	May 1983[1]–1987
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door coupé, 3-door coupé
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
Related	Toyota AE86
Powertrain
Engine	1.5 L 3A-U I4
Transmission	5 speed manual, 4 speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	94.5 in (2,400 mm)
Length	165.5 in (4,200 mm)
Width	64.0 in (1,630 mm)
Height	52.6 in (1,340 mm)
Curb weight	1,950 lb (880 kg) to 2,075 lb (941 kg)

The Toyota AE85, sold as the Toyota Corolla Levin, Toyota Sprinter Trueno or Toyota Corolla DX is a rear-wheel drive sportscoupe manufactured by Toyota from 1983-1987. The AE85 shares its chassis and basic design with the famous AE86, but while the AE86 was designed for performance, the AE85 was designed for economy and differs mainly in its engine.

The inaugural AE85 model's standard equipment included Toyota's 3A-U carburetor-equipped SOHC motor displacing 1,452cc(cubic centimeter) and the cable-clutch transmission. It did not incorporate the hydraulic T-50 transmission, nor the limited-slip differential (LSD) and rear disc brakes of the higher-performing AE86 version of the car. Both AE85 and AE86 were available in coupe or hatchback form, and also with the fixed headlight front (Levin) or pop-up lights (Trueno.) Because of their identical outward appearance, the two can sometimes be mistaken. The Corolla Levin was unique to Toyota Japan retail sales channel called Toyota Corolla Store, and the Sprinter Trueno was available new only at Toyota Vista Store locations.

The A Series engines are a family of straight-4 internal combustion engines with displacement from 1.3 L to 1.8 L produced by Toyota Motor Corporation.

The car is known in Japan as the Hachi-Go (ハチゴー), meaning "Eight-Five". The word "trueno" is Spanish for thunder, and "levin" is Old English for "lightning".

It is most famously featured in the manga/anime series Initial D, where Itsuki Takeuchi purchases an AE85 Levin, mistaken for an AE86. Privateer racing teams in Japan would use the AE85 and convert it to an AE86 since it is much cheaper.

References