Latest news with #AE86
Auto Express
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
From SUVs to classic coupes, cars are simply under appreciated
As drivers and car lovers, we – and I don't think it's just me! – spend a lot of time moaning about what's wrong. Whether it's potholes, temporary speed limits, roadworks, other drivers, the cost of motoring, what manufacturers are doing badly, or a million and one other things, it's easy to whinge. Advertisement - Article continues below But recently I experienced a trio of diverse cars that put a smile on my face for different reasons. And it's reminded me just how great the car is as a thing, in all shapes and sizes, and how lucky we are to be able to just hop in and pull away, whatever we're driving! On the same day, I jumped between a current Toyota Prius, an Ineos Grenadier and Toyota's beautiful 1985 AE86 Corolla Coupé: three cars with precious little in common, apart from all making me very happy. I like the Prius's looks and clever tech, and it's a decent drive, too – arguably the first time you can say that of something wearing that particular nameplate. The Grenadier, a car I hadn't managed to get behind the wheel of before now, pleasantly surprised me, probably based on low expectations, thanks to having bags of character. It really is a modernised 'old' Land Rover Defender, with the same flaws around the agricultural driving experience. I'm not saying I'd buy one – or even be that keen to drive one again – but I had more affection for it than expected. And then there was the AE86. It's so refreshing to drive a good-condition car from that period, because it highlights what we're now missing, thanks to its lightness of touch and minimalist controls, plus the pure connection it offers. But it also illustrates what we now have in terms of technology, the basic thickness and robustness of things like door panels, and the sheer size of cars. I adored the little Corolla Coupé, but sitting at traffic lights surrounded by seemingly giant Nissan Jukes and Ford Pumas – let alone genuinely large cars – was a stark reminder that I wouldn't want to be involved in even a mild encounter with a modern SUV. That doesn't mean I didn't love it, though. Overall, that little cross-section of just three cars was a cute reminder to take a step back from Trump's tariffs, electrification and congestion, and relish how much there is to enjoy about the humble motor car, in all its forms. Do you agree with Paul? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section...
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Toyota Is Bringing Back Even More Vintage Parts
Owners of old cars know how hard it can be to find parts. Sure, cross-compatible parts like wheels and suspension components will likely always be around, but what about headlights? Interior trim? Wiring harnesses? Owners of old Toyotas have long collected solutions to this issue for some components, but now the Gazoo Racing Heritage Parts line is adding more options for the AE86, Land Cruiser, and Supra. Gazoo Racing is adding 14 new parts to its library this year, with the first newly-produced parts hitting dealers this month. "The project reproduces spare parts that have been discontinued and sells them as genuine parts," Toyota's racing division said in a statement, "in order to support customers who wish to continue driving older vehicles that are full of memories and that they truly love." Some are relatively universal parts, but others are white whales that would otherwise be truly difficult to track down -- and equally hard to live without. As Hagerty puts it: While some pieces like oil pressure gauges for 60- and 70-series Land Cruisers and fuel gauges for 70- and 80-series Land Cruisers could be replaced with aftermarket pieces, other parts, like the A80 Supra rear speed sensor, are harder to work around. Read more: For the AE86, the latest added parts from Gazoo include one of the most frustrating things to DIY: Wiring harnesses. Toyota has reintroduced engine bay harnesses for the 4AG engine in the AE86 chassis, which is a godsend to anyone who's faced down the concept of making a whole new harness by themselves. The parts even include diagrams and instructions on how to install them, ensuring that every fiddly little connector actually goes where it's meant to. Having new factory harnesses to chop up could even be a boon for us U.S. residents interested in 4A-GE swaps in non-GTS Corollas. Wiring is often one of the most frustrating parts of an engine swap, but having brand new factory harnesses to chop up can simplify things immensely. All the connectors you need, at the right wire lengths, ready to be hacked into whatever connector your Haltech wants. Bringing back old parts doesn't just make it easier to keep old cars on the road -- it makes it simpler to modify old cars the way their original owners might have. Read the original article on Jalopnik.
