Toyota AE85

The Toyota AE85, sold as the Toyota Corolla Levin, Toyota Sprinter Trueno or Toyota Corolla DX is a rear-wheel drive sport compact 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 chassis code "AE85" is used to describe the 1500 cc RWD model from the range. In classic Toyota code, the "A" represents the engine that came in the car (3A series), "E" represents the Corolla, "8" represents the fifth generation (E80 Series) and "5" represents the variation within this generation. The Levin has fixed-headlights, and the Trueno has retractable headlights, both came in hatchback or coupe variations.

Toyota Corolla Levin /
Sprinter Trueno (AE85)
Overview
ManufacturerToyota
Also calledToyota Corolla,
Toyota Sprinter
ProductionMay 1983[1]–1987
Body and chassis
ClassSport compact
Warm hatch
Body style2-door coupé,
3-door hatchback
LayoutFront-engine, rear-wheel drive
PlatformE80
RelatedToyota AE86
Powertrain
Engine1.5 L 3A-U I4
Power output84 PS (83 bhp; 62 kW)
Transmission5-speed manual,
4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,400 mm (94 in)
Length4,200 mm (170 in)
Width1,630 mm (64 in)
Height1,340 mm (53 in)
Curb weight880–941 kg (1,940–2,075 lb)
Chronology
PredecessorToyota Corolla E70
SuccessorToyota Corolla E90

The AE85 was not sold in North America. The leading characters in the VIN do not always use the same characters as the chassis code, so some less powerful variants of the AE86 (with the 1.6 L engine) were sold there with an AE86 chassis code on the build plate in the engine bay but with AE85 in the VIN.[2]

Engine / Technical

The inaugural AE85 model's standard equipment included Toyota's 3A-U carburetor-equipped Single Overhead Cam (SOHC) motor displacing 1,452cc (cubic centimeter) and K50 cable-clutch transmission. It featured drum brakes, and rack and pinion steering.[3] It did not incorporate the limited-slip differential (LSD) or rear disc brakes of the higher-performing AE86.

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 AE85 featured the 3A-U engine, which at the time was nothing new; fourth generation Toyota Corollas and Sprinters such as the AE70 featured the same engine. Toyota opted to use the older, less powerful engine in the AE85 to keep costs down, while still providing enough power for an economy class car. This decision led the AE85 to be outclassed in horsepower by not only the stronger AE86, but most other options at the time. However, it was rated by the Japanese Ministry of Transport to have a fuel economy of 26.4 km/L (62.1 mi/gal) when running at a constant speed of 60 km/h (37.28 mph)[4] which was drastically better than most other cars of its class.

Body Variations

The AE85 and AE86 was available in multiple body variations,[2] and also with fixed front headlights (Levin) or pop-up headlights (Trueno.) Because of their identical outward appearance, the variants can sometimes be mistaken. All AE85 variants have 1.5 L engines, and are nearly identical in form to their 1.6 L AE86 counterparts. 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.

SR and SE

The AE85 SR and SE both come in Levin or Trueno versions, the former being a 3-door hatchback, and the latter being the 2-door variant.

XL and GL

Both of these models were low grade versions that were less expensive. The XL model is a 2-door Trueno, and the GL is a 2-door Levin.

XL-Lisse and GL-Lime

The Lisse and Lime were luxury variants of the XL and GL models, featuring automatic transmission (some came factory manual) and power steering, they were marketed heavily towards women in Japan.[4] The Lisse is a 2-door Trueno, and the Lime is a 2-door Levin.

Differences between AE85 and AE86
A comparison of the AE86 (red) and the AE85 (grey).
  • The engine model is 1.5 L 3A-U SOHC, which is much less powerful than the 1.6 L 4A-GEU or 4A-C engine that AE86 cars had.[5]

The car is known colloquially 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".

Privateer racing teams in Japan would use the AE85 and convert it to an AE86 since it is much cheaper by performing an engine swap. Using modifications such as a bolt-on turbo or supercharger, racers can strengthen their vehicle while keeping the light weight of the AE85 body.[6]

In anime and manga Initial D, side character Itsuki Takeuchi mistakenly purchases an AE85 instead of an AE86, getting ridiculed by his co-workers in the process.

References
  1. "Toyota Family Tree". toyota-global.com. Retrieved 2014-08-25.
  2. "AE86 Model Name Comparison - Club4AG". club4ag.com. Retrieved 2017-02-27.
  3. "1983 Toyota Sprinter Trueno Coupé 1500 SR AE85 specifications, information, data, photos 262559". www.carfolio.com. Retrieved 2017-02-21.
  4. "60009032 Sprinter Trueno 5th". www.toyota.co.jp. Retrieved 2017-02-21.
  5. "ハチゴー（AE85）とハチロク（AE86） | トヨタ86 買取". トヨタ86 買取 (in Japanese). Retrieved 2017-02-27.
  6. "1985 Toyota Corolla AE85 - Import Tuner Magazine". SuperStreetOnline. 2004-02-01. Retrieved 2017-02-27.
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