Toyota Corolla AE86
The Toyota AE86 story is quite interesting since they never intended this model to be a proper performance machine. Yet in the â80s, it became one of the biggest JDM legends in the world. Even though the AE86 was just another version of the standard Corolla, the eighth generation was also the last rear-wheel-drive model.
So, the Toyota engineers thought that they should install a high revving 1.6-liter engine to see how it will transform the car. And the results were fantastic since the AE 86 wasn’t a boring or slow Corolla. Instead, it was an agile, light and nimble machine that appealed to many driving enthusiasts.
But it also attracted those buyers who wanted a precise driving machine, but didn’t have the money for a new BMW E30 325i. Due to its rear wheel drive platform, stiff suspension and optional limited slip differential, the AE 86 soon became a drift legend. And, in fact, they still use the AE86 in drift events all around the world.