Toyota, Once Again, Proves It's Back To Being An Enthusiast Brand

The 2025 Tokyo Auto Show just wrapped up on January 12 and as always, we saw some pretty epic stuff. Once again, Toyota showed some exciting models and ideas, born out of cooperation with some of the most renowned names in the automotive industry. Between the plethora of different iterations of Toyota's Land Cruiser, the spotlight shone on another iconic name of the Japanese brand.  

The Corolla AE86 is a 1980s JDM icon and prices have reflected that (sadly for some of us). While many would point out that the car's legendary status is, largely, thanks to the Japanese Manga, Initial D, the original AE86 has proven to be a one of the most fun you can have in a rear-wheel-drive car. The Toyota Corolla AE86 is known for its brilliant engineering decisions and impeccable balance, making it predictable and fun to drive even with a solid rear axle. 

New AE86, but not from Toyota 

Many carmakers are drawing inspiration from their past. Toyota is one of the best examples as the Japanese company resurrected and is continuing to resurrect iconic nameplates from the past or making spiritual successors to them. The new Toyota Celica is coming soon and we are also about to get the first in a long time, compact Toyota pickup truck. 

Sometimes, it is not the carmaker itself that gives us a reimagined version of an iconic classic car. If you are looking for a brand-new Toyota AE86, TOM's Racing has the answer. The Japanese tuner company and racing outfit was founded back in February 1974 and has since been involved in developing some of the most competitive Toyota cars in motorsports. TOM’s Racing's expertise stretches to road-going vehicles.  

Under license from Toyota, the tuner company is producing brand-new variants of old Toyota powertrains, desired by JDM car enthusiasts. TOM's Racing has a “classic” section where you can buy new variants of some of the company's most iconic engines.

Currently, this includes two variants of the Corolla AE86's 4A-GE engine and the Celica GT-Four's 3S-GTE engine. For those still being mad at Toyota for using a BMW straight-six in the GR Supra, TOM's Racing also has its own version of the 2JZ-GTE engine. 

But that's not all TOM's Racing offers 

What TOM's Racing does extends way beyond providing “remastered” versions of Toyota's most iconic performance engines. The company's website shows an AE86 body in white, which could mean a reimagined Toyota Corolla AE86. And yes, TOM's Racing does full restoration too. Judging by the plethora of reimagined vehicle in recent years, I doubt a Toyota AE86 by TOM's Racing would come cheap.  

I wouldn't be surprised if they ask six figures in US dollars, given the interest towards classic JDM cars in North America. This begs another question: should you spend money on what is, essentially, a glorified grocery getter? One that is great fun to drive and throw into corners, but still. TOM's Racing has Toyota's blessing similar to how RUF makes Porsche-inspired sports cars, and I think the car world needs this.

This is currently a hot topic on the GR86 forum and it seems people aren't too thrilled about the potentially high asking price. Feel free to give us your opinion in the comment section below. Which other iconic cars would you love to see reimagined? Would you pay six figures for a JDM classic? 

Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.

Image source: Toyota Corolla AE86