Hot Wheels Then and Now: Toyota AE-86 Corolla and Scion FRS

When the Then and Now series was introduced in the 2013 Hot Wheels regular line (a.k.a. Mainline), it was an interesting way to show two identical vehicles, usually by model nameplate, in identical colors only separated by a few years (more like decades).  2013 saw two sets of Mustangs, while the rest are one set of Camaro's, Challenger's, and Charger's.  To start 2014, a different approach forms, and this one will most likely show the creativity that this series will create:  old vs. new for any model from any country in the world!

AE-86:  The last of the Rear-Wheel Drive Corolla's

When the Corolla was introduced in 1966, who knew that this car would become a legendary top-seller for Toyota.  For the first few decades the Corolla was mostly rear-wheel drive, until a change to the modern front-wheel drive setup arrived in the 1980's.  Yet, even then the 2-door fastbacks, known as AE-85 and AE-86 continued to offer rear-wheel drive and these fastbacks were more designed for those looking for a sporty image rather than one looking for basic transportation.  The AE-86 Corolla was also known as the Trueno in other markets, and all models got the 1.6L DOHC I-4 that range from 112 hp. in the U.S. to 130 hp. in Japan.  Mated to a five-speed manual to the rear wheels to a suspension with struts up front and multi-link in the rear.  The fastback appearance is not really exciting to look at, but then again it's more sportier than the standard Corolla's.  What really made the AE-86 Corolla take off is the Import tuner scene, especially in the drifting competitions where the Corolla was a favorite for its lightweight and relatively easy to find and cheap to buy.  Also give credit to the Japanese Anime 'Initial-D' for using the AE-86 Trueno as the main character's hero car.  Spicing up the hatchback with ground effects, flared fenders, and coffee-can muffler really enhances the look of the AE-86 Corolla.

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This Hot Wheels version has been long around before more classic Japanese castings started to become commonplace in the Hot Wheels line, and even though it was introduced in the 2006 line it was seldom used up until recently.  This 2014 version looks great in silver with black/red/and orange striping, blacked-out wheels and red interior.  However, this version seems less popular than the 2013 Initial-D versions.  I like how the different curves and creases are tooled into this casting, making it look much more sportier than what a stock AE-86 Corolla could muster.  Since this is mostly a drift car, the interior has a driver's seat with a right-hand dash, shifter, and a few minor details.  Drift cars not only lose the extra weight to make them perform faster, but also the front wheels turn much more farther than stock, all of this allowing the car to perform longer sideways drift burnouts during drifting competitions.

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Scion FRS (Also known as Toyota GT-86, Subaru BRZ)

Probably one of the biggest recent accomplishment in the affordable, tuneable car for the car enthusiast is the Toyota GT-86 and Subaru BRZ.  Both was under a teamed involvement with the performance knowledge of Subaru's history with the WRX and STi names and Toyota's history of efficient mass-produced vehicles at reasonable costs, not to mention the need for a rear-wheel drive or any sports coupe back in the Toyota line since the days of Celica, Supra, MR-2, and AE-86 are long gone by now.

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The U.S. calls the Toyota GT-86 the Scion FRS, but either way both the Toyota and Subaru are both alike in terms of setup and styling.  The project started in 2007 with the FT-HS concept car that previewed Toyota's idea of a four-seat coupe with the engine from Subaru that Toyota recently joint partnership with (and partly owns).  The 2009 FT-86 was the start of the direction for the production GT-86, with a body-shape that will carry-over in the next few concepts before production and stay like that in production-form.  In final suit, the GT-86 showcased sweeping body curves combined with edgy surfaces.  Headlights, along with a pointed front-end give the car an aggressive look up front, while the rear taillights bulge outward from the rear fenders a slight bit.  The interior is more track-oriented with flat dashboard, large gauges, 3-spoke steering wheel, and a nice short-throw six-speed manual.  However, driver and front seat passengers over six-feet tall will extract the rear seating room, creating a two-seater instead of a two-plus two.  The trunk is guaranteed to haul four tires and a few tools for the track (and it does).  The true magic of this car lies underneath the hood:  A 2.0L Boxer (Flat) H-4 with DOHC, producing 200 hp. and 151 Ib.-ft. torque, and placed low to the ground and behind the front axle line.  All of this adds up to a car that is lightweight, fun on the track, and keep in mind that the engine, while in need of more power, is pretty easy to work on and modify without any setbacks or difficulties.

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Introduced last year, the Scion FRS returns in 2014 with a matching color and stripes to the Corolla, and I must say the silver is thinner and shows off more of the body lines than what the thicker dark red color could muster last year.  Nor could the headlight graphics of last year, which were always off-set to the actual lamp position, could show the bulges in the headlight lenses.  Note that the car has a body kit with ground effects, revised front bumper, and larger rear spoiler, yet still retains the stock look of the car.  The interior also has a matching red color.  Last year's red color apparently went unnoticed and most of them just stayed on store shelves.  With this color hopefully the FRS will gather more attention and more love.

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Seeing these two Toyota's together shows just how Toyota still has the performance pedigree despite producing some usually lifeless vehicles designed for those who want more of a reliable transportation than a vehicle to toss around the curves, and with hints of Toyota reviving the Supra nameplate it seems like the effect of the GT-86/FRS and the history from the AE-86 Corolla and other Toyota coupes are giving the Toyota (and Scion) brand a second chance to appreciate car enthusiast like us.

Oh, and F.Y.I.:  For those living in the U.S. be sure to keep an eye on your Wal-Marts in the next few months because both of the cars you see here will be the special ZAMAC cars.  ZAMAC cars have no paint, just bare metal, yet retains the graphics of the versions with paint.  How could it be any different from these silver versions?  ZAMAC will appear a bit darker and when light hits the metal the metal will shine, not the metalflakes like what the silver does to reflect light.

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