WHEN car designers seek inspiration, they usually look to nature or to objects like fighter jets, but for Toyota's latest conceptual take on its GT86 sportscar, the company has looked to cult 1990s manga comic book and cartoon series "Initial D."
Those that know their manga will know that central "Initial D" character Takumi Fujiwara is a delivery driver by day and aspiring street racer by night. But they'll also know that his car of choice was a seriously tuned 1986 Toyota Corolla GT Coupe AE86.
But that's only because he had no money -- the old Corolla was his parents' car -- and because the GT86 wasn't available until 2012, and so Toyota has reimagined the Initial D car for the 21st century, taking what was best about the fictional AE86 and applying it to the real-life GT86.
So the concept car, created by Toyota's UK special projects department, sticks with the black-and-white monochrome graphics that the comic car sported. It also boasts the 2016 version of each real-life custom part that Fujiwara fitted to his car in the comic series.
So the Initial D GT86 has a carbon fiber bonnet, the latest TRD Sportivo suspension system, a Fujitsubo exhaust system, a Cusco Type OS front strut brace and custom RS Watanabe alloy wheels.
Even features that seem dated by today's standards such as yellow-tinted fog lamps and mud flaps are on the car because they were integral to the original, as is the lack of a rear spoiler (something the GT86 comes with as standard).
"With this Initial D concept we not only acknowledge how important the AE86 was in influencing Toyota's modern approach to sports cars but also demonstrate how the GT86 can be aesthetically and dynamically improved with relatively simple aftermarket accessories," said Joe Clifford from the special projects team. "But perhaps most of all, we just thought it was an achingly cool idea."
Since its launch in 2012 the GT86, also sold as a ScionFR-S and as the Subaru BZR, has been a huge hit with keen drivers of all ages. Jeremy Clarkson, presenter for TV program "Top Gear" from 2002 to 2015, declared it his favorite car of the year and it has been fully embraced by the customization and tuning community to the extent that it is always one of the most popular cars at SEMA. But that is something that Toyota always hoped would happen when the company started designing the car.
"Right from the start, the Toyota GT86 was developed as a car that would appeal to enthusiasts, whether in standard trim or as an exploitable base for further modifications," said Clifford.
AFP RELAXNEWS
Fri Jul 01 2016
Those that know their manga will know that central "Initial D" character Takumi Fujiwara is a delivery driver by day and aspiring street racer by night. - AFP photo
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.