Four years ago, I was working 9 to 5 as a graphic designer. I had always wondered what it was like to chase my dream, and one day I found myself putting everything else behind and putting the little that I had left into this disease called drifting. In hindsight, it has allowed me to garner some incredible memories with some of my best friends. It’s been a rollercoaster ride, as I have had to learn new skills and fill quite a few new roles.
Today, I am proud to say that one of these roles is to manage the Speedhunters Toyota 86-X project.
This particular car is the first new 86 to arrive in Norway, and it came here less than a week ago. It was driven as a press car from Barcelona to the Nürburgring, before coming all the way up to the Toyota Norway headquarters in Drammen, Norway.
The Autofil Magazine journalists that drove the car gave it top verdicts. I am not surprised – if I was still working my proper job as a graphics designer, this is the kind of car I would want to drive too.
When I got my license and started driving, I was a BMW guy, and my first drift car was an E30 with a straight six E36 M3 engine. I loved that car. It was a light and real basic racer.
But cars like that had already been a dying breed for many years. At some point, car manufacturers just stopped making basic driver’s cars!
It had all turned into luxury barges that was crammed full of crocodile leather and increasing amount of driving aids and features.
So when the first reviews of the GT86/FRS came out, one of my closest friends sent me a link to an analysis of the new Toyota sports car. The article basically stated that the 86/FRS is the new E30: It’s a true drivers car, built very light and with decent power, and sold at an affordable price.
I totally agree with that statement. And after having driven the car a couple of times now, I really think this car is God’s gift to the future club racers.
You could think that it’s given that I would hype this car, but it’s actually saimpler than that: It’s just very easy to be a Toyota ambassador when you’re working with a car as fun as the new Hachiroku.
And now, we will take on the project of turning this little buddy into a purpose built drift machine. After having worked to make this project happen for two and a half years, the last six months have been filled with proposals, planning, emails and talks. I have REALLY been looking forward to the day where we would actually receive the base car.
So, the same day that I flew back home to Norway from Formula Drift Palm Beach, I brought photographer Camilla and editor Rune of the Gatebil Magazine along to meet Toyota Norway PR Manager Espen Olsen for a quick photo session. This was when the keys to a certain car would be handed over.
Although this has been a work in progress for months now, today marks the day where the stopwatch starts ticking. We have just over a month before the car has to be race ready for three days of straight carnage at Gatebil Rudskogen. Several of my friends, partners and sponsors are helping out in different ways, and together we make up the team that will transform this car into our 2JZ powered weapon of choice.
For instance, students from our local automotive high school Ås Videregående Skole will help prepare and paint the finished car. This is the cheer they give you when you feed them ice cream. It’s so inspiring working with these guys!
But I also consider all of you Speedhunters readers part of the team as well. You have a tremendous amount of knowledge and plenty of view points that we would definitely like to hear about, so please feel free to chime in as we move forward with the project.
We want your opinions on everything from color choices, via the technical aspects of the build, and all the way to what you think of how it is being put to use. What do you want to see us do with the car?
To me, the fact that we are about to grab an angle grinder and cut open this pretty little thing, is an incredible sign of trust from Toyota Norway. This is their baby as much as it is ours.
But perhaps most of all, this project is a sign of how far drifting has come in Europe. Being one of the first European drifters to actually be involved with a car manufacturer for a new model release is a big step for the sport, and I hope our 86-X project can inspire other international drifting ventures.
There’s a lot of talent out there, and drifting is here to stay!
Now, let’s see if we can get this buddy a little more rowdy. The teardown starts today.
– Fredric
http://www.facebook.com/OfficialFredricAasbo
Photos by Camilla Smistad Tofterå (http://www.camillast.com)
Render by Michael Creighton (http://www.rampantrenders.com)
The Speedhunters Toyota 86-X project is made possible thanks to the support from our partners:
OFFICIAL SPEEDHUNTERS SUPPLIERS
Can't wait too see what happens to this 86. Also interesting to see that it's viewed as the new e30 (my interest has risen dramatically)
Interesting indeed. =)
i also wanted to pursuit my dream ..
Well, good luck.
I think the car should be red and white, TRD style.
White rims, HRE style, or BBS.
Very low and wide wing, in stripes, red and white.
2JZ with Hollinger sequential.
I would fill the rear passenger windows with carbon and I would keep the entire dashboard for sure.
@LeviTaylor Here's the link to that article, it's a great read! http://www.bmwblog.com/2012/01/24/opposite-lock-why-the-e30s-true-successor-is-a-toyota/
Please give it an amazing exhaust note!! That's all I'm asking for.
This is gonna be an interesting project for sure! Keep us updated as much as possible!
Hope to be able to come to Rudskogen and check it out in person. Keep up the good work Fredric!
I think it should be......... exactly like the render! That thing is sick looking! I think the below comments are good too about keeping the stock dash and a good exhaust note. Looking forward to seeing this progress
Forget about the 2JZ and build up the stock motor.. Bolt on a huge turbo, change the cpu, fuel, exhaust and intake and it'll fry tires like there is no tomorrow. .. and you'll be leading the way as far as 86 tuning goes.. Don't take the easy way out!!
Forget about the 2JZ and build up the stock motor.. Bolt on a huge turbo, change the cpu, fuel, exhaust and intake and it'll fry tires like there is no tomorrow. .. and you'll be leading the way as far as 86 tuning goes.. Don't take the easy way out!!
@No_Noddy
I second this! See how far this Subaru engine can be pushed.
@No_Noddy
I second this! See how far this Subaru engine can be pushed.
Comparing it to an E30, huh? I still have one for a daily driver
Now I really want to drive one of these cars with your take on the comparison.
Comparing it to an E30, huh? I still have one for a daily driver
Now I really want to drive one of these cars with your take on the comparison.
Good luck with the build! Excited about this =D
Good luck with the build! Excited about this =D
I think the car should be as close to the original concept as possible but maybe different wheels as shown.You dont see enough cars that look like their original concepts also no chrome wheels it wont look right on the 86
I think the car should be as close to the original concept as possible but maybe different wheels as shown.You dont see enough cars that look like their original concepts also no chrome wheels it wont look right on the 86
@No_Noddy I am definitely also interested in seeing how far the stock motor can be pushed, but we would need much more resources than we have and/or plenty of luck to successfully develop the stock motor in less than a month. Keep in mind we have no previous experience with boxers. The physical dimensions of the stock motor is definitely favorable, though!
@No_Noddy I am definitely also interested in seeing how far the stock motor can be pushed, but we would need much more resources than we have and/or plenty of luck to successfully develop the stock motor in less than a month. Keep in mind we have no previous experience with boxers. The physical dimensions of the stock motor is definitely favorable, though!
@FredricAasbo @No_Noddy
Would like to have a peek at the engine when I drop by in an hour or so..
@FredricAasbo @No_Noddy
Would like to have a peek at the engine when I drop by in an hour or so..
I Can't wait to go to Gatebil this year. And This GT 86 is the biggest reason from my trip there. It is that simple...
I Can't wait to go to Gatebil this year. And This GT 86 is the biggest reason from my trip there. It is that simple...
1UZFE-TT ALL THE WAY
1UZFE-TT ALL THE WAY
Isn't the 2JZ going to ruin the handling?
Isn't the 2JZ going to ruin the handling?
@Dattosan Ruin is a pretty strong word.
A drift car might be more similar to a drag car than you might think, and although we have yet to see the outcome, I feel confident we can make it handle decently for its purpose. It will likely take time to dial it all in, as with any new race car.
@Dattosan Ruin is a pretty strong word.
A drift car might be more similar to a drag car than you might think, and although we have yet to see the outcome, I feel confident we can make it handle decently for its purpose. It will likely take time to dial it all in, as with any new race car.
A month is an extremely short amount of time but since there already quite a few 86 drift cars out there and i have noticed that the body on almost all of them is pretty stock looking, a wide body of some sort might be worth looking into. Good luck Fredric.
A month is an extremely short amount of time but since there already quite a few 86 drift cars out there and i have noticed that the body on almost all of them is pretty stock looking, a wide body of some sort might be worth looking into. Good luck Fredric.
+1.
two small, fast spooling turbos low mounted on a "V" engine would be closer to optimum then a tall, iron, inline 6. not only would the CG be lower, but further back as well.
I love the irony in having to do a swap in order to put a toyota engine in a toyota car.
+1.
two small, fast spooling turbos low mounted on a "V" engine would be closer to optimum then a tall, iron, inline 6. not only would the CG be lower, but further back as well.
I love the irony in having to do a swap in order to put a toyota engine in a toyota car.
What are you doing about the response? Is the engine stroked/will be stroked? Remember to have as much weight as possible in the rear. Having a heavy rear results in alot of smoke and alot of happy scandinavians, I talked to a driver at Gatebil last year and all he said was "mycket vikt över baken" wich means "alot of weight over the rear". So think about it!
And please keep the engine as low as possible!
What are you doing about the response? Is the engine stroked/will be stroked? Remember to have as much weight as possible in the rear. Having a heavy rear results in alot of smoke and alot of happy scandinavians, I talked to a driver at Gatebil last year and all he said was "mycket vikt över baken" wich means "alot of weight over the rear". So think about it!
And please keep the engine as low as possible!
Weird remark maybe... but Belgian license plates?
Weird remark maybe... but Belgian license plates?
Belgian plates,because it was a belgian demo car taken here for the sole purpose of becoming a weapon..
Belgian plates,because it was a belgian demo car taken here for the sole purpose of becoming a weapon..
DEFINITELY take advantage of the low center of gravity the boxer engine naturally provides; oh and I too second the pushing back of the engine, if you do use the stock boxer engine. Tuning the engine would be difficult though because there arent many, if any, parts out there yet for the engine. That would mean custom parts and that takes a lot of time. This is difficult, Im not sure. When will the decision for the engine be made?
LIVE AXLE & 4-link! ... j/k
Very cool that the autobody shop -class gets to finish it. That's going to look great on their resume's
My one suggestion (serious) is to tint those tail lights red... I've never liked them, but they especially look off on the 86.
What are your plans to put behind the 2jz?
@FredricAasbo good luck with this project fredric, JZ lump is my favourite choice for this build, also on a note please try to get the car as close to that render as possible, seen many renders come to be a water'd down version of its orginal render, all the best
Tom Downey
Drifters Ink
Wow, see, I'm a graphic designer. And I love drift, but here in my country drifting and RWD cars are not common at all. So me and my boyfriend are planning to build our own drift cars to have fun too! By the way, I'm a big Toyota enthusiast and the new Hachiroku fascinates me.
Singing praise for the car's balance and simplicity and then.. dropping a cast iron boat anchor engine into it? Why not a proper Subaru STI mill? It would make plenty of power, still be a boxer, is almost bolt-in and maintain balance and simplicity.
This will kick ass!
It is a nice car and same color as my VW which looks clean even when it is dirty. First thing I would change is the wheels, they are just ugly and don't fill the wheel wells right.
Comparing this shitbox to an E30 and claiming it is the only drivers car since the E30 is the most retarded shit I have EVER read. This is a UNDERrpowered RWD scion/subaru shitbox that has been so underdone in comparsion to the hype its actually impressive. I don't think anything has ever pissed me off so bad just by reading. You had a S52 E30 track car and youre comparing it to a mind blowingly numb rear wheel drive scion and calling it a real drivers car because its a basic, heavily overpriced and underpowered rear wheel drive car? I just lost all respect for speedhunters in general. Between this atrocity of a post for your project build with apparently drift vinyls for no reason? (unless theyre paying for the build entirely and asked for ridiculous graphics) and 80% hellaflush this site has surely gone to shit. How much is this car when all is said and done? $30k? $30,000.. for a rear wheel drive scion. Sounds like the next TC. It's a marketing trick to get all the idiots that think scions are cool but also want to be cool and get a real wheel drive car in a platform theyll never notice the difference on. Congrats scion on another successful scam of 16 year olds and their parents.
mr.aasbo - belgian license plates explane plz ? GERMAN I DONT THINK SO
Yeah the wheels are horrible. Seem like they could actually fit nicely if they just made some small lips for the spokes to sit in looking more aggressive also making them a little wider at the same time. I hope It's not just me that laughs every time I see that tire set up on a "performance" car.
Ugh.. Just rechecked the wheels and I take that back. Theres no saving them. Next design pls
I already seen some tuner versions with rims with lips so it kinda spoils the stock rims plus they look like front wheel drive style being so flat. @Fkitbtn
Awesome news to hear toyota is getting onboard and helping out and promotoing drifitng. Big props to them.
Whatever is done to this car it will be fantastic. Id like to see full wide body rocket bunny kit , enclosed rear bar , side exit exhaust and a LSX motor up front
Good luck to all involved
so you agree the car is impressive? yes?
Center of mass/moment of inetertia might be an issue with the 2jz, why not consider another great engine from Toyota, the bullet proof 3sgte, pretty much a 2jz with only 4 cylinders.
Just an idea.
...inertia,
I would keep the FA and put in the work to developed it. I wonder if Toyota Norway has any connections with TRD to see if they could source you the rumored supercharger. I definitely understand having deadlines though too. Whatever happens though I'm definitely looking forward to seeing the car when its in race spec.
@Fkitbtn Wow, someone escaped from a different car blog... Speedhunters is usually free of this kind of trolling...please go back to wherever you came from.
Will this see competition or simply be a demo car? If its a demo then I hope you will be placing the engine nearly all the way into the cockpit
@masonmaguire Competition car, built to FD specs. So unfortunately we can't go past the firewall, but I do believe we can get decent weight distribution still.
@Renderbrandt That is definitely doable, but I'd rather do more displacement and a motor we are familiar with then! We just test fit the 2JZ.
@miguel t As far as I know, the car was registered at the Toyota Europe HQ, then used for demo purposes in Europe, before we got it.
@AaronVenable The red tail lights is a great idea! It's noted on the list. We are running an ACT triple race clutch, a Mid Valley dog box, and a Torsen or locked rear diff.
@G55 Our debut engine will be a slightly modified single turbo 2JZ the one out of the NFS Japan Auto Supra. Next, we will build a Brian Crower 3.4 stroker, aiming for a beefier torque curve and better response. We will definitely keep the engine as low as possible and we will also be running a rear mont radiator.
@bradjh Thank you!
who is this noob who thinks he knows what he is talking about?? wow this guy is theee dumbest "car enthusiast" ive ever hear of lol u cant even compare this car to a tC lol nooooooooooob
@Blake420 Well put.
@nasty WRX @Fkitbtn How am I trolling? Everything I said is true. I was fairly mad when I typed it out but I still stand behind everything. This isn't a great car. It's decent and that's all. I understand there aren't many cars like it but that doesn't make it great, and that's not necessarily a compliment considering how little of power these cars make. It's being marketed way too much as a strictly performance car when It's not. It's a kinda light rear wheel drive scion. Who would spend $30k for anything that is represented as basically strictly performance when in reality Its nothing special for It's price. It's a rear wheel drive scion. Nothing has changed in quality or even in the power department. hell, even the tires are the same size hahah If you really want a track car build a damn track car. Go buy a $1,000 E30 and you can have an S54 or S52 swapped E30 track car for half the cost of a rear wheel drive scion.
Impressive is a little strong. Nothing stands out to me. They started out with a decent idea and executed it very poorly IMO
@milkplus
Tall and tall... we just measured them up and the 2JZ is just about 2" taller than the boxer it replaces, so the difference isn't that huge, and the 2JZ has it's main center of weight rather low being an iron block.
@Blake420 It's more comparable as a rear wheel drive scion TC with a new front end than anything else. I mean really, look at it and tell me it doesn't look like a scion TC with a different front end and slightly different roof line. From the back it makes me laugh. It straight up looks like a TC including tire width. It does have a sick dual exhaust tho so It's probably super fast
If possible, then could you leave the final version of the car without a huge wing. I just feel the car is quite small looking, so a huge wing would be out of proportions. Tho a nice small duct tail would suit nice.
@SPEEDHUNTERS it's too bad no ones going with an all motor build based on the original engine ala dori-dori, wish they had a class for that.
@FredricAasbo @masonmaguire
The first fitment seemed to place 65-70% of engine and gearbox weight behind the axle, so it's not so bad I think.. atleast not as bad as many judge it to be. The boxer's weight isn't much better placed at all, IMHO..
@SWR @FredricAasbo @masonmaguire
The boxer engine mass is very low in the engine bay, which helps a lot for roll center.
@Renderbrandt @FredricAasbo @masonmaguire
The boxer isn't THAT low in the bay, actually... the top of the 2JZ is barely 2" higher when it's in the car..
Can't wait to hear this thing roar! The perfect marriage between power and low CG. i will definatly keep an eye on the build up!
I think you should swap in a 4AG blacktop. then put in a koni suspension set-up.
I think you should use it for hill climbs, drifting and touge races
If I was Toyota, I'd want to see the car done up with the boxer motor in there. To show the true potential of this flat 4 and also to be the underdog. Swapping v8's and 2jz motors in to this thing is no different than any other chassis. You can take almost any damn chassis and drop a v8, 2jz, 13b built turbo'd, etc in to em and be 400+ hp upwards. Now if we can get 400 or 500 hp out of this flat 4, it would still be a mega contender and show everyone that it can be done with this damn boxer engine!!!
The car should be built using the motor it is equipped with from the factory, especially since its being built in conjunction with toyota to sow the potential of the new 86. Anyone can slap proven motor in it and make power. I understand the time limit but id like t see the R&D done and the flat 4 back in it at some point.
The car should be built using the motor it is equipped with from the factory, especially since its being built in conjunction with toyota to sow the potential of the new 86. Anyone can slap proven motor in it and make power. I understand the time limit but id like t see the R&D done and the flat 4 back in it at some point.
Love it !Really looking forward to see how it turns out !But why an engine as old as the 2jz (as good as it is) and not something like and IS-F engine ?
@Bill G
If Toyota would be so kind to let us have the Boxer at a later date, that might happen. At the time being Fredric keeps the chassis and they want the full interior, all other parts AND the engine back, which is ok at the time considering our "slightly" tight timeframe of the build.
@SWR @Bill G how about an EJ255?
Congratulations on the car
And good luck on the build 
I'm looking forwardt to seeing and photographing it at Rudskogen 
@FredricAasbo @masonmaguire Will it replace the tC or Chucky, or will it be used for something new (whatever that may be)?
@FredricAasbo @Renderbrandt Do something new, get the LD28 (not RD28 as it's handles less power) and go all twin turbo diesel
@FredricAasbo @Renderbrandt With a straight six 2.8 diesel (is what it was supposed to say).
@FredricAasbo @Renderbrandt With a straight six 2.8 diesel (is what it was supposed to say).
I would love if you guys did like JR did with his RTR-X and let the people vote on the livery thats going on the car.
Since you are not using the stock motor/trans/wiring etc......Can you send it to me? haha
@SWR @Bill G
Source one of these. If not atleast a toyota or subaru 4cyl. 3SGE, 4AGE, EJ, etc.
http://www.subaru.jp/legacy/dit/performance/
Obviously a brace between the tires of the front axle and another for the rear axle is recommendable. And I'm certain everyone will agree that the suspension will need to be stiffened. But I'd look into eliminating the entire direct injection for load and intake injection for cruise ECU settings. I'm sure the two could be used at the same time to improve power output while retaining the compression. Frankly the output of the car is horribly disappointing. It goes without saying that a turbo would help out as well. I'd look towards things that tuners of Subaru have done.
One thing I'm surprised about Fredric is that you aren't swapping in an S52/S54 motor. It'd be totally something different, something your familiar with, and you can run the same amount of power you can get from a 2JZ.
Maybe a couple of ideas for the 86-X, tint the headlights yellow for that aspired "GT Racing" look? You may also want to go with something like a matte grey wrap, with metallic sliver/orange decals. :)I'd also recommend going with the Motegi wheels you run on your tC. 
Will be interesting to see how it turns out next month. 
I love that GT86 badge !
this thing is gonna look sick!!!!
keep us posted!
I'm jealous ... i've never even seen this car in the flesh
... .
Norway car ??? Why does it have Belgian number plates?
2JZ swap, I dont think anyone has done it yet with the new 86.
@NathanLoiselle The 86 never had turbo and it would be scarigous to add from a manufactures stand point, if force induction is your forte, I think a supercharger would work great with this car, specifically a rotrex supercharger, then it can be a "watarhu" edition lol if you get what Im saying
@NathanLoiselle The 86 never had turbo and it would be scarigous to add from a manufactures stand point, if force induction is your forte, I think a supercharger would work great with this car, specifically a rotrex supercharger, then it can be a "watarhu" edition lol if you get what Im saying
Individual throttle bodies!
Individual throttle bodies!
@DanknastyAE86 There actually is an FT-86 with a turbocharger mounted to it. I believe it was shown off at either the Tokyo Auto Show or SEMA. I don't quite recall since I've been deluged with information and articles about this car for the past year.
@DanknastyAE86 There actually is an FT-86 with a turbocharger mounted to it. I believe it was shown off at either the Tokyo Auto Show or SEMA. I don't quite recall since I've been deluged with information and articles about this car for the past year.
Are you going to retain the stock rearend or will that be a supra item?
Would a boxer engine project be a future prospect?
Knowing ill get flamed for this one but ive allways hated the exhaust sound of the tuned 2jz, sounds like a freakin nissan patrol..
YOU GOT SPONSORED BY ROCKET BUNNY??!!!?!?!?!?!?! I can't wait to see what godly creations they can chisel from marble for this car.
no the 86 is not the new e30 its just a new chapter in the legend of the AE86
so uhh if your gonna drop a 2jz you uhhh .. you wanna throw that boxer my way ...
get a rotor
get a rotor
something i noticed the gt 86, and the frs have different rear lights....on the frs the tilted down and on the 86 there straight
something i noticed the gt 86, and the frs have different rear lights....on the frs the tilted down and on the 86 there straight
I do remember seeing a car i JApan beeing made ready for this
I do remember seeing a car i JApan beeing made ready for this
@Rey1164 The GT-86/86 also gets fog lights and a different grill to the fr-s
@Rey1164 The GT-86/86 also gets fog lights and a different grill to the fr-s
Well, I'm not interested in this project anymore. There's plenty of 86 drift cars out there already, (one with a 2jz) but not one unlimited track car... guess it's easier to throw a 2jz in it and call it a day than actually working with the base design of balance.
@Supra
uras are doing one, except they are moving the engine further back into the firewall, sort of like the driftworks s15