Toyota Gazoo Racing to produce heritage engine parts for the AE86 Corolla coupe 

Toyota Gazoo Racing’s GR Heritage Parts Project is to reproduce and reissue a series of parts for the engine used in the AE86 Corolla coupe, one of Toyota’s most celebrated sports models from the 1980s.  

Customers will be able to source the cylinder head and cylinder block sub-assemblies for the 4A-GE engine. While the original parts have been replicated in terms of their original basic design and specifications, they have been modernised using up-to-date simulation technology, manufacturing methods and materials, helping ensure owners can enjoy their cars for years to come. 

Key features – cylinder head sub-assembly 

The cylinder head sub-assembly features combustion chambers with additional machining that lessens the untouched cast surface area, reducing the differences between individual engines that can arise from slight variances in compression ratio. The intake ports undergo a new coating process to reduce pre-polishing surface irregularities, while camshaft cap knock pins, which were originally only in part of the assembly, have been added throughout for improved workability. 

Key features – cylinder block sub-assembly 

The cylinder block sub-assembly’s cylinder bores benefit from a modern honing process with more precise machining. Durability has been improved by using higher-rigidity cast iron and simulation-based modification of the crank-cap structure. 

In response to requests from customers, intake and exhaust ports have been given thicker walls. The sub-assembly also now includes bosses and ribs for transverse mounting, so the engine can be installed not just in the rear-wheel drive AE86, but also in front-wheel drive models. 

The new GR Heritage parts were launched at the weekend in a presentation at an event at the Fuji Speedway celebrating the 30^th anniversary of Initial D, the Japanese manga series about street racing and drifting which helped build a new cult status for the AE86 Corolla. Deliveries of the new parts are expected from spring 2026. 

ENDS