Toyota AE86 Features a Unique Lexus Face Swap
Just in case anyone has ever wondered what a mashup of a classic AE86 and LS400 might look like.
Face Swap
The Toyota AE86 has become a bit of a legend in the enthusiast world, thanks to the fact that it was the last rear-wheel-drive model to wear the Corolla nameplate. And that's precisely why you see so many tearing up drift competitions. That still doesn't really answer why quirky Instagram page Car Front Swaps might want to slap a Lexus LS400 page on one, but nonetheless, here it is.
Photos: Car Front Swaps
Pure Entertainment
Of course, a simple tour of Car Front Swaps' page will answer that question for you. There are some seriously strange creations there, some of them so weird that it actually makes this Toyota and Lexus mashup seem real. It may not be realistic by any stretch of the imagination, but it is at least entertaining.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about this Toyota/Lexus fusion right here in the ClubLexus forum.
Finding Fame
The mashup also combines two cult classics into one machine. The AE86 provides a magical combination of nimble handling, a peppy little engine, and excellent steering that make it a joy to drive on mountain passes. But it was Keiichi Tsuchiya, better known as the Drift King, who eventually put the car on the map by driving one himself.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about this Toyota/Lexus fusion right here in the ClubLexus forum.
Becoming a Star
The AE86 found tremendous success in the racing world as well, securing the British Touring Car Championship in 1986 and 1987 and the European Touring Car Championship in 1988. And if that wasn't enough, the car also starred in the Initial D franchise, a wildly popular Japanese manga (cartoon) about a street racer and his trusty Toyota.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about this Toyota/Lexus fusion right here in the ClubLexus forum.
Attracting a Following
One could say that the LS400 has attracted its own share of fans as well. Here was a car that defined "over-engineering," with an engine that simply ran forever and overall quality that couldn't be touched. The smoothness and quiet cabin were simply serene, and the car barely lost any of those qualities, even with hundreds of thousands of miles on the clock.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about this Toyota/Lexus fusion right here in the ClubLexus forum.
Unmatched Experience
Today, enthusiasts still seek out clean LS400s because they know that these are still some of the most reliable cars on the planet. The LS400 is just a joy to drive, and provides the kind of experience that isn't easy to find in today's world of increasingly complex vehicles.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about this Toyota/Lexus fusion right here in the ClubLexus forum.
Perfect Combo?
As such, we love the idea of combining the distinct qualities of these two iconic machines into one singular model. But truthfully, somebody would have to do a better job of meshing the styling of the AE86 and LS400 together. However, we imagine that there are plenty of talented artists out there in the world that could make it happen.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about this Toyota/Lexus fusion right here in the ClubLexus forum.
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