I should clarify that I meant Corolla (even before the AE86) was popular in Asia in the 80s, but not in the US.

In the Initial D story, a main theme is that the car was look down on by all who had not race against it. It did not really shine until a modern Group A AE111 race engine was swapped in.

You may want to check out these links:
http://speedhunters.com/archive/2008/09/01...ouring-car.aspx
http://speedhunters.com/archive/2008/08/29...a-24h-ae86.aspx
http://speedhunters.com/archive/2009/02/27...owini-ae86.aspx

 

Negative, it was suppose to be a humble unassuming car like the main character, and as the character became a racer so did the car.

 

I want this car to be out NOW.