Enthusiast Kim Garcia is dedicated to his family, friends, and cars. A thrilling take on a Japanese classic, dubbed ” target=”_blank”>Project V86, Garcia’s Toyota AE86 Corolla became a completely reimagined car with sprinkles of RAUH-Welt Begriff (RWB) brought into the mix.

Not known to be fast, Garcia was quick to solve the AE86’s power woes by swapping in a 4.0-liter 1UZ-FE V8 out of a Lexus LS400 that throws down 290 horsepower. Mated to the sizable engine is a Nissan RB25 five-speed manual transmission, SPEC Stage 2 clutch, two-way limited slip differential on the rear, and a Varex Cannon exhaust system.

Photos courtesy of Engine Swap Depot

Splashed in Rosso Corsa Red, the Corolla has a unique color normally only found on Ferraris. The custom one-off body kit stands out on its own with no rivets or imperfections in sight.

We like the simplicity of the entire kit as it has exceptional visual continuity from front to back. The smoothness throughout the entire body translates even to the rear spoiler which resembles a Porsche-feel. Exterior modifications to go along with the body kit include a custom carbon fiber front diffuser and smoked “Kouki” taillights.

The widest street-legal AE86 in the Philippines, the car is loaded inside and out with modifications. A set of Fifteen52 Tarmac wheels are wrapped with Federal rubber that conceal a RunStop big brake kit and Nissan S13 control arms.

“I spent three years building the AE86,” Garcia said. “I sold my previous car, a Hyundai Genesis, which was also a drift car. My aim was to make the car the widest AE86 in town. I wanted to be different by making the fenders meet the body kit.”

Channeling a surge of inspiration from Akira Nakai-san and a guarantee that if Garcia achieved a look that Nakai liked, he’d give the AE86 his blessing and approval, Garcia was dealt with a huge task as the AE86 has a square, boxy shape that may look funky with smooth over-fenders. Influenced by RWB styling, Garcia conspired to extend the width of the fenders to 7-inches and the rear by 7.5-inches on the car.

With the growing popularity of RWB, Garcia went for a smoother approach compared to the more rugged, bolt-on look of the Rocket Bunny body kit. He also wanted to avoid hitting things in the road and have clearance, deciding to roll with a custom AirREX air suspension kit with AccuAir management that was originally designed for the Nissan Silvia S13.

Garcia said the car has three different ride height settings: the lowest when parked, a normal drive height, and one set high enough to clear speed bumps. With high hopes, Garcia had Nakai-san analyze the AE86’s body styling, which he said was too wide. That didn’t discourage Garcia as Nakai-san said Garcia shouldn’t focus on what others have to say and that if he is content with the build, that is what matters more.

With each custom, everyone should be proud of what was accomplished, regardless of the haters. A car can represent what a person is, and Garcia’s AE86 is an impressive approach at making a 30-year old relic relevant with the tuner scene today.

What are your thoughts on this RWB-inspired AE86? Does it work or is it all wrong? Feel free to share your opinion in the comments below.