At the 2017 Mt Washington Hillclimb, I first encountered Mikko Takaja’s striking yellow-and-white Toyota Starlet, and I was immediately captivated by its exhilarating 11,000-rpm roar. This Finnish marvel, known as the VHT Racing Starlet, boasted an iconic Toyota 4A-GE engine, reminiscent of the sporty cars of the Eighties.
However, the Starlet has now undergone a significant transformation, bidding farewell to its beloved four-cylinder powerplant in favor of an even more formidable engine.
The allure of the Starlet lay in its original setup, featuring the revered 4A-GE engine, synonymous with Toyota’s iconic sports coupes like the AE86 Corolla and the classic MR-2.
Generating power from this naturally aspirated engine demanded immense amounts of air intake and sky-high revs, resulting in an unforgettable symphony of sound that echoed in your ears long after.
However, the time has come for a new chapter in Starlet’s story. Enter the 2.7-liter RPX Hayabusa V-8, a powerhouse engine renowned for its performance capabilities.
Described as essentially two Hayabusa engines fused, this V-8 marvel promises extraordinary potential, with the team reporting an output of over 400 horsepower in their initial dyno tests. While this engine is typically found in Radical race cars, it now finds a home in the VHT Racing Starlet, marking a bold departure from convention.
The transition to the V-8 powerplant marks a significant evolution for the Starlet, building upon its legacy of hair-raising performance. Despite the change, the car retains its distinctive character and remains one of the most exhilarating hillclimb racers on the circuit.
As the VHT Racing team continues to push the boundaries of performance, the Starlet’s journey into uncharted territory heralds an exciting new era for this iconic racing machine.
