Building Our Dream: The Half-Scale Electric AE86 Drift Kart

At KEYSTONE, we’ve always believed that true innovation comes from passion — and sometimes, from frustration too.

As car enthusiasts, we’ve dreamed for years of owning the legendary Toyota AE86, a symbol of pure driving spirit. However, finding one in good condition has become nearly impossible — and when you do find one, the price can be higher than a brand-new car. So instead of giving up, we decided to do what we do best: build our own.

That’s how our latest creation was born — a 1:2 scale AE86 electric drift kart. Designed and engineered entirely by our New Zealand team, it represents the spirit of DIY craftsmanship, creative design, and technical precision that defines KEYSTONE.

This half-scale masterpiece is powered by a 3000W electric motor paired with a 72V 30Ah lithium battery, delivering instant torque and enough power to drift just like the real thing — only smaller, lighter, and a lot more fun. The chassis is crafted from 4130 seamless alloy steel tubing, ensuring both strength and lightweight performance.

To achieve the car’s signature AE86 shape, we used 3D printing technology to create a fully custom body shell, perfectly matching the original proportions in every curve and detail. Each part was designed in our New Zealand studio, tested and refined through multiple 3D-printed prototypes before final assembly.

This project isn’t just a small car — it’s a statement. It’s about creativity, engineering, and the joy of bringing imagination to life. When we couldn’t buy our dream car, we decided to build one with our own hands, even if it’s at half the size.For us, this AE86 drift kart is more than a fun machine — it’s proof that with the right tools, skill, and passion, there’s nothing you can’t create.If you can imagine it, we can make it.
That’s what KEYSTONE stands for.