Tag Archives: Drift

Why the return of Caterham’s Drift Experience is an effective factor

May 5, 2024 David Leave a comment

After a four-year absence, Caterham has revived its Drift Experience. The clue is within the identify to what occurs: it’s a day spent studying to float, in a Caterham.

While it’s rear-wheel drive, a Seven isn’t probably the most pure automobile on the planet through which to float. These are mild automobiles with quick wheelbases and unassisted steering: nice at scribing strains on a race circuit however not simply held sideways like an overpowered lengthy saloon automobile that has oodles of steering lock and a closely assisted rack.

So Caterham does its Sevens a favour. It takes the 360Rs it makes use of for different observe experiences, jacks up the rear suspension, places exhausting again tyres on its biggest-diameter wheels and over-inflates them. Voila: a automobile that may simply be despatched sideways and, with a little bit of observe, will keep there.

It occurs in huge empty areas at comparatively low speeds, at both Brands Hatch or Donington Park, however on broad open steering pads with cone programs laid out to steer round, reasonably than on the circuits. It’s all high-rev however low-speed stuff, so it’s appropriate for these with no observe expertise, or a great deal of it.

The automobiles are wider SV fashions so have extra footwell and leg area than narrow-bodied automobiles. And larger radiators as a result of a lot throttle use is concerned.

Back within the day, Autocar used to co-promote today. We would ship staffers alongside to satisfy our readers and have an excellent time squealing round (or into) cones in an enormous empty automobile park.

It has been years since I did one and I used to be initially out of shape, significantly since a few the check tracks we beforehand used for images and video are unavailable to us. But it comes again, and for me it’s a helpful talent. I’ve vowed to discover a option to sustain my observe.

Now, I may let you know that the day may be very helpful for studying automobile management, and that that is very worthwhile in emergency conditions on the highway, the place the Highway Code will let you know to steer into the skid, however which means nothing except you’ve skilled it earlier.

But except you drive a Seven or equal, you’ve most likely bought stability management anyway, so think about it extra about hooning and having a riot behind the wheel in secure situations.

At £359 they’re not low cost days, however I got here away drained from the quantity of driving, you’re inspired to make use of and abuse the automobiles, and the hospitality is nice. Caterham is organising 11 days this yr and all however three are offered out.

Motorsport

A Porsche 718 Cayman Makes a Surprisingly Excellent Drift Car

April 2, 2024 Prafful Singh

What do you do while you’ve simply received a Formula Drift championship? Buy a Porsche, apparently. Reigning FD champ Chelsea DeNofa simply purchased a 718 Cayman S to show it right into a drift automobile, and it is likely one of the coolest issues we have seen in a minute. A mid-engine Porsche might look like an unlikely drift automobile, however with some modification and DeNofa’s fast fingers, it really works extraordinarily nicely.

DeNofa is detailing the construct on his YouTube channel, and it is fascinating. The Cayman is surprisingly nicely fitted to a conversion right into a drift automobile. DeNofa was in a position to preserve the inventory rear suspension geometry, and easily put in new arms that permit for extra adjustment of roll heart and anti-squat and ditch the inventory rubber bushings for heim joints.

After dropping the gearbox, DeNofa put in a stronger clutch, beefed-up 2nd, third, and 4th gears, and welded the differential, all of which was surprisingly easy. He selected to go together with a Cayman with a turbocharged flat-four quite than a naturally aspirated flat-six for the large energy potential for the boosted engine. Right now, they’re working about 400 hp over the inventory 350, however the objective is to get nearer to 600. That ought to require a brand new exhaust, which is already fitted to the automobile, and a brand new turbocharger.

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This will not be a Formula Drift automobile, so DeNofa is making an attempt to maintain as many Porsche elements as attainable. Aside from a cage, seats, harnesses, and naturally, a hydraulic handbrake, the inside is being saved inventory. He’ll possible do away with the small radiators forward of the entrance wheels for a bigger unit to be mounted at an angle within the entrance trunk a la the brand new 911 GT3 RS. That’s to maintain the radiator much less uncovered to impacts. DeNofa assumes it will need cooling upgrades too.

There was additionally the matter of electronics. With any trendy automobile, all of the programs discuss to 1 one other, and while you begin messing with one, the remainder go haywire. DeNofa does not go into particulars, however it took plenty of work to primarily “unlock” the automobile for it for use for this goal.

We’re excited to see this construct unfold. DeNofa dives deep on all of the points of the automobile right here, and there is a lot past cool sideways pictures of the automobile. Though, we’re blissful watching drift pictures again and again.

News

What You Didn’t Know About The Cars From Fast And Furious: Tokyo Drift

December 7, 2023 David

Summary

Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift is probably the most influential movie within the collection for celebrating vehicles, with tons of of JDM vehicles imported for authenticity.
Sean’s ’71 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, with 800HP, was modified to maintain up with the Dodge Viper within the opening race sequence.
The movie options iconic JDM vehicles like Han’s Mazda RX-7 with a 1.3L turbocharged engine, and D.Ok.’s Nissan 350Z with a twin-turbo V6, each that includes Veilside physique kits.

Out of each movie/franchise throughout all types of media, no title holds as particular of a spot in Gearhead’s hearts as the Fast and Furious series. Each movie has handled us to some lovely vehicles which have grown into cult classics resulting from these movies, however the third installment, Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift, is extensively considered one of the vital influential movie when it comes to celebrating vehicles, being the favourite for therefore many followers.

Due to the movie being set in Japan, therefore the title, it got here as no shock that Universal Studios made probably the most of the iconic, vibrant JDM scene. Very few nations have seen their vehicles make such a cultural influence that they’ve made waves throughout the globe, with the modding/tuning of those vehicles being an enormous issue within the JDM’s reputation. For the movie, tons of of JDM vehicles needed to be imported to southern California the place 95 p.c of the movie was shot to create probably the most genuine movie potential, with a few of these vehicles now being probably the most beloved and desired all through your entire franchise.

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In order to provide the latest and correct info potential, this text discussing the vehicles of The Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift was compiled utilizing info from sources reminiscent of Road and Track and Craig Lieberman’s YouTube channel, the technical advisor for the primary two movies within the franchise.

1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

Sean’s Character-Defining Amrican Muscle Car

Despite nearly all of the movie being set in Tokyo, the opening sequence is ready in America. We’re rapidly launched to the principle character, Sean (performed by Lucas Black), and his present automotive, a fairly worn-down 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Sean quickly finds himself in a race towards a model new Dodge Viper, a sequence that made many fall in love with the Monte Carlo even when it is solely on-screen for a couple of minutes. To permit the ’71 Monte Carlo to maintain up with the Viper and seize the pictures wanted for the race, the manufacturing crew needed to make some modifications to the muscle automotive.

Performance Specifications for Sean’s Chevrolet Monte Carlo

Engine	9.3-Liter 572 Cubic-Inch Big Block V-8
Transmission	4-Speed Manual
Horsepower	800 HP
Torque	N/A
Driveline	RWD
0-60 MPH	4.4 Seconds
Top Speed	118 MPH

(Data was collected by a number of sources)

Immense Amounts Of Power To Keep Sean In The Race

The manufacturing crew needed to construct 11 copies of Sean’s Monte Carlo, so they’d sufficient vehicles to destroy within the sequence that had no scarcity of vehicular carnage. Craig Lieberman, the technical advisor for the primary three Fast and Furious movies spoke about this particular automotive from Tokyo Drift, explaining that one of many fashions had a large 9.3-liter 572 cubic-inch large block V-8, which managed to provide upwards of 800 horsepower.

It’s protected to say that there was lots to maintain up with the Viper as they raced via the development website. Not all of the Monte Carlo’s featured within the movie, produced the identical quantity of energy, with others having 560 horsepower and 509. This automotive was an ideal technique to show Sean’s style in vehicles and create an important distinction for when he landed in Japan.

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1997 Mazda RX-7

Han’s Iconic Orange And Black JDM Special

In the JDM world, there have been a number of producers who’ve produced some good, groundbreaking sports activities vehicles that set new requirements for the nation, with Mazda most undoubtedly being one in every of them. When fascinated by the vehicles that characteristic in Tokyo Drift, Han’s (played by Sung Kang) jaw-dropping orange and black RX-7 will virtually at all times spring to thoughts. The RX-7 itself remains to be one of the vital desired and admired JDM vehicles to ever be launched, with Han’s automotive honoring the JDM heritage via its modifications and upgrades.

Performance Specifications for Han’s Mazda RX-7

Engine	1.3-Liter HKS Turbocharged 13B Rotary
Transmission	4-Speed Manual
Horsepower	300 HP
Torque	256 LB-FT
Driveline	RWD
0-60 MPH	5.2 Seconds
Top Speed	155 MPH

(Data was collected from varied sources)

Rivals Brian’s Skylines For The Best JDM In The Franchise

The RX-7’s most blatant and hanging characteristic was its Veilside physique package, which only amplified the smooth curves of the RX-7 whereas growing a singular identification for the particular automotive. As properly because the Veilside package which added almost a foot to the general width of the automotive, the Mazda additionally featured an HKS turbocharger, bigger brakes, nitrous (in fact), and a titanium exhaust system, all to maximise efficiency and drifting capabilities.

The 13B rotary engine beneath the hood additionally produced round 300 horsepower and 256 pound-feet of torque, making the specs not too dissimilar to the usual 1997 base mannequin. Another aspect of this automotive that makes it a lot extra of an genuine alternative for the movie is that it was constructed earlier than the movie started manufacturing, being found on the Tokyo Auto Salon in 2004.

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2004 Mazda RX-8

Neela’s Underrated Rotary-Powered Sports Car

As properly because the RX-7, Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift additionally makes fantastic use of the later RX-8 mannequin, which despite not being as popular as the RX-7, the automotive most undoubtedly made a reputation for itself because the automotive of alternative for Neela (performed by Nathalie Kelley). Also make use of a Veilside widebody package, this time with the VSD1-GT package. This package was additionally particularly designed to resist the tough nature of drifting.

Performance Specifications for Neela’s Mazda RX-8

Engine	1.3-Liter T618Z Turbocharged 13B-MSP Rotary
Transmission	6-Speed Manual
Horsepower	305 HP
Torque	N/A
Driveline	RWD
0-60 MPH	6.7 Seconds
Top Speed	149 MPH

(Data was collected from Craig Lieberman and varied sources)

A Unique Appearance For One Of The Best Dritfing Moments

One of probably the most notable options of the package was the huge front-mount intercooler in between the curves of the entrance bumper, which was wanted to chill down the T618Z turbocharger. Other modifications included a dual-muffler turbo-back exhaust system, all of which allowed the black and blue RX-8 to slip via the mountains in that iconic scene.

Orange 1994 Toyota Supra driven by Paul Walker in Fast And Furious

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2002 Nissan 350Z

The Intimidating Yet Stunning Ride For DK

If the protagonists of the movie have the beautiful vehicles that they do in Tokyo Drift, it is solely becoming for the antagonist to have an equally memorable automotive, that when once more honors the tuners’ legacy within the JDM scene. D.Ok., that means Drift King, is performed by Brian Tee, who earned his title behind the wheel of the black 2003 Nissan 350Z nicknamed ‘Hero 1’.

This automotive is undoubtedly one of the vital memorable all through your entire movie, with its matte and gloss black livery making an announcement each time it seems on-screen. As with many different JDMs on this movie, D.Ok.’s 350Z additionally encompasses a Veilside widebody package, with this ‘Version 3’ package serving to outline the automotive because the intimidating, highly effective machine that it’s.

Performance Specifications for D.Ok.’s Nissan 350Z

Engine	3.5-Liter DOHC Twin-Turbocharged V-6
Transmission	6-Speed Manual
Horsepower	430 HP
Torque	420 LB-FT
Driveline	RWD
0-60 MPH	5.7 Seconds
Top Speed	155 MPH

(Data was collected from Road and Track)

The Perfect Car For An Equally Menacing Villain

As properly because the physique package, the 350Z featured upgrades reminiscent of a full carbon fiber hood, RSR decreasing springs, and a NISMO limited-slip differential, all powered by a mighty twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine developed by APS that delivered 430 horsepower. Compared to the likes of Han’s RX-7 and Neela’s RX-8, the 350Z lit up its rear tires like no different automotive within the movie.

Despite being a automotive constructed for drifting, D.K.’s 350Z managed a 0–60 miles per hour time of just 5.7 seconds throughout a check carried out by Edmunds, a real testomony to the facility that was beneath the hood of this iconic machine. Also, just like different vehicles used within the movie, 11 350Zs had been used all through filming as a result of intensive, excessive scenes the automotive was wanted for.

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2006 Mitsubishi Lancer EVO IX

Sean’s Rally Legend Turned Drifter

As Sean goes via his trials and tribulations in Japan, he will get some fairly badass vehicles alongside the best way. After borrowing and crashing a Fairlady Z33, Sean is met with a 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX in its well-known pink, silver, and black livery. Out of all the principle vehicles used on this movie, Sean’s Evo needed to undergo a number of the largest modifications to show it right into a succesful drifter, moderately than a rally automotive that sticks to the tarmac.

Performance Specifications for Sean’s Mitsubishi Lancer EVO IX

Engine	2.0-Liter DOHC HKS Turbocharged 4G63
Transmission	6-Speed Manual
Horsepower	289 HP
Torque	289 LB-FT
Driveline	RWD
0-60 MPH	7 Seconds
Top Speed	155 MPH

(Data was collected from varied sources)

The Car That Helped Sean Perfect The Art Of Drifting, Up In The Canyons

Instead of a Veilside physique package, this Lancer EVO featured an APR widebody package, giving the automotive a a lot beefier look to make it slot in with the remainder of the JDMs. APR additionally fitted many aero items to spice up the attraction of the automotive even additional.

As properly as exterior modifications, the Lancer EVO additionally wanted to be transformed to an all-wheel-drive so as to slide like a drifter ought to, a job by which RMR was referred to as upon to alter. But it wasn’t only one EVO that wanted to be transformed, nonetheless, all 10 models used for Tokyo Drift needed to undergo the change. Due to this, the EVOs used for the movie had been a lot slower off the road in comparison with AWD EVOs.

This Mid-Engined, Hellcat-Powered 1968 Dodge Charger Is a Perfect Replica of Dom’s Charger in Fast and Furious 9

This one-off, mid-engined Charger is a cool reproduction, and it is even road-legal!

1967 Ford Mustang

The RB26-Swapped American Muscle Car

Avoiding spoilers, Sean’s EVO will get totaled in the direction of the tip of the movie, leaving Sean with no experience for the ultimate race. Instead of a JDM, Sean and his crew take a shell of a 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback and switch it into an almighty drifter. Using a Mustang for Sean’s last automotive is a good name again to his muscle automotive roots, all whereas displaying us a ’67 Mustang, which is arguably the best model ever, in a state of affairs that is hardly ever ever seen.

Performance Specifications

Engine	2.6-Liter Nissan Skyline RB26 Inline-Six
Transmission	5-Speed Manual
Horsepower	340 HP
Torque	264 LB-FT
Driveline	RWD
0-60 MPH	N/A
Top Speed	N/A

(Data was collected from Road and Track)

A Controversial Mechanical Marvel

In a technique to really flip the Mustang right into a drifter, the muscle automotive was swapped with a Nissan Skyline GT-R RB26 inline-six engine (the engine from the Silvia Sean crashed earlier within the movie), making it simply one of the vital splendidly weird vehicles to characteristic within the Fast and Furious franchise.

For added impact, the manufacturing crew additionally added a 430-inch Windsor motor, permitting the Mustang to provide as much as 340 horsepower. The transmission additionally took components from a Nissan, with the five-speed guide being taken from a ’98 Skyline GT-S and bolted to a 9.0-inch Ford rear-end. Despite the modifications that went into creating this automotive, it by no means really did any drifting on display screen, though it was greater than able to doing so.

News

This New Moto Helmet Has An Embedded NFC Medical ID Chip

November 14, 2023 David

Italian helmet maker Caberg just introduced its new Drift Evo II full-face helmet as part of its 2024 collection. It’s ECE 22.06-certified and comes with a load of the features that you’d expect from a modern full-face helmet, but it also comes with one extremely interesting and pretty unique feature (for a moto helmet, at least): An NFC Medical ID embedded in the spoiler.

Caberg collaborated with fellow Italian company FEI (short for “Fast and Ecological Information”) to integrate this functionality into its latest Drift Evo line iteration, the Drift Evo II.

If you use things like Apple Pay, Google Wallet, or Samsung Wallet to pay for things using your smartphone, you probably already have some familiarity with Near-Field Communication (NFC). That’s the same technology that Caberg is using for its new Caberg SOS Medical ID system, which has so far only been announced on the new Drift Evo II lid in the helmet maker’s lineup.

How Does It Work?

Thanks to an NFC chip that’s embedded in the helmet and a sticker on the outside of the helmet that tells first responders where to scan, other people can access your selected personal data, medical information, and emergency contact information if needed. Think of it as a 21st century way to make your critical medical data more accessible in the event of an emergency.

Maybe you’re diabetic, or you’re deathly allergic to penicillin, or you have an important medical condition that first responders need to know about if you’re unable to tell them yourself. For decades, riders have been sticking that information on medical ID cards, bracelets, or other devices to make it more accessible to emergency responders. You always hope that you won’t need it, but you also figure that it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Once a first responder arrives on the scene, they can use their smartphone to scan the chip and view your chosen medical information and emergency contacts.

NFC Medical ID Isn’t New, But it Hasn’t Been Used Much In Motorcycle Helmets

If you’re into mountain biking as well as motorcycling, then it’s possible that you’ve already seen some POC Helmets mountain bike options that have NFC Medical ID functionality. Models including the POC Ventral Air Mips NFC use an NFC Medical ID solution from the Swedish tech company Twiceme that works much the same way.

Twiceme calls its system “Help the Helpers Technology,” allowing your co-riders, bystanders, or first responders to be able to access critical information quickly in the event of an emergency. While the company doesn’t make helmets or other safety gear itself, it’s partnered with several gear manufacturers across multiple fields—from bicycling to construction.

Mountain biking enthusiasts can also find Twiceme’s NFC Medical ID chips in use on helmets from Dainese and O’Neal. The company also announced a partnership with Schuberth in October 2023. Although Schuberth is well known in the motorcycle world, the helmets it has announced so far that will come with Twiceme NFC Medical ID tech will be of the industrial safety and fire varieties.

It’s 2023. Why Isn’t This Tech More Common on Motorcycle Helmets?

6 Photos

Plenty of motorcycle jackets come with a special medical information pocket on the sleeve, where riders can stick the emergency information that they think should be known about them. Many are even waterproof, so they’re more likely to be legible if needed. Also, plenty of riders might have a Medical ID feature set up on their smartphone already—and in 2023, most riders are likely to carry smartphones (just like everyone else).

Also, there’s the constant question of knowledge. If first responders don’t know about this quick and easy way to access vital information, then how useful is it in practice? As an example, Arai and other helmet manufacturers have offered emergency release tabs to quickly remove rider cheek pads and get them safely and carefully out of their helmets for years.

Unfortunately, not every emergency responder is going to know that they’re there. The likelihood is probably higher for medical staff who frequently work at racetracks, but elsewhere, it might not be common knowledge.

If anything, NFC Medical ID systems like the one Caberg is now using are one more helpful idea to add to your arsenal. However, having that information easily available in more than one place might be the best idea of all.

ToyotaUk

Toyota Racing Driver Ken Gushi On His Love of Drift

June 24, 2023 David

Ken Gushi is a racing driver for Team Toyota and a well-known figure in the world of Formula Drift. He has been driving for the series for as long as it has been in the United States, and he has always been behind the wheel of a Toyota.

Gushi expresses his excitement about being partnered with Toyota, stating that it is a dream come true for him. He grew up watching his father race the AE86 Corolla, and his family has always owned Toyota cars. Being able to represent Toyota as an athlete and share his story is something that still makes him feel good even after 15 years.

Gushi, who was born in Japan and now lives in Southern California, competes in Formula Drift with a Toyota GR Supra. He developed his love for drifting at a young age, learning to drive in his father’s Toyota AE86 when he was only 13 years old.

Despite coming from a family with limited financial resources, Gushi’s determination and talent led him to become the youngest competitor in the D1 Grand Prix and Formula Drift championships at the age of 16. He firmly believes that there is no dream too big to pursue.

Throughout his more than a decade-long partnership with Toyota, Gushi has become one of the most recognizable figures in drifting and has played a crucial role in the sport’s growth. He attributes his success to the support he has received from fans and the dedicated team members who have been with him throughout his journey.

Ken Gushi, Moty’s / Three’s Racing Toyota GR86

The Drift Difference

Drifting is a unique form of racing in which drivers maneuver their cars through a marked course while deliberately sliding sideways at high speeds. Unlike other motorsports that focus on speed or time, drifting is judged based on the execution and style of the slides.

In a Formula Drift event, drivers compete in tandem battles in a single-elimination bracket format. The drivers are ranked and placed into a bracket based on their qualifications, determining the pairs for the competition. Each driver competes one-on-one against another, and they are judged on their ability to complete the course with a high angle while maintaining fluidity and forward momentum.

Although drifting originated in Japan, Formula Drift is the first official drifting series in North America, established in 2003. Gushi has been involved in drifting for over 17 seasons and has witnessed the growth of the sport in the United States from its early days. He started his professional career in 2004, competing in the inaugural Formula Drift Championship in the U.S.

For Gushi, drifting is not just a job but a hobby that he is fortunate enough to get paid for. He feels a sense of accomplishment and joy when participating in the sport.

A Series Leader

Gushi has achieved multiple top-three finishes in the Formula Pro Championship standings throughout his career. His first victory was in 2005, which he remembers as a significant accomplishment and a moment of great happiness.

In 2019, as the owner-driver for Ken Gushi Motorsports, he finished 11th in the final standings and secured his first victory since 2005 in the series finale at Irwindale Speedway. His most recent win was in Salt Lake City in 2022.

During the Irwindale event, Gushi began the race in second position with his Toyota 86 and advanced to the Final Four after competing against several other drivers. In the final series, he faced a tough battle but ultimately emerged as the winner at the “House of Drift” in front of his home crowd. The victory holds a special place in his heart and is a moment he will never forget.