Nissan Silvia/240sx

The next feature car is perhaps the most popular and common drift car. It is the Nissan 240sx(US) / Silvia(Japan). The 240sx has 3 different generations. The first gen. is 1989-1994. This is the "S13" chassis. From 1995-1998 is the "S14" chassis. And the latest model found only in Japan is the "S15" chassis. It is an ideal platform for a drift car because of its basic front engine rear-wheel drive layout. It is also a light car and easy to control. Some models even come with a limited slip differential which is essential for a drift car. Also, this is a very popular car to perform "JDM conversions" on. I will go into more detail about what this means in my next post because it is a major part of drift culture.

Specs:
(USDM 240sx S13)
Production Years: 1989-1994
Horsepower: 155hp@5600rpm
Torque: 156lbs/ft@4400rpm
Weight: 2699lbs
Engine: KA24DE, 2.4L Inline


(USDM) 240sx S14)
Production Years: 1995-1998
Horsepower: 155hp@5600rpm
Torque: 156lbs/ft@4400rpm
Weight: 2762lbs
Engine: KA24DE, 2.4L Inline 4

Here's footage from the drift competition i attended.

The Modern Drift Competition

Drifting is emerging as a popular form of motorsport. More and more drift events or competitions are becoming televised and featured in magazines. The most popular drift circuits are the D1 Gran Prix in Japan and Formula D in the US. Its an exciting event to watch. I was at a Formula D event in New Jersey in September of '06. I am hoping to go back again this year. As exciting as it is to watch, it helps to understand the rules so you know what the drivers are being judged on. Drivers start out going one at a time to qualify. Then, drivers go two at a time in a playoff of the top 16 qualifiers.

Here are the rules/judging criteria as taken from Formula D:
A. Basics (qualifying)
1. Line: The ideal line a driver should take throughout the course; determined by the judges.
2. Speed: The speed a driver is able to maintain throughout the course. A large percentage of the score is based on entry speed.
3. Angle: The angle which a driver can maintain and control throughout the course.
4. Impact: The energy and excitement a driver maintains throughout the run.
-Judges want to see a driver show good control of his vehicle throughout the run.A driver’s entry is the most important element in determining a driver’s performance during the run because it entails all 4 of the judged criteria.

B. Tandem Drift (finals/playoff rounds)
1. Lead car: The lead car should have a run as good as or better then their qualifying run based on the basics listed above. He sets the pace for the following car.
2. Following car: The following car should try to pressure the lead car by maintaining the same or better line as the lead car.
3. Passing : Although not encouraged, if the lead car goes off of his line and it is safe, as pass may be executed.
4. If there is a collision the driver at fault will lose points.

C. Mistakes
Spinning out, going off course, or not following the desired line will all result in point deductions.

Now you understand. Watch a competition!

Toyota Corolla Levin/ Sprinter Trueno (AE86)

The first feature car is the Toyota Corolla Levin/ Sprinter Trueno (AE86). This is one the the original cars used for drifting. It has been immortalized by Japanese cartoons and films about drifting. The most well known is Initial D (a classic anime series about drifting). Although not the most powerful or prettiest drift car, the AE86 is admired as one of the best platforms for a drift machine.

You might be looking at the name and thinking, "Why is it so long?" Well just to clarify, The car is a Toyota Corolla. The "Levin" and "Sprinter Trueno" labels are simply different models of the car in Japan. In the US, they are the SR5 and GT-S models. And if that part gets confusing, "AE86" is the chassis code used to identify the car. So when all else fails, just say "AE86"

Vehicle Specs:
(US Toyota Corolla GT-S AE86)
Horsepower: 112hp @ 6600rpm
Torque: 97 lbs/ft @ 4400rpm
Weight: approx. 2200-2400lbs
Engine: 4A-GEC, 1587cc DOHC 16 valve inline 4, multiport feul injection
Differential: 6.7" open or optional LSD w/ 4.30:1 ratio

The Machines!

There are many different cars used for drifting. Pretty much any rear-wheel drive car can be used if set up properly. Anyone who is new to the sport may get confused with the different types of cars involved. From today forward I will start to feature one or two cars a week in order get you acquainted with the most popular drift cars.