How to Build a Drift Car

If you’ve ever wondered what it took to make a car that could drift like there’s no tomorrow, there’s much more to it than simply putting a powerful engine up front, connected to a rear-wheel drivetrain. In fact, too much power will likely get you into trouble when you’re getting started. It’s more important to have the right type of differential, handbrake, suspension and a form-fitting bucket seat. Only once you’ve proven your driving skills should you consider jumping into a high horsepower engine.

In this video from XCAR, they introduce us to Driftworks Limited owner Phil Morrison, who shows us exactly what it takes to create a race-grade drift car, and shows us the impressive new Toyota AE86 Corolla-based drift car they’ve built for this year’s season. Along the way, we’re treated to some great footage of cars going sideways around the track. Phil is a drift racer himself, and co-founded his company back in 2004 to help improve availability of parts for the budding UK drift scene.

Here’s some bonus footage of their car – dubbed the DW86 – doing what it does best: