Toyota: The Legendary Drift Heritage That Started It All
When enthusiasts talk about drift cars, Toyota is the name that built the foundation. From the mountain passes of Japan to competitive drift circuits worldwide, Toyota has produced some of the most iconic drift machines in history. The AE86 Corolla wrote the rulebook for lightweight drift dynamics, while the legendary 2JZ engine became synonymous with bulletproof power. Today, Toyota's drift legacy continues to inspire builds across every skill level, from grassroots to professional competition.
The AE86 Corolla: Where Drift Culture Was Born
The Toyota AE86 Sprinter Trueno and Corolla Levin aren't just drift cars—they're cultural icons. Produced from 1983 to 1987, the AE86 combined a lightweight chassis (under 2,400 lbs), front-engine rear-wheel-drive layout, and the high-revving 4A-GE engine to create the perfect drift platform. Keiichi Tsuchiya, the "Drift King," made the AE86 legendary through his mountain pass videos, proving that driver skill matters more than horsepower. Popular modifications include coilovers, welded or 2-way LSDs, angle kits, and header-back exhaust systems. The AE86 remains the most sought-after entry-level drift car, with pristine examples commanding premium prices.
Supra and the 2JZ/1JZ Power Revolution
The Toyota Supra, particularly the A80 chassis (1993-2002), brought serious power to the drift scene with the legendary 2JZ-GTE inline-six engine. Known for handling 1,000+ horsepower on stock internals, the 2JZ became the gold standard for drift builds requiring serious torque. The earlier A70 Supra and chassis like the JZX90/JZX100 Mark II, Chaser, and Cresta brought 1JZ-GTE and 2JZ-GTE power to more affordable platforms. These JZ-powered sedans are drift favorites in Japan and increasingly popular worldwide. Common upgrades include single turbo conversions, upgraded fuel systems, coilovers, and aggressive angle kits. The Supra's appearance in The Fast and the Furious cemented its status in global car culture.
Modern Toyota in Competitive Drifting
Toyota's drift influence continues with the GT86/GR86 platform (developed with Subaru), which brought back the affordable, lightweight, rear-wheel-drive spirit of the AE86. Formula Drift features numerous Toyota-powered builds, from Fredric Aasbo's championship-winning Supra to modified GT86 chassis running turbocharged FA20 or 2JZ engine swaps. The aftermarket support for Toyota drift platforms is unmatched—every part from steering angle kits to carbon fiber aero is readily available. Whether you're building a weekend grassroots car or a professional competition machine, Toyota's engineering and the enthusiast community's knowledge make it one of the most reliable choices in drift racing.