If you’ve been following the global drifting scene, then you should be familiar with Norwegian drifting star Fredric Aasbo, who appeared at last year’s Red Bull World Drift Championship in his JZA80 Toyota Supra. Fredric and the Japan Auto team actually liked the American drifting experience so much that they decided to leave the Supra in SoCal for future use, and that meant they needed to put a new car together for use back home in Northern Europe.
Since they already had some experience with the JZA80 chassis, it was decided that another Supra would be the best choice. A 1995 JDM non-turbo Supra was located and quickly torn down for its transformation into a proper drift car.
As with any pro drift car, a full tower-to-tower cage adds both driver protection and additional chassis rigidity.
This is what the car looked like as it was readied for paint.
The new car will have a few interesting aero bits, including what Fredric calls “a beefy old school alloy wing.”
Another interesting touch is this roof scoop, which Fredric says will be used to help keep the cockpit pressurized and smoke-free.
How about a leopard skin fabric cover for the dash? The new car certainly won’t be lacking in personality.
The JZA80 Supra has never been known for its lightness, and this car will be running a carbon hood and trunk to trim some of that extra fat. The team actually considered doing a pickup-truck style conversion to the rear, but opted for the more traditional setup for now.
The engine hasn’t been put in yet, but it will be the tried and true Toyota 2JZGTE with a V-mount intercooler setup.
And finally, a rendering of what the completed car should look like. We are looking forward to seeing the new Supra on the track in Europe AND to seeing Fredric come back to the United States for more drift events this year.
For more on the build, check out Fredric’s official website.
-Mike Garrett