Master the Art of Drifting: How to Drift a Subaru Impreza Like a Pro

The Subaru Impreza, a car known for its rally heritage and all-wheel-drive prowess, is a natural choice for drifting enthusiasts. With its balanced handling, responsive throttle, and a reputation for being incredibly tunable, the Impreza offers a platform ripe for sideways shenanigans. But mastering the art of drifting a Subaru Impreza requires more than just throwing it into a corner and hoping for the best. It’s about understanding the car’s dynamics, developing proper technique, and respecting the power and potential of this legendary machine. This guide will walk you through the essential steps on how to drift a Subaru Impreza, from preparation to execution, ensuring you can unleash the drift demon within.

The Foundation: Preparing Your Subaru Impreza for Drifting

Before you can start flinging your Impreza into glorious slides, you need to lay the groundwork. This involves modifying the car to handle the demands of drifting and ensuring your safety.

1. Suspension Setup: The Cornerstone of Control

A well-tuned suspension is paramount for drifting. You’ll want to adjust the following:

• Lowering the car: This reduces body roll and improves handling.
• Stiffening the springs: This provides a more responsive and predictable ride.
• Adjusting camber: This helps keep the tires in contact with the road during cornering.
• Upgrading to adjustable coilover suspension: This allows for fine-tuning the suspension to your specific driving style and track conditions.

2. Tires: The Grip and Slide Equation

Drifting is all about controlled tire slip, so choosing the right tires is crucial.

• Drift-specific tires: These tires are designed to break loose easily and provide predictable slides.
• Tire pressure: Adjusting tire pressure can significantly impact the car’s handling. Lowering tire pressure can increase the tire’s contact patch, providing more grip, while higher pressure can reduce grip and encourage drifting.

3. Powertrain: Unleashing the Potential

While the Impreza’s stock engine is capable, many drifters opt for modifications to increase power and torque.

• Engine tuning: Remapping the engine’s ECU can unlock more power and responsiveness.
• Turbocharger upgrades: Upgrading the turbocharger can significantly boost horsepower and torque.
• Exhaust system: A free-flowing exhaust system can improve engine breathing and enhance the exhaust note.

4. Safety First: Gear Up for the Ride

Drifting can be exhilarating, but it’s also inherently risky.

• Roll cage: A roll cage adds structural rigidity to the car and protects you in the event of a rollover.
• Racing harness: A racing harness keeps you securely in place during aggressive maneuvers.
• Fire extinguisher: A fire extinguisher is essential in case of an engine fire.
• Helmet: A helmet protects your head in the event of an accident.

Mastering the Technique: From Initiation to Control

Now that your Impreza is ready, it’s time to learn the techniques that will allow you to control the dance of drifting.

1. Initiation: The Art of the Break

The initiation of a drift is crucial. This is where you induce the slide.

• Trail braking: This technique involves applying the brakes while steering into the corner, causing the rear wheels to lose traction.
• Handbrake turn: This involves pulling the handbrake while steering into the corner, causing the rear wheels to lock up and initiate the slide.

2. Counter-Steering: The Dance of the Wheel

Once the slide is initiated, you need to control it.

• Counter-steering: This involves steering in the opposite direction of the slide to maintain a controlled drift.
• Throttle control: Using the throttle to adjust the angle of the drift and maintain momentum.

3. Transition: Smoothly Shifting Gears

As you drift, you’ll need to shift gears to maintain momentum and control.

• Smooth gear changes: Avoid abrupt shifting, as this can disrupt the drift.
• Clutch control: Using the clutch to feather the throttle and maintain a smooth transition between gears.

The Drifting Playground: Choosing Your Location

Finding the right location is key to safe and enjoyable drifting.

• Empty parking lot: A large, empty parking lot provides a safe space to practice your skills.
• Drift track: Drift tracks offer a controlled environment with specialized surfaces designed for drifting.
• Public roads: Drifting on public roads is illegal and extremely dangerous.

The Drifting Journey: From Beginner to Pro

Mastering drifting takes time and practice.

• Start with basic techniques: Begin with simple initiation and control techniques in a safe environment.
• Gradually increase difficulty: As you gain confidence, you can progressively tackle more challenging maneuvers.
• Seek guidance: Consider taking lessons from experienced drifters or attending drift events to learn from the best.

The Legacy of Drifting: Honoring the Subaru Impreza’s Heritage

Drifting is more than just a driving technique; it’s a celebration of car control, precision, and a deep connection with the machine. The Subaru Impreza, with its rally-bred heritage and all-wheel-drive prowess, is perfectly suited for this exhilarating dance. By understanding the car’s dynamics, mastering the techniques, and respecting the power and potential of this legendary machine, you can unleash the drift demon within and experience the true joy of drifting a Subaru Impreza.

What You Need to Learn

1. What is the best Subaru Impreza model for drifting?

The Subaru Impreza WRX STI is generally considered the best model for drifting due to its high horsepower, all-wheel-drive system, and robust chassis.

2. What are the essential modifications for drifting a Subaru Impreza?

Essential modifications include a well-tuned suspension, drift-specific tires, engine tuning, and safety equipment like a roll cage and racing harness.

3. Is it safe to drift a Subaru Impreza on public roads?

No, drifting on public roads is illegal and extremely dangerous. It’s crucial to only drift in controlled environments like empty parking lots or drift tracks.

4. How long does it take to learn how to drift a Subaru Impreza?

Learning to drift takes time and practice. It’s a gradual process that involves mastering basic techniques, gradually increasing difficulty, and seeking guidance from experienced drifters.

5. What are some tips for beginners learning to drift?

Start with basic techniques like trail braking and handbrake turns in a safe environment. Gradually increase the difficulty of your maneuvers as you gain confidence. Seek guidance from experienced drifters or attend drift events to learn from the best.