Modified Toyota Drift 86 in the UAE - An Exciting Experience for Drift Enthusiasts

Modified Toyota Drift 86 - An Exciting Experience for Drift Enthusiasts

Dubai, UAE, November 13, 2012: The Toyota Drift Team in the UAE, in collaboration with Al-Futtaim Motors, officially embarked on their professional drifting journey by unveiling the Toyota Drift 86. This modified version of the Toyota 86 will be driven by the drift champion of the UAE, Ahmed Al-Amri, during the upcoming drift racing championship in the region.

The launch event took place alongside the opening of the new Toyota showroom on Sheikh Zayed Road on November 5, attended by senior officials from Al-Futtaim Motors, representatives from Toyota Motor Corporation, and a host of media personnel.

Toyota Drift 86 Specifications

The modified Toyota Drift 86 is designed to thrill drift racing enthusiasts with its striking appearance, powerful engine roar, and outstanding drifting capabilities, meeting the highest global standards for drift racing and the safety regulations set by the FIA.

Management Comments

Simon Freeth, Managing Director of Al-Futtaim Motors, commented: "Al-Futtaim Motors Toyota is proud to embrace this project and support a sport that is gaining popularity day by day. Ahmed Al-Amri serves as an inspiration to many Toyota 86 fans in the UAE. With the modifications made to the car, we are confident it will help him secure more trophies and medals one after another."

Ahmed Al-Amri's Passion

Ahmed Al-Amri stated: "I grew up with a deep love for cars, and drifting has always been my passion. Today marks the second step towards realizing my dream of leading a professional team and driving the Toyota 86, which is very close to the hearts of all drift drivers. My Toyota Drift 86 would not have been possible without the strong support from Al-Futtaim Motors Toyota."

Al-Amri added: "I want to take this opportunity to thank Al-Futtaim Motors Toyota for the trust their management has placed in our team and for providing us with the support we need to complete this project."

Safety and Performance Standards

To comply with the highest global safety standards, the Toyota Drift Team has equipped the car with a 16-point roll cage, approved by the FIA, alongside racing seats, safety harnesses, a fire extinguisher, a battery system, upgraded brakes, and suspension—also certified by the FIA.

Key Modifications

Some of the key modifications made to the car include:

• A highly advanced Engine Control Unit (ECU) tuned by one of the best programmers in the Gulf Cooperation Council.
• Upgraded transmission system with a dog-box that allows for sequential upshifts and downshifts without using a clutch.
• A modified Toyota 2JZ engine with a fuel delivery system that increased displacement from 3000cc to 3400cc.
• A turbocharger that has doubled the car's horsepower to over 600 hp.

Cooling System and Performance

Al-Amri remarked: "This process has posed a significant challenge, considering the harsh weather conditions in the region. We wanted to ensure that our car maintains peak performance at all times. Therefore, we had to make numerous modifications to the cooling system to ensure the car remains at a stable and cool temperature throughout the driving experience."

Cooling System Installations

Three essential installations have been customized for the car:

• A balanced rear cooling system to maintain optimal temperatures at all times.
• A front oil cooling system to enhance performance.
• An electronic water pump for smoother water flow to the rear radiator.

Modified Parts List

Here is a list of the modified parts:

• Engine Management System – (Australian - MoTeC) Model: M800: A programming system that manages and controls the car and its components.
• Turbocharger Kit: 35 GTX (Japanese - Garrett) turbocharger.
• Three-way adjustable suspension system: (Japanese - Cusco) – Fully adjustable racing suspension.
• Arms – Stiff Springs: (Japanese - Cusco) Improve the car's balance and grip.
• Carbon Clutch: (American - Carbonetic) – A fully race-specific carbon clutch that is longer-lasting and lighter than traditional clutches.
• Limited Slip Differential: (Japanese - Cusco) – Provides adjustable power distribution to the axles (wheels).
• Roll Cage: (Japanese - Cusco) approved by the FIA (16 points) enhances the car's balance and ensures driver safety at all times.
• Fuel System: Custom-designed (Bosch) – Upgraded the fuel system in the 86 by replacing the fuel pump mounted in the tank.
• Wheels: Custom-designed – Lightweight racing wheels.
• Body and Coating: (Gulf Foil – UAE) – Fixed local welding, enhances the exterior and interior of the car.
• Carbon Fiber Parts: (Japanese - Kyoto TRA) – Rocket Bunny body kit.
• Seats: (Sparco) – FIA-approved bucket seats.
• Oil Cooling System: (Japanese - Trust) – To maintain appropriate oil temperatures at all times.
• Exhaust System and Headers: (Titanium race-specific - American headers and custom-designed exhausts - UAE).
• Brake System: (American - Stop Tech) – One of the most renowned brake system manufacturers globally – fully race-specific system.
• Handbrake: (American - ASD) Hydro handbrake used for rear tire locking.
• Long Block: (Japanese - HKS) – 3.4-liter capacity.
• Sequential Transmission: (Australian - PPG type Dog-box).
• Cooling System: (American - custom-designed).

Al-Amri concluded: "This project required a lot of time, effort, and teamwork. However, I am confident that everyone will be rewarded as the Toyota Drift 86 reaches the front ranks during the upcoming drift championships."