Fast and Furious Tokyo Drift Cars: The Stars Of The Streets

As car enthusiasts, we know the craze of fast and furious movies. The Fast and Furious franchise is known for showcasing incredible cars in Tokyo Drift. Tokyo Drift is the third part of the series, highlighting the underground world of drift racing, a style that prioritizes precision, speed, and style. The cars featured in this movie have become legends in the automotive world, admired for their sleek designs and modified power. Let’s dive into the key players of the streets, the unforgettable Fast and Furious Tokyo Drift cars.

1. Mazda RX-7 VeilSide Fortune

Hen's Mazda RX-7 VeilSide Fortune | Fast and Furious Tokyo Drift cars — Tokyo Drift Cars

One of the most iconic cars from Tokyo Drift is Han’s Mazda RX-7, equipped with a VeilSide Fortune widebody kit. The RX-7 already had a reputation as a fan favorite for its lightweight design and impressive handling. But in Tokyo Drift, the car was elevated to an almost mythical status. The VeilSide kit gave the RX-7 a striking appearance, transforming it into a sleek, aggressive machine that looked right at home on Tokyo’s streets.

Feature	Specification
Engine	1.3L twin-turbocharged rotary engine
Horsepower	276 HP
Drivetrain	Rear-wheel drive
Body Kit	VeilSide Fortune widebody kit
Performance	High-revving rotary engine, lightweight design

Powered by a twin-turbocharged rotary engine, the RX-7 became known for its ease of navigating tight corners, making it ideal for drift racing. In the film, this car is more than just Han’s ride. It symbolizes his laid-back, confident approach to both life and racing. Han’s RX-7 from Tokyo Drift is an iconic car, often replicated for its perfect blend of form and function.

Pro Tip: Capital Exotic has a luxury car fleet where you can find your dream car and rent it to drive.

2. Nissan 350Z

Nissan 350Z | Tokyo Drift Cars — Tokyo Drift Cars

Takashi, also known as the “Drift King” or DK, drove the sinister Nissan 350Z, a car that lives up to its fierce reputation in the world of drift racing. In the movie, Takashi’s car had a commanding presence, not just due to its sleek black paint job. Powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine with up to 300 horsepower, the Nissan 350Z could unleash serious power.

Feature	Specification
Engine	3.5L V6
Horsepower	287-300 HP
Drivetrain	Rear-wheel drive
Body Kit	Enhanced balance for drifting
Performance	Custom suspension, wider tires

What set this car apart wasn’t just its power but the modifications it underwent to be drift-ready. This Nissan 350Z, equipped with upgraded suspension and wider tires, dominated the streets of Tokyo in the film. It cemented its place as one of the most feared cars in Tokyo Drift. For many, Takashi’s 350Z is the ultimate representation of performance and style in the drift scene.

3. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX

Sean Boswell’s Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX - Tokyo Drift — Tokyo Drift Cars

Sean Boswell’s entry into the world of Tokyo drift culture is marked by his ride in the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX. The Evo IX was an all-wheel-drive beast known for its rally heritage with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. This car was perfect for drifting in the movie because of its agility and precise handling, which allowed Sean to hone his skills throughout the film.

Feature	Specification
Engine	2.0L turbocharged inline-4
Horsepower	286 HP
Drivetrain	All-wheel drive (converted to rear-wheel drive for film)
Body Kit	Turbocharged power, rally-bred handling
Performance	Rear-wheel drive conversion for drifting scenes

Interestingly, while the Evo IX is primarily an all-wheel-drive vehicle, the movie’s stunt team converted it to rear-wheel drive to make it more suitable for drift scenes. This modification enabled the car to pull off the impressive drifts seen on screen. The Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX’s role in Tokyo Drift was not just a means of transportation but a symbol of Sean’s growth from an outsider to a skilled racer. The Evo IX is highly respected for its raw power among all the Fast and Furious Tokyo Drift cars.

4. Nissan Silvia S15

Nissan Silvia S15, also known as Mona Lisa | Fast and Furious — Tokyo Drift Cars

The Nissan Silvia S15, also known as “Mona Lisa” is another standout from the movie. Gifted to Sean by Han early on, this car was destroyed in an early race but left a lasting impression. The Silvia S15 is legendary in the drift community, known for its lightweight chassis and incredible balance. In Tokyo Drift, it was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, giving it the speed and agility necessary for navigating the winding streets of Tokyo.

Feature	Specification
Engine	2.0L turbocharged inline-4
Horsepower	250 HP
Drivetrain	Rear-wheel drive
Body Kit	Superior balance, lightweight chassis
Performance	Drift-tuned suspension, iconic “Mona Lisa” design

The nickname “Mona Lisa” reflects the car’s beauty, and it became a symbol of Sean’s entry. The Silvia S15 may not have lasted long in the movie, but it remains a beloved car from Tokyo Drift. Fans admire it for its sleek design and performance capabilities.

5. Ford Mustang Fastback (RB26)

The climax of Tokyo Drift brought perhaps one of the most unexpected cars into the spotlight, the 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback. This car’s hybrid nature made it unique, featuring an American muscle car fitted with a Japanese engine, the Nissan RB26 from a Skyline GT-R. This fusion of muscle and precision made the Mustang an absolute beast on the streets.

Feature	Specification
Engine	2.6L twin-turbocharged inline-6 (Nissan RB26)
Horsepower	Estimated 320+ HP
Drivetrain	Rear-wheel drive
Body Kit	A combination of American muscle and Japanese engineering
Performance	RB26 engine swap, custom suspension for drifting

In the final showdown, this Tokyo Drift muscle car had to hold its own against more agile, lightweight drift cars. The Mustang, with its powerful engine and modified suspension, didn’t just survive. It showcased that even a heavy American muscle car could dominate the streets of Tokyo with the right modifications.

Related Article: Top 10 Great American Muscle Cars Of All Time

The Impact of Fast and Furious Tokyo Drift Cars

The impact of the Fast and Furious Tokyo Drift cars on car culture is undeniable. The film introduced mainstream audiences to drifting, a sport mainly confined to Japan before its release. By featuring cars like the Nissan Silvia S15 and the Mazda RX-7, Tokyo Drift highlighted the importance of precision, skill, and customization in street racing.

Here’s a list of the notable cars featured in Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift:

Nissan Silvia S15 (The Mona Lisa) – Driven by Sean Boswell.
Mazda RX-7 Veilside Fortune – Driven by Han Lue.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX – Driven by Sean Boswell.
Nissan 350Z – Driven by DK (Drift King, Takashi).
Ford Mustang Fastback (1967) – Driven by Sean Boswell, with a Nissan RB26 engine swap.
Mazda RX-8 – Driven by Neela.
Toyota Chaser JZX100 – Used by Morimoto.
Nissan Fairlady Z (Z33) – Another model driven by DK.
Chevrolet Monte Carlo (1971) – Driven by Sean in the opening scenes.
Volkswagen Touran – Han’s gang uses this car.
Plymouth Road Runner – Briefly featured with Han Lue.

The movie inspired a generation of car enthusiasts to try drifting. Many cars from the film became popular for modifications. Whether the RX-7’s sleek design or the Mustang’s raw power, Tokyo Drift cars continue to influence car culture today.

Wrapping Up

The cars used in Fast and Furious Tokyo Drift were more than just vehicles. They were integral characters that helped define the film’s legacy. Each car, from Han’s Mazda RX-7 to Sean’s hybrid Ford Mustang, brought something unique to the table, capturing the attention of car enthusiasts worldwide. These Fast and Furious Tokyo Drift cars have left a lasting mark on car culture, drifting, and the world of cinematic automobiles.