DriftHQ Builds A Drifting Tesla, And It’s Shockingly Good
The team at DriftHQ just answered several questions we’ve been wondering for a while, by making a Tesla “suck a little bit less” by turning it into a proper drift car. Thankfully, the build isn’t a half-baked bodge job, either.
They’re currently working alongside Wisefab to develop new parts specifically for the drift EV market. We’ve been wondering when this day would come, and honestly, we’re still not quite sure how we feel about it!
After the team’s initial attempts at drifting the stock Tesla fail miserably, they go all-in on making it sideways-ready.
Be warned, though, that they spent time understanding the high-voltage system before touching anything, so don’t try this at home without doing your research first! (Hint: Keep your eye out for orange cables!)
Image credit: We built a Drift Tesla - and it’s WAY too GOOD!
As they start to pull the EV apart, it’s fascinating to see the entire stock suspension pull out as one piece. However, the most shocking part was discovering that the upper control arm is made of… Plastic! We’re all for weight-saving, but that’s a brave move.
Anyway, that was all gone shortly after, since the transformation involved replacing the stock setup for BC Racing coilovers, Wisefab’s trademark blue full arm kit, tie rods, and a BMW steering rack swap. The last bit is crucial because the stock Tesla steering only gives you one full turn in each direction (not exactly drift-friendly).
Image credit: We built a Drift Tesla - and it’s WAY too GOOD!
They also added a dual caliper setup and hydraulic handbrake for proper rear lockup. Meanwhile, the factory open differential got swapped for a Quaife helical limited-slip (LSD), which works perfectly with the electric motors since they make instant torque.
Image credit: We built a Drift Tesla - and it’s WAY too GOOD!
During the build, they encountered clearance issues since their US model differed from the European Tesla that Wisefab used for development (since they’re based in Estonia). Figuring out the ideal fitment is one of the reasons they’re undertaking this project.
Image credit: We built a Drift Tesla - and it’s WAY too GOOD!
The results? As the team, including Adam LZ and Collete, take turns, everyone agrees that it feels “really freaking good” and “super natural to drive” – even stating that it’s “way too easy” to drift.
Image credit: We built a Drift Tesla - and it’s WAY too GOOD!
The weight distribution works surprisingly well, too, as they link up the corners, while claiming it feels lighter than it actually is. Needless to say, it looks shockingly capable!
Image credit: We built a Drift Tesla - and it’s WAY too GOOD!
For us, the weirdest part of drifting EVs remains hearing the tire squeal with zero engine noise or limiter sounds when going sideways. You’ve gotta hear it. We’re not sure we’ll ever fully adapt to that part! Noise is such a big part of the drama with drifting, and it’s bizarre without having the correct soundtrack.
Image credit: We built a Drift Tesla - and it’s WAY too GOOD!
That said, given how fast electric cars are depreciating and given that aftermarket support is now (gradually) growing, we might finally be looking at EVs becoming the next cheap drift cars of the future. We’re always encouraging of something a little different!
LZ has already said he wants to build a second Tesla if the video hits 10,000 likes. So, since they’re already at 20k in just a few days, bring on the drift EV tandems at the compound!
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Bill is a writer and photographer who has been part of the Drifted team since 2015. His work extends to various print and online publications, including Wangan Warriors.
As part of the King of Nations team, he traveled extensively for several years, capturing top-tier international drift events worldwide. His hands-on experience, including rebuilding his own Nissan Silvia S15 drift car, gives him unique insights into drift car building and global drift culture.
When not behind the lens or keyboard, Bill can be found browsing classifieds for his next JDM project or shredding virtual tires on popular simulators like Assetto Corsa, CarX, and Forza.
You can learn more about Bill’s story here or follow his socials on X (formerly Twitter), Flickr, Facebook, and Instagram.
