JDM: Japanese Drift Master Unveils Physics 2.0 Alongside Huge Improvements For Players Using Steering Wheels

By Bill Jefferies
July 25, 2025
Reading time: 3 minutes

JDM: Japanese Drift Master is gearing up for a massive physics overhaul in its upcoming patch. 

JDM: Japanese Drift Master Unveils Physics 2.0 Alongside Huge Improvements For Players Using Steering Wheels - Image 5
Physics 2.0 addresses the biggest issues that fans have expressed with the game.
Image credit: JDM: Japanese Drift Master | Physics 2.0

Alongside the recent improvements announced by the Gaming Factory team, ‘Physics 2.0’ aims to drastically enhance the feel of tire grip, suspension, braking, and airborne moments in the game.

You’ll notice the changes whether you play with a keyboard, controller, or steering wheel in both drifting and grip racing scenarios. However, this time, it’ll be steering wheel users who will see the biggest benefits from the improvements.


What To Expect From Physics 2.0

Physics 2.0 rebuilds JDM’s tire and suspension model from scratch, tightens up spring-damper response, and re-tunes the brakes.

Gravity tweaks also mean you’ll notice firmer landings after jumps (big or small) and more realistic crash impacts.

JDM: Japanese Drift Master Unveils Physics 2.0 Alongside Huge Improvements For Players Using Steering Wheels - Image 6
There aren’t many games where you get to slide through the city streets with flames shooting out of the Bosozoku exhaust on your RX-7!
Image credit: JDM: Japanese Drift Master | Physics 2.0

With the suspension tweaks, you’ll know exactly when you’re nearing the traction limits, rather than experiencing the ‘floaty’ feeling that has been present up until now.

The braking overhaul means the brake pedal now responds instantly to your input, with sharper bite across all speed ranges.


Arcade vs Simcade Refinements

JDM: Japanese Drift Master Unveils Physics 2.0 Alongside Huge Improvements For Players Using Steering Wheels - Image 7
These new improvements should make tandems and trains much more refined and predictable.
Image credit: JDM: Japanese Drift Master | Physics 2.0

With the update, they’ve also pushed the two in-game drifting models further apart, making each more distinctive.

  • Arcade mode now offers an even more ‘arcadey vibe’ than before. Drifting the tight touge sections remains smooth and stress-free.
  • Simcade steps up the realism without being as challenging as a full-blown drifting sim, such as Assetto Corsa.

Why It’ll Be A Huge Improvement For Wheel Drifters

JDM: Japanese Drift Master Unveils Physics 2.0 Alongside Huge Improvements For Players Using Steering Wheels - Image 8
The video demonstrating the new physics shows what to expect. If they feel as good as they look, wheel users will be in for a treat!
Image credit: JDM: Japanese Drift Master | Physics 2.0

Beyond the physics improvements, the force-feedback support also gets a huge upgrade.

You’ll find new FFB settings to fine-tune just about every aspect you can think of, alongside improved plug-and-play presets for those who prefer an instant setup.

JDM: Japanese Drift Master Unveils Physics 2.0 Alongside Huge Improvements For Players Using Steering Wheels - Image 9
The patch offers a vast selection of fully adjustable tweaks, allowing you to choose the perfect settings for your wheel setup.
Image credit: JDM: Japanese Drift Master | Physics 2.0

The custom FFB profiles arrive with the next patch, and the factory presets are expected to follow by late summer.

You can see the JDM: Japanese Drift Master Physics 2.0 in action in this video:

As always with physics updates, it’s impossible to see the changes from images or videos. So, if you’ve ever felt the in-game drifting could be improved, now’s the time to jump back in and give JDM a second chance.

It’s great to see the team is clearly eager to continue improving and seeks further feedback from the community, stating, “We want to build the best simcade racing game out there and we cannot do it without your help.”

You can check out the full details of the upcoming patch here.

Written by:

Published on:

July 25, 2025

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.