Drifting is an art form that combines car control, precision, and a touch of chaos. While most associate drifting with manual transmissions, automatic cars can also get sideways with the right techniques and setup. In fact, modern automatics, especially those with manual shift modes or paddle shifters, can be surprisingly effective for drifting when properly prepared and driven. Let’s break down everything you need to know to drift an automatic car, including the physics, techniques, and car setup.
Understanding the Basics of Drifting
Before diving into the specifics of drifting an automatic car, it’s essential to understand the fundamental principles of drifting:
- Weight Transfer: Drifting starts with a shift in the car’s weight. Whether you initiate with a handbrake, feint motion, or throttle input, the goal is to upset the rear tires’ grip while maintaining control.
- Oversteer: Oversteer occurs when the rear tires lose traction, causing the rear end to slide out. The challenge is to balance this slide with countersteering and throttle control.
- Countersteering: As the car slides, you’ll need to steer in the opposite direction of the turn to control the drift. This is where steering angle, often enhanced by an angle kit, becomes crucial.
- Throttle Control: Maintaining a drift requires precise throttle inputs to keep the rear wheels spinning without losing too much speed or grip.
Why Drift an Automatic Car?
While manual transmissions are typically favored for drifting due to the direct control they offer, automatic cars have their own advantages:
- Consistency: Automatic transmissions handle gear changes, which can reduce the likelihood of missed shifts.
- Ease of Use: Without the need to manage a clutch, beginners can focus on steering, throttle control, and weight transfer.
- Modern Tech: Many modern automatics offer manual shift modes or paddle shifters, allowing drivers to control gear selection without a clutch pedal.
Techniques for Drifting an Automatic Car
1. Weight Transfer Initiation
To initiate a drift in an automatic car, you must use weight transfer to unbalance the rear tires. Here are some effective methods:
- Feint Drift: Flick the car in the opposite direction of the turn before sharply steering into the corner. This sudden weight shift helps break rear traction.
- Handbrake Initiation: Pull the handbrake briefly to lock the rear wheels and initiate a slide. Since you don’t have a clutch to disengage the drivetrain, you’ll need to modulate throttle input to keep the engine from bogging.
- Power Over (Throttle Initiation): Apply sudden throttle to overpower the rear tires and initiate a drift. This works best in high-powered automatics with sufficient torque.
2. Handbraking Without a Clutch
In manual cars, pulling the handbrake is often accompanied by disengaging the clutch to avoid stalling. In an automatic, you can use the handbrake without this step, but you must balance throttle input carefully to keep the engine engaged and the car moving.
- Pro Tip: If your car has a manual shift mode, downshifting before pulling the handbrake can help keep the engine in the power band.
3. Countersteering
Countersteering is critical for controlling the direction and angle of your drift. Automatic cars benefit from power steering systems that make countersteering easier, but having enough steering angle is essential.
- Upgrade Option: An SLR angle kit can provide up to 74 degrees of steering angle, giving you more room to catch and control the drift. With higher angle, you’re less likely to spin out, even during aggressive maneuvers.
4. Throttle Control
Balancing throttle input is one of the most challenging aspects of drifting, especially in an automatic car. Since you can’t modulate power with a clutch, throttle control becomes even more important.
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Tips for Automatic Throttle Control:
- Gradually increase throttle to maintain the drift.
- Avoid sudden throttle cuts, which can cause the car to regain rear traction and straighten out.
- Use manual shift mode or paddle shifters to stay in the optimal gear for power delivery.
Car Setup for Drifting an Automatic
1. Suspension and Steering
- Coilovers: A set of drift-spec SLR coilovers can reduce body roll and improve weight transfer, making it easier to control slides.
- Angle Kit: Upgrading to an angle kit, like those offered by SLR, provides more steering angle, helping you maintain control during aggressive drifts.
2. Tires
- Rear Tires: Use harder compound tires on the rear to reduce grip and make it easier to initiate a drift.
- Front Tires: Stickier front tires improve steering response and control.
3. Differential
An open differential won’t cut it for drifting. Upgrade to a limited-slip differential (LSD) or a welded diff to ensure both rear wheels spin together.
4. Cooling and Transmission Upgrades
Automatic transmissions generate more heat during drifting due to the constant shifting and power demands. Consider adding:
- A transmission cooler to prevent overheating.
- A high-stall torque converter to improve throttle response.
Does Drifting Damage an Automatic Transmission?
Drifting puts extra strain on any drivetrain, and automatics are no exception. To minimize wear:
- Regularly service the transmission fluid.
- Avoid excessive heat buildup by installing a transmission cooler.
- Use manual shift mode or paddle shifters to control gear selection more precisely.
Practice Makes Perfect
Drifting an automatic car is a skill that takes time to master. Start in a safe environment, such as a skid pad or drift event, and focus on the basics: weight transfer, throttle control, and countersteering.
Why SLR Parts Make a Difference
SLR offers a range of high-performance parts that make drifting automatic cars easier and more fun:
- SLR Coilovers: Drift-specific coilovers reduce body roll and improve weight transfer.
- SLR Angle Kits: Industry-leading steering angle ensures maximum control during aggressive slides.
Drifting an automatic car may be unconventional, but with the right techniques and equipment, it’s entirely possible—and incredibly rewarding. Whether you’re just starting or refining your skills, SLR has the parts and expertise to help you master the art of drifting.
