What Car Does Han Drive In Tokyo Drift Movie?

1. Introduction to Tokyo Drift’s Automotive Legacy

The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, released in 2006, shifted the franchise’s focus, bringing the underground world of drifting into the mainstream. Unlike its predecessors, this film was deeply rooted in the Japanese car culture, showcasing a dazzling array of JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) cars alongside American classics.

This movie wasn’t just about speed; it was about style, skill, and the art of controlled sliding. Tokyo Drift introduced audiences to a new set of characters and, more importantly, a fresh collection of cars that would become legends in their own right.

The movie significantly influenced car culture, popularizing drifting and JDM tuning on a global scale. It showcased the vibrant Tokyo car scene, influencing automotive enthusiasts and inspiring custom builds worldwide.

Tokyo Drift made a lasting impression, becoming a cornerstone of the Fast & Furious saga and cementing the place of drifting in popular culture. The film grossed over $158 million worldwide, proving its appeal to both car enthusiasts and general audiences.

2. The Star Car: Han’s Mazda RX-7 FD

When you think of Tokyo Drift, one car immediately comes to mind: Han’s Mazda RX-7 FD. This wasn’t just any RX-7; it was a masterpiece of automotive art, customized by Veilside with their Fortune body kit. The widebody design, sleek lines, and striking orange and black paint job made it an instant icon.

2.1. The Veilside Fortune Kit

The Veilside Fortune kit dramatically transformed the RX-7’s appearance. It widened the car, gave it a more aggressive stance, and improved its aerodynamics. The kit included:

New front and rear bumpers
Side skirts
Widebody fenders
A distinctive rear wing

This kit wasn’t just for looks; it also enhanced the car’s performance by improving airflow and stability at high speeds. Veilside kits, renowned for their bold designs, pushed the boundaries of automotive aesthetics.

2.2. Under the Hood: Rotary Power

The heart of Han’s RX-7 was its legendary rotary engine. Known for its high-revving nature and unique sound, the rotary engine was a perfect match for drifting. The engine was modified with an HKS T04Z turbocharger, increasing its horsepower and torque. Here’s a quick look at the engine specs:

Component	Specification
Engine Type	13B Rotary
Turbocharger	HKS T04Z
Intercooler	HKS
Exhaust System	Veilside Titanium
Estimated Horsepower	400+ hp

Hans Mazda RX7 FD3S Veilside Fortune Kit, highlighting its distinct widebody design

Fast and Furious Tokyo Drift, Nissan Silvia S15 and Nissan 350Z parked next to each other

Nissan Silvia S15 street race, showcasing its design in the film

Mazda RX7 drifting around skyline, demonstrating its performance

Nissan Silvia S15 drift race, highlighting car modifications

RX7 FD3S drifting around the streets in game Drift Hunters MAX Tokyo Drift, highlighting the experience of drifting

2.3. The Tragic Fate

Sadly, Han’s RX-7 met a fiery end in the film. In a dramatic chase scene, the car was T-boned and burst into flames, leading to Han’s apparent death (which was later retconned in subsequent films). This scene was a pivotal moment in the franchise, adding depth to Han’s character and setting the stage for future storylines.

3. Other Notable Cars of Tokyo Drift

While Han’s RX-7 stole the show, Tokyo Drift featured a supporting cast of equally impressive cars. These vehicles played vital roles in the story and showcased the diversity of the Tokyo car scene.

3.1. DK’s Nissan 350Z

Driven by the film’s antagonist, DK (Drift King), Takashi, this Nissan 350Z was another standout vehicle. It featured a Veilside Version 3 widebody kit, giving it an aggressive and menacing look.

The 350Z was powered by a modified VQ35DE engine, equipped with a twin-turbocharger kit from APS. This boosted its power output to around 460 horsepower at the wheels. Here are some of its key modifications:

Component	Specification
Body Kit	Veilside Version 3
Turbocharger	APS Twin-Turbo
Exhaust	Magnaflow
Wheels	Veilside Andrew Evolution V
Estimated Power	460 hp (at the wheels)

3.2. The “Mona Lisa” Nissan Silvia S15

The Nissan Silvia S15, nicknamed “Mona Lisa,” was another memorable car from Tokyo Drift. Although it didn’t get much screen time, its unique color scheme and C-West body kit made it a fan favorite.

The Mona Lisa was powered by an RB26 engine, the same engine found in the Nissan Skyline GT-R. This made it a potent drift machine.

Component	Specification
Engine	RB26
Body Kit	C-West DRFT
Rear Wing	C-West GT (BGW)
Wheels	Volk Racing GT-7

3.3. Sean’s Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX

After wrecking the Mona Lisa, Sean Boswell receives a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX from Han. This Evo was converted to rear-wheel drive, making it suitable for drifting.

Component	Specification
Conversion	RWD
Body Kit	APR
Engine Mods	RMR Air Intake, Downpipe
Wheels	RAYS G-Games 99B

3.4. The RB26-Powered 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback

Perhaps the most controversial car in the film, this classic Mustang was retrofitted with an RB26 engine from a Nissan Skyline GT-R. This engine swap was a nod to the JDM theme of the movie. The result was a unique blend of American muscle and Japanese engineering.

The RB26 engine was chosen for its reliability and power potential, making it a suitable choice for drifting.

4. The Impact on Car Culture

Tokyo Drift had a significant impact on car culture, popularizing drifting and JDM cars. The film showcased the vibrant Tokyo car scene, influencing automotive enthusiasts worldwide.

4.1. Popularizing Drifting

Before Tokyo Drift, drifting was a niche motorsport primarily known in Japan. The movie brought drifting to a global audience, inspiring a new generation of drivers and enthusiasts.

Drifting events and competitions gained popularity.

4.2. Boosting JDM Car Appreciation

Tokyo Drift highlighted JDM cars, showcasing their unique designs, performance capabilities, and tuning potential. This exposure increased the appreciation for JDM cars among car enthusiasts.

Classic JDM cars gained value as collectors sought to own a piece of automotive history.

4.3. Influencing Automotive Aesthetics

The body kits, paint schemes, and wheel designs featured in Tokyo Drift influenced automotive aesthetics. Car enthusiasts began to emulate the styles seen in the movie, creating their own custom builds inspired by Tokyo Drift.

Custom car shows and events became platforms for showcasing Tokyo Drift-inspired builds.

5. The Fast and Furious Legacy

Tokyo Drift was a pivotal moment in the Fast and Furious franchise. While it initially deviated from the series’ established characters and storylines, it introduced elements that would become integral to the franchise’s future.

5.1. Introducing Han Lue

Han Lue, played by Sung Kang, was one of the most beloved characters in the Fast and Furious franchise. Tokyo Drift was his introduction to the series, and his cool demeanor, drifting skills, and iconic RX-7 made him an instant fan favorite.

5.2. Connecting to the Broader Story

Initially, Tokyo Drift seemed like a standalone film, but later movies revealed its connection to the broader Fast and Furious storyline. Han’s death was revealed to be orchestrated by Deckard Shaw (played by Jason Statham), setting the stage for future conflicts.

5.3. The Franchise’s Evolution

Tokyo Drift marked a shift in the Fast and Furious franchise, moving away from street racing and embracing more elaborate action sequences and storylines. This evolution helped the franchise maintain its popularity and relevance over the years.

6. Modern Day Drifting and JDM Scene

The legacy of Tokyo Drift continues to influence the modern-day drifting and JDM scene. Car enthusiasts worldwide still draw inspiration from the movie, building custom cars and participating in drifting events.

6.1. Drifting Competitions

Drifting competitions, such as Formula Drift, have gained popularity, attracting drivers and spectators from around the globe. These events showcase the skill and precision of drifting, as well as the creativity and innovation of car builders.

6.2. JDM Car Restoration and Modification

Classic JDM cars, such as the Nissan Skyline GT-R, Mazda RX-7, and Toyota Supra, are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. These cars are often restored to their original condition or modified with aftermarket parts to improve their performance and appearance.

6.3. Online Communities

Online communities, such as forums, social media groups, and online car clubs, play a vital role in the modern-day drifting and JDM scene. These communities provide a platform for enthusiasts to connect, share information, and showcase their cars.

7. Finding Your Own Tokyo Drift Ride at CARS.EDU.VN

Inspired by the cars of Tokyo Drift? Ready to build your own custom ride? Look no further than CARS.EDU.VN! We offer a wide selection of JDM cars, performance parts, and accessories to help you create the car of your dreams.

7.1. JDM Car Listings

Browse our listings for classic JDM cars, including Nissan Skylines, Mazda RX-7s, and Toyota Supras. Find the perfect base for your Tokyo Drift-inspired build.

7.2. Performance Parts

Upgrade your car’s performance with our selection of performance parts. We offer turbochargers, exhaust systems, suspension components, and more to help you build a drift-ready machine.

7.3. Body Kits and Accessories

Transform your car’s appearance with our body kits and accessories. We offer widebody kits, spoilers, and custom paint jobs to help you achieve the Tokyo Drift look.

7.4. Expert Advice

Our team of experts is here to help you with all your car-building needs. We can provide advice on car selection, parts compatibility, and installation techniques.

8. Tokyo Drift Cars: Specifications and Modifications

Delving into the specifics, the vehicles featured in Tokyo Drift were not merely stock models; they underwent substantial modifications to enhance their performance and aesthetics. The specifications and modifications of these cars played a pivotal role in their iconic status and influence on automotive culture.

8.1. Nissan Silvia S15 “Mona Lisa”

The “Mona Lisa,” driven by Han, featured a distinctive C-West body kit and an RB26DETT engine swap, originally found in the Nissan Skyline GT-R. This modification significantly boosted its power and drift capabilities.