What Car Does Han Drive In 'Tokyo Drift,’ And What Body Kit Was On It?

Introduction

Czy kiedykolwiek zastanawialiście się, co sprawia, że samochód Hana z „Tokyo Drift” stał się ikoną w świecie motoryzacji? To nie tylko kwestia jego unikalnego designu, ale także potężnej mocy, która czyni go jednym z najbardziej niezapomnianych pojazdów w historii kina. The third installment of the Fast and the Furious franchise, Tokyo Drift, shifted the focus from drag racing to the art of drifting, introducing a global audience to a vibrant subculture and a fleet of now-legendary cars. While the film featured a stunning lineup of JDM heroes and American muscle, one car stood out, becoming synonymous with the film and its coolest character. That car was the orange and black Mazda RX-7 driven by the effortlessly suave Han Lue.

In this article, we will take a deep dive into the most iconic vehicles of The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift. We’ll begin with a detailed exploration of Han’s legendary Mazda RX-7, dissecting its famous VeilSide Fortune body kit, its powerful engine modifications, and its lasting legacy. We’ll uncover what happened to the actual movie cars and explore what it takes to build a tribute. From there, we’ll examine the other key automotive stars of the film, from the „Mona Lisa” Nissan S15 to D.K.’s menacing Fairlady Z and the surprising V8-swapped Mustang. We will explore the tuning culture that defined the film and look at the specific modifications that made these machines perfect for drifting. Sprawdźmy, co sprawia, że Han’s car i jego filmowi towarzysze imponują na ekranie i poza nim!

1997 Mazda RX-7

The undisputed star car of Tokyo Drift is the 1997 Mazda RX-7 FD, owned and driven by Han Seoul-Oh. Warto zauważyć, że Mazda RX-7 Tokyo Drift stała się nie tylko ikoną filmu, ale również inspiracją dla wielu tunerów na całym świecie. This vehicle wasn’t just transportation; it was a statement. Painted in a striking House of Kolor Sunset Pearl orange with a contrasting gloss black roof and hood, the car immediately captured the audience’s attention. However, its most defining feature, and the element that has made it an icon of automotive tuning, is the aggressive widebody conversion. This wasn’t a simple set of fender flares; it was a complete transformation that turned the sleek, beautiful lines of the FD3S RX-7 into a brutal, low-slung work of art. The Mazda RX-7 became a symbol of Han’s character: smooth, stylish, but with a powerful and dangerous edge. Its presence in the film solidified its place in cinematic history and made it a dream car for an entire generation of enthusiasts.

Not just any RX-7

This was not just any Mazda RX-7. The car was built by Universal Studios’ picture car department, with the specific intent of showcasing the pinnacle of Japanese aftermarket tuning culture. The centerpiece of the build was the VeilSide Fortune 7 body kit, a highly exclusive and dramatic conversion that completely re-imagines the RX-7’s silhouette. Unlike a simple bolt-on kit, the VeilSide Fortune kit replaces nearly every body panel, including the doors, creating a flowing, integrated design that looks more like a concept car than a production vehicle. This particular body kit was so new and radical at the time of filming that it instantly made Han’s RX-7 one of the most talked-about cars in the Fast and the Furious franchise. The selection of this kit was a deliberate choice to ensure the car would be unforgettable, perfectly representing the high-stakes, high-style world of Tokyo’s drifting scene. The RX-7 was more than a prop; it was a character in itself.

1993 Mazda RX-7 Twin Turbo Specs

While the movie car was a 1997 model, it’s important to understand the foundation it was built upon. The third-generation (FD) Mazda RX-7 was produced from 1992 to 2002 and is revered for its balanced chassis, lightweight construction, and unique rotary engine. The heart of the stock RX-7 is the 13B-REW, a 1.3-liter twin-rotor engine featuring a sophisticated sequential twin-turbo system. In its Japanese-spec version, this engine produced around 252 horsepower, but later models pushed that figure closer to 276 horsepower. The sequential turbo setup was innovative, using a smaller turbo for low-RPM response and a larger one for high-RPM power, minimizing turbo lag. This potent engine, combined with a near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution and a highly responsive chassis, made the stock Mazda RX-7 a formidable sports car and an exceptional platform for drifting and racing modifications.

Sit Down For The Price Of The Veilside Bodykit

Creating a tribute to Han’s iconic RX-7 is a dream for many, but it comes with a significant price tag, largely due to the centerpiece of the build: the VeilSide Fortune body kit. This is not an off-the-shelf replica; it is a genuine high-end conversion from one of Japan’s most respected tuning houses. As of today, purchasing the authentic VeilSide Fortune 7 kit directly from the manufacturer costs upwards of ¥2,500,000, which translates to roughly $17,000 USD or €16,000, and that’s before shipping, taxes, and the immense cost of professional installation and paint. The kit includes the front and rear bumpers, side skirts, wide fenders, hood, rear wing, and even headlight housings. Because of its complexity, fitting the body kit is a labor-intensive process that can cost thousands more. This high cost ensures that replicas of Han’s RX-7 remain relatively rare and that those who complete the build are truly dedicated to authenticity.

Modifications

Beyond the stunning VeilSide bodywork, Han’s Mazda RX-7 was packed with high-performance aftermarket parts to ensure it could perform the incredible drifting maneuvers seen in Tokyo Drift. The movie car was a rolling showcase of the best of the JDM tuning world.

• Engine: The 13B-REW rotary engine received a single turbo conversion, a common and effective modification for the RX-7. It featured an HKS T04Z turbo kit, a custom manifold, and a V-mount intercooler and radiator setup from RE Amemiya for optimal cooling during demanding drifting scenes.
• Exhaust: A VeilSide titanium cat-back exhaust system gave the RX-7 its distinctive, high-pitched rotary scream.
• Suspension: To handle the lateral forces of drifting, the stock suspension was replaced with a set of A’PEXi N1 EXV coilovers, allowing for precise adjustments to ride height and damping.
• Wheels and Tires: The car rode on iconic VeilSide Andrew Evo-V 19-inch wheels, with 19×9-inch rims at the front and wider 19×12-inch rims at the rear, wrapped in Toyo Proxes T1R tires.
• Interior: The cockpit featured Sparco Sprint 5 racing seats, a custom-trimmed dashboard, and a full Alpine sound system, because even in a stunt car, style matters.

Here’s What Happened To Han’s RX-7

The story of the Tokyo Drift Mazda RX-7 doesn’t end when the credits roll. In reality, a total of nine cars were built for the production of the film. Most of these were cosmetic clones built on non-turbo or even non-RX-7 chassis, destined for destruction in the film’s intense crash and stunt sequences. However, two „hero cars” were built to a very high standard, featuring the authentic VeilSide Fortune body kit and a full suite of performance modifications. One of these primary cars was the one used for most of the close-ups and glamour shots of Han driving. After filming concluded, this hero car was shipped back to Japan and was, for a time, displayed at the VeilSide headquarters. It was eventually sold to a private collector. In a testament to its iconic status, the primary hero Mazda RX-7 from Tokyo Drift was recently sold at a prestigious auction for an astonishing amount, solidifying its place as one of the most valuable movie cars of the modern era. The fate of the other eight cars varies; most were indeed destroyed during filming as planned, a necessary sacrifice for creating the spectacular drifting action of Tokyo Drift.

The Powerplants Of The Two Surviving Tokyo Drift RX-7s Couldn’t Be More Different

While the nine cars built for the movie looked nearly identical on the outside, their hearts—the engines—were vastly different. This was a practical decision driven by the varied needs of filming. The primary hero car, the one with the detailed interior and pristine paint, was the real deal. It housed a highly tuned 13B-REW rotary engine with a single-turbo conversion, producing an estimated 350 horsepower. This was the car that not only looked the part but had the performance to back it up.

In stark contrast, the main stunt car, which was used for the most aggressive drifting sequences, had its rotary engine removed. The film’s stunt coordinators, led by Rhys Millen, found the high-revving, peaky power delivery of the tuned rotary difficult to control consistently for repeatable stunts. Their solution was to swap in a naturally aspirated American V8 engine, specifically a 430-horsepower Chevrolet V8. While sacrilege to rotary purists, the V8 offered reliable, predictable torque across the rev range, making it far easier for the stunt drivers to execute the long, smoky drifts required by the script. So, while you were watching Han’s RX-7 dance gracefully through a parking garage, you were often looking at a VeilSide-clad shell powered by American muscle.

Building A Mazda RX-7 Like Han’s From Tokyo Drift

Odtworzenie repliki Han’s car z Tokyo Drift wymaga precyzyjnego podejścia, które zaczyna się od znalezienia odpowiedniej bazy – idealnie Mazda RX-7 FD z lat 90. To fundamentalny krok, ponieważ oryginalna konstrukcja auta i jej proporcje muszą być jak najwierniej zachowane. Kolejnym etapem jest skompletowanie elementów wizualnych, przede wszystkim kultowego bodykitu VeilSide Fortune. Ten zestaw to esencja stylu Hana, a jego montaż wpływa nie tylko na estetykę, lecz także na aerodynamikę samochodu. Ostatni krok to tuning mechaniczny, który przywróci lub podniesie osiągi i charakter auta, co realizuje się w wyspecjalizowanych warsztatach.

Pozyskanie oryginalnych części jest wyzwaniem, dlatego wiele osób sięga po wysokiej jakości repliki i aftermarketowe komponenty bodykitu VeilSide Fortune. Montaż wymaga precyzji i czasem ingerencji w strukturę karoserii. Na finał – tuning silnika i suspension. Bazowy silnik 13B-REW można zmodyfikować, a zawieszenie i hamulce, kluczowe dla stabilności podczas driftingu, wymagają profesjonalnego podejścia. Aby samochód nie tylko wyglądał jak Han’s car, ale też zachowywał się jak on na torze, konieczne są sportowe coilovers i ulepszony układ hamulcowy. Taki projekt to hołd dla jednego z najwspanialszych aut z serii Fast and the Furious.

In The End, 90% Of Tokyo Drift Was Filmed in LA

Despite its name and setting, a vast majority of The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift was not actually filmed in Tokyo. The logistical challenges and strict regulations surrounding filming high-speed car chases and large-scale public scenes in a bustling metropolis like Tokyo were prohibitive. While a small crew did capture some essential exterior and establishing shots on location in Japan, including the famous Shibuya Crossing scene (which had to be filmed guerrilla-style with limited permits), the bulk of the action was recreated in Los Angeles. The iconic parking garage drifting sequence, for example, was filmed at the Hawthorne Plaza Shopping Center in Hawthorne, California. Intricate sets were built to replicate the look and feel of Tokyo’s streets and garages. This movie magic allowed the filmmakers to execute the complex and dangerous stunt work required for the film in a more controlled and safe environment.

2001 Nissan Silvia S15 Spec-S – “Mona Lisa”

Long before Han’s RX-7 graces the screen, the first hero car we are introduced to is the 2001 Nissan Silvia S15. Nicknamed the „Mona Lisa” by Han, this car is an absolute masterpiece of drifting style. In the film, it technically belongs to Han, who loans it to Sean Boswell to learn the art of drifting, leading to its unfortunate destruction in Sean’s first race against D.K. The S15 is painted a beautiful custom blue and orange, with distinctive C-West GT-style graphics. Its most striking visual feature is the full C-West DRFT aero body kit, which gives the car a low, aggressive stance perfect for the world of drifting. The Nissan Silvia S15 is a legend in the drifting community, and its appearance in Tokyo Drift, even if brief, cemented its status as one of the most desirable JDM cars of its era.

Modifications

The „Mona Lisa” was far from a stock Nissan Silvia. It was built by the movie’s picture car department to be a capable and visually stunning drift machine. The biggest surprise lay under the hood. While the real-life Spec-R version of the S15 came with the legendary SR20DET turbo engine, the movie car was built from a Spec-S model, which was originally naturally aspirated. To give it the power needed for the movie, the original engine was swapped for the 2.6L twin-turbo RB26DETT inline-six engine from a Nissan Skyline GT-R. This was a common and highly effective engine swap in the drifting world, known for its immense horsepower potential and robust nature.

• Engine: RB26DETT Skyline GT-R engine swap.
• Body Kit: Full C-West DRFT aero kit, including front bumper, side skirts, and rear bumper.
• Wheels: Volk Racing GT-7 19-inch forged wheels.
• Suspension: Upgraded coilovers to provide the necessary stiffness and control for drifting.
• Exhaust: A custom large-bore exhaust system to let the RB26 engine breathe and roar.
• Interior: Stripped-down interior with racing seats and a roll cage for safety.

2003 Nissan Fairlady Z (Z33) – D.K.

The antagonist of Tokyo Drift, Takashi, also known as D.K. (Drift King), needed a car that was as menacing and dominant as his character. W filmie, Nissan 350Z Tokyo Drift jest przedstawiony jako arcydzieło tuningu. His weapon of choice was a 2003 Nissan 350Z, known in Japan as the Fairlady Z. The car is presented as a masterpiece of tuning, a dark and brooding machine that perfectly mirrors its owner’s personality. Painted in a gloss black with a distinctive scarab-themed vinyl graphic on the sides, D.K.’s Z33 was an imposing presence on screen. It featured a full VeilSide Ver. 3 widebody aero kit, giving it a much more aggressive and muscular stance than a stock 350Z. This Nissan Fairlady Z was built to be the king of the mountain pass, a powerful and precise tool for drifting.

Modifications

D.K.’s Nissan Z33 was built to perform at the highest level of drifting. The modifications were extensive, focusing on maximizing power and handling. The stock VQ35DE V6 engine was upgraded with an APS twin-turbo kit, drastically increasing its output. This allowed the car to effortlessly break traction and maintain long, smoky drifts through the mountain touge courses. The combination of forced induction and a high-quality chassis made this Fairlady Z a truly formidable opponent for any challenger.

• Engine: VQ35DE 3.5L V6 with an APS twin-turbo system, reportedly making close to 450 horsepower.
• Body Kit: VeilSide Version 3 widebody aero kit, including a carbon fiber hood.
• Wheels: VeilSide Andrew Evo-V 19-inch wheels, matching the style of Han’s RX-7.
• Suspension: RS*R performance coilovers and a full suite of adjustable suspension arms for dialing in the perfect drift setup.
• Exhaust: A high-flow performance exhaust system.
• Interior: Sparco racing seats and a roll cage.

1967 Ford Mustang Fastback

Perhaps the most controversial and unexpected car in Tokyo Drift is the 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback. This car represents the fusion of American muscle and Japanese tuning culture that lies at the heart of the film’s climax. The Mustang starts as a bare shell, a project that Sean’s father had abandoned. With the help of Han’s crew, Sean rebuilds the Mustang into the ultimate drift machine to take on D.K. on the mountain. The most shocking modification, and the one that truly defines this car, is the engine swap. Instead of a classic American V8, the team drops in the RB26DETT engine salvaged from the wrecked „Mona Lisa” S15. This Japanese heart in an American icon was a bold choice that created a truly unique and unforgettable movie car. The finished Mustang, painted in a classic Highland Green with white racing stripes, is a beautiful but brutal machine.

Modifications

Building the Tokyo Drift Mustang was a feat of custom fabrication. Mating a Nissan engine and drivetrain to a 1960s American chassis was no small task. The movie car builders had to extensively modify the engine bay, transmission tunnel, and firewall to make everything fit. The goal was to create a car that could realistically compete with and defeat D.K.’s highly-tuned Fairlady Z in a drifting battle. This required not only immense power but also a complete overhaul of the car’s primitive suspension and chassis.

• Engine: Nissan Skyline GT-R RB26DETT engine, converted to a single turbo setup for the film.
• Suspension: A completely custom front and rear suspension was fabricated. Global West components were used, and the car was converted to a modern coilover setup to provide the necessary handling characteristics for drifting.
• Wheels: Classic American Racing Torque Thrust style wheels with a modern twist.
• Brakes: Upgraded Wilwood performance brakes to provide the stopping power needed to control the powerful Mustang.
• Exterior: The body was kept relatively clean, with subtle fender flares to accommodate the wider tires, letting the iconic Mustang shape speak for itself.

2004 Mazda RX-8

Neela, the female lead in Tokyo Drift, drives a stylish 2004 Mazda RX-8. While it doesn’t get as much screen time as the main hero cars, her RX-8 is a significant vehicle that reflects her connection to the drifting world and to Han. The car is painted a distinctive light blue with a fading vinyl graphic, and like the other main cars, it features a prominent body kit. The choice of an RX-8 is fitting, as it’s the spiritual successor to Han’s RX-7, sharing the rotary engine lineage. Neela’s car is shown primarily in the mountain touge scenes, where she demonstrates her own skill behind the wheel.

Modifications

Neela’s Mazda RX-8 was modified with a focus on style and handling, consistent with the film’s aesthetic. It was fitted with a VeilSide D1-GT aero kit, which gave the already sporty RX-8 a much more aggressive, race-inspired look. The modifications were more aesthetic than performance-oriented compared to cars like Han’s RX-7 or D.K.’s Z33, but they were essential in making the car look the part for the Tokyo drifting scene.

• Engine: The stock 1.3L Renesis rotary engine was enhanced with a GReddy turbo kit to boost its horsepower.
• Body Kit: VeilSide D1-GT body kit.
• Wheels: Volk Racing GT-AV 19-inch wheels in a matching silver finish.
• Suspension: TEIN coilovers for improved handling and a lowered stance.
• Exhaust: A Tanabe performance exhaust system.

2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX

After wrecking the „Mona Lisa” S15, Sean is given a new car by Han to practice drifting: a red 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX. The Evo is presented as a more practical and forgiving tool for learning. Its advanced All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system was professionally converted to Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) for the film to make it a proper drifting machine. This car is what Sean uses to hone his skills, mastering the techniques that will eventually allow him to challenge D.K. The Evo’s bright red paint and distinctive APR Performance aero make it another standout vehicle in the movie’s impressive lineup.

Modifications

The most significant modification to the Evo IX was the RWD conversion, a complex job that required a custom drivetrain and suspension setup. This transformed the character of the car from a grip-focused rally weapon into a tail-happy drift missile. The movie builders chose the Evo for this role because of its robust chassis and its highly tunable 4G63T engine, a legend in its own right.

• Engine: The stock 2.0L 4G63T turbo engine was tuned by RS*R, increasing its horsepower and throttle response.
• Drivetrain: Full RWD conversion.
• Body Kit: APR Performance aero kit, including front bumper, side skirts, and a large rear wing.
• Wheels: Rays G-Games 99B 19-inch wheels.
• Suspension: RS*R custom-valved coilovers designed to work with the RWD setup.

2002 Nissan Fairlady Z (Z33) – Morimoto

Morimoto is one of D.K.’s loyal henchmen, and his car reflects his position in the crew. He drives a 2002 Nissan Fairlady Z (Z33), similar to his boss’s, but with its own distinct style. Morimoto’s Z is painted a dark, metallic blue and features a Top Secret widebody kit. While it serves a supporting role, it’s a beautifully prepared machine that adds depth to the automotive cast of Tokyo Drift. It’s most prominently featured in the chase scene where Han, Sean, and Neela are pursued through the streets of Tokyo.

Modifications

Like the other key cars in the film, Morimoto’s Fairlady Z was not just for show. It was a fully functional drifting car with performance-oriented modifications. While not as extreme as D.K.’s twin-turbo monster, it was still a capable machine. The tuning was handled by respected shops to ensure it could keep up with the hero cars during the demanding chase sequences.

• Engine: Stock VQ35DE V6 with bolt-on upgrades like an intake and exhaust.
• Body Kit: Top Secret widebody aero kit.
• Wheels: Volk Racing GT-Cs in a 19-inch fitment.
• Suspension: Aftermarket suspension setup with performance springs and shocks.
• Interior: Featured a roll cage and racing seats for stunt safety.

1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

The first car Sean Boswell is seen driving in the film is a 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. This American muscle car is his ride in the high school race that gets him into trouble and sent to Tokyo. It’s a stark contrast to the Japanese tuner cars that dominate the rest of the film. The Monte Carlo is portrayed as a gritty, powerful, and somewhat crude machine, a pure-bred drag racing beast that is completely out of its element when it tries to navigate a tight, twisty construction site.

Modifications

Sean’s Monte Carlo was built for one thing: straight-line speed. It was a classic American hot rod setup, with a big V8 engine and a chassis built to launch hard. The modifications were all about raw power, with little attention paid to the finesse required for handling or drifting. Its eventual destruction highlights the culture clash between American drag racing and the Japanese art of the drift.

• Engine: A massive big-block V8 engine, likely a 454 or 502 cubic inch, with a high-rise intake manifold and a large carburetor, producing immense horsepower.
• Wheels: Cragar S/S classic muscle car wheels with wide, meaty tires in the back for traction.
• Suspension: A simple, heavy-duty rear leaf spring suspension with traction bars.
• Interior: Stripped out for weight savings, with a basic roll cage and gauges to monitor the engine.

1996 Nissan Skyline R33 GT-R

In the film’s final moments, a new character, played by Vin Diesel reprising his role as Dominic Toretto, shows up to challenge Sean. He arrives in a 1996 Nissan Skyline GT-R (R33). While its screen time is very brief, the appearance of a Skyline is a significant nod to the wider Fast and the Furious universe. The R33, painted in a striking metallic blue, is presented as a serious machine, hinting at Dom’s connection to the high-performance tuning world.

Modifications

Though only seen briefly, the context implies this R33 is a highly capable machine. In the real world, the R33 GT-R is a legend of Japanese performance, known for its advanced ATTESA E-TS all-wheel-drive system and the legendary RB26DETT twin-turbo engine. The movie car appeared to be tastefully modified, maintaining a clean look while undoubtedly packing serious performance upgrades under the skin, a fitting ride for the patriarch of the Fast and the Furious family.

• Engine: Stock RB26DETT, likely with upgraded turbos and supporting modifications.
• Wheels: Volk Racing wheels, a popular choice for high-performance Japanese cars.
• Body: A clean exterior with a Nismo front bumper and side skirts.
• Suspension: Lowered on a performance suspension setup for improved handling.

Conclusion

Współczesna legenda driftingu, Han’s Mazda RX-7 z Tokyo Drift, od samego początku zachwyca unikalnym designem i wyrafinowanymi modyfikacjami, które szczegółowo omówiliśmy. From the iconic VeilSide Fortune body kit to its powerful rotary engine, every aspect of this car is a testament to the style and functionality that defined an era of automotive cinema. But the legacy of The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift extends beyond just one vehicle. The film introduced a global audience to a whole stable of incredible machines, each with its own personality and purpose.

From the „Mona Lisa” S15 to D.K.’s menacing Fairlady Z, and even the shocking RB26-swapped Mustang, the cars of Tokyo Drift were characters in their own right. They showcased the creativity, passion, and technical skill of the real-world drifting and tuning communities. Though owning such a cult vehicle presents challenges, its collectible value and presence at drifting events make it a dream for fans. Jeśli marzysz o odtworzeniu lub podziwianiu ikony, wiedz, że Han’s car i jego filmowi towarzysze to symbole pasji i precyzji, które inspirują kolejne pokolenia entuzjastów.

Tokyo Drift Cars FAQs

What are the most popular Tokyo Drift cars?

The most popular and iconic cars from The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift are undoubtedly Han’s orange and black VeilSide Mazda RX-7, Sean’s RB26-swapped 1967 Ford Mustang, and D.K.’s menacing black Nissan 350Z (Fairlady Z). The „Mona Lisa” Nissan Silvia S15 is also a huge fan favorite despite its early exit.

What was Han’s car in Tokyo Drift?

Han’s signature car in Tokyo Drift was a 1997 Mazda RX-7 FD. It is famous for its extremely aggressive and rare VeilSide Fortune widebody kit and its distinctive orange and black paint scheme. It has become one of the most recognizable cars in the entire Fast and the Furious franchise.

What car does DK drive in Tokyo Drift?

D.K. (Drift King) drives a heavily modified 2003 Nissan 350Z (Z33 Fairlady Z). His car features a VeilSide Version 3 widebody kit, a dark grey/black paint job with scarab vinyl graphics, and a powerful twin-turbo engine, making it an intimidating machine on the mountain roads.

What is the Hulk car in Tokyo Drift?

The „Hulk car” from Tokyo Drift is a green 2005 Volkswagen Touran MPV, heavily modified by Twinkie. It’s famous for its wild green and purple paint scheme with Hulk graphics and a ridiculously over-the-top sound system. While not a performance racing or drifting car, its unique and comical appearance makes it a memorable part of the film’s automotive landscape.