Introduction to the Drift School Lesson Cars

Introduction to the Drift School Lesson Cars

 

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In Japan, there are many different drift schools, each using a variety of vehicles. At Matenro Drift Racing, however, we leverage many years of real-world experience to provide the best possible lesson cars matched precisely to each student’s skill level.


Our drift school is structured into three levels:

  • Beginner Class

  • Intermediate Class

  • Advanced Class


Each class is assigned carefully selected vehicles that maximize learning efficiency and safety. At present, all lesson cars are manual transmission vehicles, though we plan to introduce automatic transmission options in the future.


Even if you have no experience driving a manual car, there is no need to worry. Before the lesson begins, we provide a thorough manual transmission introduction, and as a result, many first-time manual drivers successfully achieve their first drifts during the session.


Based on our internal data from complete beginners:

  • Approximately 80% learn to perform donuts

  • Around 40% progress to figure-eight drifting

  • About 3% successfully complete our original “Beginner Graduation Course”


These results reflect our step-by-step teaching philosophy.


Below, we introduce the lesson vehicles used in each class.

 

 

Beginner Class: Mazda Roadster / Mazda MX-5


For our beginner class, we use the Mazda Roadster (Mazda MX-5). The reason is simple: it is a low-power car that provides no electronic assistance, forcing the driver to truly understand vehicle control.


True to Mazda’s “Jinba Ittai” philosophy, the Roadster only responds well when the driver and car work as one. This makes it the ideal platform for learning the fundamentals of drifting. In fact, once a driver can drift a Roadster, drifting more powerful cars becomes significantly easier.


Because the engine output is modest, students often use full throttle, learning to control the car purely through steering, weight transfer, and throttle modulation. Many passionate car enthusiasts eventually return to the Roadster after owning numerous performance cars, which speaks volumes about how engaging and rewarding it is to drive.


First introduced in 1989, the Mazda Roadster revived the lightweight FR sports car and has surpassed one million units produced worldwide, earning a Guinness World Record as the best-selling open-top sports car in history. This heritage is exactly why we believe it is the perfect beginner drift car.

 

 

Intermediate Class: Mazda RX-8 / Nissan 350Z / Toyota Altezza


In the intermediate class, students progress to the Mazda RX-8, Nissan 350Z, and Toyota Altezza. Compared to the Roadster, these cars offer noticeably more power, making drifting easier—but also requiring greater control and precision.


For this reason, we allow these vehicles only once a student can consistently perform stable figure-eight drifts in the Roadster. Vehicle availability may vary on the day, but with advance notice, we will do our best to accommodate specific requests.


Mazda RX-8

Introduced in 2003, the RX-8 is a rotary-powered sports car that succeeded the RX-7 while adding practicality. Its unique freestyle doors and high-revving naturally aspirated RENESIS rotary engine allowed it to seat four passengers without compromising sports car dynamics, making it a symbol of Mazda’s dedication to rotary technology.


Nissan 350Z (Z33)

Launched in 2002, the sixth-generation Fairlady Z revived the legendary Z-car lineage with a powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine and a modern interpretation of the classic long-nose, short-deck design. Offering true FR sports performance at an attainable price, it became hugely influential across street, track, and drift cultures worldwide.


Toyota Altezza

Debuting in 1998, the Altezza is a rear-wheel-drive sports sedan that reinforced Toyota’s performance image. Known especially for the high-revving 3S-GE engine in the RS200, it was sold overseas as the Lexus IS and remains a highly respected platform in motorsports and drifting.

 

 

Advanced Class: Toyota JZX100 / Nissan Silvia S15 / Nissan Sileighty


For advanced-level drivers, we offer three iconic machines that define Japanese drifting culture: the Toyota JZX100, Nissan Silvia S15, and Nissan Sileighty. These vehicles are available only to students we personally recognize as advanced drivers.


If you wish to reserve one of these cars, please contact us in advance and submit videos of your drifting experience. Depending on the vehicle, a security deposit may be required due to their high value and performance.


All three cars are turbocharged, high-power FR platforms that have dominated both professional drifting and street culture in Japan for decades.


Even if a student is not cleared to drive these cars during a lesson, ride-along demonstration runs are always included. Every participant will experience high-power drifting from the passenger seat. We also perform a special demo featuring a replica unmarked police car chase, allowing guests to experience a scene straight out of The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift.


Toyota JZX100

Equipped with the legendary 1JZ-GTE turbocharged inline-six, the JZX100 combines sedan comfort with exceptional durability and tuning potential, making it a global staple in the drift world and a symbol of 1990s Japanese tuning culture.


Nissan Silvia S15

Released in 1999 as the final Silvia generation, the S15 refined the SR20DET-powered FR platform into what many consider the ultimate Silvia. Its balance, rigidity, and responsiveness have made it a timeless favorite among drifters worldwide.


Nissan Sileighty

Born from Japanese street culture, the Sileighty pairs the 180SX chassis with the S13 Silvia front end. Originally a grassroots custom, it became so popular that Nissan officially released a limited-production version in 1998. Today, it remains an icon of Japan’s unique drift heritage.

 

 

Conclusion


At Matenro Drift Racing, we place the highest value on learning in the correct order.

Starting with the low-power Mazda Roadster to build fundamentals, progressing to mid-power cars to refine control, and finally stepping into legendary high-power drift machines—this structured approach allows students to improve safely, efficiently, and authentically.


Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced driver seeking true Japanese drifting, our program offers a genuine and unforgettable experience. Join us at Matenro Drift Racing and discover the true essence of drift culture—where driver and machine become one.

 


 

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