While Toyota entered the 2018 SEMA show with a number of hatchbacks, the most stunning piece was the Corolla Hatchback Drift Demo created by Toyota Racing Development in collaboration with expert drift team Papadakis Racing.
The developers restructured the 2019 Corolla and made it a rear-wheel drive. The developing team said it was the most difficult part, as they have to remove every interior part, exterior trim, and mechanical modules to get the bare chassis. That was just the tip of the iceberg; the real job started when they had to alter the rear subframe, adjust the tunnel and then restructure the suspension.
The Corolla Hatchback Drift Demo carries a 2.5L inline-4 unit borrowed from the RAV4 plus a turbocharger, a nitrous oxide system and a high-flow exhaust. The whole system creates a mighty 850 horsepower. Different manufacturers managed the brakes, wheels, and tires while Papadakis Racing created custom quarter panels, fender flares, and side skirts.
The Drift Demo is not something you would see in a showroom. This might be just a car to show the modifications Toyota and its partners can bring for you.