Is this considered drifting, and...

[r8cut]

In this review of the G from Consumer Reports from roughly 1:01 to 1:18 is what's shown there drifting?
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/v...1/13402817001/


The reason I ask is, the above is an auto sedan. I was wondering whether it's possible to do any sort of "easy" drifting with that vehicle. What's shown there doesn't look too stressful on the car. (It is stock Journey, no sport suspension, no LSD, etc.)

[zhuangzi]

yes.

[Dubi2087]

yep

[r8cut]

Thanks for the answers, guys.

As a follow-up, do you think the driver is hitting the e-brake, down-shifting or using another technique other than counter-steering?

[in2win]

the driver is just getting on the gas and countersteering, lets her slide then has the ability to stay on the gas where most drivers let off. He is drifting the car, using the loss of traction and steering mixed with being on the gas. This is hard on your cars suspension and tires

[F5TG35]

yep thats drifting alright!

[r8cut]

in222win, thanks for the answer concerning the wear-and-tear on the car. Naturally, I figured it wasn't great for the tires. I was a tad disappointed to hear it's hard on the suspension (even what appears to be mild drifting).

So if I take a stock G to the track and do a little drifting as shown in that vid (15 seconds worth) am I going to do serious damage to the suspension? Of course, I undertand a couple of times probably isn't going to hurt anything, but very roughly how much of this can one do before I should consider changing coils, etc?

[TwilightBlue]

Drifting also puts added stress on your wheel bearings.

Once in a while won't really hurt the car.

[r8cut]

LOL. I can see the mods adding up... and up.

For now I'm figuring on taking the car to the track 2-4 times a year, but who knows. I'll try it and see.

Mainly, I was pleased to see that it's possible to do some drifting with an auto sans all the accoutrements. Based on what I was gleaning from the internet it didn't seem like a reasonable thing to do until I happened to run across that CR vid (of all places). At least it sounds like I can try it and then decide where I want to go from there.

[imshay]

i just did my first drift event yesterday, for the most part i was just flicking the wheel and getting on the gas then counter steer, u'll learn a LOT, when u have a course.
but one thing, u might find some trouble with is under steering, i was clutch kicking to try and over come it. idk what u would have to do in a auto.
our cars are very strong IMO. mine felt happy out there

[r8cut]

Originally Posted by imshay

but one thing, u might find some trouble with is under steering, i was clutch kicking to try and over come it. idk what u would have to do in a auto.

It seems that a manual is best for all this.

One thing I've been wondering after watching a few videos...

I was originally told that drifting came about because it enabled Jpnz drivers to navigate their mountain roads faster. I have no idea whether this is true or BS. So, does drifting truly allow one to navigate sharp turns faster, or is it something that is just fun to do? (I tried Googling, but couldn't find anything)

Edited to add:

Guess I found my answer: "Drifting usually means huge amounts of oversteer with full lock countersteer. So in that case, no- drifting is not the fastest way through a corner."
http://www.driftingstreet.com/overst...he-limits.html

[4DGS]

I have a 5AT and I have no problem putting it sideways. Even less of a problem when my spare isn't in the trunk.

My 2001 Cadillac Catera had 200HP and still put that thing sideways on dry pavement.

[r8cut]

I have a 5AT and I have no problem putting it sideways.

Awesome. I'll be taking my car to the track and am looking forward to learning how to do stuff like that occasionally.

Check out this review of a BMW 535 at Consumer Reports at 53 seconds: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/v...01/1281316265/

The car is going almost sideways. Again, it surprises me (pleasantly) to see one of CR's auto engineers enjoying themselves on these reviews, not to mention CR allowing it on the video.

[khundkar]

THe model in the video might be the rear wheel drive version of the g37. Thats why it is so easy to drift.

[r8cut]

You're right, it is an RWD.

I've got an RWD G35, so I'm hoping it'll be that "easy."

The driver makes it look easy, but since I've never tried it, I have no idea. Which is another reason why I want to try it at the track (and proceed cautiously) rather than on the street!