Is the Toyota GR Corolla About to Become Europe’s First Dedicated Drift Car?

There are modified car builds, and then there are projects that stop the entire scene in its tracks. Professional drifter Steve “Baggsy” Biagioni, founder of SB Motorsport, has unveiled the first phase of an ambitious conversion – a Toyota GR Corolla being turned into what could be Europe’s first purpose‑built GR Corolla drift car.

When the build is complete the car will be showcased at TRAX at Silverstone, giving UK enthusiasts one of the first chances to see the project live and, crucially, watch it being driven as intended.

Baggsy and his Corolla before the tear‑down took place.

From Hot Hatch Hero to Drift Monster

Baggsy originally imported the GR Corolla after falling in love with the model on a trip to Japan. The initial plan was simple: use it as a daily driver in the UK. However, after the car arrived in the hands of a renowned drift‑machine builder, the daily‑driver idea quickly disappeared. The team decided to push the rally‑inspired all‑wheel‑drive hatch into uncharted territory – a full‑blown drift car that may be the first of its kind anywhere in Europe.

"To me, to you, to me…" – the project’s early mood.

The Point of No Return – Full Strip‑Down

The first build update shows the GR Corolla being dismantled piece by piece. Within days the interior trim, suspension components and the engine were stripped out, leaving a bare shell ready for the next stage. Baggsy admitted that seeing a fresh performance hatch reduced to a chassis can be unsettling, but the team pressed on, reaching what they call the "point of no return".

No turning back now – the chassis laid bare.

Suspension Development at KW Automotive

Before the strip‑down, the car visited KW Automotive in Germany. The specialists measured the chassis and began developing a bespoke suspension package to cope with the extreme steering angles and rigour of modern drifting. Baggsy also spent time at the Tokyo Auto Salon discussing future components and potential partnerships, hinting that more performance hardware is on the way.

Off to SW Motorsport for the fab work to commence.

Fabrication Phase at SW Motorsport

With the dash‑and‑engine removal complete, the shell is now at SW Motorsport for fabrication. A custom roll‑cage and further chassis modifications will provide the structural rigidity required for serious drift action. Visually, the GR Corolla already looks dramatically different from the showroom model, and the biggest changes are still ahead.

Debut at TRAX Silverstone

The project’s next public appearance is set for TRAX at Silverstone on 16 August. If the finished car lives up to the ambitious plans, it could become one of the year’s standout builds – a rare GR Corolla transformed by one of Britain’s most recognisable professional drifters. Fans are encouraged to follow Baggsy, TRAX and the build’s social channels for live updates.

The final silhouette – ready for the track.

The GR Corolla drift car project is still early in its development, but it already has all the ingredients to become a must‑see build of the year. Keep an eye on DealerPricing.co.uk for the latest updates.