In the world of the Driftbrothers, you need nerves of steel, quick reactions, driving talent and the perfect vehicle. Elias and Johannes Hountondji have been among the top drivers in drifting for years and will be relying on two new BMW M4 Competition models in future. After an intensive building phase in collaboration with BMW M GmbH, the two high-performance vehicles are now ready for action at the start of the Drift Masters European Championship.
On 10 and 11 July during the season start of the series in Greinbach, Austria, the Driftbrothers will be taking the BMW M4 Competition to the starting grid for the very first time. Before that, Elias and Johannes have modified both BMW M4 Competition models comprehensively in order to adapt them to the special demands of drifting, but were already enthusiastic about the productions engine's massive potential.
BMW M X RED BULL DRIFTBROTHERS – M4 COMPETITION FIRST ROLLOUT.
It is by nature a genuine racing engine in a road-legal car. When you look at each component of this engine, it is clear that many engineers have put a lot of thought into creating an optimal design.
POWER TO THE MAX. The BMW M4 Competition as a perfect drift tool.
The Driftbrothers doubled the peak performance of the straight six-cylinder power unit of the BMW M4 Competition to 1,040 hp and increased maximum torque to almost 1,300 Nm, this being absolutely crucial for drifting. In order to achieve the massive increase in performance, the two brothers installed a special, efficient cooling circuit along with an additional second cooler at the rear.
I am deeply impressed with what the Red Bull Driftbrothers have managed to coax out of our vehicles. The result also shows how good a basis the BMW M4 Competition provides for motorsport use.
AERODYNAMICS, ANYONE? Extensive optimisations by and with BMW M.
Moreover, the aerodynamics were extensively modified and optimised for drifting. Besides benefitting from their own experience, the Driftbrothers also relied on the expertise of BMW M design experts. Virtually all newly designed aerodynamics components were manufactured exclusively at BMW M Prototype Construction. Furthermore, carbon was used to produce a new spoiler lip (gurney) for the tailgate, side coverings for the rear diffuser and attachments for the side sills from the M Performance Parts portfolio. These were complemented by winglets, which optimise airflow at the front splitter and behind the front wheels as well as in front of the rear wheels.
It was a great honour for us to collaborate with BMW M experts from the design and prototype construction departments. With their help we were able to implement our ideas perfectly.
DO IT SIDEWAYS: THE DRIFTBROTHERS.
The Red Bull Driftbrothers have participated in the Drift Masters European Championship since 2018. The 45 best drivers from Europe, the USA and the Middle East compete in this invitation series. For some years now, Elias and Johannes Hountondji have ranked among the top drivers in the drifting scene and were, among other successes, 2017 King of Europe champion and vice champion. In 2016 and 2017, they also seized the team title there. Moreover, this year, the brothers will be making guest appearances during the MotoGP race at the Sachsenring, Germany and the Red Bull Ring, Austria, as well as during the Austrian Formula 1 Grand Prix, likewise at the Red Bull Ring.
