BMW M2 Goes Next Level Drift with Elias Hountondji

The BMW M2 Drift Competition of the Red Bull Driftbrothers drifts through the BMW plant in Munich. Elias Hountondji has honed the Red Bull Driftbrothers’ latest acquisition, a BMW M2, into the ‘Ultimate Drift Machine’. The first test for the future Drift Cup vehicle: a timed lap drifting through the BMW factory in Munich. How that works? Elias gives us the answers.

First places and team titles at international drift championships. Drift races in the Green Hell in a BMW E30 with a 7.0-litre V8 engine. Drift Masters European Championship in a BMW M4 Competition with 1,040 hp – and then there was the drift stunt with the BMW M5 in the delivery area of BMW Welt. In short: when it comes to professional drifting, there is little that Elias Hountondji of the Red Bull Driftbrothers has not yet mastered. But his latest stunt was a completely new challenge even for him: drifting through the production areas at the main BMW plant in Munich in his new BMW M2. Optimised for the highest drift competition classes, it delivers 809+ kW (1,100+ hp) and 1,200+ Nm of torque. 

Drifting in the BMW M2 Drift Competition through the BMW factory, it’s the Holy Grail of the whole of BMW AG.

Elias Hountondji,

Red Bull Driftbrothers 

THE INTERVIEW.

We met Elias afterwards for an interview in which he told us about the challenges the “factory drift” presented.

“Ultimate Drift Machine”?

The BMW M slogan ‘Ultimate Driving Machine’ leaves no doubt about the performance of the M models. But now you and BMW M want to go one better with the ‘Ultimate Drift Machine’. What’s behind this?

Why this stunt?

You’ve already drifted in the most incredible places behind the wheel of a BMW M, most recently at BMW Welt – but how do you drift a BMW M2 Drift Competition Car through a factory hall between production areas and workbenches?

I was all focus all the time because I knew what was at stake. If I ran the car into any machine, we’d have millions in damage.

Elias Hountondji,

Red Bull Driftbrothers

Challenge: factory drift.

What particular challenges did drifting here in the confined factory space pose for you and your team?

The measure of success.

Now that it’s wrapped up, would you say your drift stunt at the BMW factory was a success?

Quo vadis, M2 Drift Competition?

What events and competitions is the BMW M2 Drift Competition Car intended for, and where can drift fans experience the vehicle in future?

M2 Drift Competition x BMW M Driving Experience.

In addition to the M2 Drift Competition Car, you are planning another M2 drift fleet with the BMW M Driving Experience – can you tell us what to expect here?

Drift sport is team sport.

This drift stunt here at the BMW factory was only a success thanks to excellent teamwork – can you tell us a bit about the team’s efforts?

Red Bull Driftbrothers at Instagram

THE DRIFT TOOL.

BMW M2 Drift Competition customised by the Red Bull Driftbrothers.

* Electronic Control Unit / Power Distribution Module 

** specific petrol tank for motorsport use

Via BMW