Need For Speed ProStreet’s Drift King, Aki Kimura, presents a formidable challenge. Mastering drift mechanics and fine-tuning your car are crucial to claiming the crown. This guide dives into optimal drift car tuning and strategies to defeat Aki Kimura and become the ultimate Drift King.
Choosing the Right Drift Car
While Aki Kimura favors the Mazda RX-7, several cars in NFS ProStreet excel at drifting. Consider these factors when choosing your ride:
- Balance: Opt for a car with a balanced chassis that allows for smooth transitions and predictable drifts.
- Power: Sufficient horsepower is essential for initiating and maintaining drifts, but avoid excessive power that makes control difficult.
- Weight: Lighter cars are generally more agile and responsive, making them ideal for drifting.
Popular choices for drift cars in NFS ProStreet include:
- Nissan 240SX: A classic drift platform known for its balance and responsiveness.
- Toyota AE86: Lightweight and nimble, the AE86 offers excellent control for tight corners.
- Nissan Skyline GT-R: While more powerful than the previous options, the GT-R’s all-wheel-drive system can be tuned for impressive drift performance.
Tuning for Drift Perfection
Fine-tuning your chosen car is paramount to success. Focus on these key areas:
- Suspension: Soften the front suspension and stiffen the rear to promote oversteer, the foundation of drifting. Lowering the car’s center of gravity will also improve stability.
- Tires: Equip wider rear tires with a softer compound to maximize grip and allow for controlled slides. Consider narrower front tires to reduce understeer.
- Differential: A limited-slip differential is crucial for maintaining traction during drifts and preventing wheel spin. Adjust the locking percentage to balance grip and slip.
- Alignment: Increase negative camber in the front and rear to maximize tire contact during drifts. Experiment with toe settings to fine-tune responsiveness.
- Brakes: Upgrade your brakes for improved stopping power and control, allowing you to initiate drifts with greater precision. Consider adjusting brake bias to favor the rear.
- Aerodynamics: While downforce can hinder drifting, a subtle rear spoiler can provide added stability at higher speeds.
Mastering Drift Techniques
Beyond tuning, mastering drift techniques is crucial for conquering Aki Kimura:
- Handbrake Initiation: Utilize the handbrake (O button) to quickly initiate drifts, particularly in tight corners.
- Throttle Control: Modulate the throttle to maintain drift angle and control speed. Feathering the throttle can help extend drifts and link corners smoothly.
- Counter Steering: React quickly to oversteer by steering in the opposite direction of the slide, keeping the car balanced and preventing spinouts.
- Reverse Handling: Employ reverse entries and transitions to maintain momentum and navigate complex corners. This technique involves initiating a drift in the opposite direction before entering the corner.
Conquering Aki Kimura
With the right car, optimal tuning, and mastered techniques, you’re ready to face Aki Kimura:
- Practice: Hone your skills on the various drift courses before challenging the Drift King. Familiarize yourself with each track’s layout and corner characteristics.
- Patience: Don’t rush into drifts. Maintain control and precision to achieve higher scores.
- Consistency: Focus on maintaining consistent drift angles and smooth transitions throughout the course.
By following these tips and dedicating time to practice, you’ll be well on your way to dethroning Aki Kimura and becoming the Drift King in NFS ProStreet.
