Let me tell you something about drifting that most driving instructors won't - it's not just about reckless speed or showing off in parking lots. When I first slid behind the wheel of my Lexus IS350 F Sport, I thought I understood performance driving. I'd mastered cornering, understood weight transfer, could handle threshold braking. But drifting? That was a different beast entirely, and it took me nearly spinning out in an empty industrial complex to realize how much I had to learn.
What most people don't understand about drifting a precision machine like the IS350 F Sport is that it's as much about finesse as it is about aggression. The 3.5-liter V6 engine delivers 311 horsepower - more than enough to break traction - but the real magic happens in how you manage that power. I learned this the hard way during my first serious attempt, where I ended up facing the wrong direction despite having all the right theoretical knowledge. It reminded me of watching basketball teams with incredible talent still struggling with fundamental execution - similar to how Ginebra shot only 33 percent in Game 2 despite having championship potential. Having the tools and knowing how to use them effectively are two completely different things.
The IS350 F Sport comes with multiple drive modes, and I've found Sport S+ mode provides the perfect balance for initiation drifts. The stability control system becomes more permissive while still providing that safety net that prevents complete disaster. Through trial and error - and I mean lots of error - I discovered that initiating a drift at around 45-50 mph in second gear gives you the optimal balance of control and slide. The electric power steering provides just enough feedback to feel what the front tires are doing while the limited-slip differential helps maintain that beautiful, controlled slide. What surprised me most was how the chassis communicates - there's this moment where the car tells you exactly what it needs, whether it's more throttle, countersteering adjustment, or weight transfer.
Let's talk about throttle control because this is where most beginners either underdo it or overdo it. The IS350's throttle response is beautifully linear, but it demands respect. I typically maintain about 65-70% throttle during sustained drifts, making micro-adjustments with my right foot rather than dramatic stabs. The engine produces around 280 lb-ft of torque, which means power delivery is smooth but authoritative. Unlike some turbocharged competitors that hit with sudden torque, the IS350's naturally aspirated engine builds power progressively, giving you more time to react and adjust your line. This characteristic makes it surprisingly forgiving for learning drift techniques, though you'll still find yourself facing the wrong way more times than you'd care to admit during the learning process.
Countersteering feels counterintuitive at first - turning the wheel toward the direction of the slide goes against every instinct you've developed in normal driving. But here's the secret I wish someone had told me earlier: it's not about dramatic sawing at the wheel. The IS350's steering ratio of 13.1:1 means you don't need massive inputs. Small, precise corrections work far better than wild movements. I've found that keeping my hands at 9 and 3 o'clock while making smooth, quarter-turn adjustments maintains control far better than the dramatic steering wheel gymnastics you see in movies. The car responds to finesse, not force.
Weight transfer management separates amateur drift attempts from professional-looking slides. The IS350 F Sport's front-to-rear weight distribution sits at approximately 54/46 percent, which means there's significant weight over the front wheels to help with turn-in. I use this to my advantage by briefly lifting off the throttle before turn-in to shift weight forward, then applying power to break rear traction. This Scandinavian flick technique, when executed properly, makes initiating drifts significantly easier than trying to power through purely with throttle. The moment when the weight transfers and the rear breaks loose is both terrifying and exhilarating - it's the automotive equivalent of that perfect basketball shot arc that you know is going in the moment it leaves your fingers.
Maintaining the drift requires understanding something most driving schools never teach - you're not just sliding, you're managing multiple variables simultaneously. The throttle controls rear wheel speed, the steering manages front wheel direction, and your vision determines your exit line. I focus on looking where I want to go rather than where I'm pointed, which sounds simple but becomes incredibly challenging when you're sideways at 50 mph. The IS350's seats provide excellent lateral support, keeping you properly positioned to make these precise inputs without fighting to stay in place. After about six months of practice, I could consistently maintain drifts for 4-5 seconds on appropriate surfaces, though professional drifters might maintain slides for 8-10 seconds or more.
Recovering from a drift smoothly took me longer to master than initiating one. The transition from sideways to straight needs to be progressive rather than abrupt. I gradually reduce steering angle while simultaneously smoothing throttle inputs as the car straightens. The IS350's Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system, while partially disabled in Sport S+ mode, still provides a safety net that helps catch small errors before they become big problems. This electronic assistance gives beginners the confidence to push limits while learning, much like how structured offensive systems in sports provide frameworks within which players can express their creativity.
What I've come to appreciate about drifting the IS350 F Sport is that it teaches car control at the absolute limits - skills that translate directly to emergency situations in normal driving. Understanding how to control a slide, manage weight transfer, and maintain composure when the car isn't behaving predictably makes you a better driver in all conditions. The 33 percent shooting accuracy example from basketball perfectly illustrates how having the right equipment means nothing without proper technique and practice. The IS350 F Sport provides the platform, but the driver must develop the skill. After two years of practice, I can confidently say that learning to drift has made me a more complete driver, capable of handling my luxury sports sedan in ways I never imagined possible when I first purchased it. The journey from tentative first slides to controlled, sustained drifts has been one of the most rewarding automotive experiences of my life.
