Daigo Saito Unveils Crazy BAPE-Clad Toyota GR86 For Formula DRIFT Return

Daigo Saito returns to Formula DRIFT with an unexpected collaboration, unveiling his bold new look for 2025 just days before his Long Beach comeback.

• Legendary Japanese drifter brings BAPE to FD with unique collaboration
• VR38DETT power under the hood – no NASCAR V8 this time!
• We’ll get to see the first wall-taps at Long Beach in just a few days!

Daigo Saito is officially back in the US, with the 2012 FD champion set to make his highly anticipated return after a decade-long absence, and he’s doing it in style!

His weapon of choice? A Toyota GR86 with the most eye-catching livery we’ve seen in years.

The season’s not even started, and Saito’s already setting the standard

For the first time in Formula DRIFT history, BAPE (A Bathing Ape) brings its unique style to comp drifting.

While BAPE has previously collaborated with Liberty Walk, which you may remember from their Nissan Skyline R34 build, it’s the first time we’ve seen it on a drift car.

We can’t get enough of it, but we’re not surprised that some have voiced their opinions otherwise. Let’s face it – BAPE clothing always divides opinions, and this wasn’t going to be any different!

There are no major surprises under the hood, but it’s not necessarily a bad thing

Although Saito is known for his wild builds, having previously repped everything from ridiculous 2JZ-powered monsters to wild NASCAR V8s, he’s keeping things relatively straightforward this time.

The GR86 (which appears to be a GT86 with GR86 panels) is powered by a VR38DETT engine – the same setup as young teammate Hiroya Minowa. This makes perfect sense for the newly formed team under Jerry Yang Racing.

Using the same engine in both cars means they can share the same parts, making it much easier for the team.

Sure, it might not be the most exciting, but hopefully, it means Saito will have minimal downtime, and he can let his driving do the talking instead!

A recent dyno video confirms the Nissan GT-R’s powerplant. Rumors suggest this might be Kazuya Taguchi’s build from last season with GR86 panels and a new kit. It would make a lot of sense.

Just a few days to go until we’ll once again see Saito running the walls of Long Beach

FD fans haven’t got long to wait to see the BAPE GR86 in action.

It’ll be making its competition debut at Long Beach this week (April 4-5), where we’ll finally see if Saito still has what it takes to compete with the much-improved driver roster following his 10-year absence.

When he last competed in the US, fellow FD legend Fredric Aasbø praised Daigo’s ability to “school everyone in the art of tandem and smoke out every single FD track across the US.”

After a decade away, will the returning legend be able to pick up where he left off? He’ll immediately need to prove himself by going head-to-head with FD newcomer Jack Shanahan in his Seeding 16 battle!

Also, don’t forget that there’ll be a huge announcement in Long Beach. Formula DRIFT president Ryan Sage will reveal details about the exciting custom-built venue using public roads in Southern California that will replace Irwindale as the championship finale.

---

Photography credits

Thank you to Enjuku Racing on Instagram for their photography

---