Gran Turismo 7: Mastering The Art Of Drifting

by Jhon Lennon 46 views

Are you ready to dive into the thrilling world of drifting in Gran Turismo 7? Drifting, a technique where the driver intentionally oversteers, causing loss of traction in the rear wheels or all tires, while maintaining control and driving the car through the entirety of a corner, is a true test of skill and precision. In Gran Turismo 7, the physics engine and realistic car handling make drifting an incredibly rewarding experience. Let's explore how you can master the art of drifting in this iconic racing simulator.

Understanding the Basics of Drifting

Before we get into the specifics of Gran Turismo 7, let's cover the fundamental principles of drifting. Drifting isn't just about sliding around corners; it's about maintaining control while doing so. This requires a delicate balance of throttle control, steering input, and weight management. Here’s a breakdown of the essential elements:

  • Weight Transfer: Understanding how to shift the car's weight is crucial. By using braking, acceleration, and steering, you can manipulate the weight distribution to initiate and sustain a drift. For example, a quick flick of the steering wheel combined with a lift off the throttle can induce oversteer, setting you up for a drift.
  • Throttle Control: The throttle is your primary tool for controlling the drift angle. Too much throttle, and you'll spin out; too little, and you'll lose the drift. Finding the sweet spot is key, and it comes with practice. Smooth and precise throttle inputs are essential for maintaining a consistent drift.
  • Steering Input: Steering is used to counter-steer, which means turning the wheel in the opposite direction of the turn to prevent the car from spinning out. The amount of counter-steer needed depends on the drift angle and the car's momentum. Quick reflexes and precise steering adjustments are necessary to keep the car on track.
  • Braking: While drifting is primarily about throttle and steering, braking can be used to initiate a drift or to adjust the car's angle mid-drift. A tap of the brakes can help shift the weight forward, making it easier to break traction in the rear. However, over-braking can cause the car to lose control, so use it sparingly.

Setting Up Your Car for Drifting in Gran Turismo 7

To maximize your drifting performance in Gran Turismo 7, it's essential to properly tune your car. Not every car is suitable for drifting, and even those that are will benefit from specific adjustments. Here’s what you need to consider:

  • Choose the Right Car: Some cars are naturally better suited for drifting than others. Rear-wheel-drive cars with a good power-to-weight ratio are generally the best choice. Popular options include the Toyota GR Supra, Mazda RX-7, and Nissan Silvia. These cars have a good balance of power and responsiveness, making them easier to control while drifting.
  • Suspension Tuning: Adjusting the suspension is crucial for controlling weight transfer and maintaining grip. Stiffer front springs and softer rear springs can help induce oversteer, making it easier to initiate a drift. Lowering the car's ride height can also improve stability and reduce body roll. Experiment with different settings to find what works best for your driving style.
  • Differential Settings: The differential controls how power is distributed between the rear wheels. A limited-slip differential (LSD) is essential for drifting, as it helps maintain traction and control when the rear wheels lose grip. Adjusting the LSD settings can fine-tune the car's behavior. Higher LSD settings will provide more aggressive lockup, making it easier to initiate and sustain a drift, but also making the car more prone to snap oversteer.
  • Tire Selection: The right tires can make a big difference in your drifting performance. Softer tires will provide more grip, making it easier to control the car at high speeds. However, they can also make it harder to initiate a drift. Experiment with different tire compounds to find the right balance for your driving style and the track conditions. Generally, sports or comfort tires are a good starting point.

Drifting Techniques in Gran Turismo 7

Now that you have your car set up, let's talk about the techniques you'll need to master to become a proficient drifter in Gran Turismo 7. These techniques will help you initiate, maintain, and control your drifts:

  • Clutch Kick: The clutch kick is a classic drifting technique that involves quickly disengaging and re-engaging the clutch to break traction in the rear wheels. This is a useful technique for initiating a drift at lower speeds or when you need a sudden burst of oversteer. To perform a clutch kick, press the clutch pedal, rev the engine, and then quickly release the clutch. This will send a surge of power to the rear wheels, causing them to lose grip.
  • Power Over: Power over is a simple technique that involves using the throttle to break traction in the rear wheels. This is best used in powerful rear-wheel-drive cars. To perform a power over drift, simply enter a corner with enough speed and then apply full throttle. The rear wheels will lose grip, and the car will begin to drift. Use the steering to counter-steer and maintain the drift angle.
  • Braking Drift: The braking drift involves using the brakes to shift the car's weight forward, making it easier to break traction in the rear. This technique is useful for initiating a drift when entering a corner at high speed. To perform a braking drift, brake firmly as you enter the corner, then release the brakes and apply throttle while counter-steering. The weight shift will cause the rear wheels to lose grip, initiating the drift.
  • Scandinavian Flick: The Scandinavian flick, also known as the pendulum turn, is an advanced technique that involves using a deliberate weight transfer to initiate a drift. This technique is particularly useful for tight corners or when you need to quickly change direction. To perform a Scandinavian flick, steer the car in the opposite direction of the turn, then quickly steer back in the direction of the turn while lifting off the throttle. This will cause the car to swing its weight from side to side, making it easier to break traction in the rear.

Practicing Your Drifting Skills

Mastering drifting in Gran Turismo 7 takes time and practice. Here are some tips to help you improve your skills:

  • Choose the Right Track: Some tracks are better suited for drifting than others. Look for tracks with long, sweeping corners and plenty of space to slide. Popular choices include Tsukuba Circuit, Ebisu Circuit, and Willow Springs. These tracks offer a variety of corners that will challenge your drifting skills.
  • Practice Makes Perfect: The more you practice, the better you'll become at drifting. Start with the basics and gradually work your way up to more advanced techniques. Focus on mastering one technique at a time before moving on to the next. Consistent practice will help you develop the muscle memory and reflexes needed to control the car while drifting.
  • Experiment with Different Settings: Don't be afraid to experiment with different car settings and driving techniques. What works for one person may not work for another. Find what feels comfortable and effective for you. Adjusting the suspension, differential, and tire settings can significantly impact the car's handling, so take the time to find the optimal setup for your driving style.
  • Watch and Learn: Watch videos of professional drifters and pay attention to their techniques. Analyze their steering inputs, throttle control, and weight management. Try to emulate their techniques in the game. There are many online resources available, including tutorials, replays, and forums, where you can learn from experienced drifters.

Advanced Drifting Techniques in Gran Turismo 7

Once you've mastered the basics, you can start experimenting with more advanced drifting techniques. These techniques require a high level of skill and precision, but they can take your drifting to the next level:

  • Feint Drift: The feint drift involves using a quick flick of the steering wheel to initiate a drift. This technique is useful for setting up a drift before entering a corner. To perform a feint drift, quickly steer the car in the opposite direction of the turn, then immediately steer back in the direction of the turn. This will cause the car to lose traction and begin to drift.
  • Manji Drifting: Manji drifting involves alternating between left and right drifts in a continuous sequence. This technique is often used on long, straight stretches of road to show off your drifting skills. To perform a manji drift, initiate a drift to one side, then quickly transition to a drift in the opposite direction. Repeat this process to create a flowing, back-and-forth motion.
  • Transition Drifting: Transition drifting involves smoothly transitioning from one drift to another. This technique is useful for linking together multiple corners in a seamless drift. To perform a transition drift, use the steering and throttle to smoothly transition from one drift to the next, maintaining a consistent drift angle throughout the transition.

Fine-Tuning Your Drifting Skills

To truly excel at drifting in Gran Turismo 7, consider these advanced tips:

  • Telemetry Analysis: Use the game's telemetry tools to analyze your driving data. This can help you identify areas where you can improve your technique. Pay attention to your throttle inputs, steering angles, and brake usage. Analyzing this data can provide valuable insights into your driving style and help you fine-tune your technique.
  • Ghost Racing: Race against ghost cars of your best runs to see where you can gain time. This is a great way to identify areas where you're losing speed or making mistakes. Comparing your performance against your best runs can help you optimize your driving line and improve your consistency.
  • Community Feedback: Share your replays and ask for feedback from other drifters. The Gran Turismo 7 community is full of experienced players who can offer valuable advice and tips. Constructive criticism can help you identify weaknesses in your technique and improve your overall performance.

Conclusion

Drifting in Gran Turismo 7 is a challenging but incredibly rewarding experience. By understanding the basics, setting up your car properly, practicing your techniques, and continuously refining your skills, you can become a master drifter. So, grab your controller, hit the track, and start sliding! With enough practice and dedication, you'll be drifting like a pro in no time. Happy drifting, guys! Remember to have fun and enjoy the process of learning and improving your skills. The world of drifting awaits, so get out there and make some smoke!