Baggsy’s Wild GR Corolla Drift Car Takes Shape Ahead of TRAX Debut

The build of professional drifter Steve ‘Baggsy’ Biagioni’s latest project is officially underway, and if the first update is anything to go by, this could become one of the most talked-about modified Toyotas in Europe.

Fresh from the success of SB Motorsport’s incredible Nissan R35 GT-R drift car programme, Baggsy and the team have turned their attention to a completely different platform: the Toyota GR Corolla. But as you’d probably expect from one of drifting’s biggest names, the plan was never to leave it stock for long. In fact, the latest build update reveals just how serious the project is becoming, with the road-going GR Corolla already stripped back to a bare shell as preparations begin to transform it into what Baggsy hopes will be Europe’s first dedicated GR Corolla drift car. And for UK enthusiasts, there’s another reason to keep a close eye on the project. Once complete, the car is set to make its first appearance and demonstration at a UK modified car show at TRAX.

From Daily Driver Plans to Full Drift Conversion

According to Baggsy, the original idea was surprisingly sensible. After spotting a GR Corolla during a trip to Japan, he simply wanted one as a new daily driver. Of course, anyone familiar with SB Motorsport’s previous projects knew that wasn’t going to last. Inspired by the idea of creating something completely unique, the team quickly began planning a full drift conversion around Toyota’s rally-bred performance hatchback. A UK road-registered example was sourced before being delivered straight to the workshop, where the transformation began almost immediately.

The latest video update documents the early stages of the build, and it makes for painful viewing if you’re a fan of standard GR Corollas. Within days, the interior had been completely removed, the suspension dismantled, and the engine extracted from the chassis. By the end of the first phase, the once factory-fresh hot hatch had been reduced to little more than a bare shell ready for fabrication work. At several points during the build, even Baggsy appeared to question whether dismantling a perfectly good GR Corolla was really the right decision.

Fortunately, nobody listened.

Development Begins with KW Automotive

Before the strip-down process began in earnest, the GR Corolla made a trip to Germany to visit suspension specialists KW Automotive. There, engineers carried out measurements and development work while preparing a new performance suspension package specifically for the project. The collaboration will play a major role in creating a chassis capable of handling the extreme steering angles, grip levels and punishment associated with modern drift cars.

While the Corolla was undergoing suspension development, Baggsy headed to Japan for the Tokyo Auto Salon, where discussions continued with manufacturers and suppliers regarding future components for the build. Although the team are keeping many details under wraps for now, it’s clear this won’t be a simple bolt-on conversion.

The Next Stage of the Build

With the strip-down complete, attention now turns to fabrication. The latest update confirms the shell has been prepared for its next destination: SW Motorsport, where a bespoke roll cage and extensive chassis work will be carried out before the project moves into its next phase. For many enthusiasts, this is where the build truly begins. The bare shell stage represents the point of no return, and there is certainly no going back now. What started as a perfectly usable road car has already become something far more ambitious.

See the Build at TRAX

As the project progresses throughout the year, TRAX visitors will have the opportunity to see the GR Corolla up close as part of its first appearance at a UK modified car show. Even better, the plan is for the car to be driven in front of the crowd, giving enthusiasts the chance to see one of Europe’s most anticipated drift builds in action rather than sitting static on a stand. There’s still plenty of work to do before then, but if this first update is anything to go by, Baggsy’s GR Corolla is shaping up to be one of the standout builds of 2026. And we’ll be following its progress every step of the way ahead of its highly anticipated TRAX debut at Silverstone.