Han Lue No More
Actor and filmmaker Sung Kang, best known for his role as Han Lue in the Fast and Furious franchise, is returning to the world of high-performance cars with his latest project, Drifter. The upcoming feature film blends motorsport realism with a heartfelt story of purpose and community, and now, we’ve seen the centerpiece that will bring it all together: a fully built Toyota AE86 called ‘Lola.’
The car was unveiled during a private preview event ahead of the film’s release, giving enthusiasts their first look at what could become one of cinema’s next great movie cars.
The Hero Car: ‘Lola’
Built from a 1986 Toyota Corolla GTS, ‘Lola’ pays homage to one of the most iconic platforms in drift culture, the AE86, or Hachiroku. This particular example has been transformed into a Rocket Bunny, widebody drift car, combining classic JDM aesthetics with modern engineering.
Under the hood, the AE86’s original 4A-GE engine has been replaced with a Chevrolet LS3 V8, the same powerplant used in late-model Corvettes and Camaros. It’s an unexpected but deliberate choice that prioritizes reliability and torque for the film’s demanding stunt sequences.
The build includes a GForce GSR gearbox, Supra/Celica rear end, and KW coilovers with T3 links, ensuring that Lola can handle the abuse of precision drifting. Parts and technical support came from names familiar to the tuning world, Yokohama Tires, Watanabe Wheels, Pandem Rocket Bunny, and Sparco, among others.
The result is a car that not only looks cinematic but is mechanically capable of performing every stunt audiences will see on screen.
Sung Kang/Instagram
Why an LS3?
The decision to swap a V8 into a Toyota AE86 raised eyebrows among purists, but it reflects Drifter’s underlying message of evolution and reinvention. According to the production team, the storyline mirrors the build itself, a car that starts life as a modest drift beater before transforming into a professional competition machine, Hypebeast reports.
While purists may have preferred the traditional high-revving four-cylinder setup, the LS3 delivers the consistency needed for long shooting days and complex drift choreography — practical considerations that also feed the film’s symbolic narrative about resilience and growth.
Sung Kang/Instagram
Potent Sidekick: The Lexus AE86 BEV Concept
Also showcased alongside Lola was the Lexus AE86 BEV Concept, an experimental electric reinterpretation of the same platform. The concept features a Tundra Hybrid i-Force Max electric motor, NX 450h+ battery pack, and, remarkably, a manual transmission that can simulate clutch engagement and even stalling.
Lexus retained the lightweight balance and handling of the original AE86 while giving it a futuristic powertrain. Seeing both cars side by side — the analog, V8-powered Lola and the all-electric BEV prototype — captured a unique moment in car culture, where tradition and innovation coexist.
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The Film and Its Vision
Drifter tells the story of a man who rediscovers hope and purpose through the car community, using motorsport as both metaphor and motivation. While the film will inevitably draw comparisons to The Fast & The Furious: Tokyo Drift, it marks a more personal and grounded direction for Sung Kang as both actor and director.
The production team includes Brian Scotto of Hoonigan fame, overseeing the action sequences, with professional drift driver Dai Yoshihara serving as the film’s principal stunt driver. Real-world drifters Adam LZ, Chelsea DeNofa, and Ryan Tuerck are also confirmed to appear.
Sung Kang/Instagram
A Tribute to Passion
In many ways, Drifter is less about cars themselves and more about what they represent: shared passion, connection, and second chances. By anchoring that message around a car as storied as the AE86, Sung Kang has effectively crafted a love letter to the global drift community.
With Drifter and Lola, he’s reminding audiences and enthusiasts alike that sometimes, the machines we build end up rebuilding us.
Sung Kang/Instagram
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