In the world of modern drifting, dominated by Japanese (Nissan Silvia, Toyota Supra, etc.) and German (BMW 3 Series) platforms, Margaritis Katsanidis is an exception. This Greek-born driver has become an attraction in the world of European drifting thanks to a daring project based on a radically transformed Alfa Romeo 75.
Margaritis Katsanidis started out in motocross, then drag racing, before taking up drifting in 2007. Self-taught and deeply attached to mechanics, he takes part in various European championships and events such as Drift Wars and King of Europe, and stands out for his aggressive, precise driving and ability to maintain long drifts at high speed, even against theoretically superior machines.
The Alfa Romeo 75: the iconoclast of drifting
The choice of the Alfa Romeo 75 as the basis for drifting is as much a question of passion as of technical challenge. With its transaxle architecture and balanced rear-wheel drive, the 75 offers a weight distribution that's ideal for drifting, but requires extensive modifications to cope with the demands of modern drifting. The 75 has been fitted with a reinforced manual gearbox, a racing self-locking differential, adjustable suspension (drift-spec) and an increased steering angle. After debuting with a 1.8L engine, already increased to 380 hp, the project underwent a major evolution by switching to a Busso V6 pushed to its limits.
Busso on fire
The 3.0-liter 24-valve engine was upgraded to twin-turbocharging (approx. 1.4 to 1.6 bar). The preparation also included a completely revised electronic management system, reinforced pistons and connecting rods, optimized cooling with front intercoolers, high-capacity radiator and modified oil circuit. The tailor-made exhaust contributes to the spectacular sound that has become the car's signature. The result? Estimated power was between 550 and 600 hp, with torque in excess of 700 Nm.
To this, Margaritis has added a small aesthetic facelift, especially to the front end. A more aggressive spoiler has been installed, very open to facilitate breathing. The hood cut-out has also been modified, giving a more "puckered" appearance to the headlamps (a little like the Peugeot 505) and, above all, the large domed air intake on the engine hood, giving this 75 a little Muscle Car look.
With its radical look and extreme mechanics, the Katsanidis Alfa Romeo 75 is one of the most atypical cars in the sport. Rarely has an Alfa Romeo been pushed to such a level of performance in drifting, making this project a symbol of creativity and technical determination. Its main victory was the Greek round of the "King of Europe Drift Series" in 2011.
The great leap to the United States
After several successful seasons in Europe, Margaritis Katsanidis decided to take on the ultimate challenge: moving to the United States to join Formula Drift. Faced with an extreme level of competition and high technical demands, he adopted a more conventional platform in order to remain competitive. His performances are at the wheel of a BMW E46...the only consolation prize? It carries the number 75... He seems to have taken his Alfa Romeo 75 with him.
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