So, I would be surprised if this is a unique idea that hasn't been mentioned here yet, but I'm gonna post it anyway.
The Drift Boost provides a temporary but massive speed boost that falls off rapidly, with insane acceleration. It also sets your forward speed to max automatically. For the duration of the effect, you CANNOT make the ship change directions or change speed, though you CAN turn the ship to face a new direction. With this, you can go from 0 speed to say 200% of your normal speed in maybe 3 seconds, turn the ship to the left, come out from behind a big obstruction (like say the ship in the Desert map), keep facing that way while moving in the direction you were, open fire with your guns, and over a few seconds, return to normal speed gradually while returning to normal movement so you start going the direction you're facing.
This would be activated same as Tar, and certainly do Engine damage. Opinions?