Universal Studios Hollywood has initiated a significant new phase for its upcoming attraction, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, with the appearance of ride vehicles equipped with test dummies on the coaster's track. This development indicates that safety and operational testing is now underway for the high-speed outdoor roller coaster, which is scheduled to open in 2025.
Key Takeaways
- Test dummies have been placed in the ride vehicles on the Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift coaster track, signaling the start of the safety testing phase.
- The coaster trains consist of four cars, designed to resemble iconic vehicles from the film series, including Dom Toretto's Dodge Charger.
- Construction continues on surrounding thematic elements and safety netting, particularly around the escalators connecting the park's Upper and Lower Lots.
- The attraction is set to be the first high-speed outdoor roller coaster at Universal Studios Hollywood, with a top speed of 72 MPH.
New Testing Phase Begins
Progress on the Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift roller coaster has reached a critical milestone. Coaster trains, loaded with water-filled test dummies that simulate human weight and dimensions, were recently observed stationary on the track just outside the main queue building. The presence of these dummies is a standard industry practice that precedes live rider testing, focusing on safety, clearance, and system performance checks.
Although the trains were not seen in motion, their placement on the completed track marks the transition from physical construction to operational readiness. This testing phase will likely continue for several months as engineers fine-tune the ride's systems.
Ride Vehicle Details
Each coaster train is composed of four individual cars. These vehicles are designed to look like famous cars from the Fast & Furious franchise, with the lead car modeled after Dominic Toretto's iconic Dodge Charger. The vehicles currently on the track are covered in a black-and-white pattern, which is believed to be a temporary camouflage wrap used during testing and construction. An earlier glimpse inside the loading station revealed a car with a vibrant orange paint scheme, suggesting the final designs will be more colorful.
By the Numbers
- Top Speed: 72 MPH (116 km/h)
- Track Length: 4,100 feet (1,250 meters)
- Train Composition: 4 cars per train
- Opening Year: 2025
Construction and Theming Updates
While the coaster track itself was completed earlier this spring, work continues on the surrounding environment and infrastructure. Crews are actively installing thematic elements and support structures near the start of the ride. Dozens of structural pylons have been erected, which are expected to support scenery that will immerse riders in the world of the films.
The framework for extensive safety netting is also taking shape. This is particularly visible in the section of track that dramatically arches over the main escalator plaza connecting the Upper and Lower Lots of the park. This safety feature is essential for areas where the coaster passes over guest pathways.
A Dynamic Track Layout
The design of Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift leverages the unique hillside topography of Universal Studios Hollywood. The coaster's path is engineered to provide a dynamic experience, sending guests racing down and around the natural landscape. One of the most significant maneuvers involves the track weaving underneath and then back over the glass-roofed escalators, bringing the high-speed action in close proximity to park guests on the moving stairways.
According to Universal, the 4,100-foot track was built with sound reduction technology to manage noise levels while delivering a thrilling experience. The ride's course also takes it over service roads and alongside portions of the famous Studio Tour tram route.
New Additions to the Area
Recent developments around the attraction's entrance area signal that the project is nearing completion. A large, airbrushed mural depicting a car drifting was recently finished on the side of the queue building, establishing the ride's high-octane theme. The main entrance marquee for the attraction has also been fully unveiled.
A Park First
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift will be the first high-speed, outdoor roller coaster in the history of Universal Studios Hollywood. While the park features other thrill rides, this attraction marks a significant expansion of its roller coaster offerings and is one of the fastest coasters built by Universal Parks & Resorts globally.
Retail and Guest Amenities
A new gift shop, identified by signage as the "101 Exchange Store," has already opened to the public near the coaster's entrance. Currently, the store does not stock any merchandise related to the Fast & Furious franchise. It is expected that the inventory will be updated to feature attraction-specific products closer to the ride's official opening date next year.
As testing continues and thematic elements are installed, more details about the ride experience are expected to emerge ahead of its scheduled 2025 debut.
