Universal Studios Hollywood has started advanced testing for its new attraction, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift. This outdoor roller coaster is set to open in 2026. The ride will be the park's first high-speed outdoor coaster and is currently undergoing extensive trials with multiple ride vehicles on its multi-level track.
Key Takeaways
- Universal Studios Hollywood has begun testing its new Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift roller coaster.
- The ride will be the fastest roller coaster in the Universal Destinations & Experiences portfolio, reaching 72 mph.
- It features 360-degree rotating ride vehicles and a 4,100-foot track designed for speed.
- The coaster is expected to open in 2026 and will use the park's hilly terrain for its design.
- One ride vehicle, modeled after Dominic Toretto's 1970 Dodge Charger, has been revealed.
Extensive Testing Underway for New Coaster
Construction on the Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift track has been ongoing for several months. The elaborate track now spans multiple levels of the Universal Studios Hollywood backlot. Initial tests earlier this summer involved individual cars on limited sections of the track. Now, the park is testing trains of four ride vehicles together.
These tests are a critical phase in preparing the attraction for its public debut. The trains, including a vehicle designed like Dominic Toretto's 1970 Dodge Charger, are currently concealed during this testing period. Universal Studios plans to reveal the other ride vehicles at a later date.
Fast Facts: Hollywood Drift
- Top Speed: 72 mph
- Track Length: 4,100 feet (nearly 12 football fields)
- Opening Year: 2026
- Key Feature: 360-degree rotating ride vehicles
- Location: Universal Studios Hollywood, utilizing hilly terrain
Ride Features and Design
The Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift coaster will offer a unique experience. Its individual ride vehicles will rotate 360 degrees as guests travel along 4,100 feet of track. This track length is roughly equivalent to 12 football fields. The design includes advanced sound reduction technology, aimed at minimizing noise impact.
Universal Studios Hollywood previously announced that this coaster will be its first high-speed outdoor roller coaster. When it opens in 2026, it is projected to be the fastest roller coaster within the entire Universal Destinations & Experiences portfolio. It will reach a top speed of 72 mph.
Leveraging Unique Terrain
Universal Studios Hollywood is known for its hilly landscape. The designers of Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift have utilized this natural terrain to their advantage. The ride's construction takes advantage of the steep inclines and declines to help achieve its high speeds, making the coaster significantly larger than previous attractions at the Los Angeles park.
The ride will begin on the park's upper level, near the entrance to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Riders will then accelerate downhill towards a large loop located below the updated Jurassic World attraction. This layout is designed to enhance the sense of speed and drifting.
Guest Experience and Theming
The queue for the new coaster will be located inside a large warehouse-like structure. This area is designed to resemble the garages seen in the Fast & Furious films, providing an immersive experience even before the ride begins. The fully-rotational ride vehicles are intended to replicate the sensation of cars drifting at high speeds.
As guests spin and move along the aerial track, they will be propelled at high speeds. The ride vehicles themselves are modeled after iconic cars from the film franchise. One such vehicle, a replica of Dominic Toretto's 1970 Dodge Charger, was showcased to media earlier this summer.
"Watching the progress of this incredible roller coaster come to life is truly spectacular," said Scott Strobl, Executive Vice President & General Manager, Universal Studios Hollywood. "2026 is just around the corner and we are equally as excited as our guests to introduce such an inspiring new ride to our theme park portfolio."
Impact on the Park
Scott Strobl also highlighted the significant impact the new attraction will have on Universal Studios Hollywood. He stated that 'Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift' will be a "powerful game changer." The ride is expected to transform the topography of the destination and bring a new level of adrenaline to the theme park.
The introduction of this high-speed coaster is part of Universal Studios Hollywood's ongoing efforts to enhance its attractions. The park continues to innovate and expand its offerings for visitors. Officials look forward to welcoming guests to experience the new ride soon.
Recent Park Developments
In addition to the new coaster, Universal Studios Hollywood recently held its Mega Movie Summer event. This seasonal event ran through August 10 and featured several enhancements to existing attractions and new entertainment options. These included updates to Jurassic World: The Ride, which received more Mosasaurus roars, new Spitter dinosaurs, and an enhanced splash at the end.
The Mega Movie Summer event also included DJ performances, special 50th Anniversary Jaws merchandise, and photo opportunities. Photo ops were available for the 40th Anniversary of Back to the Future, as well as for upcoming films like Wicked and How to Train Your Dragon. These additions aim to provide a fresh experience for park guests while new attractions like Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift are developed.
