Buckle up for a thrill ride that's set to redefine excitement at Universal Studios Hollywood! Picture this: hurtling through the heart of Hollywood at a blistering 72 miles per hour on a coaster inspired by the high-octane chaos of the Fast & Furious movies. And it's not just any coaster – it's the park's debut high-speed outdoor attraction, teasing a wild 2026 debut that promises to leave you breathless.
But here's where it gets controversial: How do you build such an intense ride in a hilly, urban setting without disrupting the neighborhood or sparking debates about safety and environmental impact? Let's dive deeper into the details and explore why this could be a game-changer or a potential point of contention.
Universal Studios Hollywood has kicked off extensive testing for Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, their groundbreaking outdoor roller coaster. For months, the track has been weaving through multiple levels of the backlot, and recent updates show progress from testing single cars to full trains of four vehicles launching together. These ride vehicles, including a nod to the iconic Dodge Charger, are currently hidden during this early testing phase – although a prototype of the Charger's frame was showcased to the media earlier this summer. (Check out the story below for more on that reveal.) The other vehicles will be unveiled later, building anticipation for what's sure to be a fan-favorite lineup.
This coaster isn't just about speed; it's engineered for innovation. Riders will experience a full 360-degree spin in individual vehicles as they glide along over 4,100 feet of intricate track – that's roughly the length of nearly 12 football fields! To keep things smooth and enjoyable, the design incorporates sound reduction technology, minimizing noise so the thrill doesn't come with an unwelcome racket. Imagine the sensation of drifting like a pro racer, spinning effortlessly while soaring at furious velocities.
Rewinding to an earlier update from June 12, the question arises: What's a theme park to do when they're expanding on a sloping site amid city buzz? The answer? Embrace the landscape! Universal Studios Hollywood unveiled fresh insights into their upcoming Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift coaster, marking it as the park's first outdoor high-speed thrill and the speediest in the Universal Destinations & Experiences lineup, hitting that eye-watering 72 mph peak. Dom Toretto himself would probably give it a thumbs-up.
And this is the part most people miss: It's also shaping up to be the biggest coaster at the Los Angeles park by a wide margin. By cleverly leveraging the steep terrain – turning potential challenges into strengths – the ride achieves those neck-breaking speeds that perfectly match the heart-pounding energy of the Fast & Furious films. It's like turning lemons into lemonade, where hills become allies in creating adrenaline-fueled fun.
Take a peek at the first-look animatic video embedded below to see the magic in action. This cutting-edge coaster introduces a revolutionary 360-degree rotation for each vehicle, as illustrated in the clip. The journey kicks off from the park's upper level, right near the entrance to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, in an area once home to Universal Hollywood's special effects and animal shows. Guests will line up in a spacious, shaded warehouse that mimics the gritty garages from the movies, adding to the immersive vibe.
The fully rotational vehicles simulate the smooth, sliding drift of racing cars, propelling you through spins at dizzying speeds along an elevated track that gains momentum as it plunges downhill toward a massive loop – positioned conveniently near the upgraded Jurassic World attraction. For beginners wondering about the mechanics, think of drifting as a controlled skid where the car slides sideways for better control and style, but here it's amplified into a coaster experience that feels like you're part of the action.
Scott Strobl, Executive Vice President & General Manager of Universal Studios Hollywood, shared his enthusiasm: 'Observing the evolution of this extraordinary roller coaster is absolutely mesmerizing. With 2026 approaching quickly, we're just as pumped as our visitors to bring this motivating new feature to our theme park offerings. Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift will revolutionize Universal Studios Hollywood, reshaping our landscape and injecting a fresh surge of excitement into our vibrant park. We're eager to try it out and greet guests for their own unforgettable adventures soon.'
Adding to the excitement, Universal Hollywood revealed one of the four ride vehicles, crafted to resemble legendary cars from the franchise. The showcased model is based on Dominic Toretto's 1970 Dodge Charger and is currently exhibited at the park as part of the Mega Movie Summer celebration.
This Mega Movie Summer is a brand-new seasonal affair kicking off this Friday and running daily through Sunday, August 10. It brings a refreshing update to Jurassic World: The Ride, with amplified Mosasaurus bellows, four additional Spitter dinosaurs ramping up the chaos, and boosted water fountains culminating in an epic splash finale. Don't miss the DJ sets, exclusive 50th Anniversary Jaws merchandise, tasty treats, photo opportunities, and snaps linked to the 40th Anniversary of Back to the Future, plus Wicked and How to Train Your Dragon.
Now, let's stir up some debate: Is integrating a high-speed coaster into a hilly, urban park a brilliant adaptation or a risky gamble that might prioritize thrills over community peace? Some argue it cleverly uses natural terrain for authenticity, while others worry about noise, vibrations, or even the ethics of expanding entertainment at the expense of local surroundings. What do you think? Do theme parks like Universal need more franchise tie-ins like this, or are they oversaturating with high-adrenaline rides? Could this coaster set a new standard for innovation, or does the focus on speed overshadow creativity? Share your opinions, agreements, or disagreements in the comments – we'd love to hear if you'd brave the drift or stick to tamer attractions!
