Hold onto your seats, thrill-seekers! Universal Studios Hollywood is about to redefine adrenaline-pumping entertainment with its upcoming Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift coaster, and the latest updates are nothing short of jaw-dropping. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can a roller coaster truly capture the heart-pounding, high-octane spirit of the Fast & Furious franchise? Let’s dive in and find out.
Universal Studios Hollywood has officially kicked off extended testing for its first-ever high-speed outdoor roller coaster, set to debut in 2026. This isn’t just any coaster—it’s a 72 mph beast that promises to be the fastest in the Universal Destinations & Experiences portfolio. Imagine racing through the air at speeds that would make Dominic Toretto himself nod in approval. And this is the part most people miss: The coaster’s design ingeniously leverages the park’s hilly terrain, turning what could be a logistical challenge into a thrilling advantage.
Construction has been underway for months, with the track now looping across multiple levels of the backlot. Earlier this summer, individual ride vehicles were tested on limited sections, but now, trains of four cars—including a sleek Dodge Charger—are being launched together. While the full lineup of vehicles remains under wraps, a version of the Charger chassis was teased to the media, giving fans a glimpse of what’s to come.
Here’s the real showstopper: The coaster will feature a 360-degree rotation of individual ride vehicles as they zoom along a 4,100-foot track—equivalent to nearly 12 football fields. This isn’t just a ride; it’s a seamless drifting experience that mimics the high-speed chases from the films. The track, constructed with sound reduction technology, ensures the focus stays on the thrill, not the noise.
Bold claim alert: This coaster isn’t just big—it’s the largest in the L.A. park by a long shot. Starting near The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, riders will queue in a shaded warehouse reminiscent of the franchise’s iconic garages before being catapulted downhill toward a massive loop near the revamped Jurassic World attraction. It’s a ride that promises to transform the park’s landscape—literally and figuratively.
Scott Strobl, Executive Vice President & General Manager of Universal Studios Hollywood, couldn’t contain his excitement: ‘Watching this roller coaster come to life is truly spectacular… ‘Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift’ will be a game changer, infusing a new level of adrenaline into our park.’ But here’s the question: Will it live up to the hype? Only time will tell.
Universal also unveiled one of the four ride vehicles, modeled after Toretto’s iconic 1970 Dodge Charger, now on display as part of the Mega Movie Summer event. Speaking of which, this seasonal celebration (running through August 10) includes a refreshed Jurassic World: The Ride, DJ performances, exclusive merchandise, and photo ops tied to fan-favorite franchises like Back to the Future and How to Train Your Dragon.
Controversial interpretation: While the coaster’s design is undeniably impressive, some fans argue that no ride can fully replicate the emotional connection they feel to the Fast & Furious films. What do you think? Will this coaster be a worthy tribute, or is it just another theme park attraction? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take!
