Imagine hurtling through the air at a blistering 72 miles per hour, tucked inside a vehicle straight out of the heart-pounding Fast & Furious franchise – is this the ultimate adrenaline rush, or just another wild gamble in the world of theme parks? Buckle up, because Universal Studios Hollywood is pushing boundaries with their latest creation, and it's sparking all sorts of buzz. But here's where it gets exciting: they're not just talking big; they're already putting it to the test in real-time, right in the middle of their sprawling Los Angeles lot. Let's dive into the details and see what makes this coaster a potential game-changer.
Updated news: Universal Studios Hollywood has kicked off extensive trials for Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, marking the park's inaugural high-velocity outdoor roller coaster set to thrill riders starting in 2026. The track, which has been in the works for quite some time, now snakes across multiple tiers of the backlot. Earlier in the summer, single cars underwent checks on select stretches of the path. Now, they're advancing to full-scale runs, launching entire trains of four ride vehicles at once.
During these early tests, the train with its four vehicles – including the famous Dodge Charger – remains hidden from public view, though a prototype of the Charger's frame was shared with the media back in the summer. (Check out the earlier article below for more on that reveal.) The other three ride vehicles are still under wraps and will be disclosed later on.
Dubbed 'Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift,' this attraction promises a mind-bending 360-degree spin for each individual ride vehicle as guests zoom along an impressive 4,100 feet of meticulously designed track – that's roughly the length of nearly 12 football fields end-to-end. To keep things considerate for nearby residents, the track incorporates advanced sound-dampening tech, reducing noise without sacrificing the intensity. For beginners wondering what a 360-degree rotation means, picture the ride vehicles twisting and turning on their axes like skilled drifters in the movies, simulating those epic car slides but at dizzying speeds.
But here's where it gets controversial: is cramming such a high-octane ride into a hilly, urban setting the smartest innovation, or a recipe for future headaches? Let's rewind to the earlier scoop from June 12th. Picture this: a theme park itching to grow and invent, but stuck on a rugged, elevated site amid city chaos. Their brilliant workaround? Embrace the landscape itself.
Universal Studios Hollywood recently spilled more beans on their upcoming Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift coaster – the destination's very first outdoor thrill ride built for breakneck speeds. Launching in 2026, it will claim the title of the swiftest in the entire Universal Destinations & Experiences lineup, peaking at 72 mph. Fans of Dominic Toretto would surely approve.
On top of that, it'll also be the biggest attraction in the Los Angeles park, dwarfing everything else in scale.
In a clever turn of 'when life gives you lemons,' the builders are leveraging the park's natural steep slopes to fuel those insane velocities, perfectly aligning with the explosive energy of the Fast & Furious film series.
Take a peek at the debut animatic video below – for those new to the term, an animatic is like a storyboard brought to life with animation and sound, giving you a sneak preview of the ride before it's built.
This pioneering coaster introduces a revolutionary full 360-degree flip for each ride vehicle, a feature hinted at before but now vividly depicted in the video above. It hits that 72 mph top speed via a sprawling 4,100-foot track that kicks off at the park's upper level, near the gateway to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, in the spot once occupied by Universal Hollywood's special effects and animal spectacles. Guests will line up in a spacious, shaded warehouse-style queuing area that echoes the garages from the films, providing a cool respite before the action.
The ride's fully spinning vehicles will deliver an unbroken illusion of drifting cars, with riders whirling through the air at furious paces as they're propelled down an elevated path that builds momentum toward a massive loop, positioned just below the upgraded Jurassic World attraction.
'Witnessing the development of this phenomenal roller coaster unfold is absolutely mesmerizing,' shared Scott Strobl, Executive Vice President & General Manager of Universal Studios Hollywood. 'With 2026 approaching fast, we're just as pumped as our visitors to unveil this groundbreaking addition to our theme park lineup. Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift will redefine Universal Studios Hollywood, reshaping our landscape and injecting a fresh burst of excitement into our vibrant park. We're eager to try it ourselves and to invite everyone to feel that rush soon.'
Universal Hollywood also showcased one of the four custom ride vehicles, inspired by the legendary cars in the films. The one revealed is based on Toretto's iconic 1970 Dodge Charger, and it's currently on exhibit at Universal Studios Hollywood during their Mega Movie Summer celebration.
This Mega Movie Summer is a brand-new seasonal bash kicking off this Friday and running daily until Sunday, August 10. It brings a refreshing twist to Jurassic World: The Ride, with louder Mosasaurus bellows, four additional Spitter dinosaurs ramping up the chaos, and boosted water fountains alongside a more spectacular finale splash. For context, imagine the ride getting even more immersive – those spitters add unpredictable dinosaur antics, making each trip feel like a fresh adventure.
Plus, the event features DJ sets pumping out beats, exclusive 50th Anniversary Jaws merch, tasty treats, photo opportunities, and snaps tied to the Back to the Future 40th Anniversary, Wicked, and How to Train Your Dragon.
And this is the part most people miss: while the coaster promises unmatched thrills, some might argue it's overhyped – after all, is a ride that relies on natural terrain just clever engineering or an environmental shortcut? What do you think: will this drift into coaster history as a must-ride, or is it risking too much on hype? Do you love the idea of movie-inspired rides, or worry about safety and noise in urban areas? Share your thoughts, agreements, or disagreements in the comments – I'd love to hear your take!
