Universal Studios Hollywood is preparing to launch a highly anticipated outdoor roller coaster that brings the Fast & Furious film franchise to its Upper Lot this September.
Opening to the public on Wednesday 16 September 2026, “Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift” marks the California theme park’s first high-speed outdoor roller coaster. The new attraction is confirmed to be the fastest across all Universal Destinations & Experiences properties, utilising innovative ride technology to replicate the street racing elements central to the global film series.
The engineering behind the attraction features a dual-launching, split-ride track that propels trains over and under the park’s multilevel Starway escalator. The circuit spans 4,100 feet (1,250 metres) of aerial track and incorporates specific sound-reduction technology to minimise noise across the wider park. During the journey, riders will experience four separate launches, an inverted dive loop, a twisted pretzel loop, and an inverted stall. The coaster reaches top speeds of 72 mph and exerts forces of up to 3.6 Gs on passengers.
To mimic the cinematic experience, guests are secured with lap bars in vehicles modelled on iconic cars from the franchise, specifically the Dodge Charger, Mazda RX-7, Nissan Skyline GT-R, and Toyota Supra. Each ride vehicle is fully rotational and programmed to drift 360 degrees independently as the train navigates the track. Furthermore, the vehicles feature on-board audio systems tailored to project authentic engine and sound effects matching each specific car model.
The attraction’s entrance is housed within a large red brick structure on the Upper Lot, flanked by two stationary prop cars. In a technological first for the operator, a transparent enclosed section of the queue allows waiting guests to watch the coaster race past. The loading platform itself features a large-scale mural by artist Tristan Eaton, depicting a street racing scene from the original 2001 film.
Universal Creative has integrated the park’s hillside terrain into the coaster’s structural design, offering riders panoramic views of the working film studio and the wider San Fernando Valley. Throughout the queue, attendees can view original film props, such as a car driven by Brian O’Conner in Fast & Furious 6, a Dodge Charger driven by Dom Toretto in Fast 5, a motorcycle used by Letty Ortiz in F9, and a ramp car operated by Owen Shaw. These displays include QR codes linking to the Backlot Club website for further behind-the-scenes context.
Due to the ride’s dynamic nature, strict safety measures are in place. Universal will require all riders to clear metal detectors and stow loose items, including mobile phones, in complimentary lockers before reaching the boarding platform. Installation hasn’t been completely smooth though according to various media reports, with test riders enjoying the ride so much that some neighbours in the affluent Toluca Lake neighbourhood have complained about noise levels. Universal have since implemented site modifications to dampen residual noise, such as screams, coming from the spinning roller coaster.
The coaster arrives as the $7 billion franchise celebrates its 25th anniversary, building momentum ahead of the next film instalment, Fast Forever, scheduled for a March 2028 theatrical release. A similar coaster by the same name is currently under construction on the East Coast at Universal Studios Florida.
