Universal Studios Hollywood Sets September 16 Opening for Fast & Furious Coaster

Universal Studios Hollywood has announced that its new 'Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift' roller coaster will officially open to the public on September 16. This attraction marks the park's debut as an outdoor, high-speed coaster, aiming to translate the film franchise's signature drifting maneuvers into a physical ride experience. The coaster features independently rotating cars, each equipped with 360-degree rotation technology. This allows individual vehicles to spin as the train progresses along the track, simulating the sensation of a car losing traction and drifting rather than simply taking a corner. The programming for each car is unique, meaning that the rider's experience will vary depending on their specific seat. The 'Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift' coaster is designed to reach speeds of up to 72 miles per hour. It covers a total aerial track length of approximately 4,100 feet, a distance that Universal Studios Hollywood compares to the length of about 12 football fields. The layout of the track is engineered to weave over sections of the park situated below. Universal Studios Hollywood is positioning this new ride as the fastest roller coaster within its entire global portfolio of theme parks. The construction of the coaster was notably integrated into the existing landscape of the Upper Lot, utilizing the terraced hillside and the natural steep grade of the studio site as its structural foundation. This approach allowed the ride to be built without requiring extensive land clearing. The coaster is housed within a facade designed to resemble a red-brick garage, further enhancing the thematic connection to the 'Fast & Furious' films. A segment of the track is enclosed within a transparent structure, allowing guests waiting in the queue to observe the coaster cars in motion mid-ride. The vehicles themselves are directly inspired by iconic cars featured in the 'Fast & Furious' movie saga. Specific models include Dominic Toretto's 1970 Dodge Charger, Han's Mazda RX-7, and Brian O'Conner's blue Nissan Skyline GT-R and orange Toyota Supra. The queue area is also designed to extend the film's theming, incorporating recreated props from the movies and QR codes that likely provide interactive elements or further thematic information.