New Fast and Furious Coaster
Universal Studios Hollywood opens its fastest roller coaster featuring 360-degree drifting cars.
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The attraction is part of Universal’s broader strategy of turning major film franchises into theme-park experiences. The Fast & Furious series has earned more than $7 billion worldwide, is marking its 25th anniversary, and has another film, “Fast Forever,” scheduled for March 2028.
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Beyond its rotating vehicles and launches, the coaster’s layout includes an inverted dive loop, a pretzel loop and an inverted stall, arranged through a dual-launching, split-track design.
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The ride is housed in a large red-brick, garage-style structure on Universal’s Upper Lot, and the entrance includes two stationary replica cars that serve as photo opportunities before guests enter the queue.
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Universal described the attraction as having taken a decade to develop and characterized it as a “technological first,” with the coaster’s vehicles racing past guests waiting in line.
Universal Studios Hollywood has opened Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, the fastest roller coaster in Universal Destinations & Experiences' portfolio. The new ride reaches speeds of 72 mph across 4,100 feet of track, with four launches, forces up to 3.6 Gs, and vehicles that rotate 360 degrees to simulate drifting Yahoo Travel. Riders sit in cars modeled after vehicles from the Fast & Furious film franchise, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year Yahoo Travel.
The attraction marks a technological breakthrough for Universal, featuring a dual-launching split-track design with an inverted dive loop, pretzel loop, and inverted stall Cinema Blend. However, the ride's opening has drawn noise complaints from nearby Toluca Lake residents, prompting Universal to install sound barriers and other noise-reduction measures to address community concerns Head Topics.
A Decade in Development
Universal began building Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift in 2023 and completed it in 2025, representing a decade of planning and design work Yahoo Travel. The ride is housed in a large red-brick garage-style structure on Universal's Upper Lot, with two stationary replica cars at the entrance serving as photo opportunities Yahoo Travel. Universal described the attraction as a "technological first," with moving coaster vehicles racing past guests waiting in line to heighten anticipation Yahoo Travel.
Intense Sensations From Four Launches
The coaster delivers extreme acceleration through four separate launches that propel riders to 72 mph Head Topics. Early riders described the experience as exceptionally fast and chaotic, with the lap-bar-only restraint system making the ride feel especially exposed Head Topics. The 360-degree rotating vehicles intensify the sensation as guests navigate inversions and high-intensity elements across the dual-track layout Cinema Blend.
Fast & Furious Franchise Expansion Strategy
The Fast & Furious film series has earned more than $7 billion worldwide and continues to drive Universal's theme-park strategy Yahoo Travel. The franchise celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, with another film titled "Fast Forever" scheduled for release in March 2028 Yahoo Travel. By transforming major film properties into immersive attractions, Universal deepens guest engagement and creates additional revenue streams beyond box-office earnings Yahoo Travel.
Neighborhood Sound Barriers Address Resident Complaints
Toluca Lake residents filed noise complaints about rider screams from the new attraction before it opened Head Topics. In response, Universal installed sound barriers and implemented other noise-reduction measures to mitigate the impact on the surrounding neighborhood Head Topics. A neighborhood coalition continues to monitor the issue, though Universal maintains that the ride meets all local noise ordinances Head Topics.
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