Universal Studios unveils September 16 opening date for ‘Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift,’ the park’s first outdoor, high‑speed roller coaster

Universal Studios Hollywood’s first outdoor, high-speed roller coaster finally opens on Wednesday, September 16.

The highly anticipated new ride, “Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift,” tops out at 72 MPH across 4,100 feet of aerial track, making it the fastest coaster in the Universal Destinations & Experiences portfolio.

3.6 Gs and 72 MPH

The ride sits on the Upper Lot inside an expansive red brick garage-style structure. Its track runs through four launches, an inverted dive loop, a twisted pretzel loop, and an inverted stall, pulling up to 3.6 Gs. Its dual-launching, split-ride track alternates trains from dispatch and sends cars racing through a transparent enclosure visible from the line, so guests waiting watch the coaster pass overhead.

Guests board one of four ride vehicles modeled after cars from the Fast saga: the Dodge Charger, Mazda RX-7, Nissan Skyline GT-R, and Toyota Supra. Each vehicle is fully rotational and independently programmed to drift along the train, meaning the experience varies depending on which car you’re seated in. A dedicated audio system adds engine sounds specific to each vehicle.