First look at Fast & Furious coaster on-track test at Universal Studios Hollywood

The new Fast & Furious coaster revved up its engines and raced around the hillside-hugging track for the first time at Universal Studios Hollywood in preparation of the 2026 debut of the new thrill ride.

Universal Studios Hollywood conducted the first on-track launch test of the new Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift roller coaster on Thursday, Oct. 16.

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The launch test conducted before park opening showed a coaster train with four street racing cars rocketing from zero to 72 mph along the 4,100-foot-long track.

Riders will drift and spin in a replica of Dominic Toretto’s 1970 Dodge Charger as they ride in the new launch coaster coming to the Upper Lot of the Hollywood theme park.

The new coaster will feature 360-degree rotating coaster vehicles designed to look like drifting race cars from the street racing film franchise that has earned $7 billion at the worldwide box office.

Hollywood Drift riders will enter through a red brick auto repair garage before boarding one of four coaster ride vehicles themed to look like an authentic Fast & Furious film car.

The coaster track will employ sound reduction technology to lessen the noise from the coaster for Universal’s residential neighbors.

The Hollywood Drift coaster will feature a state-of-the-art ride system with first-of-its-kind innovations and technological achievements, according to Universal.

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Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift will be the first high-speed outdoor coaster at Universal Studios Hollywood. The park’s two existing coasters include the 2004 Revenge of the Mummy indoor coaster and the 2016 Flight of the Hippogriff outdoor kiddie coaster.

The Hollywood Drift in the coaster name references the 2006 Universal Pictures “Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift” action film. Drift racers intentionally oversteer to the point of losing traction while maintaining control of the car.