Universal Studios Hollywood Sets September Launch Date for New Fast and Furious Coaster

2026-08-31 companies

Los Angeles, Tuesday, 1 September 2026.
Universal Studios Hollywood will launch its first high-speed outdoor coaster on September 16, 2026, featuring 360-degree rotating vehicles that reach 115.87 km/h to simulate real drifting action.

Official Opening Date Confirmed

Universal Studios Hollywood, a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ: CMCSA), has confirmed that its new high-speed outdoor coaster, ‘Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift,’ will officially open to the public on September 16, 2026 [1][2][3]. The announcement was made on Monday, August 31, 2026, ending a period of speculation regarding the attraction’s debut timeline [2][4][5]. This launch represents a significant capital investment aimed at boosting park attendance and driving growth in Comcast’s theme parks division amid increasing competition in global location-based entertainment [1]. The attraction is situated on the park’s upper lot within a red brick garage-themed structure, visible from the path leading to the lower lot [2][4].

Technical Specifications and Ride Experience

The coaster features 1,249.7 meters of track and reaches top speeds of 115.87 km/h, achieving up to 3.6 Gs during the experience [1]. Riders will experience 360-degree drifting capabilities in vehicles modeled after iconic franchise cars, including the Dodge Charger, Mazda RX-7, Nissan Skyline GT-R, and Toyota Supra [1][3][6]. Each vehicle type includes independent onboard audio, allowing riders to hear the engine specific to the car they are seated in, enhancing the immersion of the 25th anniversary celebration of the film franchise [3][6]. The ride duration lasts just under two minutes, featuring four launches and an inverted loop designed to simulate the signature drifting action of the films [3][6].

Operational Challenges and Delays

Development of the attraction faced delays due to noise complaints from neighbors in Toluca Lake, requiring the installation of sound-reduction barriers and technology [1][4][5]. Universal Studios Hollywood installed additional sound barriers and employed noise-reduction technology, including a low-rumble track with pea gravel and half-pike shields, to mitigate noise complaints from residential neighbors regarding passenger screaming [5]. Technical rehearsals for the coaster were underway by late July 2026, with wait times routinely exceeding two hours during this testing phase [4][5]. Despite social media suggestions that the debut might be postponed until the end of the year, the park maintained the mid-September target [3].

Economic Context and Franchise Value

The ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise has generated more than $7 billion worldwide across 11 films, becoming Universal Pictures’ most profitable and longest-running series [3][5][6]. Daily theme park tickets start at $109.95, with weekend pricing typically reaching the $150 range, though park reservations are not required for entry [4]. Express pass front-of-the-line access will not be available at launch, with the feature expected to be offered at a later date [4]. The attraction opens as Universal Pictures prepares for the final theatrical installment, ‘Fast Forever,’ slated for March 17, 2028 [3][6].

Sources

Theme Parks Comcast