At a Glance
- Universal Orlando Resort announces Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift.
- The coaster will feature a 170-foot spike, 360-degree drifting, and speeds up to 72 mph.
- It will open at Universal Studios Florida in 2027, replacing the former Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit.
- Why it matters: The new attraction brings the Fast & Furious brand into the park’s flagship rides, offers a fresh experience for guests, and marks a major shift in the park’s lineup.
Universal Orlando Resort has officially announced a brand-new high-speed roller coaster that will debut at Universal Studios Florida in 2027. The announcement, made on Jan. 20, 2026, revealed the coaster’s name-Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift-and outlined its key thrills.
New Roller Coaster Unveiled
Park officials highlighted that the ride will place guests in the driver seat of the Fast & Furious universe like never before. The coaster’s design promises 360-degree drifting as it speeds through intense hills and dips, including a 170-foot spike that sends riders nearly 17 stories into the air over Universal CityWalk.
Ride Features and Thrills
- 360-degree drifting that mimics the signature car maneuvers from the films.
- A 170-foot spike that propels riders into the sky.
- Top speed of 72 mph, making it the fastest coaster in Universal’s portfolio.
- A track length of 4,100 feet, weaving through the park’s landscape.
- Vehicles modeled after Dominic Toretto’s Dodge Charger, complete with turning mechanics to create a drifting sensation.
The coaster’s high-octane experience is backed by a detailed rendering released by the park. The video showcases the vehicle’s close-up, the turning mechanics, and the full 4,100-foot track layout.
West Coast Version Coming Soon
Universal Studios Hollywood is also developing its own version of the outdoor roller coaster. Announced in May 2024, the Hollywood version is slated to launch in 2026, though a specific opening date has not yet been set. A first look was shared in June, giving fans a glimpse of the upcoming attraction.
Fast & Furious Franchise Legacy
The Fast & Furious saga, spanning over 20 years, has earned more than $7 billion at the global box office. The films follow undercover police officer Brian O’Conner (Paul Walker) as he delves into the world of street racing, led by Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel). The franchise’s popularity fuels the excitement around the new coaster.
Park Impact and Replacement
To make room for the new attraction, Universal will permanently close Fast & Furious – Supercharged in 2027. The new ride will occupy the space formerly held by the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit coaster. That steel coaster, which thrilled guests for 16 years, closed permanently on Aug. 17, 2025.
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit first opened on Aug. 9, 2009, standing 161 feet tall and 3,200 feet long. It was the largest X-car model coaster by German manufacturer Maurer Sohne at the time. The ride allowed guests to select one of five songs to listen to while riding, with recent selections including “Welcome to the Black Parade” (My Chemical Romance), “Waterloo” (ABBA), “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” (Shania Twain), “Humble” (Kendrick Lamar), and “Sandstorm” (Darude).
Timeline of Key Dates
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Jan. 20, 2026 | Announcement of Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift at Universal Studios Florida |
| May 2024 | Initial announcement of the Hollywood version at Universal Studios Hollywood |
| June 2024 | First look video released for the Hollywood version |
| Aug. 17, 2025 | Permanent closure of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit |
| 2026 | Expected launch of the Hollywood version of the coaster |
| 2027 | Opening of Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift in Florida; closure of Fast & Furious – Supercharged |
Key Takeaways
- Universal Orlando is adding a flagship Fast & Furious coaster that will feature a 170-foot spike and 72 mph speeds.
- The Florida ride will replace the aging Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit and open in 2027.
- A Hollywood version of the coaster is set to launch in 2026, expanding the franchise’s presence across both parks.
- The Fast & Furious franchise’s long-standing popularity underpins the excitement for the new attraction.
The new roller coaster represents a significant investment in the park’s future, blending high-speed thrills with the beloved Fast & Furious brand. Guests can look forward to an immersive experience that captures the adrenaline of the films while adding a fresh landmark to Universal Studios Florida’s lineup.
