Universal Studios Hollywood’s upcoming Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift coaster is now visible from one of the park’s most-traveled routes. The official @unistudios Instagram posted a view from the iconic Starway escalator on Saturday, March 21, showing the coaster’s track overhead and teasing the summer opening with the caption: “We’re switching to expert level on the Starway.”
The Starway is the multi-level escalator system that connects the Upper Lot and Lower Lot at Universal Studios Hollywood. Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift’s track runs directly over it, making the coaster visible and audible to every guest traveling between the two halves of the park. Universal designed the track layout to make the coaster a visual centerpiece even before guests board.
What We Know About Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is Universal Studios Hollywood’s first-ever high-speed outdoor roller coaster, manufactured by Intamin. According to the official Universal press release, the ride features:
- 4,100 feet of aerial track – roughly the length of nearly 12 football fields
- Top speeds up to 72 mph, making it the fastest coaster in the Universal parks portfolio
- 360-degree rotating ride vehicles designed to simulate the sensation of drifting cars
- Four ride vehicles modeled after franchise cars: Dominic Toretto’s Dodge Charger, Mazda RX-7, Nissan Skyline GT-R, and Toyota Supra
- A red brick, garage-inspired show building on the Upper Lot
- A run time of approximately two minutes
- A 51-inch height requirement
- Single rider line available
The track winds down the hillside between the Upper and Lower Lots, passing over the Starway and offering aerial views of the park. Each car seats four guests and includes onboard audio.
Testing Is Underway
Testing began in October 2025. As of March 2026, the coaster is in extended testing with ride vehicles running the full layout. Universal has installed safety netting over the Starway stairs that pass underneath the track since testing began.
No official opening date has been announced beyond summer 2026. A second version of Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is under construction at Universal Studios Florida, scheduled to open in 2027.
Why This Matters
Hollywood Drift is the biggest new attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood since Super Nintendo World opened in 2023. At 72 mph, it will be faster than VelociCoaster (70 mph) at Universal Orlando – making it the fastest coaster at any Universal park in the world at opening.
For guests visiting during spring break 2026, the coaster’s track is now a visible part of the park experience – even if the ride itself hasn’t opened yet.
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Source: @unistudios on Instagram | Universal Studios Hollywood official press release
