There’s a certain poetic symmetry in Universal’s fastest roller coaster ever being inspired by Fast & Furious, a franchise built on speed, power and pushing things just a little further than they’re supposed to go.

The attraction, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, is set to open in 2027 at Universal Studios Florida, and it will be the fastest roller coaster Universal has ever built. According to Deadline, the ride will reach speeds of up to 72 miles per hour, making it the quickest attraction in the Universal Destinations & Experiences portfolio.

Universal formally confirmed the project on Tuesday, Jan. 20, describing Hollywood Drift as a “high-octane roller coaster” that will “put guests in the driver seat of the high-speed thrills of Universal Pictures’ Fast & Furious universe like never before.”

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What sets the ride apart isn’t just speed, but how it moves. The coaster trains are designed to rotate independently from the track, creating a 360-degree drifting sensation as riders navigate hills, drops and sharp transitions. One of the ride’s defining moments is a 170-foot vertical spike that sends the train nearly 17 stories into the air, visible above the edges of Universal CityWalk.

The coaster’s ride vehicles are modeled after Dominic Toretto’s Dodge Charger, a nod to Vin Diesel’s character and one of the franchise’s most recognizable symbols. In a preview video released by the parks, Universal showed how the cars pivot as they race along more than 4,100 feet of track, simulating the sideways motion seen throughout the films.

Florida’s version isn’t the only one in development. Universal Studios Hollywood is also building its own outdoor Hollywood Drift coaster. That version was first announced in May 2024 and is expected to open in 2026. While Universal hasn’t shared an exact opening date, the park released early concept art and ride renderings last summer.

The attractions draw from the Fast & Furious film franchise, which spans more than 20 years and has generated over $7 billion at the global box office. The series originally followed undercover officer Brian O’Conner, played by Paul Walker, as he entered the world of street racing led by Dominic Toretto. Post-Walker installments have evolved the franchise’s transition from street racing to global espionage and “superhero-like” themes.

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In Orlando, Hollywood Drift will replace two existing attractions. Universal has confirmed that Fast & Furious—Supercharged will permanently close in 2027, clearing space for the new coaster. The ride will also take over the footprint once occupied by Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, which shut down on Aug. 17, 2025 after 16 years of operation.

Rip Ride Rockit first opened in August 2009. At the time, it was the largest X-car model coaster ever built by German manufacturer Maurer Söhne. The ride was also known for allowing guests to choose their own onboard soundtrack, a feature that made it a longtime fan favorite.

By the time Hollywood Drift opens in 2027, it won’t just replace a legacy coaster—it will reset Universal’s speed record, using a franchise built on street racing to anchor the park’s fastest ride yet.

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This story was originally published by Parade on Jan 20, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.