Need For Speed has been a cornerstone of racing video games since its inception in 1994. Over the years, it has introduced players to a multitude of iconic vehicles that have left a lasting mark on car culture and gaming. This article explores some of the most memorable cars from the series, detailing their features, specifications, and the context behind their popularity.
1. Lamborghini Diablo SV – Need For Speed III: Hot Pursuit
Overview
The Lamborghini Diablo SV was one of the first real supercars to grace the NFS series, providing players with exhilarating speeds and stunning looks.
Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 5.7L V12 |
| Horsepower | 510 bhp |
| Top Speed | 200 mph |
| 0-60 mph | 4.0 seconds |
| Drivetrain | All-wheel drive |
Price
- Estimated Price: $300,000 (1998)
2. BMW M3 GTR E46 – Need For Speed: Most Wanted
Overview
The BMW M3 GTR E46 is known for its gripping performance and was pivotal in the storyline of NFS: Most Wanted, where players aim to reclaim it.
Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.2L Inline-6 |
| Horsepower | 493 bhp |
| Top Speed | 155 mph |
| 0-60 mph | 4.1 seconds |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
Price
- Estimated Price: $75,000 (2005)
3. Skyline GT-R V-Spec (R34) – Need For Speed Underground I & II
Overview
The R34 Skyline GT-R became a symbol of street racing culture, featuring heavily in the Underground series with its customizable options.
Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.6L Inline-6 |
| Horsepower | 276 bhp |
| Top Speed | 156 mph |
| 0-60 mph | 4.9 seconds |
| Drivetrain | All-wheel drive |
Price
- Estimated Price: $80,000 (2003)
4. Mercedes-Benz 190E – Need For Speed: Unbound
Overview
A$AP Rocky’s custom design of the Mercedes-Benz 190E in NFS: Unbound brought a contemporary vibe to the series.
Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.3L Inline-4 |
| Horsepower | 185 bhp |
| Top Speed | 140 mph |
| 0-60 mph | 8.0 seconds |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
Price
- Estimated Price: $35,000 (1984)
5. Mazda RX-7 ‘Battle Machine’ – Need For Speed: ProStreet
Overview
The ‘Battle Machine’ RX-7 became a fan favorite despite not being in the final version of NFS: ProStreet, sparking a legend among players.
Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.3L Twin-Rotary |
| Horsepower | 300 bhp |
| Top Speed | 155 mph |
| 0-60 mph | 5.3 seconds |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
Price
- Estimated Price: $25,000 (1992)
6. Ferrari 512 TR – Need For Speed
Overview
The Ferrari 512 TR was the first car featured on an NFS cover, solidifying its place in gaming history.
Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4.9L Flat-12 |
| Horsepower | 428 bhp |
| Top Speed | 195 mph |
| 0-60 mph | 4.8 seconds |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
Price
- Estimated Price: $200,000 (1991)
Conclusion
From the wild aesthetic of the R34 Skyline GT-R to the raw power of the Lamborghini Diablo SV, the Need For Speed series has offered a diverse lineup of iconic cars that reflect the evolution of car culture in gaming. Each vehicle brings nostalgia and a rush of adrenaline, ensuring that they will remain cherished parts of racing game history.
FAQs
- What is Need For Speed?
- Need For Speed is a racing video game franchise that has been popular since the 1990s, known for its high-speed chases and customizable vehicles.
- What makes the BMW M3 GTR E46 iconic?
- Its gripping performance and central role in the storyline of NFS: Most Wanted have made it a fan favorite.
- Which Need For Speed game featured the Lamborghini Diablo SV?
- The Lamborghini Diablo SV was prominently featured in Need For Speed III: Hot Pursuit.
- What is the top speed of the R34 Skyline GT-R?
- The top speed of the R34 Skyline GT-R is approximately 156 mph.
- Who designed the custom Mercedes-Benz 190E in NFS: Unbound?
- The custom design was created by rapper A$AP Rocky.
- Why was the Mazda RX-7 ‘Battle Machine’ so popular?
- Despite not being in ProStreet, its unique design and pre-release promotion created a cult following.
- What was the first car on an NFS game cover?
- The Ferrari 512 TR was the first car to appear on the cover of a Need For Speed game.
- What is the significance of the Need For Speed Underground series?
- It introduced street racing culture and customizable vehicles, which became staples of the series.
- How fast can the Mercedes-Benz 190E go?
- The top speed of the Mercedes-Benz 190E is about 140 mph.
- Which NFS game features the most iconic supercars?
- NFS III: Hot Pursuit introduced several iconic supercars, including the Lamborghini Diablo SV.
- What is the horsepower of the Ferrari 512 TR?
- The Ferrari 512 TR has a horsepower rating of 428 bhp.
- How many Need For Speed games have been released?
- Over 20 main series titles have been released since 1994.
- Can you customize cars in Need For Speed games?
- Yes, car customization is a significant feature in many NFS titles, especially in the Underground series.
- What engine does the Skyline GT-R V-Spec (R34) have?
- It features a 2.6L Inline-6 engine.
- Is Need For Speed still popular today?
- Yes, the franchise continues to release new titles, maintaining a dedicated fanbase.
