FYI: Need for Speed’s iconic hero cars have created lasting memories for gamers, from A$AP Rocky’s 190 E Mercedes in NFS Unbound to the legendary E46 BMW M3 GT-R in NFS Most Wanted. Discover the evolution of these beloved vehicles and the nostalgia they evoke.
One of the defining aspects of the Need for Speed franchise is its "hero" cars—vehicles that become synonymous with each game title. From contemporary icons like A$AP Rocky’s 190 E Mercedes in the latest NFS Unbound to timeless classics such as the E46 BMW M3 GT-R from NFS Most Wanted (2005), these cars are more than just digital racers; they are the very soul of the game.
While not always the rarest or priciest models, these hero cars have a unique identity and play a crucial role in gameplay. They serve as fierce competitors or coveted unlockables, motivating players to progress through the game.
Evolution of Hero Cars
The role of hero cars in Need for Speed wasn’t always as integral as it is today. Initially, earlier titles with limited customization options and more arcade-focused gameplay showcased "Halo" cars on their covers. This changed dramatically with the launch of NFS Underground in 2003, a pivotal moment that introduced in-game vehicles like Eddie’s Skyline R34—an iconic model requiring players to accumulate three million style points to unlock.
Since then, several titles like Most Wanted, Payback, and Heat have featured variations of Eddie’s R34, each iteration creating a legacy all its own.
Notable Hero Cars Through the Years
- NFS Heat (2019)
- Car: Polestar One
- Design: Thanks to design visionary Khyzyl Saleem, the Polestar One’s in-game body kit was beautifully recreated in reality, maintaining its fresh allure half a decade later.
The Impact of Nostalgia
It’s hard to talk about Need for Speed’s hero cars without diving into the nostalgia they evoke. Over its nearly 30-year history, the series has introduced vehicles that take gamers back to different chapters of their lives. Despite some designs feeling dated today, they hold a timeless appeal because of the memories they unlock.
The Need for Speed team is acutely aware of this, branding these memorable unlockables as "Hero Cars" within the game. The "Legends" tab in NFS Unbound allows players to relive these experiences with modern flair and advanced gameplay.
Contributors’ Favorite Hero Cars
With so many NFS titles available, picking a single standout hero car is a near-impossible task. Here are some favorites from our contributors:
-
Allen Haseta
Car: Nissan Skyline GT-R (NFS Underground, 2003)
Insight: "Eddie’s Skyline symbolized achievement. It was the ultimate rival car that raised the bar for new players." -
Sian Donnellan
Car: Mitsubishi Evo X (NFS ProStreet, 2007)
Insight: "ProStreet’s combination of serious motorsport and hot-plate cars was my childhood dream, especially Ryo Watanabe’s wide-bodied, snake-wrapped Evo X." -
Vladimir Lyadov
Car: Lamborghini Diablo SV (NFS III: Hot Pursuit, 1998)
Insight: "Racing the police with the sleek Lamborghini Diablo SV encapsulated my earliest wild gaming memories." -
Stefan Kotze
Cars: Ford GT90 & Ford Indigo (NFS II, 1997)
Insight: "The Ford GT90’s V12 quad-turbo power and the Indigo’s futuristic design were unlike anything I’d ever seen." -
Mario Cristou
Car: Shelby GT500 Super Snake (NFS The Run, 2011)
Insight: "Jack’s Shelby GT500 in The Run, with its custom bodywork and supercharged V8, remains one of the coolest hero cars." -
Chad Ford
Car: Italdesign Nasca C2 (NFS III: Hot Pursuit, 1998)
Insight: "The Nasca C2, with its gullwing doors and sleek design, was a car that captured my youthful imagination." - Jeroen Willemson
Car: BMW M3 GTR (NFS Most Wanted, 2005)
Insight: "The M3 GTR’s legendary escape from the police remains an unforgettable highlight in video game history."
Need for Speed’s enduring popularity owes much to these hero cars. Whether they represent a key rival, a final reward, or a nostalgic trip down memory lane, these vehicles have left an indelible mark on the gaming world.
For more insights and updates, reach out to us at tips@automotive.fyi, or on Twitter @automotivefyi.
Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi
