As a lifelong racing game fanatic, I live for the thrill of testing my driving skills across different tracks and terrain. When Need for Speed Unbound was announced boasting over 140 vehicles to collect and customize, I knew I had to dive in deep.
Now having spent countless hours upgrading rides and battling cops through Lakeshore City‘s streets, I can definitively showcase everything this vibrant gearhead‘s paradise has to offer. From JDM tuner classics to the latest hypercar exotics, nearly any car enthusiast‘s dream garage resides within this title.
In this guide, we‘ll be taking an in-depth look across the complete car roster available in Need for Speed Unbound. I‘ll be highlighting notable specs, reviewing standout models through firsthand driving impressions, and recommending the best builds for different racing disciplines. Whether you enjoy tuning vintage American muscle or testing cutting-edge European supercars, Lakeshore City offers bountiful opportunities. Let‘s jump in!
Overview of the Car Classes
Need for Speed Unbound features 143 vehicles split across three distinct performance classes:
A Tier (Mainstream): Focusing on widely accessible cars featuring comfort-oriented designs. Models like the BMW M3, Subaru BRZ, and Volkswagen Golf R can compete here. I like to think of this bracket as great daily driver cars with occasional track potential thanks to some mild engine and handling upgrades.
A+ Tier (Sports): Home to dedicated sports cars boasting more power with an emphasis on nimble handling. Vehicles such as the Lotus Exige, Porsche 718 Cayman, and new Nissan Z fight for podiums in this category. These cars remain streetable but also shine brightly attacking curvy canyon routes and racetracks with extra grip and aerodynamic components.
S Tier (Supercars): The top class reserved exclusively for extreme high-end exotics with mind-bending acceleration and cornering abilities. Hypercars like the Koenigsegg Regera, Bugatti Chiron Sport, and Pagani Huayra BC trade paint here. To even be competitive in S class events requires mastering the unique dynamics these machines possess. Their sheer performance reaches unfathomable levels in skilled hands.
I‘ll be covering many exciting models across the different brackets. Now let‘s explore some select cars showcasing what Need for Speed Unbound‘s diverse roster has to offer.
Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR – Refined Race SUV
While a full-size luxury SUV might seem an unlikely performance vehicle, the Range Rover Sport SVR proves serious speed lurks beneath its upscale trappings. Motivated by a specially tuned 575 horsepower supercharged V8, its brutal acceleration defies expectations.
Key Specs:
- 0-60 MPH: 4.5 seconds
- Top Speed: 176 mph
- Engine: 5.0L Supercharged Gas V8
- Drivetrain: All Wheel Drive
Despite its considerable bulk, the SVR feels shockingly nimble when pushed hard. The adaptive air suspension firms up to remain level during hard cornering as well, greatly reducing body roll compared to a standard Range Rover. It remains luxurious and refined enough for daily driving too thanks to sound deadening materials subduing the roaring V8. Ultimately I‘m thoroughly impressed with how capable Land Rover‘s performance division made this full-size SUV. The SVR is far quicker off the line and through corners than any truck has a right to be – making it a true performance bargain starting under $100k.
Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye – Tire Destruction Guaranteed
Sometimes subtlety gets thrown completely out the window in pursuit of thrilling straight line speed. That describes Dodge‘s Challenger Hellcat Redeye perfectly with its barely street legal 797 horsepower V8 leaving smoking tires everywhere.
Key Specs:
- 0-60 MPH: 3.4 seconds
- Top Speed: 203 mph
- Engine: 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8
- Drivetrain: Rear Wheel Drive
I cannot overstate how ridiculously quick the Redeye feels exploding off the line, screaming toward the horizon. Activating launch control rewards with neck-snapping acceleration – pinning occupants against their seats relentlessly. Yet its handling proves quite amenable once acclimated to the prodigious power overwhelming just the rear wheels.
My only real complaint is the traction control intervening mid-drift upon detecting sudden losses of grip. But for maximum smoky burnout antics, that electronic nanny can be fully defeated with a quick button combination. While far from the most agile vehicle here, the Redeye‘s staggering acceleration represents one of the most intense adrenaline rushes I‘ve experienced behind any wheel.
McLaren 750LT – Focused Supercar Exotica
Representing a street-legal distillation of McLaren‘s racing pedigree, the 750LT coupe provides telepathic reflexes and a wonderfully raw driving experience overall. Reduced weight combined with an extensively re-engineered suspension and aerodynamics make this limited production exotic exceptionally responsive on road and track.
Key Specs:
- 0-60 MPH: 2.7 seconds
- Top Speed: 208 mph
- Engine: 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8
- Drivetrain: Rear Wheel Drive
Staggering acceleration seems achieved almost effortlessly thanks to the brilliantly optimized mid-mounted engine and seamless quick-shifting transmission. Striking the right balance between high downforce for cornering traction plus low drag for straight line speed proves McLaren‘s expertise as well. Open the active exhaust for a searing race-car soundtrack loud enough to drown out the turbulent wind too.
While I‘m still building the skills necessary to extract its full potential, the raw sensations from heel-toeing downshifts while rocketing towards apexes in the 750LT remain unmatched. This is a focused supercar honed substantially beyond its already brilliant predecessors – exotic technology and passion synthesized into mechanical art.
Honda Civic Type R (2018) – Front Drive Fury Unleashed
Hot hatchbacks often get overlooked stateside versus traditional sports coupes, which represents an absolute tragedy. Allow me to present Honda‘s criminally underrated FK8 Type R as exhibit A showcasing what dedicated front wheel drive engineering can achieve. While 300+ horsepower channeled solely through the front tires seems a recipe for torque steer disaster, some wizardry clearly transpired here.
Key Specs:
- 0-60 MPH: 4.9 seconds
- Top Speed: 169 mph
- Engine: 2.0L Turbo Inline-4
- Drivetrain: Front Wheel Drive
Merging civilized daily driving comfort with the ability to surgically dissect winding back roads seems no easy feat. Yet the FK8 Type R manages both with aplomb thanks to sophisticated limited slip differentials minimizing traction loss. Steering so alert you feel connected to every minute detail of the road surface, while adaptive dampers deliver a cosseting ride quality over broken pavement. The high-revving turbo engine encourages aggressive manual shifts as well – bellowing a mechanical war cry towards redline.
Ultimately Honda‘s front drive hot hatch stands proudly among the great driver‘s cars available today. The Type R completely upended my perceptions about what well-engineered front wheel drive chassis can achieve. If you still doubt, gather any naysayers and vigorously flog this Civic around the Nurburgring route recreated in Lakeshore City. Disbelievers often transform into ardent fans thereafter!
Porsche 911 GT3 RS (2019) – The Ultimate Driver‘s Car
While already excelling for decades, Porsche‘s 911 GT3 RS represents the pinnacle of refining an icon. Meticulous attention to even subtle details like suspension geometry and aerodynamic balance help it achieve quicker lap times than numerous dedicated mid-engine exotics. Extensive racing components used in its construction translate to stunning capabilities showcasing absolute mastery of engineering.
Key Specs:
- 0-60 MPH: 3.0 seconds
- Top Speed: 193 mph
- Engine: 4.0L Naturally Aspirated Flat 6
- Drivetrain: Rear Wheel Drive
An almost telepathic sense of connection develops between man and machine driving the GT3 RS hard on track. Its steering communicates vivid sensations of available mechanical grip long before reaching the tires‘ limits. Chassis motions signal weight transfers through high-G cornering – fully adjustable adaptive components beautifully complementary overall. Harnessing all 520 naturally aspirated horsepower while nailing tough sequences of tricky corners imprints an indelible sense of driver achievement as well.
While certainly no lightweight, precision craftsmanship imparts profound dynamic talents belying its physical bulk. Progressing from fast street cruiser to tenacious track competitor merely requires adjusting some rotating knobs dialing settings between Comfort and Track modes. Porsche imbued their ultimate roadgoing 911 variant with such stellar handling that I struggle imagining anything significantly better. This car set benchmarks all future sports cars will continue chasing for years to come.
McLaren P1 (2014) – The Definitive High-Tech Hypercar
Sometimes automotive companies build halo vehicles purely intended to showcase the absolute pinnacle of their technical capabilities through obsessive engineering efforts. For McLaren, their groundbreaking P1 plug-in hybrid hypercar with Formula 1-derived technologies and nearly 1000 combined horsepower epitomized this goal. Even measured against today‘s fastest exotics several years later, its fusion of outrageous performance and accessibility still captivates my imagination every time its advanced powertrain awakens.
Key Specs:
0-60 MPH: 2.7 seconds
Top Speed: 217 mph
Engine: 3.8L Twin-Turbo V8 + Electric Motor (903hp Combined)
Drivetrain: Rear Wheel Drive
Supercar acceleration achieved so effortlessly gives little hint just how complex high-performance hybrid systems operate behind the scenes. Torque vectoring and differential clutches imperceptibly redirect power side-to-side keeping such impressive outputs manageable. Even the morphing rear wing optimizes itself moment-to-moment for best possible stability and drag reduction at speed. McLaren absolutely pulled out all the stops engineering this technical tour de force.
Yet the P1‘s digitally-augmented performance never isolates its pilot fully from sensation or achievement either. Mechanical grip at high speeds delivers vivid levels of vertical loading through fast sweepers – that defy logic considering how hard the aeroclaws your body. Mastering the hybrid boost delivery between combustion and electric rewards with a sense of brilliance as well. Modern marvel meshes analog satisfaction!
Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster – Open Air Theater of Excess
Sometimes after a long week I just want to decompress by firing up an obscenely powerful V12, opening the roof, then surrendering fully to unbridled Italian theatrics. Lucky for me the Aventador SVJ Roadster guarantees just such a dramatic escape every time its naturally aspirated 6.5L engine awakens with a deafening roar. Well north of 700 horsepower going solely to the rear wheels seems a recipe for disaster, yet Lamborghini instilled this Raging Bull with some serious athletic talents hidden beneath the wild silhouette.
Key Specs:
- 0-60 MPH: 2.8 seconds
- Top Speed: 217 mph
- Engine: 6.5L Naturally Aspirated V12
- Drivetrain: Rear Wheel Drive
Emblazoned with my custom racing livery and upgraded twin-intake airbox, the Aventador never fails impressing crowds when I roll through downtown Lakeshore City with the roadster roof retracted. Yet a secret lies beneath the brash styling – this Lambo behaves far better than its untamed looks suggest once stretched into higher speeds. The adaptive magnetorheological suspension firms up nicely through corners, complemented by rear-wheel steering sharpening direction changes. Huge carbon ceramic brakes scrub speed rapidly for hairpin turns as well.
While more high-tech exotics like McLaren‘s P1 possess quantifiably quicker acceleration and lap times on paper, they just can‘t compete with the Aventador‘s sheer presence and drama. I adore revving the naturally aspirated V12 towards its glorious 8500RPM redline through tunnels and underpasses – open exhaust trumpeting a perfectly unhinged mechanical aria. The SVJ Roadster remains my number one choice whenever I need some stress relief through unadulterated automotive theater!
Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 – All Hail the King of Tuner Cars!
No enthusiast discussion around legendary tuner cars concludes without mention of Nissan‘s R34 GT-R Skyline. Thanks to extensive racing heritage and a practically unburstable twin-turbo engine, a thriving global cottage industry rose up modifying these to ever-greater heights of performance. Even bone stock GT-Rs impress given their advanced all wheel drive systems maintaining traction so effectively. But when enhanced by top-tier professional tuning houses like Mine‘s, Top Secret, or MCR, their capabilities reach positively mind-bending levels breaking multiple speed records. What‘s not to love?
Key Specs:
- 0-60 MPH: 3.8 seconds (Tuned)
- Top Speed: 217 mph (Tuned)
- Engine: 2.6L Twin-Turbo Inline-6 (550hp Tuned)
- Drivetrain: All Wheel Drive
Having personally pushed various modified R34 GT-Rs to their limits on track and Tokyo‘s winding mountain passes, I adore their smooth power delivery and unshakable grip. These iconic Skylines hugged apexes with almost frustrating effortlessness given their compact dimensions belying beastly turbocharged output. And unlike some high-strung exotic engines, that stout twin-turbo six-cylinder happily absorbs immense punishment without complaint.
Even many years after production ended, the Skyline GT-R‘s towering reputation as Japan‘s signature sports car icon remains completely unchallenged. And Need for Speed Unbound lets players finally enjoy experiencing its legends firsthand! This game marked my dream garage‘s R34 GT-R as an absolutely mandatory addition from day one. Now which widebody kit and set of monoblock wheels to equip it with next…
Closing Thoughts Across Lakeshore City‘s Ultimate Driver‘s Roster
Hopefully this has provided helpful insights and perspectives around the many vehicles available within Need for Speed Unbound for fellow gearheads. I aimed showcasing some personal highlights that best represent the diverse selection of models available. Everything from vintage American iron like the 1969 Dodge Charger R/T and Chevy C10 Stepside Pickup Truck reside here ready for engine swaps plus visual upgrades. The game features plenty of 1990‘s Japanese Domestic Market sports car classics many grew up idolizing in movies and early racing games too. Even late model exotics like the Aston Martin Valkyrie and Lamborghini Sian FKP hybrid can be acquired through progression as well.
Notable real-world tracks have been faithfully recreated within the open world map too. Tight technical sections of Suzuka, sweeping elevation changes from Mount Panorama Bathurst, and the infamous Nurburgring Nordschliefe grace Lakeshore City. This let‘s players test their personalized cars on some of the planet‘s most challenging circuits. Just beware not to ignore radio chatter around roaming police patrols trying to impound speeding vehicles!
In closing, I absolutely recommend veterans and newcomers to the Need for Speed franchise spend ample time familiarizing themselves with all the options here. Try out underrated models you might have previously overlooked or written off too. Practicing advanced tuning techniques through extensive experimentation unlocks each car‘s maximum performance potential as well. You never know when an unexpected underdog vehicle clicks perfectly with your driving style, bringing you from zero to hero in the process!
Any fellow Lakeshore City racers reading this, I welcome your thoughts and input around favorite whips residing in your garage too. Perhaps we‘ll link up online for some friendly competition or coordinated time trials around scenic backroad routes! Whether you enjoy testing radical speed machines on deserted mountain passes or styling on urban city streets, Need for Speed Unbound welcomes all drivers to embrace personal automotive passion. Now let‘s get those engines revving – it‘s time to hustle!
