The legendary Need for Speed Underground 2, released in 2004, set new standards for the street racing genre, giving players an unprecedented level of freedom in customizing their cars. The game’s huge fleet of vehicles has become one of the project’s main assets, allowing each rider to assemble a unique car that reflects his driving style and aesthetic preferences.
Unlike its predecessor, where the choice was limited to a few dozen models, the second part of the series offered an extensive collection of more than 30 licensed cars from the world's leading manufacturers. From compact hatchbacks that are ideal for drifting on narrow streets, to powerful coupes that dominate highway straightaways, Bayview everyone will find their ideal transport.
In this article we will look in detail full list of carsavailable in the game, their performance classes, tuning features and unlocking methods. You'll learn which cars are best suited for sprinting and which are designed for drifting, and also get acquainted with the technical nuances that will help you dominate the roads of the city at night.
Review of car classes and manufacturers
The classification system in NFS Underground 2 is based on the actual performance and market positioning of vehicles. All cars are divided into three main classes: Compact (Compact), Tuner (Tuning) and Muscle (Muscle cars). Understanding these categories is critical to a successful career and winning specialty races.
The compact class is represented mainly by Japanese hatchbacks and small coupes. These cars are highly maneuverable, making them ideal for drifting and challenging city tracks. However, their engines often require significant modifications to compete with more powerful rivals over long distances.
Class Tuner - this is the golden mean of the gaming fleet. This includes popular models from Nissan, Toyota, Mazda and Mitsubishi. These cars have balanced characteristics and great styling potential. It is in this class that most often there are cars that players choose as the main vehicle for completing the story.
Muscle cars are the heavy artillery of the American auto industry. Dodge, Ford and Cadillac offer powerful V8 engines that provide phenomenal acceleration. However, their size and weight make them difficult to control in tight corners, requiring the player to master braking techniques and select a trajectory.
⚠️ Attention: Do not ignore compact cars just because of their size. In capable hands and with the right tuning Peugeot 206 or VW Golf can outrun even powerful muscle cars on twisty roads thanks to a better weight-to-grip ratio.
Japanese auto industry: Leaders in tuning
Japanese manufacturers are central to the culture of Need for Speed Underground 2. Models from Nissan, Mazda, Toyota and Mitsubishi are the most popular choice among players due to their adaptability to modifications and recognizable design.
One of the iconic cars of the game is Nissan 350Z. This car combines a powerful V6 engine and rear-wheel drive, making it a versatile trooper for any race. It's fast stock, but with a turbo and transmission upgrade it becomes a killer on the straights.
Can't help but mention Mazda RX-8 with its unique Wankel rotary engine. A low center of gravity and perfect weight distribution make this model the king of drifting. However, owners should remember the specifics of the rotary engine, which requires careful adjustment of the cooling and intake system to achieve maximum efficiency.
Another legend - Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII. All-wheel drive system AWD allows this car to literally bite into the asphalt, providing crazy grip when exiting corners. Combined with an aggressive aerodynamic body kit, Evo VIII becomes a formidable opponent in any race.
- 🚗 Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34): A JDM legend with ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive for incredible stability.
- 🏁 Mazda RX-7: It is equipped with a rotary engine, which allows you to reach high speeds faster than piston analogues.
- ⚙️ Toyota Celica: An excellent choice for beginners, combining affordability and good potential for initial tuning.
European style and American power
The European segment in the game is represented mainly by compact and sporty models, which are valued for their handling. Peugeot, Volkswagen, BMW and Fiat bring to the game a variety of designs and engineering solutions that are different from the Japanese school.
Deserves special attention BMW M3 GTR, which, although a prize car, represents the pinnacle of engineering in the game. Its V8 engine and aerodynamics are designed for the track, but in city conditions it requires very careful handling due to the stiff suspension.
American muscle cars are represented by such giants as Cadillac CTS-V and Ford Mustang. These cars are created for those who love to hear the roar of the engine and feel the power. Mustang GT in the fastback body is a classic, which after installing a nitrous oxide system NOS capable of developing breathtaking speed on straight lines.
It's important to note that American cars often have heavier bodies. This means that when cornering at high speeds they are prone to drifting off the front axle. This can be compensated for by installing stiffer stabilizers and tires with a high coefficient of grip.
| Car | Class | Drive | Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadillac CTS-V | Muscle | RWD | Powerful V8, heavy body |
| Ford Mustang GT | Muscle | RWD | Classic design, high NOS potential |
| VW Golf GTI | Compact | FWD | Excellent handling, light weight |
| Peugeot 206 | Compact | FWD | Ideal for drifting, low center of gravity |
Car unlocking system
In Need for Speed Underground 2, not all cars are available from the very beginning. The gameplay is built on a progression system, where new cars are unlocked as you progress through the storyline, complete special tasks or achieve certain results in tournaments.
The main way to get new cars is to win the Boulevard and Underground League races. Each series of races is often rewarded with a new car, which becomes available for purchase at the dealership. Some exclusive models such as Cadillac CTS-V or Mazda RX-8, require the passage of specific stages of the plot.
There are also hidden cars that cannot be purchased with regular in-game money. These cars are usually prizes for completing all gold conditions in sprints or for finding all Billboard (advertising boards) on the map. For example, BMW M3 GTR E46 can only be obtained by fulfilling all the conditions of the Special Event.
☑️ How to open all cars
Remember to check the dealership after every major event. Sometimes new models appear on sale suddenly, and if you miss the moment, you will have to wait for the next stage of the game or reload the save.
Technical tuning and performance improvement
The depth of car customization in NFS Underground 2 is what makes the game a timeless classic. The tuning system allows you to change almost every aspect of the car's performance, from engine performance to suspension stiffness.
Let's start with the engine. Installation of turbocharging (Turbo) or nitrous oxide systems (NOS) radically changes the acceleration dynamics. The turbo provides a constant boost of power at high revs, while the NOS provides a short but powerful burst, useful for overtaking or starting.
The most important element is the transmission and clutch. Adjusting the gear ratios in the gearbox allows you to adapt the car to a specific track. For drifting, short gears are important, providing a sharp increase in speed, and for sprinting over long distances, gears are needed that allow you to reach maximum speed.
⚠️ Attention: When setting the maximum turbo level (Stage 3), be sure to improve the cooling system and brakes. Ignoring this rule will cause the engine to overheat and lose power at a critical time in the race.
Don't forget about the tires. Choosing between street tires (Street) and racing (Performance) affects grip. Racing tires provide better grip, but wear out faster and require replacement more frequently during long races.
- 🔧 ECU (Control Unit): Reflashing the computer allows you to optimize engine operation for maximum performance.
- 🌬️ Inlet and outlet: Improved air intake and exhaust systems improve combustion efficiency.
- 🛞 Wheels: Reducing the weight of the wheel rims reduces unsprung weight, improving suspension response.
Visual styling and customization
The visual part in NFS Underground 2 is no less important than the technical part. The game offers thousands of combinations to create a unique look. You can change everything from bumpers and spoilers to headlight colors and wheel designs.
Aerodynamic body kits are divided into stock, sports and racing. Installation of a wide body kit (Widebody) not only changes the appearance, making the car more aggressive, but also allows you to install wider wheels, which has a positive effect on grip.
The system occupies a special place Neon and vinyl stickers. You can create your own logo or pattern using layer upon layer of graphics. This allows players to stand out in online modes (if they were relevant today) or simply take screenshots of their creations.
The color range includes both standard colors and special effects: mother-of-pearl, metallic and matte finishes. The combination of different colors for different parts of the body (for example, a hood in the color of the roof, and bumpers in the color of the body) allows you to create a truly individual style.
Comparison of top models for different disciplines
Choosing the best car depends on the type of race. There is no one car that is perfect everywhere. For highway sprinting you need powerful muscle cars, for drifting you need lightweight rear-wheel drive coupes, and for circuit racing you need balanced all-wheel drive tuning cars.
For drifting, many professionals choose Nissan 240SX or Mazda RX-7. Their ability to skid easily and control the angle makes them a favorite. There's nothing better for sprinting Mitsubishi Eclipse or Dodge Cobra Concept with maximum NOS level.
The table below shows a comparison of top models by key parameters after full tuning:
| Model | Best discipline | Max. speed | Controllability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan 350Z | Sprint/Drift | High | Average |
| Mazda RX-8 | Drift/Ring | Average | Excellent |
| Cadillac CTS-V | Sprint | Very high | Low |
| BMW M3 GTR | Ring/Sprint | Maximum | High |
Experiment with different cars to find the one that suits your driving style. Sometimes an unexpected choice, e.g. Fiat Punto with extreme tuning, it can bring more fun and victories than the standard rating leader.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How to unlock BMW M3 GTR in NFS Underground 2?
To get the BMW M3 GTR, you need to fulfill all the conditions of the Special Event. This includes finding all Billboards on the map, winning all races with gold status, and completing all sprints. After this, the car will become available in the garage.
Which car is the fastest in the game after full tuning?
Considered one of the fastest cars Cadillac CTS-V or Dodge Cobra Concept thanks to their powerful engines and aerodynamics. However, at short distances Nissan 350Z with the right NOS it can show the best start time.
Is it possible to sell a car in NFS Underground 2?
No, the classic version of the game does not have a car sales function. You can buy new cars, but the old ones stay in your garage forever. Therefore, it is recommended to carefully choose which cars to keep for collection and which to use only for specific races.
How to improve drifting in a front-wheel drive car?
Improve drift on front wheel drive (FWD) is extremely difficult, since the physics of the game is designed for skidding of the rear axle. It is recommended to change to rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) cars for this discipline. If there is no choice, lighten the rear of the car as much as possible and use the handbrake.
Where can I find all the Billboards in the game?
Billboards are scattered throughout the city of Bayview. Their location can be found on the Internet on maps or using special tracker programs. Finding all billboards unlocks bonus cars and concept art.