2024 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years in Need for Speed history, with multiple volume updates dropping every quarter for the franchise’s latest Unbound title.

It all kicked off in February with Vol. 6 – the first of four planned throughout 2024 – which not only welcomed the return of Audi to Need for Speed, but also the introduced of a dedicated PvP mode to take multiplayer gaming to the next level.

Then, three months later in May, Vol. 7 dropped. Freshly inspired by an old Speedhunters favourite – NFS Underground – Vol. 7 reintroduced drag and drift modes along with improved driving physics, legend customs, and even two badass Speedhunters customs.

So as we near the end of August, it’s time to launch another volume for Unbound. Once again, it’s an absolute banger with more than a sprinkling of Hot Pursuit…

Welcome to Unbound Vol. 8 Cops vs. Racers. As that handy title suggests, this latest volume sees the reintroduction of a ‘Hot Pursuit’ mode, pitting you head-to-head against the pesky police. But be warned, they’re back badder than ever before.

This isn’t a one-sided affair, either. Cops vs. Racers lets you play on either team up to 4 vs. 4 with the racers trying to escape, and the cops trying to stop ‘em. The police need to capture all four racers to win, whereas the racers only need one car to reach the chequered flag.

One of the big features added to this volume is the reintroduction of pursuit tech for those playing as cops. These include deployable spikes which span the width of the road, an engine-disabling EMP (electro-magnetic pulse), and even a full riot-spec, ESF battering ram.

What’s more, there’s even police customisation in the form of LED light bars, bull bars and pre-made message boards. Oh, and a super-cool signature-style VFX, which uses LED trails to create bespoke messages for rivals.

What about the cars? Well, once again there are two new rides joining the fleet in Vol. 8 – the bonkers 1,972hp Lotus Evija (which comes free with the Speed Pass), and the endlessly cool Porsche 959 S, which is unlocked using the Premium Speed Pass.

Speaking of Speed Passes, 45 free tiers are added with Vol. 8, which includes the 2023 Evija, its bodykits and rare custom, while the Premium Speed Pass adds another 30 tiers to unlock including nine unique Cop Customs (some of which are unlocked via Cop Career). The ‘Racer League’ has been refreshed and – just like previous volumes – so has the PvP playlists too.

What about the Customs? You’ll all be glad to know that Cops vs. Racers boasts the most additional Customs from a volume yet; two Speedhunters ones, two NFS Legends, and multiple other Cop Customs. Obviously, we’re massively biased, but the two Speedhunters Customs might just be some of the best yet, so let’s take a closer look…

For the Lotus Evija, we’ve opted for a more ‘traditional’ JDM-inspired street racer vibe, which is exactly why you’ll see it sitting on Work CR Kai wheels. It also has motorsport-inspired aero including a shin-smashing front splitter and a monster APR GT rear wing.

Truth be told, it’s such a bonkers-looking car a complete overhaul felt unnecessary. But that didn’t stop us having some fun with the livery, one which not only draws inspiration from the original Hot Pursuit 2010 cover art, but also Fredric Aasbø’s GT86 drift car, originally designed by Andy Blackmore back in 2012. Consider it a nod to Speedhunters’ past while still remaining current by 2024 standards.

And the Porsche 959 S? That thing is completely mental in the best possible way. You can thank the creative genius that is Bryn Alban for the bulk of this – especially the bodykit, which takes inspiration from the 935/78 ‘Moby Dick’ and 961 race car from 1986; the only 959-derived Porsche ever to go racing.

You can’t say widebody Porsche race car without mentioning BBS wheels, so this Speedhunters custom now sits on classic 3-piece BBS RSs with custom turbofans up front. You might also notice a little addition to reference the type of snack enjoyed by certain law enforcement…

All of this is wrapped together with a traditional black/while police livery that – when you look a little closer – isn’t just black, but fully carbon too. As cop cars go, it’s undoubtedly one of the coolest ever created in the (virtual) world. But what might surprise you is the fact that, even in the real world, there’s been some seriously wild cars used by police in various countries. Think Bugatti, Lamborghini and much more – we’ll bring you a full story on that very soon.

Like the volumes before it, Vol. 8 – Cops vs. Racers is available to download and play right now with the optional Premium Speed Pass providing another 30 tiers of upgrades to unlock. We haven’t even mentioned the NFS Legend cars such as Sergeant Cross’s C6 Corvette which first appeared in 2005’s Most Wanted…

And if – after three huge volume updates – you’re still demanding more from Unbound, there’s one final volume to drop later this year, which might also be the most badass yet. We’ll bring you exclusive news as soon as we have it.

The Speedhunters
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