Characters / Need for Speed Unbound

Need for Speed character index
Classic Era: The Need for Speed | Porsche Unleashed
Black Box Era: Underground (1 and 2) | Most Wanted (2005) | Carbon (Main Version | Own the City) | ProStreet | Undercover
Autolog Era: Shift (Shift PSP version and Shift 2: Unleashed) | Nitro | The Run | Rivals
2014 film adaptation
Ghost Games Era: (2015) | Payback | Heat
New Criterion Era: Unbound

The characters of the Need for Speed game Need for Speed Unbound.

Unique to this game features Animesque, Cel Shading characters, with each a set personality, different styles and effects that best represent one's self and reflect a major factor to the game's street racing sentiments and graffiti art aesthetics.

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Player and Companions

Player

The eight default presets (before clothing customization)

Car: Either of the 3 starter cars ^{Click to view}Dodge Charger R/T (1969), Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary or Nissan Silvia K's Aero (S14, 1998), Nissan Z Prototype (RZ34) (as part of a delivery by Alec), Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec (BNR32) (as a Rydell's Rydes driver), Player's choice

Voiced by: Elizabeth Grullon (female player), Ian Nelson (male player)

"Yaz! We spent all summer working on this car. Let me drive it already..."

The main protagonist of Unbound.

After spending the summer refurbishing an old junker car, they take it to the streets of Lakeshore in an attempt to make a name and gain a reputation for the garage they work for: Rydell's Rydes.

When Rydell's Rydes was raided with numerous cars Rydell was working on got stolen, two years later, they discover The Grand, Lakeshore's ultimate street racing challenge with $1,000,000 as the prize money. With this opportunity, the player attempts to get a spot in The Grand and bring Rydell's Rydes back on the map.

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• Affectionate Nickname: Tess often calls you "Speedie", which seems befitting for a fast racer like you.
• All Girls Like Ponies: Pretends to be this in a phone call from Rydell for the delivery of a customer's Nissan S15 Silvia.
  Player: Is it a pony? Oh my god! Please tell me you bought me a pony.
• Badass Driver: They're not just a badass street racer, but act as one when giving fellow racers around the Lake a lift or when they deliver a customer's car to their destination.
• Brain Bleach: The player warns Rydell not to look up a suggestive website name when he comes up with an idea.
• Brought Down to Normal: The player loses their restored junker when Yaz appears to take it as her own following the heist. It forces them to buy a new starter car with funds provided by Tess.
• Character Catchphrase: Whenever a racer needs to be at their place: "Rydell's Rydes - need a lift?"
• Cool Car:
  • The junker you just restored doubles as both this and What a Piece of Junk. Uh.... What a Piece of Junker, anyone?
  • After losing that car, you're forced to buy a new starter car. But nonetheless, whatever car you own is personally your Cool Car.
• Deadpan Snarker: In a phone call with Yaz about the upcoming The Grand:
  Yaz: Not sure yet. Waiting for some intel to come through.
  Player: Intel? What is this, Spy Kids?
  Yaz: Just wait for my call, ok?
  Player: You sure you ain't gonna let me know by carrier pigeon?
• Experienced Protagonist: The player isn't a New Meat here. The prologue shows that they already were fully skilled on the wheel with their restored junker before it was supposedly taken away from them by Yaz.
• Fun Personified: Your player character is a lot more upbeat than the player character in Heat.
• Girls with Moustaches: You can make a female avatar look like Lettie Lutz by rocking manly facial hair.
• Larynx Dissonance: The Character Customization feature allows you to change the voice (and tone) to the opposite gender. Enjoy creating a suave handsome male character with a cutesy female voice and vise versa.
• Lured into a Trap: Alec contacts Yaz and the player about a Nissan Z Prototype that needs to be delivered. While Yaz accepts the offer and the player picks it up, it turns out it was a scam when this job lured the player away from the garage, left Yaz in possession of the player's car, and allowed the catalytic heist to occur.
• Millennium Bug: Following Shimizu's Ferrari delivery mission where they believe Y2K is a fringe following how Rydell and Shimizu were best buds back during the Turn of the Millennium.
  Player: Oh yeah, so you were there for that whole Y2K thing? Did you really think computers would end the world?
  Rydell: Yeah, that's why we partied like it's was 1999.
• Mr. Fanservice/Ms. Fanservice: Your character can also sport revealing clothes regardless of gender, such as skin-tight crop tops, short shorts, and even wetsuits. It also allows you to remove any clothes, leaving only their underwear.
• Nice Guy: The player is very pleasant and positive. Just don't get them on their nerves, especially with Tess.
• No Name Given: Apart from Tess calling them "Speedie", there's no indication of the player's real name. Instead, the player's name is your PSN/Xbox Live/Steam username as seen in the leaderboards.
• Otaku: The Character Customization allows you to be an otaku, with numerous T-shirts with anime prints.
• Player Character: Well, duh! They represent the in-game character through which you play the game.
• Savvy Guy, Energetic Girl: The player is the down-to-earth Savvy Guy to the hyperactive Tess's Energetic Girl.
• Starter Mon: Car example, as game asks you to choose either an old Charger, a Countach, or an S14 Silvia.
• Take That!: In the cutscene for the final race, the player takes a jab at The Fast and the Furious.
  Player: I dunno. Put a crew together, save the world, race home, pop a cold one, talk about "family", eat barbecue, do the same thing only different, like 8, 9 times?
• A Taste of Power:
  • The very beginning of the game asks you to pick a junker to restore. You can pick either a Dodge Charger R/T, a Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary, or a Nissan Silvia K's S14, which will be souped up with upgrades. Following the raid of Rydell's Rydes, Yaz appears to take the car for herself. Flash forward to 2 years, and you're forced to buy yourself a new set of wheels.
  • Whenever Tess or Rydell asks you to deliver a customer car to its destination, you get to try out a handful of powerful and customized cars that you have yet to unlock. So this means you get to try out a Lamborghini Aventador or a McLaren P1!
• Tastes Like Chicken: The player makes this comment after hearing an ad for Holden Parker III.
  Radio: What does freedom taste like? Corn Dogs at the fair? Hot Dogs on the grill? A deep dish on the fourth? Wrong! It's all of the above. Because... freedom isn't plant-based. Vote Parker for Mayor and taste the freedom.
  Player: I wonder if freedom tastes like chicken.
• True Companions: With Rydell. They get along with him and would do anything to help out in Rydell's Rydes.
• Unwitting Pawn: Falls victim from Tess's clutches from a supposed help in bankrolling Rydell's Rydes as it's revealed that she was only using them to finance her gambling ring by betting for and against the player for money.
• Villain Protagonist: Like in the vast majority of previous games in the series, at the end of the day the player is an illegal street racer.
• Vitriolic Best Buds: With Tess. While being companions prior to her revealing her true colors that she is tied with Alec, she often gossips with the player which would make them angry and annoyed.
• Wholesome Crossdresser: While the character customization system from Heat already allowed a male player character to wear female clothes, here this is taken to absurdity. Now you can rock skirts, swimsuits and even lingerie as a man!

Yaz

Jasmine / Yaz

Car: SPOILER CAR^*Plymouth Barracuda (440 6-Barrel) (originally by Obi) ^**Dodge Charger R/T (1969), a Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary or a Nissan Silvia K's Aero (S14, 1998) (originally by the Player) ^***The player's selected car used in the last race of The Grand

Portrayed by: Ashleigh LaThrop

"Seven days until the first qualifier. Earn. Your. Place!"

Jasmine, or simply Yaz is a close friend and partner of the player during the prologue.

She is also an American street racer in Lakeshore City at age 19.

Growing tired of being stuck in the same old routine every day, Yaz hopes to capture Lakeshore's hearts by pulling over to meetups at Cyrill Heights, much to Rydell's disagreement. Following the raid of Rydell's Rydes, she left the garage in ruins when she was accused by Rydell of theft and drives the player's car away.

Following the resurgence of Lakeshore's street racing two years later, she announces the ultimate street racing challenge: The Grand.

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• The Atoner:
  • Yaz wasn't happy of what she has done 2 years earlier and wishes to bury the hatchet with the player and Rydell.
  • After the deliveries of a Chevrolet Bel Air, a 1973 Porsche 911, and an Aston Martin Vulcan, cars that were stolen from Rydell, the player guesses that the anonymous tipper giving the location of those cars is Yaz herself. Following Tess's depature, Yaz is now the one providing the player for new car deliveries.
• The Baby of the Bunch: Highlighted during the Qualifier's rival profile that Yaz is one of the youngest racers in the Lake, at only 19 years old (tied with Anechka, Waru and Youmna).
• Big Eater: Yaz tried to invoke this in a story where she ordered a "Jumbo Chili Sub with all the trimmings" and kept eating it until she threw up on Rydell.
• Defrosting Ice Queen: After the raid of Rydell's Rydes, she acts hostile and sassy towards the player, but as she admits the truth to the player about Alec, she lets her sassiness flow away and reconciled with them.
• Easily Forgiven: Both the player and Rydell don't hold much of a grudge towards her over the stolen cars when it is revealed that Tess was the one pulling the strings, and both accept their share of the blame in having driven Yaz away from them at the end of the prologue. However, the player still wants to race her to get their car back as both a matter of pride and to foil Tess and Alec's plans.
• Final Boss: She is the final boss you face in the Grand.
• Foreshadowing: Rydell stating his displeasure of her keeping secrets from him and cutting corners by having the player drive to meetups at Cyrill Heights are in hindsight clear indicators of her siding with Alec, with the information she gives Alec eventually leading to the Rydell's Rydes heist. Another is when Yaz stated that her wish is to one day host the meetups herself, which she eventually does when hosting The Grand.
• Graceful Loser: The Grand ends with Yaz admitting defeat and returning the player their restored junker.
• Heel–Face Revolving Door: Started off siding to the player and Rydell, before she turned heel by betraying them during the garage heist. After finding out the truth that Tess is the mastermind of all the events, thanks to being associated with Alec, Yaz sides with the player and Rydell again.
• In-Series Nickname: Her full given name is Jasmine, as stated by Rydell at some times but otherwise prefers to go by Yaz.
• Jerk with a Heart of Gold: She maybe a Sassy Black Woman who is prone to trash talking and hiding the truth from Rydell and the player, but after she admitted about what she's done, her heart knows she should've done better.
• MacGuffin: The player believes that she stole their starter car and takes it as her own, following the garage heist.
• Rousing Speech: The opener to The Grand has this sermon:
  Yaz: I'm glad to see y'all showed up. How many years has it been, for real? The mayor cracks down a little bit and we all bitch out? I thought this was Lakeshore. I thought this was a racing scene. Flexing with your super-tuners and your muscle cars and... [points to Ross] That guy... What's it gonna take, huh? To remind you why we got into this? [points to Obi's Plymouth Barracuda with a trunk full of money] Stacks. [Beat] Three qualifiers! High-risk! You have a run-in with the cops? You take them on! You make it, and I will see you in the finals. The Lakeshore Grand! You want to win? Then you had better be the best. [Beat] Seven days until the first qualifier. Earn. Your. Place!
• Sassy Black Woman: A Black woman with a big voice and an even bigger attitude. The attitude part however eventually gets Played for Drama when it becomes a serious attitude problem, leading to her siding with Alec, which in turn leads to the car collection at Rydell's Rydes being stolen by Alec's crew.
  Yaz: Just hang with your girl, I know what's up.
• Screw the Money, I Have Rules!: Basically what spurs her Heel–Face Turn. She flat-out refuses to be part of Tess and Alec's plan to fix the race at the Grand, wanting to prove herself at it, no matter all the betting money involved.
• Tagalong Kid: She rides shotgun alongside the player at times during the prologue.
• Through His Stomach: Yaz thinks Rydell is attempting this as an apology for a disagreement as she points out that he didn't call her to ask if she was interested in having some of his barbecue brisket.
  Yaz: Then why didn't he call me? I put in the work, now dude thinks he can win me over with brisket? Nah, bruh.
• Warm-Up Boss: The first qualifier has Yaz among the racers who take part in the series of 3 races. She drives Obi's Plymouth Barracuda for this event.

Rydell

Portrayed by: Dwayne Barnes

"I'm serious. Don't just say shit, win shit!"

The owner of his namesake garage: Rydell's Rydes and one of the player's faithful companions.

He is a mechanic for many others racers around Lakeshore City, especially for the Player. When the garage's alarm goes off and numerous cars he was working on got raided and driven away, he accuses Yaz of theft, despite the latter denying th allegations. With the Grand announced, Rydell entrusts the player to win it and retrieve back everything that was lost.

Rydell can be used as a Character Skin for multiplayer upon reaching Level 41 on the Vol. 6 Speed Pass, but must have the Premium Speed Pass required to unlock it.

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• And I'm the Queen of Sheba: He has this reaction upon realizing that Yaz and the player did not just restore the junker, but modded it for street racing.
  Yaz: What? She's street legal.
  Rydell: Right. And I'm LeBron.
• Arc Words: As Rydell says: "Don't just say shit, win shit."
• Batter Up!: Following the Rydell's Rydes heist, he is seen armed with a baseball bat, ready to attack any intruders who break into his garage. The first and only time he's seen with it though, it turns out it was the player and Tess, who then explain the situation.
• Big Eater: Simply mentioning the word "burger" is enough to get him craving a bacon double cheeseburger. He's also fond of the pizzas from "Pizza from Alfredo". He likes their Hawaiian pizza without the pineapples.^note Technically, it would be just called ham and cheese pizza.
• Brick Joke: In the prologue, Rydell tries to make a Title Drop but can't remember the last word until the end of the game when the player is driving to the spot for the final race.
  Rydell: Right. And I'm LeBron. Look, I'm not going to tell you not to race. I know what it's like to feel that need for... Uh, that... you know, the need for uh... .
  Yaz: For what?
  Player: That's the gasoline talking.
  [later]
  Rydell: Hey Kid, I don't know if I ever told you this, but if you feel that need, you know that need for... umm. Wait, what was it? The Need for... Shit, I always forget this.
  Rydell: Oh!! SPEED. SPEED! THE NEED FOR SPEED!
• Brief Accent Imitation: Puts on a British impression in a phone call for the delivery of a Mini JCW Countryman.
  Player: Uncanny, like the queen herself called.
• Cool Garage: Rydell's Rydes! It's cool enough for a name of a cool garage. Inside is packed full of patrons with cars ready to be pimped and one is seen playing an arcade cabinet. It also serves as a garage where you store all your cars and gains access to upgrades and crazy customization. This later became the catalyst where his garage got raided by Alec as numerous cars get stolen in favor for his gain.
• Deadpan Snarker: He comes well-equipped with sarcasm. Take for example the following exchange, after he explicitly advised the player and Yaz (but especially Yaz) to not race in Cyrill Heights.
  Yaz: Hey Rydell, know any good spots to eat in The Heights?
  Rydell: [sarcastic laugh] Ha ha haaaa. I said no Heights! No eats. No assholes!
• Double Entendre: This amusing exchange during the delivery of a Mazda RX-7:
  Rydell: Hey! If the mayor keeps cracking down we might need some more ways to earn cash.
  Player: Look, I told you before, no one is going to pay to watch Garage Cam.
  Rydell: We have a garage cam? Am I on it?
  Player: No I mean... never mind. You got a job for me?
  [later]
  Rydell: Oooh! That idea you had earlier about more publicity for the garage.
  Player: What idea?
  Rydell: Maybe there's something in that garage cam. Me, under the hood. Lubing a...
  Player: For the love of Mike, stop.
  Rydell: I wonder if Hot Rydes.com is taken.
  Player: Do NOT google that.
• Foreign Queasine: His opinion on eating llama meat.
  Rydell: Yeah, customer was stoked. Great work deserves great food. So, deep dish or noodles? Oooh, maybe that new place, Bllama Ramen?
  Player: Holden Parker III's place? You know what they serve there right?
  Rydell: Rich spicy noodles and hearty miso broth?
  Player: All topped off with low fat, high protein, choice cuts of llama.
  Rydell: Oh right, Maybe not then. Later Kid.
• The Engineer: Mechanic to be exact, as he is the man who loves to fix and build whips for his patrons all over Lakeshore City.
• Exposition Fairy: Acts as a guide to the player.
• Hopeless with Tech: He's clearly not up to date in regards to modern technology nomenclature, in particular, that relates to social media.
  Player: [after Rydell asks them to pick up a Buick Grand National] Drop me a pin.
  Rydell: Sure... a pin. Right...
  Player: Send me the location.
  Rydell: On it!
  [later, after delivering the Buick]
  Rydell: Now that's how you drive. Customer was so impressed he said he would follow us on Insta. Do we have an Insta? Is that a coffee machine?
  Player: Didn't Tess set one up?
  Rydell: Where? In the kitchen?
  Player: No no no, it's a social media account.
  Rydell: Oh right, that @MrRydes thing. Hold on.
  • During the phone call for the delivery of a Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4, the player can tell he's preoccupied with something. After delivering the car, he confesses to falling for a phishing scam in a friend request with a link that appeared as a video of baby pandas sneezing.
• I Call It "Vera": One phone call has him asking Yaz where his pipe wrench is, which Yaz reveals he nicknames "Wrenchie".
• Nice Guy: Your friendly neighborhood mechanic of the Lake, who acts like a very good mentor to the player. Just don't provoke him.
• Noodle Incident: When a live podcast that focuses on the political landscape of Lakeshore is interrupted by the host's mother, the player compares it to being as awkward as the time Rydell served his brisket at a vegan food festival.
• Retired Badass: He used to be a street racer back then before retiring to be a mechanic in his prized garage, as stated in a conversation with Tess.
  Tess: Judging by this place, you used to race yourself.
  Rydell: Sure did, man do I have some stories about the old days.
• Title Drop: Almost. In the prologue, he mentions knowing how it is to have the "need for speed", but can't remember the last word. It becomes a Brick Joke when he tries it again towards the ending and does remember.

Tess (UNMARKED SPOILERS)

Car: Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec (BNR32) (during cutscenes)

Portrayed by: Jennifer Sun Bell

"Yo Speedie! You still want that 5-star rating? Then show me what you got!"

One of the player's companions in Unbound.

She was first seen contacting the player when she needed to be picked up and informing them about The Grand. When the player explains the situation that is related to Yaz's breakup and the garage heist, she's willing to invest on Rydell's Rydes and help bring his garage back on the map.

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• Affably Evil: Even when she exposes her machinations with Alec, she still doesn't drop her friendly, bubbly disposition.
• Bad Samaritan: Turns out to be her whole character arc. She initially meets the player as seemingly just a complete stranger who ingrains herself with them and Rydell and offers to help the player go through the Grand and even uncover what Yaz and her associates who robbed Rydell's Rydes are up to, only to be revealed that she is one of those associates, and that she plans to make money pitting the player and Yaz up against each other.
• Big Bad Duumvirate: She and Alec are the story's two main antagonists, and are those who have originally conspired the hit against Rydell's Rydes at the end of the prologue. This also makes Tess the third female antagonist of the franchise.
• Bitch in Sheep's Clothing: She initially presents herself as a Genki Girl through and through who just wants to help the player, up until the first few sessions of the campaign's fourth and final week reveal that she is in cahoots with Alec in the Lakeshore street racing betting ring, and after the third qualifier she tries to cut a deal with the player and Yaz to make the two throw the Grand in exchange for money.
• Exact Words: When the player shows Tess Rydell's garage, she is admiring a wrench taken from a tool cabinet when Rydell jumps out with a baseball bat and she drops it. When she picks it up, Rydell says "No touching!" and she drops it again instead of putting it back. Subverted in the same cutscene as she then finds the book Rydell bought and holds on to it even after he repeats his no-touching rule.
• Evil All Along: Completing the third Grand qualifier reveals her true intentions and her association with Alec.
• Genki Girl: Tess is well-equipped with a very bubbly and optimistic personality.
• Graceful Loser: Subverted. Even after the player calls off their partnership and her giving them a taunting phone call about The Grand, she's still cheerful when they meet after the race. However, it's revealed that it's because she also placed a bet on them and walked away with quite some cash.
• Here We Go Again!: While not said in the game, her last scene in the game involving asking someone to give her a ride (just like how she and the player met) heavily implies that she's just going to repeat the circle all over again and string the poor sucker for money.
• In-Series Nickname: When it's revealed that she actually knows Yaz through Alec, Yaz starts calling her "Pinks", seemingly after pink slips, which as Yaz's High Heat Delivery missions later in the game show, is what Tess manages in Alec's crew.^note In the European Spanish dub, Yaz calls her "Señorita Fittipaldi" ("Miss Fittipaldi") instead, after the Brazilian pilot, seemingly due to a literal translation being unworkable.
• Karma Houdini: While Alec and his money have been parted, Tess bails out with the money she earned from betting, not receiving any comeuppance for being part of his crew.
• The Nicknamer: She likes to call you "Speedie" which seems befitting for a fast racer like you. On the other hand, she calls Yaz "Miss Monologue" regarding her Rousing Speech about The Grand.
• Non-Action Big Bad: She's the first ever Big Bad of the franchise to not directly race or battle against the player.
• Nonconformist Dyed Hair: Showing her Genki Girl tendencies, she has blue hair all the way!
• Playing Both Sides: And she openly brags about it. She usually reminds the player that she bets both on them and against them to always get a bit of cash in return from the betting. This also helps her get away largely scot-free after her plans with Alec are thwarted.
• The Pollyanna: In line with her optimism, she doesn't really pay any attention to the fact her High Heat Delivery missions also include police pursuits. Upon completion of your very first one, she says they might be just paid stuntmen with a dash of high-quality special effects. Turns out she was just making up a story as she went and all the cars were to be sent to Alec.
• Savvy Guy, Energetic Girl: Tess is the hyperactive Energetic Girl to the player's down-to-earth Savvy Guy.
• Villain: Exit, Stage Left: Although her plans with Alec are foiled at the end of the story, she bails on him knowing she still had some money left thanks to her betting on everyone.

Racers of Lakeshore City

Story Related Racers

Rüdiger

Don't piss him off.

Car: Mercedes-AMG C 63 Cabriolet, Plymouth Barracuda (440 6-Barrel) (used in The Grand)

Nationality: German

Portrayed by: Stephan Goldbach (credited as Stephan Goldback)

"I'd rather you talk less and drive more."

A German street racer in Lakeshore City at age 28, who is also affiliated with Yaz.

Hailing from Berlin, Rüdiger is a former gang member with a Dark and Troubled Past. Nicknamed "Der Nail" as he proclaims, this mean bone pulls no punches when taking him on in the streets.

Completing "Hammer Time" will unlock his safehouse in Palemore.

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• Deadpan Snarker: This menacing bastard comes fully equipped with a sarcastic pattern of speech to the core.
• Delinquent Hair: Rüdiger is a menacing ex-gang member who sports a pink-blonde gradient mohawk. Though he later wears a cap while racing.
• Do Not Call Me "Paul": It rather be best not to call him by his real name (or at least not to try to make pet names from it, like "Rudi").
  Player: Thanks Rudi. I feel like we made a breakthrough here.
  Rüdiger: Do not call me that. Call me by my street name.
  Player: Which is?
  Rüdiger: Der Nail.
• Everything Sounds Menacing In German: A hard-headed racer with an attitude, complete with a thick German accent.
• Gangbanger: Was once a gang member before calling it quits.
• Germanic Depressives: The German Rüdiger is one helluva cynical sourpuss.
• I Let You Win: Just in case while during a race, Rüdiger will point that out if you win the race.
  Rüdiger: If you win it won't because you're better, it'll be because I let you.
• Inconsistent Spelling: The subtitles and credits stated his name is Rudiger, whereas in the leaderboards during a race and in his in-game bio, his name has an umlaut on the U. Alas, Rüdiger.
• Jerkass: He is by far the most mean-spirited out of all the rival racers in Lakeshore. He takes every chance to take potshots at the player, and even threatens the player with physical violence in case he loses a bet against them or he is hit during a race.
  Rüdiger: The last person who hit me hasn't left the hospital yet.
• Jerk with a Heart of Jerk: Despite being a meanbone, Rüdiger gives the player a warm welcome to his safehouse. That doesn't mean he's a nice person and still often trash talks during races, to the point of making Nathan McKane jealous in jerkassery.
• Purple Is Powerful: Rüdiger loves the color purple, as both his AMG Cabrio and his Plymouth Barracuda are sprayed in purple finish complete with purple backfire, showing what a menacing man like him could handle.
• Red Baron: He proudly recalls that when he was a gang member, he was known as "Der Nail". The player appears to be unfazed by it, however, since they jokingly ask if that means that they can be "Der Hammer". Rüdiger isn't impressed.
• Small Name, Big Ego: He takes great pride in mentioning that he used to be known as "Der Nail", but not even the player themselves takes it seriously, much to Rüdiger's chagrin.
• Spiteful Spit: This is Rüdiger's Victory Pose if you lose a side bet to him.
• Throat-Slitting Gesture: His pre-race pose as pictured above has him do that, befitting his menacing bravado.

Boost

Insert anime-related topics here.

Car: Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX

Nationality: American

Portrayed by: Aaron Porter

"Did you know that anime began in 1956?"

An American street racer in Lakeshore City at age 28.

Despite being reluctant and painfully shy, Boost is a passionate racer with two things that help boost his confidence: His passion for street racing and his love for Japanese anime. With these, he has both the will to win and show his love for the community.

Completing "Weeb in Need" will unlock his safehouse in Underwood Gardens.

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• Awesome Mc Cool Name: Boost. 'nuff said. It's even poked by the player with the quote as stated below.
• Berserk Button: In pure stereotypical weeb fashion, he does not take it kindly when you refer to anime as cartoons.
• Foil: To Chase. Both are African Americans in hoodies, but Boost is an introverted Nice Guy, while Chase is a straightforward braggart.
• Itasha: His Eclipse GSX is covered with Japan-themed decals, including a cute purple haired anime girl that resembles Izuna Hatsuse from No Game No Life.
• Lame Pun Reaction: This line during the start of the Escort Mission, when you pull a very cheesy pun.
  Player: Hey Boost. Heard you, er, needed a boost?
  Boost: [scoffs] Original. Can you get me outta here fast?!
• Nice Guy: Despite being the Lake's wallflower, Boost is a friendly guy who also gives you props when you overtake him. Hell, he'll even apologize to you for rubbing paint with you, even if it's YOU who actually crashed into him!
• Occidental Otaku: Wrapping his car in anime decals and talking about anime in his Escort Mission? Oh, he qualifies.
• Pop-Cultured Badass: A badass street racer who is full hype on anime?! Definitely Natch.
• Skeleton Motif: His black and purple hoodie with a skeleton print said so.
• Shrinking Violet: Downplayed. While he is reluctant, he's still a confident racer when anime and street racing are brought up to the topic, especially in a conversation with the player during an Escort Mission.
• Technical Pacifist: While Boost is somewhat portrayed as a Shrinking Violet, he's able to put up a good battle whenever he's behind the wheel.

Justicia

What happens when Nicki Minaj decided to go street racing.

Car: Nissan 350Z (Z33, 2008)

Nationality: Mexican

Portrayed by: Sena Bryer

"So, now I am living my life, following my passions, and helping others show theirs."

A Mexican street racer in Lakeshore City at age 25.

This Mexicana is one of Lakeshore's most famous and inspired celebrities with millions of followers on her channel. A creative and unpredictable racer who defies expectations of gender stereotypes, she is determined to win and be true to who she is.

Completing "U.N.I.T.Y" will unlock her safehouse in Yams Park.

Justicia can be used as a Character Skin for multiplayer upon reaching Level 13 on the Vol. 6 Speed Pass.

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• Ambiguous Gender Identity: Justicia is a Latina trans woman who defies gender norms. Emphasis on "ambiguous", as the only references to her being trans are her bio mentioning that she "defies gender norms" and her mentioning on her S.O.S. mission "U.N.I.T.Y" that she used to have to "present [herself] as male" in her community.
• The Beautiful Elite: She's a famous internet celebrity under her Instagram name PunkFunkDiva with millions of followers to boot.
• Cool Car: Zigzagged. Her Nissan 350Z is decked with a full Voltex body kit and a racing livery; not only that, she is also the fastest of your rivals in B and A Class races, but she holds on her own pretty well in higher speed classes. While Justicia is the only racer to carry over to the end and appearing in every race you partake, she falls down levels for every escalated class. By time she's in S class, she's is the second slowest and by reaching S+, she's the slowest overall.
• Gratuitous Spanish: Justicia speaks English, but sometimes slips some Spanish in her speech. Words like "buey"^note literally "bull", but used among Mexican youth basically as the same as "dude" and "abuela" to be exact.
  Justicia: Mi casa es su casa.^TranslationMy house is your house.
• The Nicknamer: She calls the player "Sundance".
• Nonconformist Dyed Hair: Justicia is a tanned Mexican sporting blue hair.
• The Philosopher: As a renowned internet celebrity with millions of followers, Justicia help encourages them to follow their own passions and live the good life.
• Recurring Extra: While Justicia appears as a regular racer, she very often appears in every race you participate on, regardless of race class and even including all of the week's qualifiers and The Grand. Every event with opponents you partake, expect to often see Justicia in her green Nissan 350Z. The only exception is during the prologue and in head-to-head races.
• Spicy Latina: She's a street racing lady from Mexico who causes mayhem and cusses a lot, that is up to the point that it made her grandmother blush.

Harlow

The elitist of the Lake.

Car: Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (C8)

Nationality: American

Portrayed by: Sarah Hollis

"I'm not gonna let some pumped up, double meathead malice keep me from achieving my dreams."

An American street racer in Lakeshore City at age 27.

As the finest amongst Lakeshore's elites, Harlow is a confident and self-made fitness entrepreneur with an ambition of being the comic relief. While she loves to pull pranks on other racers, this could help her net the win.

Completing "Paid in Full" will unlock her safehouse in University Central.

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• The Beautiful Elite: Harlow is the Lake's elite, as her bio states that she's personally fit, creative and down fashionable with Guizio clothing.
• Bring It: One of Harlow's race intro poses has her doing a "come get me" gesture.
• Cool Car: She drives a C8 Corvette, a midship muscle supercar complete with crazy body kit. Her choice of car makes her the fastest, if not the best of the A+ Class.
• Deadpan Snarker: She has some kind of mouth peppered with sarcasm.
• Foil: To Lyric. Both are African Americans driving white supercars, but Harlow is a trash-talking socialite, while Lyric is a down-to-earth high-spirited fashionista.
• The Prankster: As her bio states. A street racer who loves to prank other street racers.
• Rich in Dollars, Poor in Sense: Harlow is Only in It for the Money, despite being a rich elite (and indulges in illegal street racing). During one of the mid-race voice lines, she ponders what to spend the winnings on...
• Sassy Black Woman: While not as loud and brash as Yaz, Harlow is an African-American lady with an attitude.

Cha Cha

The resident Robin Hood of the lake, willing to take your money.

Car: Lamborghini Urus

Nationality: Puerto Rican

Portrayed by: Antony Del Rio

"Power always corrupts. Mark my words one day those at the bottom are gonna eat those at the top."

A Puerto Rican street racer in Lakeshore City at age 28.

A Hot-Blooded racer who runs a local street gang, he's a fearless man who despises Mayor Morgan Stevenson and wants to help give the poor around the city a chance at power and glory. Fearless and bold, Cha Cha is a man of compassion for his people who adores him.

Completing "Another Day to Run" will unlock his safehouse in University Central.

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• Animal Motifs: Cha Cha has a shark's mouth sticker slapped on his Urus.
• Bandito: He's a street racer from Puerto Rico who also runs a local street gang in the Lake.
• Blood Knight: He loves to play rough and aggressive.
• Cool People Rebel Against Authority: He's one of the few racers who oppose Mayor Morgan Stevenson's corrupt adamancy.
• Gratuitous Spanish: Just like Justicia, Cha Cha slips some Spanish phrases like "Sabes que"^note "Did you know" and "Oye" in his sentences.
• Hummer Dinger: While his car, the Lamborghini Urus is a high-performance SUV, it almost stays glued to the asphalt during races due to the near-lack of offroad areas.
• Just Like Robin Hood: Cha Cha is like the residential Robin Hood of the Lake. He takes the money and power back from the rich and gives them to the poor. One mid-race voice has this when he overtakes you.
  Cha Cha: I'll use your cash to help the community.
• Large Ham: Lets out a "whooooooo-eeeee!!" when he overtakes you during races.
• Nice Guy: He's one of the few racers who show props with you during races.
• Spirited Competitor: One of Cha Cha's mid-race voice lines welcomes a good challenge whenever you overtake him.

Medusa

This Versace is on the Floor.

Car: Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SV, Mazda RX-7 Spirit R (FD, Series 8) (used in The Grand)

Nationality: Italian

Portrayed by: Uma Incrocci

"I'm into capturing young women's experiences of Lakeshore. Whatever expression that embodies."

An Italian street racer in Lakeshore City at age 23.

An aspiring racer who refuses to do anything but live her life to the fullest by embodying the creative mind of young women. She's determined with a wit of high spirits and exhilaration that would leave her opponents in the dust.

Completing "Living for the City" will unlock her safehouse in University Central.

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• Color Motif: Medusa is all gaga on yellow or gold, befitting her rich and elegant status. She's an Italian blondie with gold-tinted shades with both her Murciélago (with gold rims) and later, the RX-7 are painted yellow.
• Cool Car: An Italian lady driving an Italian supercar. And she's seen rolling in her yellow Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SV. It's also a capable S-class car that it matches Lyric's McLaren. She swaps it for a modified Mazda RX-7 during The Grand.
• Finger Wag: If Medusa wins a side bet, she gives a "Disappointed in You" pose, complete with her wagging her index finger.
• Gratuitous Italian: The Italian Medusa injects lots of Italian words in her sentences which confuses the player a lot. One example has Medusa shout "Andiamo!"^note Let's go! during the start of the race.
• Happy Dance: When you highlight her rival profile in the meetup menu, you can see Medusa briefly doing a dainty dance beside her beloved Murciélago.
• Meaningful Name: She is dripped head-to-toe in Versace, and her name is a nod to the fashion brand's famous logo.
• The Philosopher: Medusa talks about how she can capture young women to embody and express a creative mind, as well as living their lives to the fullest.
• Rambunctious Italian: The Italian Medusa is very Hot-Blooded and loud.

Anechka

You will fear her if you invade her country.

Car: Nissan GT-R Premium (2017)

Nationality: Ukrainian

Portrayed by: Liliya Ilnitsky

"The police do not find strength in the community. Their strength comes through fear. And fear is always weaker."

A Ukrainian street racer in Lakeshore City at age 19.

A lady who believes in a world free from cruelty and corruption as she is one of the few racers of Lakeshore who opposes Mayor Morgan Stevenson. While she's committed to a cause, she also lives her passion in street racing and collecting sneakers where both have found their purpose in the resistance, on or off the track.

Completing "Fight the Power" will unlock her safehouse in University Central.

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• Animal Motifs: Her white Nissan GT-R sports an elaborate zebra design.
• The Baby of the Bunch: Amongst the other racers of the Lake, at age 19, she is implied to be one of the youngest of them all (tied with Waru, Yaz and Youmna).
• Boyish Short Hair: Her black hair is cut so short that it reaches past her ears.
• Cool People Rebel Against Authority: And she's one of the few of the Lake's racers who oppose Mayor Stevenson. Anechka points that one out.
  Anechka: Maybe it's time for Lakeshore PD to take a look at the corrupt criminals running the streets, not the ones driving fast on them.
• Escape Artist: The cops attempt to bust Anechka for vandalizing Mayor Morgan Stevenson's campaign billboard, to the point she manages to evade them.
• Gratuitous Foreign Language: All of her lines are in English. When you drive her to her safehouse, her parting words let out a gratitude in her native language.
  Anechka: Na vse dobre. ^TranslationAll the best.
• Jerk with a Heart of Gold: She is up there with Rüdiger and Chase as one of the most mean-spirited drivers during races, but unlike them she is very committed to her cause of freeing people from tyranny and is otherwise shown to be very cordial to the player during her Escort Mission.

A$AP Rocky

Always Strive and Prosper, as what he says.

^{Click here to see A$AP Rocky from Need for Speed: No Limits.}

Car: Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16, Jaguar E-Type Lightweight (No Limits)

Nationality: American

Portrayed by: Himself

"I'll put it to you like this: You dust me in this, I'll let you have that."

A$AP Rocky is a Real Life American rapper and fashion icon from Harlem at age 34. ^note by the time of the game's release He is a member of the hip hop collective A$AP Mob.

Being as one of the best racers of the Lake, A$AP Rocky is the man who brings style and inspiration around the city, encouraging everyone to evolve one's creativity and express themselves freely. As the creator of the Takeover, a unique event revolving around driving skills, style, and stunts, he is often seen cheering for someone worthy of being the best there is.

Defeating A$AP Rocky in the "1v1 for the 190E" event will award you his custom Mercedes 190E.

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• The Ace: A$AP Rocky is no doubt one of the best of the best of the Lake and the fastest amongst the S+ Class racers.
• Beware the Nice Ones: Just because he's friendly doesn't mean he'll go easy on you during a race; matter of fact, he is the fastest and most skilled rival racer in the game, and more often than not he'll be the racer to beat in S+ Class events.
• Continuity Cameo: While initially a character in Unbound, nearly 2 months after the game's release, A$AP Rocky makes a special appearance in No Limits's Takeover event, as part of the late January 2023 update. Here, he drives a classic black Jaguar E-Type Lightweight with gold rims.
• Cool Car: His Mercedes-Benz 190E in itself would be one, but it also comes with a massive spoiler, taped headlights, a gilded grille, front turbofan wheels, and a unique livery feature that's half-black and half-white. You get to drive his car in one of the Escort Missions with Rocky himself riding shotgun with you. Finally, beat him in the "1v1 for the 190E" event and he'll grant you the right to add his car to your collection!
• Duel Boss: The "1v1 for the 190E" event has put you in a one-on-one battle against him. Defeat him if you want your hands on his custom Mercedes 190E.
• Fan of the Underdog: Do very well in a Takeover event and he'll congratulate you. After all, he's expecting you to be the very best.
• Fun with Acronyms: During the Escort Mission, Rocky reveals that his cool name A$AP stands for Always Strive And Prosper. Doubles as a Meaningful Name as it represents a symbol of inspiration and self-expression.
• Leitmotif: During a one-on-one race with him, you'll be listening only to nothing but songs performed by A$AP Rocky himself.
• Nice Guy: A$AP Rocky shows no mean-bone. He's a very amiable and friendly guy, and gets along with a good conversation with the player. His in-race dialogue is also notable in that he never indulges in trash talk unlike every other racer, and if beaten he'll immediately compliment you for your result.
• The Philosopher: Hence his acronym name, his advice for everyone to express freely and to continue to alwasy strive and prosper. And it shows even more when he explaing his motivations during the ending credits.
• Title Drop: May make one at the start of a race.
  A$AP Rocky: I gotta feed my need for speed.
• Tranquil Fury: He's a friendly guy who never unleashes a blistering fury, even when he calls you out if you dent his car.
  A$AP Rocky: Yo, watch out for my wheels.

Non-story Related Racers

Obi

T'Challa seems to have found a new personal hobby. ^note ...and probably the friendliest racer you'd ever face.

Car: Plymouth Barracuda (440 6-Barrel)

Nationality: Angolan

Portrayed by: Ezekiel Ajiegbe

"Let's see if the hype is justified."

An Angolan street racer in Lakeshore City at age 20.

Obi came to the Lake to pursue his dream of being a doctor. Other than his job, he indulges in various hobbies such as Goth culture and music, as well as street racing, where he becomes a speed freak, combined with his sunny personality.

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• Badass Pacifist: A Badass Driver who believes in fairplay and clean driving. He'll call you out for not abiding by his morals when you hit him.
  Obi: Can we race fair? / I'm trying to avoid you, honest.
• Briefcase Full of Money: During Yaz's announcement of the Grand, she shows the trunk of Obi's Plymouth filled with cash.
• Color Motif: Obi loves the color black. Not just on his skin, but on his clothes and his car as well.
• Deadly Doctor: Downplayed. While not deadly per se, Obi is both a doctor and a formidable street racer of the Lake.
• Large Ham: His sunny personality comes matched with his mouth is full of hype. His tone would make Mac and Dex proud.
• Nice Guy: He has no mean bone in his body. Similarly to A$AP Rocky, he doesn't engage in trash talk like the other rival racers, and is quick to compliment your driving skills if you pass him. He doesn't even get mad at you if you spin him out!
• Perky Goth: His bio states that he has a boyish charm fitted with a sunny disposition.
• What a Piece of Junk: He drives a classic Plymouth Barracuda, which has a lot of horses under the hood and mostly blazes ahead of the pack during races, making him one of the quickest drivers of B and A Class races. Later, he lends his car to Yaz during the first week of the Qualifier, in which the she swaps from the player's junker.

Eléonore

They call her the Balmain girl.

Car: Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder (982), OTHERS^*Lotus Emira (promotional image)

Nationality: Senegalese

Portrayed by: Magaajyia Silberfeld

"Looking forward to seeing what you're made of."

A Senegalese street racer in Lakeshore City at age 23.

Eléonore is a lady who is proud of her Senegalese heritage, hence it what defines both her fashion and artwork. An elegant and confident individual who accepts nothing but a formidable victory behind the wheel.

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• "Back to Camera" Pose: Eléonore's Victory Pose has her turning her back and posing to the camera.
• Color Motif: Eléonore is high bound on black and yellow, not just on her skin and hair respectively, but also both on her clothes and her Boxster.
• Cool Car: Originally she's seen standing with one of the new cars in the lineup, the Lotus Emira with a custom body kit. In the final release it was later switched to a Porsche Boxster Spyder with a custom spoiler sticking out of the trunk.
  • Speaking of the said Lotus Emira, it's now Promoted to Playable in the Vol 2 update.
• Inconsistent Spelling: Just like Rüdiger, her bio clearly has an acute in the second E on her name, alas... Eléonore. However, the acute was removed from the credits, and replaced with a regular E.
• Pride: As why she is a proud Senegalese.

Waru

Proudly Australian, mate.

Car: Nissan Fairlady 240ZG

Nationality: Australian

Portrayed by: Ed Robinson

"Start your engines!"

An Australian street racer in Lakeshore City at age 19.

Waru left his home country in search of finding a place that meant something to him. That is when he traveled to Tokyo where street racing drew his passion. This later blossoms when he brings it to the Lake where his skills behind the wheel capture the hearts of his fans.

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• The Baby of the Bunch: Alongside Anechka, Yaz and Youmna, Waru is implied to be one of the youngest of the known racers of the Lake, at only 19.
• Going Native: He left Australia and visited Japan where street racing becomes part of his aspiration.
• In the Hood: A street racer that sports a blue hoodie with streaks of warm colors.
• Land Down Under: Hails from Australia, mate!
• Pimped-Out Car: His crazy Nissan 240ZG comes with a crazy heart with arrow-shaped Bōsōzoku tailpipes, shark fin appendages on his hood, and a crazy body kit with a high duct spoiler. The cherry on top would be the heart-shaped tow hook.
• Unusable Enemy Equipment: Though not his car, the customization items mentioned above aren't available to the player when customizing the said Nissan 240ZG, unless you access it via mods.
  • Subverted in the Vol 2 update as you can get your hands to his custom 240ZG. You must be an EA Play member, though.

Dal-Rae

Totally not her latest selfie post.

Car: Mercedes-Benz G 63 AMG (W463)

Nationality: Korean

Portrayed by: Mirai

"Hope you got the skills to keep up."

A South Korean street racer in Lakeshore City at age 29.

While her parents are part of the Navy and constantly moving from base to base, Dal-Rae relies mostly on her camera. Photography has been on her side and has constantly allowed her to express her creativity and spirit on the streets.

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• Always Someone Better: One of her mid-race voice lines says:
  Dal-Rae: I won't lie, you're good. But I'm better.
• Camera Fiend: She loves indulging in photography using her camera, which is now on her smartphone.
• Graceful Loser: If in case you are about to win, her mid-race lines state that she doesn't mind losing a race.
  Dal-Rae: Nothing wrong to losing to a better racer. / Even though I might lose, I've enjoyed this.
• Hummer Dinger: Her choice of car is an AMG G Wagon which barely leaves the asphalt due to the near-lack of offroad races. She's also more than happy to throw its weight around on the track; if you hit her, she'll most likely steer her vehicle against you to make you lose time. Not to mention the height of her car can sometimes obstruct your vision.
• Meaningful Name: Her name Dal-Rae (달래) means to soothe or lull, which explains her calm and cool demeanour.
• Not So Stoic: The only time she lets her emotions run wild is when she speaks during races.
• Perpetual Frowner: You can clearly see that Dal-Rae barely tries to turn her frown upside down. Be it wheter pre-race intro, or even her Victory Pose.
• Status Cell Phone: Dal-Rae is mostly seen on her smartphone when not racing, even during her Victory Pose, complete with a Shrug Take.
• The Stoic: Her bio states that she's cool and calm. And it shows that she doesn't emote when posing during her race introduction as pictured above.

Ross

He serves delicious pizza around Lakeshore. 2 minutes or less, guaranteed.

Car: Honda Civic Type R (EK9)

Nationality: American

Portrayed by: Yuri Lowenthal

"See you in another realm, man!"

An American street racer in Lakeshore City at age 20.

Born and raised a Californian, Ross is a slacker that conceals a more passionate nature. While he's an everyday pizza deliveryman of the Lake, he's a skilled racer if not distracted and not thinking about unusual topics that run through his head.

Ross can be used as a Character Skin for multiplayer upon reaching Level 51 on the Vol. 6 Speed Pass.

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• Ain't Too Proud to Beg: One of his mid-race voice lines has him begging you to let him win, since he's SO desparate for money.
• The Alleged Car: His car looks like it came out fresh from a junk shop, despite the crazy pizza themed livery design. Hence its looks, it makes it the least competitive amongst the B and A class racers. Subverted later on for A+ class races as his car far betters Maya and Youmna by performance rating, allowing him to mostly finish in a better position.
• Berserk Button: He'll go nuts if you ram his car, which contains drinks that spills on him.
  Ross: Careful, I got a beverage here.
• Butt-Monkey: In most races, he often finishes at the very back (if not last) of the pack.
• Cloudcuckoolander: He thinks about 90's stuff and the quantum realm as if it's his own world.
• Courier: A street racer of the Lake who works at Oscar's Pizza (as hinted on the decals) as a deliveryman.
• Large Ham: Ross sure has a loud mouth when taking his ride on the street.
• The Slacker: And it shows.
• What a Piece of Junk: His Civic Type R seems like a pokey one. It's painted red with his bonnet painted black and his front bumper being white, complete with taped headlights. His wrap looks more like a delivery car for a pizza company due to having pizza decals slapped on the car.

Chilton

When a British tries to be like an American.

Car: BMW M3 Evolution II (E30)

Nationality: British

Portrayed by: Zeke Alton

"You should see how we race in London!"

A British street racer in Lakeshore City at age 30.

Growing up in London, Chilton indulges in cult classics, whether cars or rare vinyl records. With music in his side, thanks to his father playing a Ska band tune that became his passion, he plays a beat when he darts his ride on the streets.

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• Air Guitar: Or Air DJ would be appropriate, as losing a side bet to him shows his Victory Pose imitating a disc jockey.
• Fan of the Past: Chilton is a man with a hobby of classic cars and Funk 45, a series of rare 70's soul funk vinyl records.
• Moving Angst: Because he's an Englishman, in which his native country drives on the left, one of Chilton's mid-race voice lines mentions that he has trouble trying to adjust in Lakeshore's right-hand driving.
  Chilton: Still ain't used to driving on the wrong side of the road.
• Music for Courage: Music is what keeps Chilton's adrenaline pumping.
• Nice Guy: His laid-back persionality is what contributes his admiration of your skills.

Maya

An artistic racer with a colorful mouth.

Car: Ford Mustang GT (Gen. 6)

Nationality: Indian

Portrayed by: Angela Malhotra

"Let's go. I got VIP tickets for an event later!"

An Indian street racer in Lakeshore City at age 23.

A creative and independent street racer who shows her love in art and relations. She lives a nocturnal life as she would often call anyone that very late or suggest to take a long flight than doing regular daily routines. She may be a selfish individual, but she doesn't care as long as she lives her own way.

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• Butt-Monkey: Maya has the second lowest and the lowest overall performance ratings amongst the A+ and S class racers respectively. Her car isn't powerful enough to best with the likes of the supercars users sucha as Lyric, Chase or Medusa.
• Deadpan Snarker: She has some kind of mouth full of sarcasm.
• It's All About Me: One mid-race quote has this, thanks to her sarcastic and selfish bravado.
  Maya: Between you and me, it's always going to be me.
• The Night Owl: Maya is the resident nocturnal racer, who enjoys staying lively late at night while the city sleeps.
• Pimped-Out Car: Her white Mustang has yellow, red and blue abstract patterns that is a Shout-Out to Piet Mondrian's 1930 artwork; the Composition II in Red, Blue, and Yellow. Originally, the Risk & Reward Gameplay Trailer shows it was the player's car, before it's revealed that it is Maya's car in the final game. It is also last seen in after the final race of the Grand where Maya's car is performing donuts with Boost Calling Out Shotgun as he sticks himself out half of his body out of the window, posing to the other racers.

Youmna

Who said a Muslim can't own a Ferrari?

Car: Ferrari Testarossa

Nationality: Syrian

Portrayed by: Naseem Etemad

"Soak it up, you ain't getting this close to me again."

A Syrian street racer in Lakeshore City at age 19.

Born a native Syrian, this Arabic combines sentiments from her home country and aesthtic vibes from the Lake. Her mother taught her to have no regrets when expressing herself as she's determined to carve her own path at over 200 mph.

Younma can be used as a Character Skin for multiplayer upon reaching Level 69 on the Vol. 6 Speed Pass.

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• The Baby of the Bunch: Alongside Anechka, Yaz and Waru, Youmna is implied to be one of the youngest of the known racers of the Lake, at only 19.
• Butt-Monkey: While she drives a Ferrari Testarossa, usually a high-performing car, it's not enough to keep herself competitive as her car has the lowest stats amongst the A+ class racers, and most of the time, she finishes at the back of the pack, with even people like Ross getting better places.
• Cool Car: She drives a teal-colored Ferrari Testarossa, and it's cool enough to flashy to race with in the Lake.
• Hiding in a Hijab: Following Jawad's religious beliefs, Youmna being a native Muslim, sports a hijab.
• Token Religious Teammate: The game allows you to place a wager against a rival for cash if you win; however, Youmna is the only driver that you cannot place a bet on due to the implication (between her nationality and her wearing a hijab) that she's Muslim, and gambling is absolutely prohibited in Islam.
• What a Piece of Junk: Apart from the custom teal paint and yellow custom rims, the Testarossa has no body modifications due to the Testarossa itself having no body kits in the game. That's something that was carried over in Heat. ^note It's possibly implied that Ferrari has strict rules regarding customization, and it is considered illegal to tamper the car's engine, bodywork or paintjob. This happened to deadmau5 when his Ferrari ownership got relinquished for tampering his 458 Spider when he painted it custom blue and slapping Nyan Cat stickers on the body. The only allowed body customizations are Ferrari's own racing kits such as the F40 LM body kit for the F40 and the GTE or Challenge kit for the 488 GTB. Ironically there is a custom body kit for the Testarossa Spider in SEGA's OutRun 2006: Coast 2 Coast, a game from 16 years prior.

Lyric

Ready to tear the streets in style.

Car: McLaren 600LT, Nissan Fairlady 240ZG (used in The Grand)

Nationality: American

Portrayed by: Aaron Goodson

"Can we get this over with, I got places I need to be."

An American street racer in Lakeshore City 35.

Lyric is a man with a taste of fashion and style, based on how he dresses or how he decks out his ride when he rolls out. While being one of the best of the Lake's racers, he shares a passion of designing daring but affordable vogue that appeals to the new generation.

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• Cool Car: Drives a white McLaren 600LT, a top-of-the-line variant of the 570S. It's cool enough that it is the fastest amongst the S class racers. He later swaps it for a white Nissan 240ZG.
• The Fashionista: The Lake's racer who indulges in designing clothes that suit his and others' tastes.
• Foil: To Lyric. Both are African Americans driving white supercars. Lyric is a down-to-earth high-spirited fashionista, while Harlow is a trash-talking socialite.
• Jive Turkey: He speaks in some sort of 70's streetwise hip African American accent.
• Musical Theme Naming: Averted. His name "Lyric" has nothing to do in relations to music.
• Spirited Competitor: His mid-race voice lines show that he always appreciates a good challenge, constantly telling the player to bring their best if they want to beat him.
  Lyric: Nice, I finally got some competition.
• What a Piece of Junk: Subverted. His McLaren is already cool enough, but it lacks any customization parts other than the white carbon fiber finish. ^note The McLaren 600LT does not have any body kit customizations other than wheels, license plate, paint and wrap, as oppose to its vanilla variant, the 570S which has. This was carried over from Heat. However, during the Grand, he uses a Nissan 240ZG with a Liberty Walk body kit.

Chase

Not to be confused with the other Chase. Also definitely an asshole.

Car: Porsche 911 GT3 RS (991.2), Ford Crown Victoria (2008) (used in The Grand)

Nationality: American

Portrayed by: Kyle Chapple

"You can't beat me. I'm Chase."

An American street racer in Lakeshore City at age 27.

Confidence and arrogance are what define Chase. His bravado is attributed to the right things to wear and the right place to hang out. While he doesn't make lots of friends, he doesn't bother what others say about him.

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• Air Guitar: Again, air DJ would be a better choice. Just like Chilton, this is Chase's Victory Pose.
• Badass Armfold: His rival bio shows Chase crossing his arms, showing not just his anti-social status but how much a formidable racer he is, as he's one of the few to be in front of the pack in most races.
• Cool Car: Drives a blue and yellow gradient Porsche 911 GT3 RS, complete with a body kit that resembles its racing counterpart; the 911 RSR ^note In its 2014-2015 incarnation, which has been used since the 2015 reboot..
• Foil: To Boost. Both are African Americans in hoodies, but Boost is an introverted Nice Guy, while Chase is a straightforward braggart.
• Jerkass: He's an anti-social braggart who doesn't like the words "defeat" or "loser" in his vocabulary. He doesn't even play nice during a race.
• In the Hood: He sports a white Puma hoodie displaying his arrogant status.
• No Social Skills: A street racer who is also anti-social, due to his background showing he barely has friends.
• One-Steve Limit: Shares the same first name as Chase Linh, the Big Bad of Undercover.
• Third-Person Person: Many of his mid-race voice lines would refer himself by his name, usually for intimidation and emphasis purposes.
  Chase: Chase doesn't play nice./No one overtakes the Chase!
• What a Piece of Junk: Chase's car of choice for The Grand is a Ford Crown Victoria with barely any customization parts other than the custom paint.

Shimizu

The true legend in the making. And there's a good reason for it.

Car: Ferrari LaFerrari, BMW M3 Evolution II (E30) (used in The Grand)

Nationality: Japanese

Portrayed by: Scott Keiji Takeda

"Rydell's protégés always need practice, and the garage has a reputation to maintain."

A Japanese street racer in Lakeshore City at age 29.

Shimizu is a true legend in the making. After leaving Japan for Lakeshore when he was young, he was spotted by Rydell where his talents shine further. In his verge of retirement, Shimizu's ambitions in the Lake is to establish his own superclub.

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• The Ace: Shimizu is called a "legend in the racing scene" for a reason, as he and A$AP Rocky are the few aces of the S+ class racers.
• The Apprentice: He learns his new skills from Rydell. He knows him a lot hence why Shimizu tells you that "he [Rydell] is backing you up".
• Cool Car: One of the few known characters in the franchise to ever own a Ferrari, other than Youmna as stated above. And that's him rolling in his green Ferrari hypercar, which you get to drive during the "Hey Jealousy" delivery mission. He later swaps it for a tuned BMW M3 Evolution II.
• Japanese Delinquent: A native Japanese who indulges in street racing. He's not the first Japanese to ever do so.
• Nice Guy: He's also another friendy dude who never indulges in Trash Talk and even giving you props when you best him during races.
• Spirited Competitor: A high-spirited racer who in one mid-race quote would take a defeat in stride, especialy when losing a bet against you.
  Shimizu: I'm impressed. Even if you are about to take my money.

Officials of Lakeshore City

Morgan Stevenson

^{Defaced version}

Voiced by: Debra Wilson

Radio Ad: Mayor Morgan Stevenson is ready to help rebuild Lakeshore.

Morgan: Because a city is only as strong as its foundation.

The current Mayor of Lakeshore City.

As the mayor, her obligation is to back the workers in rebuilding and protecting the citizens of the Lake from any crime by implementing the aptly "No Nonsense for Nonsense" policy.

A podcast heard recurringly through the game accuses Mayor Stevenson of being a Corrupt Politician who commits unlawful actions, especially with mishandling the street racing epidemic, grifting for her own personal gain and Nepotism.

Her face appears in numerous campaign billboards throughout Lakeshore City.

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• 0% Approval Rating: Radio ads and a podcast reveal the citizens of the Lake openly critizice the Mayor for failing in her job to protect the citizens of Lakeshore, as well as some refusing to vote for her in the upcoming election.
• Abusive Parents: Downplayed. When she discovers that her daughter was openly criticizing her through her podcast, her response is to "invoke the First Amendment" and cut off her internet connection.
• Bad Boss: Ends up firing her entire campaign team. The new team can only come up with asinine ads that don't work.
• Bread, Eggs, Breaded Eggs: In one of her radio ads.
  Radio: To her, Lakeshore is not just a city... or a shore. Or a lake with a shore by a city. Lakeshore is so much more. Re-elect Mayor Morgan Stevenson and let's do more... for Shoorree.
• Defacement Insult: The only time she's actually shown in the game is in numerous campaign billboards scattererd around the Lake and by that point, some of them has been vandalized with red graffiti, calling her a "FAKER". It is revealed in one Escort Mission that Anechka is the one that vandalized the billboard.
  Anechka: She gave us a billboard. I painted it red.
• Evil Matriarch: A Corrupt Politician who commits grift for her own personal gain, and the podcaster that's been uncovering her corrupt deeds through the game is revealed to be her daughter.
• Full-Name Ultimatum: Gives one to her daughter after discovering that she's the podcaster that's been rebelling against the Mayor through the game.
  Morgan: [angrily] Aaliyah Michelle Stevenson... you better not have been trashing me all over the airwaves...
• Mayor Pain: She's a mixture of both types but leans closest to the Quimby. Not only does she take bribes and give her associates bigger housing contracts more easily than their competitors, she is also extremely adamant about shutting down Lakeshore's street racing scene over actually helping the citizens.
• Sassy Black Woman: Hinted by her portrayer, Morgan is an African-American lady with a Jerkass attitude.
• Villain with Good Publicity: She holds a mayor status, despite being shown in the game that she mishandles her duties for her personal gain.
• Villainous Breakdown: As the story unfolds, everything seens to go wrong for her, as it's stated that her approval ratings are dropping dramatically, and she starts lashing out at everyone, from firing her enitre campaign team, to being last heard getting into a heated argument with her daughter after it's revealed that said daughter was the podcaster critical of her administration through the game.
• The Voice: She's heard through the game via campaign ads and soundbites played through the podcast that opposes her, but she's never shown during the game's storyline proper. The only time she's shown is when her face appears on numerous billboards around the Lake, to some of which have been vandalized with graffiti.
• What Happened to the Mouse?: The last thing Morgan is heard in was an argument with her own daughter who is criticizing her actions as the mayor. It is unknown whether she was re-elected or voted out and succeeded by Holden Parker III or another candidate.

Holden Parker III

Voiced by: Barry Bostwick

"I am Holden Parker III, and let me use your dollars for a brighter future of Lakeshore. Because life is difficult, but money makes it a whole lot easier."

A mayoral candidate of Lakeshore City whom he seeks to succeed Mayor Morgan Stevenson in the upcoming election.

His face appears in numerous campaign billboards throughout Lakeshore City.

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• All Men Are Perverts: The player gets this impression after hearing one of his radio ads.
  Radio: He loves his mom, and he loves Lakeshore. Because he cares about everyone. But especially women.
  Player: That's not creepy. At all.
• Bizarre Taste in Food: Apparently he's fond of (and even operates an establishment that sells) "choice cuts of llama". The player and even Rydell (who's established to be something of a Big Eater) prefer to keep their distance from said establishment.
• Dirty Communists: Discussed. He mentions Communists as one of Lakeshore's enemies.
• Global Ignorance: A news report mentions a faux pass he made while adressing German exchange students: He claimed that their country should imitate the United States and become a federal republic. ^note While not mentioned in the game, anyone with a basic knowledge about the country would tell you that its official name is literally "Federal Republic of Germany".
• Hypocrite: Mentions women as one of Lakeshore's enemies in a radio interview despite his campaign claiming otherwise.
  Holden: Thanks for asking, Simon. The list is long. Communists, well they're in the top five. Lefties. Librarians.
  Simon: Librarians?
  Holden: No, why would you tha-... Libertarians. Post-left Anarchists. Post-colonial Anarchists. Actually just anarchists... Women.
  Simon: Nope. Nope. I am done with this shit.
• Malaproper: He tends to mix up words with similar-sounding ones, like when he says "librarians" when he apparently actually meant to say "Libertarians".
• No Celebrities Were Harmed: Holden blatantly bares an uncanny resemblance to George W. Bush, which explains his malapropism.
• Totally Radical: Another one of his campaign ads says that he's in tune with the young citizens and that he understands the things they like, such as cafeterias and fishing spots. Of course, the player doesn't buy that one bit.
• Trademark Favorite Food: Ramen, especially with hearty miso broth and "choice cuts of llama", hence his cholesterol-conscious eating.
• Unreliable Expositor: One of his campaign ads has testimonies from citizens claiming how much he cares for the citizens of the Lake. Considering that it is a political campaign ad, and every other line he says appears to be made to make him look less-than-sympathetic, one can feel compelled to take those claims with a whole shaker of salt.
• What Happened to the Mouse?: By the time of the story's ending, it's unknown if whether Holden defeated incumbuent Mayor Stevenson or he lost the election.

Other Characters

Alec (UNMARKED SPOILERS)

"Yo, what did I tell you? My boy Alec got the hook up. Check out this ride!"

–- Yaz

A longtime friend of Yaz and one of the two main antagonists of the game, alongside Tess.

Not much is known about Alec, despite being mentioned by numerous characters. However, he is responsible for scamming the player and Yaz for a supposed car delivery and is the ringleader behind the raid of Rydell's Rydes, causing many of the cars stolen and held in possession, all for his personal gain.

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• Big Bad Duumvirate: He was at first set up as the lone Big Bad of the story — due to having led the heist against Rydell's Rydes, but is actually working alongside Tess to uphold a street racing betting racket.
• The Ghost: He's constantly mentioned and referred to, but he's never seen or heard.
• Laser-Guided Karma: The player character's victory in the Grand leaves him penniless and with all his cronies, Tess included, bailing on him.
• Non-Action Big Bad: He's the one in charge of the street racing betting racket, but he doesn't race himself.
• Small Role, Big Impact: While Alec is mentioned numerous times and not appearing in person, he is the catalyst who set up the story, being the ringleader of leading a hit against Rydell's Rydes and revealing that Tess is in cahoots with him.

The Podcaster

The Podcaster ^{REAL NAME}Aaliyah Michelle Stevenson^*Credited as "Aaliyah LL Podcaster" during the credits

Voiced by: Daisy Lightfoot

The unnamed podcaster who relays the events concerning Mayor Morgan Stevenson's unlawful actions.

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• Given Name Reveal: The podcaster's full name was revealed via Full-Name Ultimatum given by Morgan Stevenson, which turns out to be her mother.
  Morgan: [angrily] Aaliyah Michelle Stevenson... you better not have been trashing me all over the airwaves...
• Ms. Exposition: As each day progresses, she'll relay what felonies Mayor Morgan Stevenson have commited.
• The Voice: Take the Curator's advice as she is the podcaster that is only heard throughout the game and never seen in person.