Ultimate Need For Speed Payback Car List

Joe Terrell
02/07/20217th February, 2021
Filed under Gaming Guides

In this guide, you’ll find our ever-updated list of cars that feature in Need For Speed: Payback, including all additional content in the game.

need for speed payback car list


Introduction

Ah, Need For Speed. Those of you who are *ahem* a little older like us will shamefully remember the original game, which hit the market in 1994 for the ‘3DO’ console.

However, it wasn’t until ‘The Need For Speed: Special Edition’ arrived on the PlayStation, Sega Saturn, and Windows platforms in 1996 that EA would take the opportunity to revolutionize the racing game industry as we knew it.

With the original game featuring just eight cars, that most probably wouldn’t go down too well with modern-day gamers. However, at the time, GamePro commented that the selection of eight cars “will leave car buffs drooling”.

Oh, how times have changed! Thankfully, for the twenty-third installment of the series, ‘Need for Speed: Payback’ sees significant growth.

Although ‘Need For Speed: Payback’ doesn’t feature the most extensive car list on the market, racers are treated to more than 70 cars over the original game, which was great news for fans of the series.

falken porsche widebody

Admittedly, it still feels a little disappointing compared to other racing games such as Forza Motorsport 7’s incredible 830-car roster and Forza Horizon 4’s 617.

Then you’ve also got Gran Turismo Sport with 334 and Project CARS 2 with 205 vehicles to consider.

However, Need For Speed has its own entirely different appeal, and fans that know and love the series will hopefully be grateful to see the series’ most comprehensive car list yet.

We’re not talking about setting the quickest lap time at the track – NFS is more focused on causing absolute carnage before escaping the cops in the process.

For NFS: Payback, we head to the open-world environment of Fortune Valley, a fictional version of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Fortune Valley provides a wide range of terrains and regions, including mountains, a desert, a built-up urban area, and just about every scenario imaginable, which is fantastic for making the most of the vast array of vehicles on offer.

NFS: Payback features the franchise’s first 24-hour day-night cycle alongside a complete single-player offline campaign featuring for the first time, making exciting additions for the long-term fans.

Thankfully, they’ve provided the perfect line-up of vehicles to make the most of the varied terrain too. From supercars to JDM’s finest, and even some off-roaders and muscle cars added into the mix, there’s something for everyone in Payback.

In-game vehicles have been modeled using CAD data from the manufacturers before being tweaked by developers for perfect precision.

The in-game sounds are also from real-world, street-driven cars scattered with microphones for ultimate accuracy, providing the ultimate eargasm experience.

As we’ve come to expect from the NFS series, it’ll come as no surprise that there’s also a wide range of tuning upgrades available, whether you’re looking for aftermarket body kits, ‘that’ NFS under glow, performance upgrades, or aftermarket wheels.

ford gt40 supercar

JDM fans are likely to be disappointed to hear that Toyota no longer features in the series. It was the same story for Toyota and Lexus in Forza Horizon 4, and although they later returned to FH4, Forza Motorsport 7 was left dry.

If it’s any consolation – Toyota GT86 fans will thankfully be able to select its twin-brother, the Subaru BRZ, instead.

Alongside Toyota, supercar fans are likely to be disappointed to hear that Ferrari is also missing from the list.

Although the Italian manufacturer has featured since the initial game, since NFS is more tuner-oriented, we weren’t too phased by its disappearance.

When you initially begin playing NFS: Payback, you’ll have the choice of four cars, which hopefully provides a little something for everyone.

  • Buick Regal GNX 1987
  • Honda S2000 AP2
  • Land Rover Defender 110 Double Cab Pickup
  • Volkswagen Golf GTi 1976

Alongside the initial cars to purchase in the game, there are also various derelict cars you’ll soon discover across Fortune Valley waiting to be restored to their former glory, which we’ll look at later in this guide.


Need For Speed: Payback Full Car List

Each of the vehicles you purchase in Need For Speed: Payback will fall under the five different vehicle types, broken down into the following:

Race

We’d always recommend keeping a race car in your garage for obvious reasons. Sure, we love drifting, but there are times where getting to the finish line first is essential.

Off-Road

When you’re hitting the mountains or the beaches, that supercar certainly isn’t going to be the ideal weapon of choice. Get yourself a well-equipped off-roader to power your way to victory on the tricky terrain.

Drift

Do we even need to tell you to get a drift car? Not only is this going to be the most enjoyable vehicle in your garage, but it’ll be perfect for navigating the tight and twisty mountain roads.

Drag

For the wheelie-poppers out there who enjoy straight-line racing, there’s plenty to choose from when it comes to purpose-built drag racers.

Runner

When you want to escape the cops, these all-black stealth vehicles with ‘misplaced’ license plates are the perfect opportunity to escape the cops.

garage porche need for

Now, let’s take a look at which vehicles in the game will be the ultimate choice to have stashed away in the garage.

Acura

  • Acura NSX
  • Acura RSX-S

Alfa Romeo

  • Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio (DLC Content)

Aston Martin

  • Aston Martin DB5 (DLC Content)
  • Aston Martin DB11
  • Aston Martin Vulcan

Audi

  • Audi R8 V10 plus
  • Audi S5 Sportback

Beck Kustoms

  • Beck Kustoms F132

BMW

  • BMW M2
  • BMW M3 E46
  • BMW M3 E46 “Most Wanted” – Derelict/Abandoned
  • BMW M3 E92
  • BMW M3 Evolution II E30
  • BMW M3 Evolution II E30 – Derelict/Abandoned
  • BMW M4 GTS
  • BMW M5
  • BMW X6 M

Buick

  • Buick GNX

Chevrolet

  • Chevrolet Bel Air
  • Chevrolet C10 Sidestep Pickup
  • Chevrolet C10 Stepside Pickup “Holtzman” – Derelict/Abandoned
  • Chevrolet Camaro SS
  • Chevrolet Camaro SS “Platinum” (DLC Content)
  • Chevrolet Camaro Z28
  • Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 (DLC Content)
  • Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport
  • Chevrolet Corvette Z06

Dodge

  • Dodge Challenger SRT8
  • Dodge Challenger SRT8 “Cold Rim” – Derelict/Abandoned
  • Dodge Charger
  • Dodge Charger “Platinum” (DLC Content)

Ford

  • Ford Crown Victoria – Derelict/Abandoned
  • Ford F-150 Raptor
  • Ford F-150 Raptor “Faith Jones” – Derelict/Abandoned
  • Ford F-150 Raptor “Platinum” (DLC Content)
  • Ford Focus RS
  • Ford GT
  • Ford Mustang
  • Ford Mustang “Big Sister” – Derelict/Abandoned
  • Ford Mustang Boss 302
  • Ford Mustang Foxbody
  • Ford Mustang GT
  • Ford Roadster
  • Ford Roadster “Reaper” – Derelict/Abandoned

Honda

  • Honda Civic Type-R 2000
  • Honda Civic Type-R 2015
  • Honda NSX Type-R
  • Honda S2000

Infiniti

  • Infiniti Q60 S (DLC Content)
  • Infiniti Q60 S “Barracuda” (DLC Content)

Jaguar

  • Jaguar F-Type R Coupé
  • Jaguar F-Type R Coupé “Lucky” – Derelict/Abandoned

Koenigsegg

  • Koenigsegg Regera

Lamborghini

  • Lamborghini Aventador Coupé
  • Lamborghini Diablo SV
  • Lamborghini Diablo SV 2019 – Derelict/Abandoned
  • Lamborghini Huracán Coupé
  • Lamborghini Murciélago LP670-4 SV

Land Rover

  • Land Rover Defender 110
  • Land Rover Defender 110 “Shark Attack” – Derelict/Abandoned
  • Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR (DLC Content)

Lotus

  • Lotus Exige S
  • Lotus Exige S “Love Mobile” – Derelict/Abandoned

Mazda

  • Mazda MX-5 1996
  • Mazda MX-5 2015
  • Mazda RX-7 Spirit R
  • Mazda RX-7 Spirit R – Derelict/Abandoned

McLaren

  • McLaren 570S Coupé
  • McLaren P1
  • Mercedes-AMG A 45
  • Mercedes-AMG G 63
  • Mercedes-AMG G 63 “Santa Claus” – Derelict/Abandoned
  • Mercedes-AMG GT

Mercury

  • Mercury Cougar

MINI

  • MINI JCW Countryman (DLC Content)
  • MINI JCW Countryman “Speedcross” (DLC Content)

Mitsubishi

  • Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX

Nissan

  • Nissan 180SX Type X
  • Nissan 350Z
  • Nissan 350Z “Platinum” (DLC Content)
  • Nissan 350Z “Rachel Teller” – Derelict/Abandoned
  • Nissan Fairlady 240ZG
  • Nissan Fairlady 240ZG “La Catrina” – Derelict/Abandoned
  • Nissan GT-R Premium
  • Nissan GT-R Premium “Mitko Vasilev” – Derelict/Abandoned
  • Nissan Silvia S15 Spec-R Aero
  • Nissan Silvia S15 Spec-R Aero “Aki Kimura” – Derelict/Abandoned
  • Nissan Skyline 2000 GT-R
  • Nissan Skyline 2000 GT-R – Derelict/Abandoned
  • Nissan Skyline GT-R V-spec 1993
  • Nissan Skyline GT-R V-spec 1993 “Underground Soldier” – Derelict/Abandoned
  • Nissan Skyline GT-R V-spec 1999
  • Nissan Skyline GT-R V-spec 1999 “Eddie’s” (Requires both Need For Speed (2015) and Need For Speed: Payback)

Pagani

  • Pagani Huayra BC
  • Pagani Huayra BC “Natalia Nova” – Derelict/Abandoned

Plymouth

  • Plymouth Barracuda
  • Plymouth Barracuda – Derelict/Abandoned

Pontiac

  • Pontiac Firebird (DLC Content)

Porsche

  • Porsche 911 Carrera RSR 2.8
  • Porsche 911 Carrera RSR 2.8 “‘Gallo’ Rivera” – Derelict/Abandoned
  • Porsche 911 Carrera S 991
  • Porsche 911 Carrera S 993
  • Porsche 911 GT3 RS 991
  • Porsche 918 Spyder
  • Porsche Cayman GT4
  • Porsche Panamera Turbo

SRT

  • SRT Viper

Subaru

  • Subaru BRZ Premium
  • Subaru Impreza WRX STI “Udo Roth” – Derelict/Abandoned

Volkswagen

  • Volkswagen Beetle
  • Volkswagen Beetle “Spring Bug” – Derelict/Abandoned
  • Volkswagen Golf GTI
  • Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport
  • Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport “Platinum” (DLC Content)

Volvo

  • Volvo 242DL
  • Volvo 242DL – Derelict/Abandoned
  • Volvo Amazon P130
  • Volvo Amazon P130 – Derelict/Abandoned

Additional DLC Content

Those of you who are keen to maximize the potential cars available in the game will most likely consider purchasing the additional content.

Gamers who purchase the “Ultimate Bundle” will have all of the DLC cars available right away, but if you opted for the standard version of the game, these would need to be purchased separately.

Thankfully, both the game and the DLC content are now cheaper than ever, which will undoubtedly make it a no-brainer for most gaming enthusiasts.

Platinum Car Pack

The ‘Platinum Car Pack’ was announced on June 2 alongside the reveal trailer for the game to tempt potential buyers into getting the ‘Deluxe Edition’ of the game.

When purchasing this pack, you’ll receive five fully customized and tuned cars:

  • Chevrolet Camaro SS “Platinum”
  • Dodge Charger “Platinum”
  • Ford F-150 SVT Raptor “Platinum”
  • Nissan 350Z “Platinum”
  • Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport “Platinum”

Alongside the cars in the pack, you’ll also benefit from Platinum Blue tire smoke, and Platinum Blue under glow upgrades.

High Roller Pack

The ‘High Roller’ pack was announced simultaneously with the Platinum Car Pack and came with the game’s Deluxe Edition, and unlike the Platinum Car Pack, this features more than just cars.

When purchasing the ‘High Roller’ pack, you receive the following content:

Speedcross Story Bundle, which includes the following cars:

  • Infiniti Q60 S
  • Mini John Cooper Works Countryman

As well as the cars in the pack, you’ll also receive the exclusive Speedcross Story content.

Those who purchase the Exclusive Deluxe Edition content will receive the following:

  • Deluxe Edition Nitrous Colour (For up to 5 cars)
  • Deluxe Edition Licence Plate
  • Deluxe Edition Leaderboard icon
  • Unique bonuses
  • 5 Premium Shipments
  • 5% Rep and Bank Reward Bonus
  • 10% Discount for in-game Bank purchases

Speedcross Story Bundle

Speedcross Story was the final DLC pack, which arrived on December 15, 2017.

Although this was available with the ‘High Roller Pack’ and ‘Deluxe Edition’, it can also be purchased as a separate bundle.

Content:

  • Speedcross Story Game Mode – The introduction of Speedcross will also include sixteen brand new events, split across four zones; Canyon, Airfield, Construction and Ember valley.
  • Character – Mac: Speedcross
  • 4 awards
  • Speedcross Build Type

Included cars:

  • Infiniti Q60 S
  • Mini JCW Countryman

June Update Individual Purchase Cars

On June 19, 2018, the ‘June Update’ was released, which featured ten new abandoned/derelict cars for players to find in the game.

On top of that, there are three additional DLC stand-alone purchase cars, which didn’t feature individually in any packs but were available to ‘Deluxe Edition’ purchasers.

  • Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
  • Chevrolet Colorado ZR2
  • Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR

For those that aren’t too bothered about the additional content or story modes in the bundles, and are just looking to purchase the extra cars, then there’s the perfect bundle for your needs.

All DLC Cars Bundle

There’s a total of 7 additional DLC cars available in NFS: Payback (excluding the Platinum pack), and purchasing the ‘All DLC Cars Bundle’ will make them immediately available for your driving pleasures.

  • Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
  • Aston Martin DB5
  • Chevrolet Colorado ZR2
  • Infiniti Q60 S
  • Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR
  • Mini JCW Countryman
  • Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

Fortune Valley Map Shortcuts

Those looking to master the game may be interested in this additional DLC content pack that EA released on February 13, 2018.

With the ‘Fortune Valley Map Shortcuts’ pack, you’ll have the locations of everything you could want to find in the game revealed.

If you’re looking for any of the following, then this ‘cheat’ pack may be the perfect answer to your needs:

  • Activity Locations
  • Billboards
  • Collectible Locations
  • Chips
  • Drift Zones
  • Gas Stations
  • Jumps
  • Speed Runs
  • Speed Traps

Finding the Abandoned/Derelict Cars

As you may have noticed in our initial car list, several of the most sought-after cars in the game have ‘Derelict/Abandoned’ next to them, and as you progress through the game, you’re likely to find them hidden across the map.

But, let’s face it, the chances are you’re going to want to get behind the wheel as soon as possible rather than spending hours searching in frustration!

porsche getaway escape

The in-game derelicts are a similar concept to the Forza Horizon 4 Barn Finds.

On July 12, 2018, NFS announced that several derelict/abandoned cars are now available to buy within the car dealers rather than tracking them down, much to many fans’ delight.

With the update, this meant that you were now able to get your hands on the following cars right way, provided you have enough cash in the bank:

  • BMW M3 Evolution II E30
  • Mazda RX-7 Spirit R
  • Nissan Skyline 2000 GT-R
  • Plymouth Barracuda
  • Volvo 242DL
  • Volvo Amazon P130

After completing specific missions within the game and beating various bosses, you’ll eventually begin unlocking the remaining abandoned/derelict vehicles, and the game will provide you with a rough location of where to find them.

Thankfully, rather than spending hours driving around in circles, this walkthrough video from HarryNinetyFour provides you with the location of every derelict car in the game right away.


Need For Speed: Payback System Requirements

If you’re looking to enjoy the game on the PC platform, you’ll want to ensure that your gaming PC at least meets the minimum requirements to run smoothly.

Ideally, to avoid frustration, we recommend shooting for the recommended specs, or better, for the ultimate gaming experience.

If you feel that your gaming rig needs an upgrade, make sure you head over to our Best GPU For Racing Games guide.

Minimum PC Specs:

  • 64-bit processor and operating system
  • OS: 64-bit Windows 7 or later
  • Processor: Intel i3 6300 @ 3.8GHz or AMD FX 8150 @ 3.6GHz with 4 hardware threads
  • Memory: 6 GB RAM
  • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce® GTX 750 Ti or AMD Radeon™ HD 7850 or equivalent DX11 compatible GPU (with 2GB memory)
  • DirectX: Version 11
  • Internet: Broadband connection
  • Storage: 30GB minimum

Recommended PC Specs:

  • 64-bit processor and operating system
  • OS: 64-bit Windows 10 or later
  • Processor: Intel i5 4690K @ 3.5GHz or AMD FX 8350 @ 4.0GHz with 4 hardware threads
  • Memory: 8 GB RAM
  • Graphics: AMD Radeon™ RX 480 4GB, NVIDIA GeForce® GTX 1060 6GB or equivalent DX11 compatible GPU (with 4GB memory)
  • DirectX: Version 11
  • Internet: Broadband connection
  • Storage: 30GB minimum

Summary

Admittedly, Need For Speed: Payback doesn’t have the most impressively-long car list of all the racing games on the market, but they’ve opted for quality-over-quantity, providing a fantastic selection to meet everyone’s needs.

There’s plenty of choice in the standard game, but if you’re looking for some additional cars to add to the experience, the DLC content provides an ideal solution at a great price.

As well as the game’s DLC content, which can provide additional cars right away, some time spent carrying out the missions in the game will soon unlock a wide selection of abandoned/derelict cars, and we’ve explained above how to get your hands on those.

Need For Speed: Payback will undoubtedly provide long-lasting enjoyment, but if you’re keen to explore what the sim racing world has to offer, there’s a great selection of games out there to consider.

subaru impreza rally offroad wrx sti dirt

Assetto Corsa, Project CARS 2, and Forza Motorsport 7 are arguably the best sim racers.

However, if you’re looking for something similar to NFS: Payback, then the likes of Forza Horizon 4 or GTA V are likely to provide the perfect solution.

So, there we have it! We hope that we’ve covered everything you could want to know about the cars in Need For Speed: Payback in this guide.

If you’re looking to enjoy the most up-to-date Need For Speed game, make sure you check out the latest offering in the Need For Speed series.

Thank you for reading our Need For Speed: Payback Car List guide.

If you enjoyed this article, please share it with the buttons at the bottom of your screen. If you’ve found this information useful, then please take a moment to share it with other Need for Speed and racing game enthusiasts. We appreciate your support.


Photography credits

We thank the following entities for the use of their photography in this article:

author avatar Written by Joe Terrell Drifted.com founder, motoring journalist and all-round car enthusiast. Read more about Joe and the Drifted team on our about us page.

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