Summary
InNeed for Speed Unbound, The Grand serves as the ultimate racing challenge in the game’s story mode, bringing together Lakeshore’s best street racers for a high-stakes competition. Unlike other events in the story, The Grand requires players to field four different vehicles across four performance tiers: A, A+, S, and S+. Each race in The Grand corresponds to one of these tiers, requiring players to switch cars between events. This adds a layer of strategy, as players must carefully select and tune their vehicles to excel in each class.
The rewards for conquering The Grand are substantial, including a tuned version of the vehicle chosen during the prologue and a hefty $1 million cash prize. However, preparing for this event can be challenging. Players have four in-game weeks to build a competitive garage, a task made harder by limited funds andconstant nighttime police pursuits. Selecting the right cars for The Grand is crucial, balancing affordability, upgrade potential, responsive handling, and performance. To help players get the most value and performance for their money, let’s explore some of the best vehicle options for each tier inNFS Unbound.
Updated June 18, 2025, by Vlad Mazanko:EA recentlyprovided an update on thenext Need for Speedgame, and the news suggests it’s still a long way off. Developer Criterion Games has confirmed that new NFS titles are in the works but won’t arrive anytime soon, leaving fans without a fresh installment in 2025. For now, Need for Speed Unbound remains the latest entry in the series, and likely marks one of the longest gaps between releases in its history.
Meanwhile, Need for Speed Unbound has concluded its post-launch support, which stands out as one of the most robust in the franchise’s history. The game received several significant content updates, though thesewere exclusively online-focused, offering little for single-player enthusiasts. Still, Unbound brims with content, featuring a wealth of racing events and customizable vehicles for both online and offline modes. This depth ensures players have plenty of options as they gear up for the ultimate campaign challenge—the final racing event known asThe Grand.
174 mph
171 mph
148 mph
308 bhp
366 bhp
218 bhp
$96,000
$92,000
$74,000
When selecting a Tier A vehicle for The Grand inNeed for Speed Unbound, players have a widevariety of affordable and competitive options to choosefrom. Many B and A-tier vehicles are readily available in the shop, and others can be won during the first two weeks of the story mode. For players seeking the absolute best, two standout recommendations are thePorsche 911 Carrera RSR 2.8and theMitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX, both offering excellent default stats, strong upgrade potential, and reasonable price tags.
The911 Carrera RSR 2.8is a fan favorite for good reason. Renowned for its dominance in the B tier in Lakeshore Online with some tweaking, it is undoubtedly one of thetop performers in A-tier events. Its precise handling, impressive speed, and exceptional acceleration require only minimal upgrades to leave competitors in the dust. On the other hand, theLancer Evolution IXis slightly less aggressive off the line but excels in smooth control and cornering, making it a reliable choice for grip-focused races.
For players exploring alternative options within a reasonable budget, other excellent choices include theDodge Challenger SRT8,Nissan 370Z, andLotus Exige S. Each ride brings unique strengths to A-tier events, ensuring solid performance for those who invest wisely.
The last vehicle may start with stats that pale in comparison to the Porsche or Mitsubishi, but its remarkable upgrade flexibility lets tuners unlock its hidden potential with significant enhancements. This lightweight sports car comes with a notably lower price tag than its rivals, freeing up funds for upgrades that effortlessly propel it to the top of the A-tier class. With improved top speed and sharper, more responsive handling, it proves itself a formidable contender. No matter which ride the players choose, these options are sure to deliver results.
164 mph
180 mph
188 mph
435 bhp
400 bhp
$91,000
$106,000
$101,500
For The Grand’s A+ tierinNeed for Speed Unbound, players will likely already have several vehicles ready to tweak for this performance class by the time they reach these events. However, while there are many competitive cars to choose from, players should steer clear of overly expensive options, as they’re often unnecessary for this tier. For a sub-$110,000 budget, two standout choices are theFord Mustang GTand theLotus Emira, both offering an excellent balance of affordability and performance.
When deciding between the two, players should consider their preferred driving style. TheLotus Emiracaters to players favoring grip builds and boasts a higher top speed, making it an excellent choice for precision road races. Conversely, theFord Mustang GTis a quintessential muscle car with roaring power and rear-wheel drive,perfect for those who enjoy a drift-focused buildor aggressive cornering. Both vehicles perform exceptionally well in A+ tier events, even with minimal upgrades.
If neither of these fits one’s preferences, other strong contenders within this tier and budget include theAlfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio,BMW M2,Porsche Cayman GT4,BMW M4,Chevrolet Camaro Z/28,Mercedes-AMG C 63 Coupe, and, most especially,Nissan Z Prototype.
For a comparable price tag, players get an impressive top speed of nearly 190 mph right out of the gate, paired with Nissan’s signature handling that stays reliable even on the most intense, turn-heavy racetracks. It’s also worth noting that players can claim a free Z Prototype as a Story mode reward, securing one of the top A+-tier cars, alongside several pre-installed upgrades, for just a modest racing entry fee. Despite the player choice here, all the above-mentioned vehicles bring solid and diverse capabilities, ensuring there’s an option for every type of racer for the A+ tier.
155 mph
196 mph
184 mph
626 bhp
565 bhp
495 bhp
$162,000
$148,500
$141,500
As the tiers climb higher inNeed for Speed Unbound, the price of competitive cars increases significantly, making smart purchasing decisions essential. For the S tier, players should aim to cap their budget at around $170,000 in the story mode. This price range provides access to several exceptional vehicles without overspending. Two standout options in this category are thePolestar 1and theNissan GT-R Premium Edition, both of which deliver top-tier performance when tuned properly.
ThePolestar 1, originally an A+ tier vehicle, might seem unremarkable due to its default top speed. However, with the right upgrades, it becomes a fast, reliable, and versatile car, making it an excellent choice for S-tier races. On the other hand, theNissan GT-R Premium Edition, a legendary name in street racing, is an all-around powerhouse. Its balance of speed, handling, and adaptability makes it suitable for any racing discipline in the game, ensuring a reliable performance in The Grand.
For players seeking alternatives in the same price range, other solid choices include theAcura NSX,SRT Viper GTS,Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat,Porsche 911 Carrera GTS,Mercedes-AMG GT S Coupe, and, most notably,Chevrolet Corvette Stingray.
The Stingray merges the allure of an exotic car with the raw power of modern muscle, arriving as a race-ready beast that devours tarmac during high-stakes events with its thunderous setup. Its predictable rear-wheel-drive (RWD) handling, which is typical of a Corvette, can take some getting used to, with atendency to drift through longer turns, though savvy drivers can turn this quirk to their advantage. Equipping top-tier nitrous upgrades is recommended, however, to swiftly curb unwanted oversteering and boost acceleration on straightaways. When approaching the S tier class, all these vehicles offer a mix of speed, style, and handling, giving players plenty of options to dominate the competition.
221 mph
211 mph
216 mph
803 bhp
887 bhp
646 bhp
$283,000
$591,500
$342,500
For the S+ tier, players should prepare to spend heavily, as this tier boasts the fastest and most exclusive cars inNeed for Speed Unbound, with prices escalating quickly. Acquiring thetop-tier rides, such as theKoenigsegg Regera, can be challenging before securing The Grand’s $1,000,000 prize, so most players will need to focus on more affordable options that can still perform exceptionally well with upgrades. A sensible budget here is around $300,000, which offers access to theLamborghini Countach LPI 800-4— widely regarded as one of the best value-for-money options in the game. Its well-balanced stats for top speed, acceleration, and handling make it a formidable road rocket.
Other great vehicles within this price range include theFerrari 488 Pista,Lamborghini Huracán Performante,McLaren 570S, andMcLaren 600LT, all of which can dominate the S+ tier with some performance tweaks.
For those who have managed to earn extra cash, doubling the budget to around $600,000 opens up access to elite S+ vehicles like thePorsche 918 Spyder. Known for itslightning-fast accelerationand minimal upgrade requirements to hit the coveted 400+ performance class, the 918 Spyder is an exceptional choice. Additionally, theFord GTandLamborghini Aventador SVJare strong contenders, offering superb stats and reliability for players ready to make a serious investment in their final ride for The Grand.
The Ford GT shouldn’t be underestimated, as this contemporary automotive legend packs ample hidden power under the hood, ready to be unleashed. Even in its stock form, the car boasts a formidable top speed, and with a few affordable upgrades, the Ford GT can climb to the elite S+-tier ranks, proving itself a dependable, swift, and striking choice for The Grand.
