Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit/Nitrous

Nitrous is the game's boost, and managing it is an integral part to fast racing. Actions which fill the nitrous meter appear as blue text at the bottom right of the screen.

The method of gaining nitrous varies depending on which of the two factions you are currently playing.

Cops: Drifting around turns, slipstreaming behind other vehicles, and driving at high speed.

Racers: Driving in the oncoming lane, near-missing traffic, drifting around turns, or slipstreaming behind another vehicle.

Eliminating another player (busting them as a cop, or wrecking cops as racers) will instantly fill the nitrous meter.

Usage
The nitrous is most effectively used to quickly gain acceleration, and can help players when climbing hills. Properly engaging the nitrous during drift turns can help players maintain speed while taking sharp corners and outrun the opposition.

Nitrous takes a few seconds to ramp up to full power, so avoid spamming the button for multiple, small boosts.

Nitrous is also ineffective when changing gears, so vehicles with fewer gears will be able to get more out of their nitrous.