Need For Speed II (also referred to as Need For Speed 2) is the second game in Electronic Arts' Need For Speed racing game series.
How to use this guide
This guide will provide information and help to the player but as there are no real goals in the game, it is not and cannot be a full walkthrough.
Car Guide
There are 9 cars in the game each with their own qualities,weak points and driving style.
They are:
- McLaren F1
- Ferrari F50
- Ford GT90
- Jaguar XJ220
- Lotus GT1
- Lotus Esprit V8
- Italdesign Cala
- Isdera Commendatore 112i
- Ford Indigo
Below are the facts and figures of each of them, as well as some infomation on how they drive, and their strengths and weaknesses.
McLaren F1
Price : $873,000 Status : Production Weight : 2509lbs Weight Distribution F/R : 41.2% / 58.8% Length : 168.8 in Width : 71.6in Height : 44.8in
Top Speed : 231 mph 0 to 60 MPH - 3.2 Seconds 0 to 100 MPH - 6.3 Seconds
Transmission Type - Manual Gearbox - 6 Speed
Engine Type - 48 Valve, V12 Displacement - 6064cc Horsepower - 627bhp @ 7500RPM Torque - 479 lb/ft @ 4000-7000 RPM Max Engine Speed - 7500RPM Brakes F/R - 13.0 in / 12.0 in Tires F/R - 235/45ZR17/315/45ZR17
The McLaren F1 is the ultimate car in the game. Reaching a top speed of 231MPH makes it the ideal car for the Proving Ground, although it's top speed is not as useful elsewhere. Beginners should however look elsewhere - this car is a bit of a handful round bends at speed.
Ferrari F50
Price : $500,000 Status : Production Weight : 3080lbs Weight Distribution F/R : 40.9% / 59.1% Length : 176.4 in Width : 78.2in Height : 49.1in
Top Speed : 202 mph 0 to 60 MPH - 3.7 Seconds 0 to 100 MPH - 6.0 Seconds
Transmission Type - Manual Gearbox - 6 Speed
Engine Type - 60 Valve, V12 Displacement - 4700cc Horsepower - 513bhp @ 8500RPM Torque - 347 lb/ft @ 6500 RPM Max Engine Speed - 8500RPM Brakes F/R - 14.0 in / 13.2 in Tires F/R - 245/35ZR18/335/30ZR18
The ideal beginners car. This one has average all-round acceleration,speed and handling. It may not be the best in any catagory but is a very good compromise. If you're struggling, try this.
Ford GT90
Price : Not For Sale Status : Prototype Weight : 3200lbs (est) Weight Distribution F/R : 42% / 58% Length : 176.0 in Width : 77.3in Height : 44.9in
Top Speed : 220 mph (est) 0 to 60 MPH - 3.1 Seconds 0 to 100 MPH - 6.2 Seconds
Transmission Type - Manual Gearbox - 5 Speed
Engine Type - 48 Valve, V12,Quad Turbo Displacement - 5927cc Horsepower - 720bhp @ 6300RPM Torque - 650 lb/ft @ 4750 RPM (est) Max Engine Speed - 6300RPM Brakes F/R - 12.9 in / 12.9 in Tires F/R - 275/35ZR18/355/30ZR19
This car feels fast. It's blue cockpit is either loved or hated, and the Ford badge is hardly supercar related but this is a suprisingly good car. A quick drive through North Country shows the best of this car.
Jaguar XJ220
Price : $339,000 Status : Production Weight : 3241 lbs (kerb) Weight Distribution F/R : 41.5% / 58.5% Length : 194.2 in Width : 87.5 in Height : 45.3 in
Top Speed : 213 mph 0 to 60 MPH - 3.4 Seconds 0 to 100 MPH - 7.9 Seconds
Transmission Type - Manual Gearbox - 5 Speed
Engine Type - 24 Valve, V12, twin-turbo Displacement - 3497cc Horsepower - 542bhp @ 7200RPM Torque - 475 lb/ft @ 4500 RPM (est) Max Engine Speed - 7200 RPM Brakes F/R - 13.0 in / 11.8 in Tires F/R - 255/45ZR17/345/35ZR18
A bit of an ugly looking car, compared to some of the others on offer, and with a dashboard taken straight out of a Ford Fiesta it would seem, the Jag has quick accelaration and speed, but can be a bit difficult to handle, as it slides quite a bit.
Lotus GT1
Price : $645,000 Status : Prototype Weight : 2315lbs Weight Distribution F/R : 40% / 60% Length : 176.8 in Width : 81.5 in Height : 43.3 in
Top Speed : 195 mph (est) 0 to 60 MPH - 3.8 Seconds 0 to 100 MPH - 9.0 Seconds
Transmission Type - Manual Gearbox - 6 Speed
Engine Type - V8, Twin-Turbo Displacement - 3506cc Horsepower - 350bhp @ 6500RPM Torque - 295 lb/ft @ 4250 RPM Max Engine Speed - 7200RPM Brakes F/R - 14.0 in / 14.0 in Tires F/R - 275/35ZR18/345/35ZR18
Nice looking, a bit slow accelerating and not super fast, but quite a good car all-round. Not quite a first choice but good for a challange.
Lotus Esprit V8
Price : $82,000 Status : Production Weight : 3042lbs Weight Distribution F/R : 42.7% / 57.3% Length : 173.8 in Width : 74.1 in Height : 45.3 in
Top Speed : 175 mph 0 to 60 MPH - 4.8 Seconds 0 to 100 MPH - 10.5 Seconds
Transmission Type - Manual Gearbox - 5 Speed
Engine Type - V8, Twin-Turbo Displacement - 3506cc Horsepower - 350bhp @ 6500RPM Torque - 295 lb/ft @ 4250 RPM Max Engine Speed - 7200RPM Brakes F/R - 11.6 in / 11.8 in Tires F/R - 235/40ZR17/285/35ZR18
A real challange in the cheapest car on offer. Despite sharing the engine with the GT1 it can't keep up with the rest of the field. Still it's a classic. Try it out for maximum difficulty.
Italdesign Cala
Price : Not For Sale Status : Prototype Weight : 2844lbs Weight Distribution F/R : 37.7% / 62.3% Length : 172.8 in Width : 74.8 in Height : 48.1 in
Top Speed : 181 mph (est) 0 to 60 MPH - 5.0 Seconds 0 to 100 MPH - 10.9 Seconds
Transmission Type - Manual Gearbox - 6 Speed
Engine Type - 40 Valve, V-10 Displacement - 3900cc Horsepower - 400bhp @ 7200RPM Torque - N/A Max Engine Speed - 7500RPM Brakes F/R - 12.2 in / 12.2 in Tires F/R - 225/40ZR18/295/40ZR18
A middle of the field car, slow accelerating and a low top speed but steady. A car for building up ready to take on the Esprit.
Isdera Commendatore 112i
Price : $485,000 Status : Prototype Weight : 3256lbs Weight Distribution F/R : 47.5% / 52.5% Length : 182.0 in Width : 73.5 in Height : 40.6 in
Top Speed : 212 mph (est) 0 to 60 MPH - 4.0 Seconds 0 to 100 MPH - N/A
Transmission Type - Manual Gearbox - 6 Speed
Engine Type - 48 Valve, V-12 Displacement - 6000cc Horsepower - 408bhp @ 6200RPM Torque - 522 lb/ft @ 3800 RPM Max Engine Speed - 6200RPM Brakes F/R - 13.0 in / 12.2 in Tires F/R - 255/35ZR18/295/35ZR19
OK acceleration and faster than a Ferrari. Nothing particularly special, try it for a easy-ish challange.
Ford Indigo
Price : Not For Sale Status : Prototype Weight : 2300lbs (est) Weight Distribution F/R : 40% / 60% Length : 175.3 in Width : 82in Height : 39.5in
Top Speed : 180 mph (est) 0 to 60 MPH - 3.9 Seconds 0 to 100 MPH - N/A Seconds
Transmission Type - Sequential electro-hydraulic shift Gearbox - 6 Speed
Engine Type - 48 Valve, V12 Displacement - 5935cc Horsepower - 435bhp @ 6100RPM Torque - 405 lb/ft @ 5250 RPM (est) Max Engine Speed - 6500 RPM Brakes F/R - 13.2 in / 14.0 in Tires F/R - 325/30ZR17/355/35ZR18
The fastest looking car, as it takes it's styling from Formula 1 and indy car racers. It's low performance figures are made up for by low weight, 900lbs lighter than Ford's other racer the GT90. A well suited car to the Monolothic Studios track.
Track Guide
The game has 7 tracks. Each has it's own reqirements,challanges and obstacles. The oncoming traffic can be turned off on the tracks where it is present.
Proving Ground
- Country:Norway
- Length:3.2 Miles
- Difficulty:Very Easy
- Recommended Car:McLaren F1
- Notes: Nothing to worry about here, just keep in a straight line on the straights and stay in the outside lane on the bends to carry as much speed as possible through the two corners. No traffic here.
Outback
Country:Austrailia
- Length:4.7 Miles
- Difficulty:Easy
- Recommended Car:McLaren F1
- Notes: First time off the track and onto the road. Here you'll face Land Rovers,Jeeps and Camper Vans driving at you and getting in your way. The track starts in the city before moving into the desert land. Slow down slightly for the jumps or you'll lose control on landing. Watch out near the end when you're surronded by cliff edges - the road splits into two, with a large rock in the middle of the road. Choose left or right early, and there's a chance to cross over sides in the middle.
North Country
- Country:North Europe
- Length:4.7 Miles
- Difficulty:Medium
- Recommended Car:Ferrari F50
- Notes: Little bit harder this one, although not as hard as the map looks. The four horrible looking bends are actually quite easy provided you don't cut the corner. Elsewhere you'll have trucks,Volvos and 2CVs as traffic. Watch out about 40 seconds into the lap, the track narrows suddenly as you reach a bridge. Also right at the very end of the track the track splits into two with a pillar in the middle.
Pacific Spirit
- Country:Canada
- Length:5.0 Miles
- Difficulty:Medium
- Recommended Car:Ford Indigo
- Notes: Not that much to comment on this one. A very twisty track,so handling is important here. Traffic includes school buses,trucks and Mercedes.
Mediterrano
- Country:Greece
- Length:4.0 Miles
- Difficulty:Hard
- Recommended Car:Ford Indigo
- Notes: Watch out for the very steep hill at the start. Take it too fast and you'll be rolling sideways down. The other main danger comes at the end where you take the wooden bridge. Part of the barrier is missing and it's a long drop down. Land Rovers,Volvo's and VW Beetles will all get in the way.
Mystic Peaks
- Country:Nepal
- Length: 4.7 Miles
- Difficulty:Very Hard
- Recommended Car:Lotus GT1
- Notes: This one is as hard as it looks on the map. Driving through this track is made more difficult by sloping roads making it harder to turn. Early on watch your speed over crests. Keep to the road surface especially in the snow. While also dodging Jeeps,lorry's,pickups and Camper Vans take care through the middle of the snow section for boxes left by a crashed plane. Be careful at the end of the big wooden bridge. There is a huge drop if you're travelling too fast. Right at the end of the lap there's another middle of the road split be careful.
Monolithic Studios
- Country:USA
- Length: 4.5 Miles
- Difficulty:Medium
- Recommended Car:Ford Indigo
- Notes: This track is not available at the beginning of the game. To unlock it type "Hollywood" at the main menu. This drive through filmsets does have some optical illusions which look like obstacles and vice-versa (especially in the space stage) Traffic here consists of Limos and Tour Buses. Watch out for: Steep hill in stage 4 four, a near vertical drop at the end of stage 6, a dinosaur on track in stage 9 and a small jump at the end of the lap.
Cheats
The cheats in Need For Speed II are to add bonus cars,tracks and features to the game.
- Drive the Ford Indigo - Type "RED RACER" at the main screen.
- Drive at Monolithic Studios - Type "Hollywood" at the main screen.
- Drive at Night -- hold "n" while the track is loading
- Upgrade all cars to Pioneer Engines -- type "PIONEER" at the car select screen.
- Drive other cars -- Type what you want at the car select screen:
- bus -- School Bus
- bmw -- BMW
- commanche -- Jeep Commanche
- drive29 -- Monolitihic Studios Bus
- drive30 -- Limousine
- drive31 -- Citroen 2CV
- drive36 -- Cart
- drive37 -- Outhouse
- drive38 -- T-Rex
- drive39 -- Cowboy wagon
- drive40 -- Wagon
- drive41 -- Souvenier Stand 1
- drive42 -- Souvenier Stand 2
- drive43 -- Souvenier Stand 3
- drive44 -- Log
- drive45 -- Monorail
- drive46 -- Hoverpolice
- drive47 -- UFO
- drive48 -- Sewage Truck
- drive49 -- Snowy Wooden Box 1
- drive50 -- Snowy Wooden Box 2
- jeepyj -- Jeep YJ
- landcruiser -- Toyota Landcruiser
- mercedes -- Mercedes Benz
- miata -- Mazda Miata
- quattro -- Audi Quattro
- semi -- Semi
- snowtruck -- Snowplow
- vanagon -- Volkswagen Van
- volvo -- Volvo
- vwbug -- Volkswagen Bug
- vwfb -- Volkswagen Fastback
- armytruck -- Army Truck
Top Tips
If you want to get faster follow these basic but important driving tips:
- Don't crash into objects - an obvious one, but you'll also lose lots of time if you do.
- Keep on the track - again fairly obvious, going offroad means lost time.
- Don't start accelerating too early at the start of the race - Else you'll generate lots of wheelspin.
- Don't corner too fast - else you'll crash (see i.)
- Slow slightly when going over jumps - there may be corners, which you may miss and crash (see i.).
- Don't weave - Weaving across the road takes longer than going in a straight line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. In the opening intro movie a glimpse of an engine with a blue Indigo badge on it is shown. The car is also mentioned in the section containing the history of Ford. Is there an option to drive this car? A. Yes! Simply type on the main menu screen REDRACER and the Ford Indigo will be unlocked. For more on the Ford Indigo see the Cars Guide section above.
Q. What is the best car to use on (TRACK NAME) track?
A. For a guide on the best car/track combination see the Track Guide section above.
Q. Are there any cheats for the game?
A. You can unlock special cars by typing the corresponding code from the above cheats section.
Q. Is it possible to tune the cars and change the settings?
A. No, it is not possible to modify the car's settings or tune them in this game.