Tobey Marshall, portrayed by Aaron Paul, is a former race car driver who runs a garage in Mount Kisco, New York, which was once owned by his late father. He and his team—comprised of his protégé “Little Pete” Coleman, Benny “The Maverick” (a skilled pilot), Joe Peck (the team's mechanic), and Finn (the computer whiz)—struggle to get by while tuning and servicing cars. In need of financial stability, they participate in underground races at night using their modified vehicles.
Their luck takes a turn when Tobey's old rival, Dominic Cooper, who is now a successful racer, visits their garage with an enticing proposal. Dino Brewster wants them to finish building a rare Ford Shelby Mustang, a project originally started by the legendary Carroll Shelby, promising 25% of its estimated $2 million auction price. Although Tobey hesitates, given Dino's past with Tobey's former girlfriend and his rival status, he ultimately agrees due to pressing financial challenges.
Once the build is complete, the Shelby Mustang is showcased at an auction where they meet Julia (played by Imogen Poots), a British woman who offers $3 million if the car can achieve a speed of 230 mph. Defying Dino's objections, Tobey pushes the Mustang to 234 mph, clinching the deal. Infuriated by being upstaged, Dino challenges Tobey and Pete to a high-stakes race against his uncle’s illegal Koenigsegg Ageras at a bridge over Interstate 684. Should Tobey win, he secures Dino's 75% of the Mustang deal; if he loses, he forfeits his own 25%.
The excitement quickly turns tragic as Dino sabotages the race, resulting in Pete's death. Framing Tobey and reporting the stolen cars ensures Tobey's imprisonment for car theft and involuntary manslaughter. Two years pass, and upon his release on parole, Tobey vows to seek vengeance for his fallen friend.
With help from Benny, Tobey convinces Julia to lend him the Mustang for the infamous De Leon race, hosted by the enigmatic Monarch, played by Michael Keaton. The catch? Tobey must reach San Francisco before the De Leon starts in two days. Driven by a sense of justice, Tobey speeds down the highways, attempting to shake Julia off, but she remains steadfast, realizing the race is about avenging Pete.
As the duo brings their crew back together, they engage in a heart-stopping chase through Detroit. With Julia’s resourcefulness and Finn’s tech skills, they gain entry to the De Leon. However, Dino reacts swiftly, offering a rare Lamborghini Sesto Elemento to anyone thwarting Tobey's racing ambition.
Once on the road to Utah, disaster strikes as Dino's goons attempt to run them off the road. Just when it seems all hope is lost, Benny swoops in with a stolen military helicopter, rescuing the Mustang and returning it to the Bonneville Salt Flats. Eventually, they make it to San Francisco, but tragedy strikes again when Julia is hospitalized after an assassination attempt led by Dino's henchman.
Determined to confront Dino and prove his innocence, Tobey prepares to race in the De Leon. Armed with the knowledge from Anita, his former love who is now aware of the truth surrounding Pete's death, Tobey drives the stolen Koenigsegg Agera R to the race, surprising both Dino and the crowd.
As the race unfolds along the picturesque Pacific Coast Highway, Tobey and Dino find themselves neck and neck. In a dramatic twist, Tobey rescues the wounded Dino from the wreckage of his flaming Lamborghini, settling their score while ultimately winning the race. However, both are apprehended by law enforcement. With justice served, Dino faces prison time for his role in Pete’s death.
After serving time for illegal street racing, Tobey is finally free again. He reunites with Julia, stepping into a brand new 2015 Ford Mustang, ready to embark on anew. With their friends Peck and Finn calling from Utah, it's time to retrieve Benny from prison, and together, they drive off into their next adventure.
