Unlike its two predecessors, Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown requires a constant internet connection to play.

In December 2016, it was reported that French publisher Bigben Interactive (now called Nacon) had acquired the Test Drive intellectual property from Atari, with plans to reboot the franchise.

[13] The game features a 1:1 recreation of Hong Kong Island, as revealed in a trailer released on 6 July 2021 during Nacon Connect 2021.

Unlike its two predecessors, set on Oahu and Ibiza, the roads include left-hand traffic, a first for the series since The Brotherhood of Speed's depictions of Tokyo and London.

[3][12] The game was officially announced on that date during the event with a 25-second teaser trailer,[17] with Kylotonn (under their KT Racing brand) serving as the developer.