Cedar Point announces Top Thrill 2 roller coaster
Posted
From the press release:
Cedar Point, The Roller Coaster Capital of the World®, will once again redefine roller coaster innovation in 2024 with the debut of Top Thrill 2, the world’s tallest and fastest triple-launch strata roller coaster. The strata coaster, known as any roller coaster eclipsing a height of 400 feet, was first pioneered by Cedar Point in 2003. The park will build on that legacy with not one, but two, 420-foot-tall track towers, putting riders in the driver’s seat for one of the greatest races of all time.
A New Formula for Thrills
Riders will immerse themselves as they join the CP Racing Team and climb into one of three, sleek high-performance racing vehicles. Each of Top Thrill 2’s trains will feature open-air seating, providing heart-pounding views on the world’s first and only dual-tower vertical speedway.
On the start, using an all-new linear synchronous motor (LSM) launch system, riders will peel out down the straightaway reaching speeds of 74 mph, racing toward the sky on Top Thrill 2’s original 420-foot-tall “top hat” tower. After experiencing weightlessness during the “rollback” – the coveted fan-favorite moment when the train’s momentum isn’t great enough to make it up and over the tower – the train shifts into reverse and into its second launch, reaching speeds of 101 mph.
Riders will then see Cedar Point unlike ever before as they speed into a backward climb at a 90-degree angle on a new, 420-foot-tall track tower. After a second moment of weightlessness, the train shifts into drive and races forward into its third launch, clocking in at the ride’s top speed of 120 mph.
Crossing over the top hat tower, the train decelerates momentarily before diving into a 270-degree spiral and crossing the finish line.
“Top Thrill 2 will be the boldest and most advanced roller coaster Cedar Point has ever introduced. It’s another one-of-a-kind that could only be built at Cedar Point,” said Carrie Boldman, vice president and general manager of Cedar Point. “Our stamp on the industry is in roller coaster innovation, and today, that’s solidified as we redefine the strata coaster into a mega-thrill that our guests will come from far and wide to experience.”
Delivering High-Tech Racing Performance
Partnering with Cedar Point and utilizing the ride’s original and iconic top hat tower, Zamperla Rides and its Roller Coaster Business Unit engineered and designed a completely new experience. Top Thrill 2 is one of the first roller coasters in the world to utilize Zamperla’s “Lightning” trains, capable of high-speed aerodynamics, performance and rider comfort. The ride’s new high-tech LSM launch system delivers smooth and quiet acceleration while giving riders the chance to feel the rush of motorsport racing.
“My sincere congratulations to Cedar Point on the announcement of this incredible project. Today, with pride and excitement, we embark on this collaborative journey together,” added Antonio Zamperla, president and CEO of Zamperla. “It is an honor for Zamperla to add our signature on The Roller Coaster Capital of the World®. I cannot wait until next year when we see this record-breaking scream machine come to life.”
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The tallest and fastest strata coaster in the world ??? Maybe my math needs some work, but after examining the numbers, it would appear that Kingda Ka is still superior in both aspects.
I saw the inside of the powerhouse when the line blew, also it was inevitable another cable issue would eventually happen.
I think getting a rollback, being 2 minutes, and the openness of the trains will enhance it.
It will still be 5th or 6th on my CP coaster rankings though.
And yes I would bet money on Xcelerator getting redone.
LostKause:
Wouldn't it be awesome if Knott's did something like this to their Intamin launch coaster too?
Funny, there is a S&S tower behind it lined up nicely for a rear spike. ;)
Chris R:
the launch was everything, it's the reason I loved TTD... I never cared for Ka's launch.
Aren't they the same? I only rode Ka once or twice, but I don't recall much of a difference between the rides other than the Ka restraints being uncomfortable.
Hi
Coasterhound36:
The tallest and fastest strata coaster in the world
The tallest and fastest triple launch strata coaster.
Sort of like I'm my kids' favorite father.
I am looking forward to what I view as a more ‘complete’ ride experience. My favorite part was always focusing my gaze on the peak of Magnum’s lift as I ascended the tower. Makes for a neat visual. Now we get to look down on Power Tower and a teeny Corkscrew, Iron Dragon and Cajun Werewolf: The Ride.
If this thing operates as intended, capacity should increase by at least 400 PPH. Regardless, I am sure there will be teething issues. Thankfully I’m a patient man in my olderish age!
The thought behind the new name makes sense considering that it identifies the attraction as an evolution of the existing ride. My marketing brain probably would have gone with a formula racing theme/name considering the recent explosion in popularity of F1 among younger folks. Formula 420 has a nice ring to it…plus bonus jokes!
Rich G
Where is the 2 minute ride time from? Is there a holding brake on the spike that waits a minute and a half while the switch track moves over?
Perhaps that's counting the roll out of the station on to the launch track, and the move from standby to unload.
Jeff - Editor - CoasterBuzz.com - My Blog
The stalls on swing launches are some of the absolute best moments on a roller coaster. So I believe this is an improvement on the previous ride.
however, I will believe it when I see it that Zamperla can do anything on this level, given their total lack of experience with high speed, launches, switch tracks, and even building a smooth coaster.
Do the math:
1) Mr Freeze Reverse Blast > Mr Freeze 1) Given
2) Superman The Escape backwards > Superman The Escape 2) Given
Therefore: Top Thrill 2 > Top Thrill Dragster
Not that I'm always up on the latest coaster stuff, but I just now realized it's CP Racing. Not DP. If that tells you anything about the logo. Why? Why is there a little doohicky on top of the "C"?
No, DP is where rides go even CP is done with them.
Also director of photography.
Jeff - Editor - CoasterBuzz.com - My Blog
I did not consider that Dorney has that abbreviation, I was referring to... let's say... 90s Mexican chain Don Pablo's.
Hi
Bakeman31092:
The rear launch up the spike is going to be as unique and thrilling as the original 0-120 mph launch.
At first I was thinking the same thing....then I remembered I have ridden Superman at SFMM backwards which is essentially the same thing.
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