What's new in store for.. Carowinds (NEW Roller Coaster CONFIRMED)

[carolinadude131]

Well, it's truly been confirmed by a few sources, I just heard from a friend at Carowinds that they're getting a new roller coaster, however, everyone who goes to Carowinds knows for a fact that we need a new ride, desperately! Our biggest ride to date is the Afterburn and it's been a good 10 years since its been placed in the park, but thankfully Cedar Fair is giving us another chance even though Carolina Cobra just opened, its truly not much.. Speculation has been occurred that its possible Carowinds might be getting a B&M Hyper :DSure, the size of our land is not very big, compared to other parks like Kings Island and Kings Dominion, however, I still believe we'll be getting a B&M hyper with the recent pictures I've seen. For an example, here's a picture of a similar to an almost exact layout of the Diamondback and Behemoth. What did you guys think they will do? What kind of ride, coaster, water ride, or thrill ride do you think they might put in? We've recently seen a few pieces of yellow and red track spotted at the steel company in Ohio that manufactures B&M track and support columns, anyone know more? What's going on?


http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm242/delidanks/carohyper090530-1.png

[Wild 1]

If a coaster is not confirmed please do not put in the title confirmed. There may very well be a new coaster next year but the park has not said anything yet also for all we know that coaster track could be going to some park halfway across the world in China so do not get your hopes up until track starts appearing at the park or they make an statment saying they are building a coaster.

[Alpengeist]

Carowinds will probably end up with a B&M hyper, but IMO an Intamin Mega-Lite would be a better fit for the park. ...It would be a lot cheaper and have a much smaller footprint.

[ytivarg]

I'm not a Carowinds buff or anything, but from the areas shown, and the recent history with the chain... I'm thinking some Behemoth/Diamondback hybrid will find it's way there.

[Westcot]

That definitely looks like a B&M hyper. Let's hope they don't pull a Six Flags, and just place it over the parking lot.

It's good to see that Kings Dominion is most likely getting an Intamin, though. :)

[carolinadude131]

That definitely looks like a B&M hyper. Let's hope they don't pull a Six Flags, and just place it over the parking lot.

It's good to see that Kings Dominion is most likely getting an Intamin, though. :)

Agreed :cool: Well, I surely do hope that Cedar Fair can pull out something amazing, Carolina Cobra was a definite fail on us, I just don't see why they put it in, but hey, I like the ride, but it's not all that great. Right now.. KD is getting some track here and there, but when is Carowinds going to get theirs? I'm not worried, because I know it'll come in shortly, but when is the question..? Hopefully after they get most of the foundation in place and clearing of the log flume.

[bigb7965]

how come no one has made a thread about King's Dominion? There's already supports in the parking lot there......

Much more worthy of a thread than this....

[carolinadude131]

how come no one has made a thread about King's Dominion? There's already supports in the parking lot there......

Much more worthy of a thread than this....

Well, you're right, should I make a thread about King's Dominion?

[pcwfreak]

How is this at all confirmed? It's not confirmed until supports or track have arrived (and there's pics) or if the park officially comes out with a press release.

Sources such as your brothers teachers friends cousins driving instructors ex-girlfriend who works at a Dippin' Dots stand at the park is not very reliable.

Not to worry. I'm sure Carowinds will get something great as Mr. Kinzel has shown love for Carowinds (and Canada's Wonderland) because of where they're situated.

[carolinadude131]

How is this at all confirmed? It's not confirmed until supports or track have arrived (and there's pics) or if the park officially comes out with a press release.

Sources such as your brothers teachers friends cousins driving instructors ex-girlfriend who works at a Dippin' Dots stand at the park is not very reliable.

Not to worry. I'm sure Carowinds will get something great as Mr. Kinzel has shown love for Carowinds (and Canada's Wonderland) because of where they're situated.

Ha, thanks for that, well, you're right though. But I mean.. Clearing and foundation work is beginning already. Yeah, I love Kinzel, his business decisions are most of the time really well thought out and really good. But.. I've met him a few times in person, he's a really great and smart guy.

[-NGS-]

The coaster hasn't been confirmed, but we know there will be a coaster. I'm sure you've all seen the website with the information about the park getting a 2010 coaster approved from the SC county ordinace board or whatever.
Honestly, it may be just me, but that outline you drew on the picture seems incredibly giant for a single roller coaster, hyper or not.

But I'm with Alpie; a Mega-lite would be waaaay sweeter.

Also, what's the problem with the Cobra? From what I've heard--and will soon experience--it's the smoothest boomerang in the US. Everyone I've talked to about it can't get over how smooth and fun it is!

[SnooSnoo]

It isn't a B&M.

These are not B&M supports:

http://www.kdfansite.com/gallery/displayimage.php?album=53&pos=22

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLOhLKCxFWE

[carolinadude131]

The coaster hasn't been confirmed, but we know there will be a coaster. I'm sure you've all seen the website with the information about the park getting a 2010 coaster approved from the SC county ordinace board or whatever.
Honestly, it may be just me, but that outline you drew on the picture seems incredibly giant for a single roller coaster, hyper or not.

But I'm with Alpie; a Mega-lite would be waaaay sweeter.

Also, what's the problem with the Cobra? From what I've heard--and will soon experience--it's the smoothest boomerang in the US. Everyone I've talked to about it can't get over how smooth and fun it is!

Yeah, good point there, I really shouldn't rip on Cobra, it's extremely smooth/fun and it actually makes Boomerangs fun, but they need to do the restraints like this on all roller coasters, that go upside down, it sure would be a lot smoother and more comfortable.

It isn't a B&M.

These are not B&M supports:

http://www.kdfansite.com/gallery/displayimage.php?album=53&pos=22

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLOhLKCxFWE

Are you sure its not B&M? Well.. Would you think its a S&S Thrust Air kind of ride?

[Westcot]

It isn't a B&M.

These are not B&M supports:

http://www.kdfansite.com/gallery/displayimage.php?album=53&pos=22

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLOhLKCxFWE

Wait, am I missing something? Who said that the KD coaster was a B&M? :bulb:
Those supports are DEFINITELY Intamin.

http://cache.rcdb.com/pictures/picmax/p23235.jpg

[SnooSnoo]

^6 posts in this thread? :P

[Westcot]

^ Well, from what I've read, everyone seems to agree that Carowinds is getting a B&M hyper, and Kings Dominion is getting an Intamin. ;)

[SnooSnoo]

^Well obviously. You know how I love to inform. ;)

Are you sure its not B&M? Well.. Would you think its a S&S Thrust Air kind of ride?

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/loefet/construction/RR_2009-05-26_00004.jpg

I'm positive.

[ytivarg]

Hadn't seen any supports on site prior to now... this could be more interesting than I originally thought.

[CedarPointer]

Carolina Cobra was a definite fail on us, I just don't see why they put it in, but hey, I like the ride, but it's not all that great.
Hey, at least you guys don't have Firehawk, aka the ride that's broken down half the time, and has 2.5 hour waits the other half. I would gladly take Carolina Cobra over Firehawk. ;)

[SnooSnoo]

^You obviously haven't ridden many boomerangs.

[carolinadude131]

SnooSnoo, you're right man, I found out the pieces that King's Dominion got were actually supposed to be turned out to be delivered for Carowinds, but why would they deliver them to KD?

[Squid2]

Someone made a mistake? Took them to the wrong park? Staging area? Inspection? Tooth Fairy? Who knows?

There's only two questions... will it go under the bridge, and will it have three loops? :P

Squid2

[SnooSnoo]

I doubt it was a mistake because..

http://www.kdfansite.com/gallery/albums/P10/day12/normal_IMG_2450_%28Large%29.JPG

With those yellow Intamin supports comes new generation Intamin track.

[-NGS-]

That looks off the hook crazy awesome, wow.

[Alpengeist]

...With that new generation Intamin track comes fewer supports, which equals a cheaper coaster.;)

[pcwfreak]

Wow, that double spine track looks very interesting!

Are there any completed coasters that already have that track style?

[CedarPointer]

^You obviously haven't ridden many boomerangs.
Actually, I've ridden the one at Worlds of Fun and the one at Elitch's. I would rather have a ride that runs most of the time than one that's inefficient and breaks down half the time, though.

[ytivarg]

That track is crazy.

[cpkidOH]

Wow. That's the first time I've seen Intamin second generation track. Looks pretty ugly. But maybe it will look better when its attached to the supports.

[bigb7965]

Second generation Intamin??? :confused:

It looks more like Maurer Sohne track to me.......


Is it just me or does that track look really wide? Like, almost B&M Dive machine wide?? :weird:

[SnooSnoo]

Are there any completed coasters that already have that track style?

Nope. Only the Ferrari World coaster which is supposed to be one of the fastest. Look it up.. :P

It looks more like Maurer Sohne track to me.......


Is it just me or does that track look really wide? Like, almost B&M Dive machine wide??

No and no.

[disneyland123]

Halfpipe?

I've never seen that type of track before!

[bigb7965]

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cVF2LlOx6Zc/SgYksdzlDII/AAAAAAAAI0o/XLsBuN2MLgQ/s1600-h/Picture+1.pngill repost it later.....

[Westcot]

I doubt it was a mistake because..

http://www.kdfansite.com/gallery/albums/P10/day12/normal_IMG_2450_%28Large%29.JPG

With those yellow Intamin supports comes new generation Intamin track.

Yeah, that track has to be Intamin. It looks almost as it could be a giga or accelerator... but it's a bit too early to tell. :)

Check out some more photos on this page: http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=46500&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=420

[Brawlstar032196]

1st- Thats not Intamin track, it's S&S. Thats the same track being used to make the F1 coaster, which is S&S.
2nd- Those Intamin supports are no longer at KD, they were loaded into trucks and moved. Maybe to Carowinds?

( The Red track is in the King's Dominion parking lot, not at Carowinds.)

[ytivarg]

Brawlstar, I think there's some flaws in your "facts"

[Brawlstar032196]

Like?

[-NGS-]

Delete all of the sentences you wrote, then the flaws are fixed. :)

[Brawlstar032196]

^ The second fact is true, look it up smartass

[CedarPointer]

They were relocated inside the park.

[ytivarg]

^ The second fact is true, look it up smartass

There's no need for that, really.

1st- Thats not Intamin track, it's S&S. Thats the same track being used to make the F1 coaster, which is S&S.
2nd- Those Intamin supports are no longer at KD, they were loaded into trucks and moved. Maybe to Carowinds?

( The Red track is in the King's Dominion parking lot, not at Carowinds.)

I'm not so sure that that's S&S track... nor am I sure that S&S is making the F1 coaster. I'm hearing and reading more and more information backing it up that it is, in fact, Intamin's 2nd generation track.

Those supports were moved... that doesn't mean they're no longer at KD. Look at the support connections on the track.. some are round, some are square. I think it might be safe to say that those yellow supports weren't a mistake.

[AtomiCart]

I doubt it was a mistake because..

*snip*

With those yellow Intamin supports comes new generation Intamin track.

That track is crazy.

That would make a gorgeous inverted track. :up:

[Brawlstar032196]

Im telling you, the supports were re-loaded into a truck, and taken down 1-95.

[Alpengeist]

^Did someone actually follow the truck down I-95 to Charlotte. If not, how do you know if it was heading south or just being moved down the street? ...Just saying.

[Westcot]

Interesting post on the KD fansite...
http://www.kdfansite.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=11090&highlight=#11090

(for those of you that don't think it's Intamin ;) )

EDIT: Perhaps this thread should be retitled "the Carowinds/Kings Dominion 2010 coaster thread" since there's discussion about both? :)

[Crispylad]

Exactly what happend over on another web site...

Back on track.

I'm going to Carowinds in about week. I will provide as much information as I can get with pictures and things I saw.

[The_Mad_Hadder]

Intamin Dive Coaster. ;)
duh!

[Myn-o-mite]

The track looks crazily strong. Should we say a looping coaster 500+ feet tall.;) Its probably for some crazily intense ride. hey anyone think that Intamin will come out with a 500 footer soon?

[CedarPointer]

^No.

[Crispylad]

Today I went to Carowinds. Near the south entrance , the parking was chained off . Not the whole parking , the small area. They have gates all around it to get it. They also had a machine that looked like it was made to drill holes in the ground , but it was small. Here is some pictures I took from the sky tower. You can't tell were the fencing is but its there. One more thing , I also say two guys in the small/long fnced in area that looked like they were the park managers. They were wearing ties :P

Any way here are the pictures of just the construction:

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z167/Crispylad/Carowinds2010Constructionupdate006.jpg
The land is now completly cleared. Last time I went there was still a lot from the ride left.

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z167/Crispylad/Carowinds2010Constructionupdate007.jpg
This is the masking I was talking about before. Doesn't look so big from 320 ft in the air as to on the ground.

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z167/Crispylad/Carowinds2010Constructionupdate009.jpg
I'm not sure if you can see i or not but there is the chained fence.

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z167/Crispylad/Carowinds2010Constructionupdate010.jpg
Just taking a wild guess here , but could this be something for the new ride. I'm thinking it could be supports . It's most likly not track. If it is track , why would it be on the construction site just yet? Yes this is behind a building right in front of the construction . It also could be for scarowinds. They left many things from scarowinds this year out in the open.

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z167/Crispylad/Carowinds2010Constructionupdate011.jpg

More land cleared pictures,
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z167/Crispylad/Carowinds2010Constructionupdate023.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z167/Crispylad/Carowinds2010Constructionupdate022.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z167/Crispylad/Carowinds2010Constructionupdate024.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z167/Crispylad/Carowinds2010Constructionupdate025.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z167/Crispylad/Carowinds2010Constructionupdate026.jpg
I'l leave you with this. I'll be going to Carowinds in probably another month just to see what's going on. I'll post it here.

-Crisps

[Crowheart]

^ Merging yours with this other one Crispy..:up:

[Crispylad]

Ok, Thanks Heart. Probably get more replies here any way...

[-NGS-]

Good pics, Crispy! I'm getting more excited about this coaster every minute.

[Krakatoa_Coo]

^ i agree, looks more like maurer sohne

[carolinadude131]

Great pics, Crispy! Thank you for that update! Hmm.. This is going to get interesting the next couple of weeks, I can't wait to see what it is, that would be really nice to see a smaller, but longer version of the Millennium Force with the whole fact of it being a hyper now gone :( Oh well, at least we're getting a new ride :up:

[Crispylad]

I'm not sure if it will be a hyper(200 to 299ft tall) , but If it is a coaster it will reach past 100 feet tall. The parking lot that is closed off is perfect for a hyper coaster layout. That's the thing.

[carolinadude131]

I'm not sure if it will be a hyper(200 to 299ft tall) , but If it is a coaster it will reach past 100 feet tall. The parking lot that is closed off is perfect for a hyper coaster layout. That's the thing.

Well, let's surely hope that it'll pass 100 feet tall.. I'd be really happy to see it maybe 235-299 maybe, but you never know.. Well, looks like no hope for a giga, KD stole my idea :alien:

[Crispylad]

To be honest , there isn't anough room for it to be 250 ft , but I'm pretty much 100% sure that it will go over 100 feet tall. At the Carolina Cobra pres release , they said that the Carolina Cobra was just a steping stone for what is coming up next. That's a big clue if you ask me. Kings Dominion is getting a giga.

What confuses me the most is , If we are getting a new coaster , why have they only done this? Either it isn't going to be huge or they are just keeping us suspisous. You never know. They had a drilling vehicle in the parking lot when I took those pictures. If I had a better video camera I would record it , but meh , pictures will do.

[-NGS-]

If it's a B&M, it won't be over 230 ft., so don't worry about that. I'd say we're looking at a hyper here, I just hope it doesn't become Parking Lot: The Ride 2.

[Brawlstar032196]

^ Why wouldnt it be 230+ feet?

[-NGS-]

No B&M has a lift of higher than 230 ft.; apparently they don't like the strain that a chain that big would have to bear.

[liamrocks]

Because of land restrictions. They dont have the length they need to build a 230+ ride.

[Crispylad]

Actually , they do. The parking lot . Its a huge peice of land(Narrow and long) that looks like it would be a hyper. I'm still not sure what it will be. I'm just figuring that the land fenced off is for a new coaster. I would love to have a hyper or a dive machine. I'm not sure if it would be a dive though...

[Squid2]

Well, there could be a reason why coaster parts were delivered to the wrong park... after all, we know they're both getting coasters. What if they're getting the same model coaster? Could both parks be getting Gigas or even the new Mini Gigas?

Squid2

[godsmuffinman]

What on earth is a "mini giga?" Please elaborate. Also, I doubt that parts would get mixed up between the two parks. It's possible, but highly doubtful.

[Magm&MForce24/7]

Yeah it does but the washers at KD say Intamin Giga Coaster
Reply To bigb7965 (http://www.ataricommunity.com/forums/member.php?u=338010)

[SnooSnoo]

No B&M has a lift of higher than 230 ft.; apparently they don't like the strain that a chain that big would have to bear.

It's moreso because anything that big would be expensive as hell to build with B&M's style of supports and track.

Hell.. Behemoth was what, $20 million? Imagine another 70ft.. that would be upwards of $30 million.. which is atrocious for any coaster.

[Wild 1]

No B&M has a lift of higher than 230 ft.; apparently they don't like the strain that a chain that big would have to bear.

If that were the case then they could go with what Morgen did with SD2K, have two seperate smaller chains on one lift. However I agree with Snoo on this one, the expense would be massive.

However, does anyone else see the similarities from 2007-2009 Cedar Fair and 1999-2005 Six Flags? Buying huge coasters and increasing debt massively without paying it off?

[SnooSnoo]

You have to buy to increase quality to get it returns down the road.

Six Flags did it wrong, added too much to crappy parks, and it caught up with them massively.

Cedar Fair has put big coasters at parks with high attendance/lack of quality coasters (Paramount) and smaller coasters at other parks which don't have high attendance but could use a boost with a new coaster.

Hence, you won't see Worlds of Fun get a 230ft hyper coaster that costs $20 million, but it did get Prowler, a small, quality, reliable scream machine to get guests into the park.

They also cut the fat, getting rid of parks not making money.. Geauga Lake?


Cedar Fair is doing this just fine. I have no doubt that what they are doing won't be a problem down the road.

[-NGS-]

If that were the case then they could go with what Morgen did with SD2K, have two seperate smaller chains on one lift. However I agree with Snoo on this one, the expense would be massive.

And then have 2 chains to worry about breaking down?

[Wild 1]

^^ Very true. However no matter how many people you bring in if you keep spending more then you make then you might run into a problem.

^ Chainlifts are really easy to maintain really and Twister at Knoebels has two and I have never heard of it being down to a chain lift breaking down. I doubt that it would cause to much downtime to have two.

[Harpo]

However, does anyone else see the similarities from 2007-2009 Cedar Fair and 1999-2005 Six Flags? Buying huge coasters and increasing debt massively without paying it off?

Actually, there's quite a bit of difference. Snoo already pointed out some of it.

Some more:

Despite the acquisition and debt, Cedar Fair is still making a profit. Six Flags has not made a profit in any of the past 10 years.

Cedar Fair's debt has been decreasing, albeit in small amounts. Additionally, they cut the distribution to shareholders with the stated purpose of paying down around $200 million in debt over the next 3 years.

They are considering selling up to 3 parks, but only if the price is right, meaning that they make a profit. Six Flags actually sold parks for a loss, meaning that they were still making debt payments on parks that were no longer bringing in revenue.

[Squid2]

I think I used the wrong term... but Intamin has been building small coasters, around 140' high, and they were called 'Mini" something or others. TPR rode one recently and was raving about it.

Squid2

[disneyland123]

^ I think you mean Megalite :)

[godsmuffinman]

That seems...logical. :D

[RctWeekly25]

Here's a good video about the constuction
Click Here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5v4PpEmt6A)

[bigb7965]

u made a video of basically pictures of the same thing.....


a dirt field....... :weird:

[RctWeekly25]

Im making a new one it will be up next monday and it shows the B&M plant from the other day and more thats going on there is now footer pouring in progress.

[Crispylad]

I like it how Carowinds has all ready started with the footers(My brother said that he saw them. Plus I saw in the video) before bringing track. I think I am going there tomorrow. I will post in my blog and make a video.

[RctWeekly25]

^Cool!

[Alpengeist]

^^Both parks actually. CF definitely has a trend of starting coaster construction early, which is a good thing. ...A very good thing.:up:

[RctWeekly25]

Heres a pretty cool video about the construction its a update and it shows the first footer that was poured plus some photos of the B&M plant from a week ago.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_tfWLZYQIA

[Crispylad]

Very nice video , man. I am going to make my brother take me tomorrow...

[RctWeekly25]

Yea if you post the pics you take I can use them in the next video.

[carolinadude131]

Yea if you post the pics you take I can use them in the next video.

I'll be taking a TON of pics next Friday :(

[Crispylad]

You can view the pictures here (http://coastersinternational.wordpress.com/2009/07/15/carowinds-adds-major-amount-of-rebar/). I took a lot of ground level pictures of the parking lot and some sky ones from the sky tower.

[RctWeekly25]

Ok guys here it is I went to coaster stock and got a teaser video for our new coaster.

Video Here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7yprwQ8-AY)

[-Kasbian-]

What I don't understand is that suspended coasters such as Big Bad Wolf (:cry:) use the same, or close, style of track as a Maurer Sohne and LIM coasters such as Flight of fear. But isn't Maurere Sohne technically a steel company?

[RctWeekly25]

What does this have to do with carowinds or 2010 project pllus I do not get what your trying to say?

[Obi_Wan_Cannoli]

Very interesting. I have no idea lol. My guess, yet another prototype from B&M. :up:

[Brawlstar032196]

Why are people on YT saying its a launched hyper?
Seriously, a launched hyper?
B&M does not, will not, and will NEVER make a launched coaster, period.

[Squid2]

*looks at Hulk* Hmmm...

Yes, I know B&M didn't design the launch... but there's no reason why Carowinds wouldn't do the same thing. Design the launch themselves, have B&M design and build the track. Note that B&M has never said that they won't do a launch... they just won't do it until they're ready.

Squid2

[Harpo]

Just for reference, there was a time when Cedar Point said they would NEVER build a stand-up coaster. There was also a time when they said they would NEVER build a shuttle-style coaster. Now, they have Mantis and Wicked Twister.

The moral of the story: NEVER sometimes isn't quite as long as one might think.

[CedarPointer]

There is one "never" we can say fairly confidently: Cedar Fair will NEVER remove useless trim brakes. (Flight of Fear's actually bring the train to a complete stop!!)

[Harpo]

There has been trimming removed on The Beast at Kings Island since it was acquired from Paramount, so, as I said, never may not be as long as you think.

[CedarPointer]

There has? Many people are saying that it's slower than last year... it just kind of cruises through tunnel #2 now.

[Harpo]

My last visit to KI was last year, so I can't say for this year. However, in the first full season that Cedar Fair owned Kings Island, a large chunk of the magnetic trim braking (fairly recently installed by Paramount) was removed. The brackets were still on the track, easily visible from the front seat (which is where I like to sit). Last year, The Beast was being trimmed less than at any time I can remember since 1988, when it had very little trimming and was a really wild and fun ride.

[ytivarg]

And the countdown begins...

Carowinds peeps, your announcement is supposed to be at 11am today, about 8 1/2 hours from now. Everyone get your fanboy hats, torches, pitchforks, and most troll-worthy comments ready.

Be sharp.
Be witty.
And be agressive.

B - E

A G G R E S S I V E.

:bored:




:D

[BigLouie]

I can't wait to see what's "record braking and history making" coming to Carowinds. 2 bad I'll be at school for the announcement...:(

[pcwfreak]

Look what I found.
http://intimidator.carowinds.com/
http://whitelightning.carowinds.com/

If you try other random addresses, you'll get a 404 page...

Could be something. Could be nothing.

[Orez]

The Intimidator(TM) will debut as the tallest, fastest, and longest coaster in the Southeast

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The skyline of Carowinds will drastically change for what will be a historic and record-breaking 2010 season, as the amusement park announces plans to debut the Intimidator(TM), the Southeast's tallest, fastest and longest rollercoaster, in the Spring of 2010. Topping the list as the largest single capital investment in Carowinds' 37-year history, the Intimidator(TM) is named in honor of NASCAR((R))'s most beloved driver, Dale Earnhardt, "The Intimidator."

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/files/intimidator07_273.jpg

This massive attraction will stand 232-feet (23-stories) tall at its highest peak and send guests plunging down a 211-foot first drop at a 74-degree angle, reaching speeds in excess of 75 miles per hour. The second (178-feet) and third (151-feet) hills are also taller than any rollercoaster at Carowinds. With 5,316 feet of track, the Intimidator(TM) will feature high speed twists and turns including seven steep drops -- one for each of his NASCAR(R) championships -- and an intense finish through a diving spiral. The ride experience will last more than three minutes, and replicate the speed and intensity of a fast-paced NASCAR((R)) race.

"The Intimidator(TM) will dominate the skyline and strongly position Carowinds as the thrill capital of the Southeast -- the statistics speak for themselves," said Bart Kinzel, Carowinds' vice president and general manager. "This unprecedented addition represents the sizable commitment of Cedar Fair Entertainment Company toward building and expanding the product offering at Carowinds and solidifying us as a premier regional amusement park."

The trains on the Intimidator(TM) will feature unique, open-air stadium-style seating with a simple T-bar style restraint that extends from the floor between the rider's feet with the bar resting across the rider's lap. These 'side-less' trains take away a feeling of protection for the riders and allows them to experience an unobstructed view of all the thrills and excitement of this record-breaking roller coaster. The trains will also be fashioned to mirror Dale Earnhardt's 1998 RCR No. 3 Chevrolet Monte Carlo.

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/files/intimidator13_211.jpg

"We're excited to see this new roller coaster celebrate the speed, excitement and the legendary career of Dale Earnhardt," said Jeff Steiner, executive vice president and general manager of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. "There are millions of fans that still honor their racing hero and this is a very engaging and interactive way for them to connect with the spirit and passion of the Intimidator(TM)."

The 10-acre attraction will be located on the midway across from the entrance of Nighthawk and will race over the skyline of the Park from the north main entrance to the south entrance, paralleling the guest parking lot. Featuring a bold red track and grey support structure, the Intimidator's(TM) 232-foot lift will overshadow the Park's skyline, dwarfing its neighboring rollercoaster, Afterburn, at 144-feet.

"The name Intimidator(TM) is significant of the most exciting, aggressive, and skilled driver to ever race on a NASCAR((R)) track, Dale Earnhardt," Kinzel said. "There is no better way to communicate the enormity of this ride than to give it a face that its riders can truly connect with. The Intimidator(TM) will include a heavily-themed midway, complete with a Victory Lane and a video tribute to Dale Earnhardt's racing accomplishments."

Guests will have the opportunity to see this historic ride being built from the ground up as they attend on operating days throughout the Fall. Those who cannot wait until 2010 may take a virtual ride on the Intimidator(TM), access exclusive updates, features, virtual renderings, ride statistics, and more at www.intimidator.carowinds.com (http://www.intimidator.carowinds.com).

Construction has already begun on this world-class rollercoaster and will continue throughout the winter months. The Intimidator(TM) is expected to open to the public in the Spring of 2010.

The Intimidator(TM) is designed and manufactured by Bolliger and Mabillard of Monthey, Switzerland, a recognized industry leader in roller coaster development and the same firm that brought Afterburn to Carowinds in 1999 and Vortex in 1992.

Carowinds is owned and operated by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, a publicly traded partnership that is listed for trading on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "FUN." In addition to Carowinds, Cedar Fair owns and operates ten other amusement parks, six water parks, one indoor water park resort, and five hotels. Cedar Fair also operates the Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park in Gilroy, CA under a management contract.

Dale Earnhardt, Dale Earnhardt, Inc. and Richard Childress Racing trademarks, trade dress, names, likenesses and copyrights are used under the authorization of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. and Richard Childress Racing (C) 2009 Dale Earnhardt, Inc.& Richard Childress Racing.

http://intimidator.carowinds.com/public/ride/images/misc_TheRide_1.jpg

http://intimidator.carowinds.com/public/ride/images/misc_TheRide_2.jpg

http://intimidator.carowinds.com/public/ride/images/misc_TheRide_3.jpg

http://intimidator.carowinds.com/public/ride/images/misc_TheRide_4.jpg

Physical Dimensions:
Track Length: 5,316'
Highest Peak: 232'
Height of First Drop: 211'
Angle of First Drop: 74°
Height of Other Hills: 178’, 151’, 105’, 90’, 62’, 52’, 48’
Total Drops: 8 (including initial drop)

Structure & Design:
Ride Structure: 3,391,200 lbs.
Track: 1,567,000 lbs.
Supports: 1,500,100 lbs.
Braking System: Combination of magnetic and friction brakes
Acres Covered: 10 acres
Manufacturer: Bolliger and Mabillard


Time, Speed, Capacity:
Fastest Speed: 75-80 mph
Ride Time: 3 minutes, 33 seconds
Hourly Capacity:: 1,600 riders
Number of Trains: Three
Train Description: Each train has 8 cars with four seats per car (32-passenger)

Investment:
Investment: $23 million
Scheduled Debut:
Date: Spring 2010
Ride Guidelines: Guests must be at least 54" tall

http://intimidator.carowinds.com/public/ride/images/train.png

Trains
Intimidator Train

The trains on Intimidator™ will feature unique, open-air stadium-style seating with a simple T-bar style restraint that extends from the floor between the rider’s feet with the bar resting across the rider’s lap. These 'side-less' trains take away a feeling of protection for the riders and allows them to experience an unobstructed view of all the thrills of this record-breaking roller coaster! The trains will also be fashioned to mirror Dale Earnhardt’s 1998 RCR No. 3 Chevrolet Monte Carlo.

http://intimidator.carowinds.com/public/ride/images/layout.png

[ytivarg]

Yay.. Intimidator, and Intimidator 305. :rolleyes:

Disappointed in the recurring name, if you hadn't noticed. ;)

[AtomiCart]

Am I the only one who think the layout looks the tiniest bit like EVERYTHING ELSE? Would it kill for some originality? I'm very disappointed.

[-LiLDaReDeViL5-]

Looks like Nitro and Nitro is floater airtime heaven. This coaster will be awesome!

[ytivarg]

It's very B&M hyper.. that's for sure.

That mid-course brake run is more like a last-1/8th-course brake run.

[pcwfreak]

The ride looks good, though I think they might have hyped it up too much. But that might just be me since Carowinds isn't my home park... or a park I've been to.

I still think Intimidator is an awful name if the theming is about a race car.

[ytivarg]

At least it isn't "Intimidator 232"

[Greatdrift]

Heres the POV!!!

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[Harpo]

I think it looks like a really good one. I really like the looks of the diving spiral -- I think that'll be fun.

I would have preferred avoiding the name duplication. Having recently been to Carowinds, I saw a lot of people that appeared to be NASCAR fans, so I can see how the name and theming would appeal to them. I'm not a NASCAR fan, so I don't know much about it, but I think the Carolinas have a big NASCAR fan base.

So, as a coaster enthusiast, I would prefer a different name and theming, but, as a Cedar Fair shareholder, I can easily see the importance of trying to play to a major audience of the region. Doing so makes good business sense.

I don't know if the Kings Dominion area also has a big NASCAR fan base, but, considering it is where another coaster named Intimidator will be located, I'm hoping it does.

I am very surprised, however, that Cedar Fair is apparently willing to license this name, especially after dumping the Paramount licensing.

[AtomiCart]

I am very surprised, however, that Cedar Fair is apparently willing to license this name, especially after dumping the Paramount licensing.

You lost me there... What does the name Intimidator have to do with Paramount?

[Harpo]

Intimidator has nothing to do with Paramount.

However, Cedar Fair was trying to unload licensing deals, hence the decision to get rid of the Paramount licensing. Now, they're adding a new licensing deal with Dale Earnhardt, Inc. It just seems to be a contradiction to the recent Cedar Fair direction.

[Ark-Angel]

In my opinion I think the one at Carowinds just looks better and more themed in it's concept art than the one at KD. But still I'm a Earnhardt fan, but I don't think it's the best theme in the world for a coaster...

[~LoveTulie]

Well, I see no trims! :p

[TheFreshEffect]

Looks fun but I think B&M are loosing their touch.

[pcwfreak]

This may sound very GP, but where are the INVERSIONS, CF??

Behemoth, Diamondback, Prowler, Intimidator(s)... the recently major additions (that I can think of, atm) to the CF parks, none of which have any inversions.

[ytivarg]

This may sound very GP, but where are the INVERSIONS, CF??

Behemoth, Diamondback, Prowler, Intimidator(s)... the recently major additions (that I can think of, atm) to the CF parks, none of which have any inversions.


Did these parks already have a lot of inversions, and simply needed a hyper?

[BigLouie]

Looks like Nitro and Nitro is floater airtime heaven. This coaster will be awesome!
It looks like every other B&M hyper just like Nitro does. It will be alright.
---
Personally I'm getting sick of all B&M hypers popping up, they are making all the old paramount parks seem very similar, at least more than they already were...

[JungleGuy]

can't Worlds of Fun Replace Boomerang with an Intamin similar to Maverick. Prowler is an awesome coaster but I want an Intamin. In addition while your at it Cedar Fair, relocate and modify Vortex to WOF and rename it Orient Express, and replace Timber Wolf with a The Gravity Group Twister

[-Bolt-]

Well, unlike the Intamin Intimidator, this seems like a fairly cool ride! I like how they spiced up the Hammerhead with an extra little bend, and that last "helexy...thing". And THANK GOD for dropping the 305! :D

I might have to try to trek out to the Carolinas for this one!

-Bolt-

[ytivarg]

And THANK GOD for dropping the 305! :D

-Bolt-

Well, that might be because this one isn't 305 feet. :bulb:

[-NGS-]

I like the look of this a lot more than some of B&M's recent hypers. The twists, especially the hammerhead, look very forceful, and based on the POV it looks like there will be a great amount of airtime. It seems a tad short, and I feel like maybe they could have included another hill before the hammerhead, but overall I think the GP will love this, and it appears to be a powerful addition to the park.

[-Bolt-]

^^
At least it isn't "Intimidator 232"
What I meant. :noob:

[CedarPointer]

Well, I see no trims! :p
Don't worry, there will be. Cedar Fair LOVES trims. See: just about every coaster at Kings Island has them- Beast, Son of Beast, Flight of Fear, Vortex, Fairly Odd Coaster, Diamondback, etc.

THEY'RE GETTING DIAMONDBACK! I love those open-air trains. :)

[fathorse]

There won't be any walls built next to these new coasters will there?

[Gilo]

Too boring :( I was expecting something more original. Lets hope there are no trims :D

[mikeynitro]

Well I live in SC and I can't wait, Carowinds needed a hyper BAD.

[disneyland123]

I personally don't mind the similarity and combination of elements from other B&M hypers. It's sort of a "regional" solution, so the guys in Carolina don't have to trek to Canada or Ohio to rice something like that.

But that second drop reminds me of a Renegade-style drop in a way. Love how it twists.

[RctWeekly25]

Im so glad we got a brand new coaster plus one with theming and a good hill check out my video of the new coaster

Click Here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHaipvlnSo8)

[RangerStudios]

http://www.ataricommunity.com/forums/showthread.php?t=677919&page=5

If you were able to look a few threads down on the page, you would have found that this thread contains the info on the coaster, where you could have posted that one sentance thread.

[CedarPointer]

very little theming...

[colbycx]

It looks good. But I wish Cedar Fair would do something more with WOF in the next couple years...not that prowler isn't good, i just wish they would put something new in...maybe a launched coaster, they need that...