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The first X-Car Coaster set to be realized. Having
already reaped six prices allocated to their X-Car for design and innovation,
the Munich-based roller coaster specialists of Maurer Söhne are about to
build an exciting custom-designed installation for Drievliet Amusement Park,
which is scheduled to open in 2007.
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A compact Layout |
To give a brief idea of what this extremely compact and
diversified track design with Launch effect has on offer: right after the
station passengers find themselves propelled in a rocket-like manner. The
launch is achieved by an LSM drive (Linear Synchronous Motor),
whereby an acceleration of some 65 km per hour is reached within the shortest
time, thanks to its high degree of efficiency. This is immediately followed by
an extremely compact special loop which leads directly into an
Immelmann. A sharp Camelback offering high levels of
airtime gets passengers to dream of weightlessness, with the next
sensational inverted element already waiting for them: a half cuban
eight with subsequent heartroll. The fascinating ride ends with a
high-banked steep curve right before entering the station. Given this density
of ride elements to experience, the compact appearance of the first X-Car
Launch Coaster is all the more surprising.
Park requirements included a restriction in height to a
maximum of 15 m, which was not regarded by Maurer Söhne as
constriction but rather as a challenge.
The diversified ride experience is not only guaranteed by a
spectacular ride layout but also by combining this layout with dimensions of
experience typical for the X-Car, such as phenomenal seating comfort,
outstanding dynamic characteristics, special agility, and inversions as
well as ride elements with negative g that can be enjoyed without shoulder
restraints. Passengers are safely secured by a mere lap bar and an
ergonomically sophisticated bucket seat. Through the X-Car, spectacular ride
elements will be even more accentuated.
The new ride in Holland opens up the way for a
completely new and unique field when it comes to the use of Launch
Coasters. Its compact footprint allows offering the ride at low costs,
which can be redeemed quickly. Also, small parks can afford spectacular rides,
which helps to attract new groups of visitors who are very likely come over and
over again.
As desired by Drievliet Park, the ride will be
delivered entirely on a base slab, so that one can do without extensive
foundation works. Two single X-Cars will be used, each with six seats.
The ride comes with an energy storage system which cuts the top power
requirement to 125 kW and helps to further reduce running costs. The ride is
scheduled to open in April 2007. |
