Playland, a leading Canadian amusement park, has announced the name of its new $16 million Zamperla coaster – ThunderVolt.
Zamperla, a leading ride manufacturer, previously confirmed its work on Canada’s fastest electric launch coaster. Construction started earlier this year at Playland in Vancouver.
Opening next year, ThunderVolt will boast a total track length of 380 metres, and a maximum height of 18 metres.
It will carry 12 riders at a time through a “supernatural environment with extraordinary animals, graphics and lighting that pulses as the ride system charges, leading up to its launch”, Playland owner Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) said in a press release.
The three-car train departs with a g-force of 1.3 through an illuminated tunnel and up a steep incline before offering an 18-metre drop.
“We are so excited for our guests to experience the ThunderVolt,” said PNE president and CEO Shelley Frost. “It was important to the PNE the name reflected the ride experience: speed and electricity, while being rooted in nature.”
She added: “We anticipate it will be immediately embraced by Playland coaster enthusiasts due to its unique and thrilling features, as the coaster strikes that perfect balance between fun and thrill and will be an impressive addition to Playland’s ride roster in 2024.”
Canada’s fastest electric launch coaster
The new LSM launch coaster will occupy a space formerly used by the defunct Corkscrew coaster, which famously featured in the 2006 horror film Final Destination 3.
Zamperla’s North American sales manager Michael Coleman said last year: “This LSM coaster will be the fastest launch coaster in Canada.
“Playland and Zamperla have a long partnership, and their team started discussions with us over a year ago about their long-term planning and helping them grow the park’s offerings.”
Zamperla recently unveiled its innovative integrated rides.
Images courtesy of Pacific National Exhibition
