Zamperla, a leading ride manufacturer, has collaborated with Cedar Point, Ohio, to develop Top Thrill 2. This will be the fastest and tallest triple-launch strata roller coaster in the world.
Cedar Point is known as “the roller coaster capital of the world” and is home to 18 world-class coasters. The new Top Thrill 2 has been engineered and developed by Zamperla’s Roller Coaster Business Unit to offer a unique ride experience, adding the firm’s stamp to this prestigious park. Top Thrill 2 blends the ride’s original and iconic top hat with a new 128-metre (420 ft) spike.
Antonio Zamperla, Zamperla group president and CEO, says: “The partnership with Cedar Point, is confirmation that the investments made in people and technologies over the past five years in our Roller Coaster Business Unit are bearing fruit.
“In every market segment we have entered (kiddie rides, family rides, and thrill rides), we have excelled because of our commitment to quality and innovation. I know our Roller Coaster Business Unit will see the same success. I cannot wait until 2024 when we will see this record-breaking scream machine come to life.”
Lightning trains
Top Thrill 2 is one of the world’s first coasters to use Zamperla’s “Lightning” trains, which debuted at IAAPA Expo 2022, the leading trade show for the attractions sector. The Lightning vehicle was a first in the industry: Zamperla’s engineers sought to develop the best roller coaster train in the world while keeping fundamental design objectives in mind: safety, ergonomics, pure fun, and the total cost of ownership for consumers.
This vehicle was developed with a focus on rider comfort and cost of ownership. Zamperla invested years of work in designing the trains, conducting design studies, and speaking with hundreds of amusement park operators around the world. They incorporated end-user feedback into the vehicle design at every stage.
Zamperla’s engineers were committed to designing a new experience which uses a portion of the original track. The weight of the Top Thrill 2 Lightning train is the most crucial attribute. It weighs less than any comparable train thanks to an aluminium-milled chassis and carbon-fibre bodywork.
The wheels are also an original attribute of the project. Their size has been specified to endure high speeds, and they have been engineered from a heat-resistant polyurethane composite – essential for high-speed acceleration.
Three thrilling launches
Top Thrill 2 is the fastest and tallest LSM triple-launch coaster, and the first reinvented strata coaster on the planet. Guests will experience three distinct launches thanks to the all-new linear synchronous motor (LSM) launch system.
A forward launch will propel the coaster forward at a speed of 119km/h (74 mph), leading into the rollback. Then, a second backward launch of 163km/h (101 mph) sends the train rocketing up the 128m (420ft) tall spike at a 90-degree angle. This is followed by a third thrilling launch which reaches 193km/h (120 mph). The train shoots over the 128m (420) top hat and then plunges through a 270-degree spiral.
Ramon Rosario, Zamperla’s director of sales for the US, comments: “As Cedar Point continues its tradition of roller coaster excellence, Top Thrill 2 stands as a testament to the park’s commitment to delivering unmatched thrills and extraordinary guest experiences.
“The ride’s innovative design, breathtaking speeds, and technological elements will undoubtedly captivate roller coaster enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike. The new 420-foot-tall spike tower will redefine the famous Cedar Point skyline.”
Cost considerations
Zamperla understands the impact of maintenance costs as it owns and runs Luna Park in Coney Island and Luna Farm in Bologna. As a result, the business concentrated on the cost of ownership, attempting to reduce the amount of time, labour, and money required to maintain its newest roller coaster designs.Â
There are no welds on the Lightning chassis because it is one machined component. This feature is a game changer in terms of maintenance and NDT costs. Operators spend less time and money each year maintaining their ride than both Zamperla’s classic coasters and those of other companies.
Another important consideration is seat foam: it is constructed in numerous sections so that the owner may replace it quickly and easily rather than waiting days for a third party to replace and re-foam the seat.
Adam Sandy, Zamperla’s roller coaster sales and marketing director, explains: “Zamperla has focused on innovation as a core company feature and this project represents years of work. The Lightning train was engineered with both parks and riders in mind. It quickly became the basis for our next generation of roller coasters and we are humbled that Cedar Point chose the Lightning train as the ride platform to deliver record-breaking thrills.”
In-house expertise
Zamperla has a ride portfolio of over 90 rides and decades of experience developing rides of different kinds all around the world. Some of these have become classics which are enjoyed in theme parks worldwide.
The firm has invested extensively in both staff and technology over the last decade, and Zamperla is now one of the largest roller coaster engineering groups in the attractions sector. Its in-house expertise means that it can develop projects ranging from classic Family Coasters to significant custom projects such as the Top Thrill 2.
Zamperla has recently celebrated the launch of two new rides at Adventureland Resort, Iowa, as part of the park’s biggest-ever investment. Draken Falls, a Super Flumez ride, and the Flying Viking Junior Coaster were added to the attraction.
Top image: Artist concept courtesy of Cedar Point
