Zamperla, a leading ride manufacturer, has supplied its first Family Launch Coaster, named 'Kyûbi Unchained', to Parc Spirou in France.
Now open, the ride serves as an anchor to the park's latest zone, where it is accompanied by a Nebulaz dubbed 'Rasengan Chakra Rotation'.
Both are themed around characters from Masashi Kishimoto's manga series, Naruto.
Charles De Bruyne, sales manager Europe at Zamperla, says: "Our goal was to provide an experience that set a new benchmark in the European market.
"It was great working with Parc Spirou. They did a fantastic job imagining this new area, and Zamperla is proud to be supplying two new rides.
"The combination of the iconic Nebulaz ride and Family Thrill Launch Coaster created an Integrated Rides package that provides over 1,000 people per-hour for the entire area."
Rasengan Chakra Rotation
Bringing Naruto to the real world
Spanning 15,000 square metres (161,459 square feet), the new area is inspired by Naruto's Konoha Village. Visitors can interact with 10 different life-size characters, a replica of the Hokage Monument, Team Kakashi’s training area, and a restaurant based on the iconic Ichiraku Ramen shop.
Enrico Patechi, creative design manager at Zamperla, says: "This project demonstrated why Zamperla has become the go-to company for themed attractions.
"Naruto was one of the shows that defined my childhood, so working on this project was a true honor.
"Being already familiar with the story and characters helped me quickly align with the client’s vision and TV Tokyo’s expectations. Bringing such iconic designs into the real world required attention to detail and respect for the original artwork.
Kyûbi Unchained
"That emotional connection became a powerful driver for creativity, pushing us toward a more authentic result."
The Family Thrill Launch features a range of distinctive elements unique to a Zamperla roller coaster. For example, an on-board audio means that placemaking continues beyond the station, taking the immersive experience along for the ride.
The vehicles use structural fibreglass in a special manufacturing process, making annual maintenance more affordable. Additionally, the wheel launch system is mechanically simple and requires less energy than an LSM for the same application.
Adam Sandy, Zamperla roller coaster sales & marketing director, says: "The Family Thrill Launch fills a need we continually hear from parks.
"They are looking for a coaster that accomplishes three distinct goals: a wide rider demographic, offers marketable ride elements and is well-themed. We know that our latest coaster checks all three boxes."
Zamperla recently partnered with Slagharen in the Netherlands to develop Sky Sifter, a new signature thrill ride and a focal point for the park's Western-themed zone.
