Formula Rossa hits 60 in 2 seconds at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Think the 599 GTO is the fastest Ferrari ever created? Well, it may be the fastest roadcar, but the next project to wear the Prancing Horse promises even more power and that much more blinding acceleration. So much so, in fact, that occupants are provided with protective eyewear to shield against the wind rapidly moving over their faces.

We're talking about Formula Rossa, the headline attraction at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. Set to open later this year, the theme park on the Persian Gulf is set to incorporate 20 main attractions, including two roller coasters. One of them is the F430 Spider-based coaster previewed a couple of months ago, and now Ferrari has announced details on the second.

Formula Rossa is designed to mimic the aesthetics and experience of the Scuderia's F1 race cars. It'll be driven by a 20,800-horsepower winch system, accelerating from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in two seconds flat and rocket to its peak height of 52 meters (170 feet) in less than five seconds. The four-car trains will take 16 passengers for the ride along more than two kilometers (1.3 miles) of track, hitting 1.7 Gs of acceleration along the way. Thrilled yet? Follow the link to check out the video and the jump for the details in the press release.

[Source: Ferrari]
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Formula Rossa Overview

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Strap yourself into the F1 cockpit and hold on, as you blast away on the fastest roller coaster on the planet. You'll accelerate to 240km/h and see what 1.7 Gs really feels like. You'll scream over the track and 52 meters into the sky before flying through the chicanes and across the finish line on the Formula Rossa.

Formula Rossa celebrates speed, aerodynamics and technical innovation.

A featured attraction at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the world's first Ferrari theme park and largest attraction of its kind, Formula Rossa will take you on the most thrilling ride of your life.

The Formula Rossa journey will begin in a temperature controlled pre-ride waiting area, where riders will be given protective eyewear, designed to protect passengers from the windforce generated by the coaster's high speed. Using a hydraulic winch system, similar to those used to launch jet planes, the F1 inspired coaster is then shot out of the launch area using 20,800 horsepower and propelled to a height of 52m in less than 5 seconds.

Riders are then taken on a blindingly fast and thrilling experience along a 2.07 km track full of sharp turns and sudden drops.

According to the designers of Formula Rossa, Jack Rouse Associates, the key challenge in building the world's fastest roller coaster was obtaining the desired speed without compromising passenger safety and comfort.

Key facts about Formula Rossa
  • World's fastest roller coaster reaching speeds of up to 240 kph
  • 0 to 100 km in 2 seconds
  • Winch system uses 20,800 horsepower
  • 2.07 kilometer track
  • Designed by Jack Rouse Associates
  • Manufactured by Intamin
  • Roller coaster cars designed to resemble the Ferrari F1 car, down to the use of the exact "Rosso Scuderia"
  • Ride capacity of 16 passengers – 4 cars in the train, 4 riders per car
  • Maximum elevation 52 m
  • Lowest elevation 1.5 m
  • 1.7 Gs
  • Occupies 8.48 Hectares / 21 Acres of Land
  • Sharpest turn at 70 degrees

About Ferrari World Abu Dhabi:

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will be the world's largest indoor and first Ferrari theme park. It will be an intense multi-sensory experience and a must-visit for enthusiasts, fans and families. With over 20 unique rides, attractions and shows, including the world's fastest rollercoaster, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will be a celebration of Ferrari's past, present and future. Due to open in 2010, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is set to be one of the signature features of Yas Island, a 2,500 hectare island dedicated to leisure, entertainment and lifestyle.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is a world-class development by Aldar Properties PJSC, Abu Dhabi's leading property development, management and investment company and will be managed by Farah Leisure Parks Management LLC, a joint venture between Aldar Properties PJSC and ProFun Management Group Inc., an international leisure facilities management and operating company.

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