Now that things are starting to look a little more "up" after that global economic hiccup, a digital fly-through video of the Ferrari World theme park in Abu Dhabi has been released along with its official opening day: October 28, 2010.
Furthermore, the Italian automaker published the first pictures and teaser video of its "Formula Rossa" rollercoaster, billed as the fastest of its kind.
Here's what the Prancing Horse company had to say about the park: "Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will pay tribute to the passion, excellence, performance, and technical innovation that Ferrari has established over the years and represents today. Its iconic sleek red roof is directly inspired by the classic double curve side profile of the Ferrari GT body, spanning 200,000 m² and carrying the largest Ferrari logo ever created."
It looks like an "under the tarp" air-conditioned take on Las Vegas and Disney World, with roller coasters and race simulators scattered around for kicks. They've also got go-karts, so I'm sold.
Other activities include a G-force ride resembling the Drop-Zone, a Splash Mountain flume ride through a 599's V12, and a history of Ferrari racing and assembly on film.
Ah, and how could we forget the pièce de résistance: Formula Rossa, the world's fastest roller coaster (at 240 km/h or 149 mph). It also puts riders through 1.7 G's, accelerates to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 2 seconds, and takes people 52 meters up in the air, all brought to you by a launch mechanism similar to that of an aircraft carrier. How's that for intense?
There's an extra, eye-protecting feature, too: "Safety goggles must be worn due to speed. It's that fast."
It seems as if this is more than just a Ferrari theme park though, because for Italy Ferrari is more than just a car builder; it's an automotive ambassador of the country.
To celebrate, Ferrari World will also be getting miniatures of Italy's famous landmarks and provide video flyovers chasing a Ferrari through Italian cities and the countryside. All in all, this looks to have come together really nicely.
Key facts about Formula Rossa
- World's fastest roller coaster reaching speeds of up to 240 km/h (149mph)
- 0 to 100 km/h 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
By Phil Alex
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