The Race Is On for Coaster Speed Record

The world's tallest and fastest roller coaster, at 456 feet and 128 mph respectively, is Kingda Ka at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey. One of its records may be in jeopardy, however. According to autoblog, a theme park under development in Germany will feature a coaster that will reach a face-melting speed of 135 mph--in 2.5 seconds. However, the coaster will not even begin to approach Kingda Ka's soaring top hat tower; it will stay low to the ground and not include any hills or inversions. The park will be built adjacent to the famous Nurburging racetrack, and the coaster will sport a racing car theme. Instead of the hydraulic launch that powers Kingda Ka to 128 mph in 3.5 seconds, the German coaster will use a compressed air system. When this monster opens, passengers had better keep their heads firmly planted on the back of the seat, or they could be in for a serious case of whiplash.

• Kingda Huh? How Kingda Ka works.
• Kingda Huh? Photo Gallery
• Kingda Ka Onboard Video