Germany Enters Coaster Arms Race

At 128 mph, Kingda Ka at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey is currently the world's fastest (and tallest) coaster. But the U.S. won't reign supreme for long. Now under construction at Germany's Nurburgring Race Track is ring racer (sic), a compressed-air launched coaster that will accelerate from 0 to 135 mph in 2.5 seconds. Unlike any other coaster, however, ring racer will reportedly not include any inversions, banked turns, or any other elements. In fact, it apparently won't even include any hills. Created exclusively for speed, the ride will run parallel to the famous German raceway on a straight track, and then turn around and head back to the loading station. Want to know which thrill machines round out the list of record breakers? Read my new World's 10 Fastest Roller Coasters (which actually includes 15 coasters).

• Kingda Ka and other Six Flags Great Adventure Rides Photo Gallery
• Kingda Ka Onboard Video

A rendering of the F1 Thrust Air coaster train that will be used on ring racer. S&S Worldwide, Inc.