When it opens next year, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, will be among the first of a number of high-profile theme parks planned for the UAE. (Many United Arab Emirates park projects are in limbo or have fizzled amid the world's economic tailspin.) Among its 20-plus attractions, the hybrid Epcot-type pavilion/Six Flags-type amusement park/corporate hospitality center will feature the F1 Coaster (tentative name), which the park claims will be able to reach 150 mph--yikes!--and lay claim to the world's fastest coaster crown. But, officials from the park have also stated that they may operate the coaster at slower speeds.
Hmm. Slower than 135 mph? That's the speed that ring racer (sic) is supposed to hit when it opens next year. (The German coaster was supposed to open in 2009. However, the few days it operated, it never reached record-breaking speeds, and its grand debut reboot is now scheduled for 2010.) So, which coaster will earn world-record bragging rights? Read more about Ferrari World's F1 Coaster and its other attractions in the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Preview.
- The World's 10 Fastest Roller Coasters
- Kingda Ka- The current fastest roller coaster record-holder.
Photo: The odd domed roof of Ferrari World takes shape in Abu Dhabi. Ferrari World, 2009. Used with permission.