Zero-gravity thrill at new Ferrari World ride in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi - Turbo Track will shoot a car at 102 km/h along a 180m steel track.

Turbo Track, the latest mega-roller coaster to hit Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, is undergoing safety trial runs ahead of its March opening.

Dubbed the most "heart-pounding roller coaster ride in the world", Turbo Track, or TT, will shoot a car at 102 km/h along a 180m steel track, and catapult guests vertically through the iconic red roof to a 64m height, before plunging them back at zero gravity.

The sight and the ear-shattering noise of the turbo-charged cars loaded with water-filled dummies shooting through the park's central roof are already triggering curiosity among park visitors.

"I cannot wait to try this ride. I think it is going to be a spine-chilling experience, said John Williams, a British tourist.

Adnan Alzabi, a self-confessed adrenaline junkie, said what excites him the most is the zero gravity plunge. "That is a rare feature. I want to experience that free fall," said Alzabi.

Speaking to Khaleej Times, Jesse Vargas, General Manager at Ferrari World said Turbo Track will live up to the Ferrari heritage.

"Its storyline and technology are deeply connected to the Ferrari heritage. The ride will offer guests the rare experience and chance to see the world through the eyes of a Ferrari test pilot," said Vargas.

The ride consists of two cars, each with a capacity of 12 guests, that can be loaded simultaneously. "The ride is designed to have both front facing and rear-facing seats that will offer guests two different kinds of experience. The emphasis is on the family experience when you sit face to face on the ride," added Vargas.

Turbo Track's inauguration makes it the third ride to be unveiled at the park in just 12 months, following the opening of Flying Aces and Benno's Great Race last year.

Vegas said TT is a monumental feat of engineering, which followed a highly complex construction process that saw a hole created right at the heart of the park. The design team included Intamin Amusements Rides of the Flying Aces fame, and architectural firm, AECOM.

Though Vargas did not reveal the exact design and construction cost, he said a total of Dh700 million have been invested over the past three years for the Park's expansion plan.

"As of today, we have a total of 35 rides and attractions at Ferrari world. By the end of 2017, the number will rise to 39," said the general manager.

Ride facts at a glance

The ride sits right at the heart of the park
Ride's loading capacity: 720 guests/hour
Track length: 180m
Ride duration: Approximately 30 seconds
Max speed: Approximately 102km/h
The attraction features two vehicles, each with a capacity of 12 guests
Ride reaches 64 meters as the highest point on Yas Island
Zero-gravity moment when the ride falls back

• Abu Dhabi