Another Intamin coaster expected Downunder

Intamin's popular Accelerator style of roller coaster, such as Warner Bros. Movie World's Superman Escape (pictured) are taking the world by storm. Park World magazine in Europe reports that Intamin will be delivering a handful of new coasters in 2007 across the globe, including a second Accelerator for Australia.

Accelerators are blitzing the international theme park industry with installations popping up at parks in all corners of the globe. Australia got its first taste of this revolutionary style of coaster in December 2005 when Superman Escape launched off at Warner Bros. Movie World.

The success of the ride falls down to a number of factors. It is very customisable, with installations around the world ranging from 75km/hr up to a numbing 206km/hr on Six Flags Great Adventure's Kingda Ka, holding the world record for fastest roller coaster. It's relatively cost effective and Intamin have more or less worked out all the kinks in their innovative hydraulic-powered launch system, making it efficient and reliable.

Superman Escape falls on the small end of the scale at 100km/hr and 40m tall. Tell someone who's ridden it that it's actually the fifth slowest of its kind in the world and they'll respond with a simple "You're kidding, right?", as they head back into the queue building for another 0-100km/hr blast in just two seconds.

European industry magazine Park World has reported that Intamin will be shipping another of their Accelerators down to Australia, with Dreamworld fronting the bill for this Accelerator with a twist. They also report that it will be Intamin's first foray with the Motorcycle coaster concept that was developed several years ago by fellow European amusement manufacturer Vekoma.

Vekoma's version of the ride is marketed as a family attraction. Keeping the speed at around 75km/hr and limiting the g-forces to make it compatible with any typical family, the attraction is unique in that riders are seated on motorcycle-style seats rather than on traditional seats or benches like most coasters. Intamin's version will utilise its own technology to bring the motorcycle experience to life.

Dreamworld's last new thrill ride opened in 2004 and it will be their first new major roller coaster since the problematic Thunderbolt coaster opened a year after the park in 1982 because of delays. The Cyclone roller coaster was relocated from Luna Park in 2001 amidst mediocre reviews from park-goers and fans.

Macquarie Leisure Trust Group, owners and operators of Dreamworld have allocated $6 million capital expenditure per year to be spent on new attractions and facilities in the park. 2006 was a light year for the park, with only the $1 million FlowRider opening as well as some other minor additions.

Village Roadshow Theme Parks launched Superman Escape at Movie World in 2005 and followed it up in 2006 with Batwing Spaceshot, the first ride of its kind in Australia. Reports suggest that VRTP have invested in two new rides for 2007 across Sea World, which is home to a range of rides and marine exhibits, the family-friendly thrill haven Warner Bros. Movie World and Wet'n'Wild Water World, Australia's largest water park.