Red Force, located within the Ferrari Land amusement park at PortAventura World near Barcelona, Spain, has claimed the title of the world’s tallest and fastest rollercoaster. This ruby-red, top hat-shaped steel behemoth stands 112 meters tall and propels its passengers from 0 to 112 mph (180 km/h) in a breathtaking launch. Each train accommodates 12 riders in six rows of two, offering an intense experience as it ascends the vertical tower, plummets back to earth with a 90-degree twist, brakes sharply on a flat section, climbs a smaller hill, and finally returns to the station. Red Force boasts a capacity of 1,200 riders per hour, delivering thrilling rides to a large number of park visitors. Its ascent to the top spot was facilitated by the decline of former record holders, opening the door for this European contender to seize the crown.
Red Force’s remarkable speed and height are achieved through the use of linear synchronous motors (LSMs), a technology that distinguishes it from its hydraulically launched predecessors. Manufactured by Intamin, the same company responsible for Thorpe Park’s renowned Stealth rollercoaster, Red Force utilizes LSMs for a more efficient and quieter acceleration compared to traditional hydraulic launch systems. This technological advancement has not only allowed Red Force to achieve record-breaking speeds but also contributes to a smoother and less noisy ride experience. This technological shift reflects a broader trend in the amusement park industry towards more sophisticated and efficient ride systems.
Previously, the titles of tallest and fastest rollercoaster were held by American giants: Kingda Ka and Top Thrill Dragster, both Intamin creations utilizing hydraulic launch systems. Kingda Ka, located at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey, surpassed Top Thrill Dragster in 2005, holding the record for several years. However, both rides have been plagued by operational issues and lengthy downtimes, leading to their eventual dethroning. Top Thrill Dragster has been permanently closed, with Six Flags announcing plans to replace it with a new, record-breaking coaster. Kingda Ka, while still operational, has also experienced significant downtime, highlighting the challenges associated with maintaining these complex hydraulic launch systems.
The current ranking of the world’s fastest rollercoasters places Red Force at the top, followed by Formula Rossa in Abu Dhabi, Kingda Ka, Top Thrill 2, and Superman: Escape from Krypton in California. Formula Rossa, designed to mimic the Formula 1 experience, offers an intense high-speed ride, while Superman: Escape from Krypton, known for its rapid acceleration, underwent an extended closure in 2024 for refurbishment. These prominent coasters represent the cutting edge of thrill ride technology, showcasing different approaches to achieving exhilarating speeds and heights.
Just outside the top five sits Ring Racer at Nürburgring in Germany, the fastest rollercoaster not built by Intamin. Manufactured by S&S Sansei, Ring Racer boasts a lightning-fast launch, accelerating from 0 to 78 mph in a mere 1.8 seconds. This illustrates that while Intamin dominates the top tier of speed and height records, other manufacturers are also pushing the boundaries of rollercoaster technology, contributing to the ongoing evolution of thrill rides.
Red Force resides within the larger PortAventura World resort complex, which also houses the Shambhala rollercoaster. Shambhala previously held the title of Europe’s tallest coaster before being surpassed by Red Force. The coexistence of these two significant rides within the same park makes PortAventura World a prime destination for thrill-seekers. The park’s ongoing investment in new attractions demonstrates its commitment to providing cutting-edge amusement park experiences. Red Force’s prominence not only elevates its status but also contributes to the broader appeal of PortAventura World as a leading European entertainment destination.
