Carowinds to Unleash World’s Tallest and Fastest Giga Coaster in 2015

August 21, 2014

Michele Huggins,

If you’re a thrill-seeker who loves roller coasters, you’re going to love this news from Carowinds. In spring 2015, the beloved theme park is opening Fury 325, the “world’s tallest and fasted giga coaster.” Plans for the new coaster were revealed today. The coaster, which is to simulate the furious and spontaneous flight of a hornet, will be visible from uptown Charlotte.

The 32-passenger open-air trains on Fury 325 will take riders to the top of a 325-foot (more than 30-stories high) hill. This immense hill is followed by an exhilarating 81 degree first drop. Like an angry hornet chasing its target, Fury 325 will race through a series of hills, curves and quick transitions while reaching speeds of up to 95 miles per hour. Riders then speed along 6,602 feet of track during the nearly three and a half minute ride. Whoo, I’m excited just imagining what that feels like.

The coaster is a part of a planned $50 million multiyear investment to bring new life Carowinds. The park is to be revamped from top to bottom to celebrate Carolina culture, including new rides and attractions, signature food and entertainment. Fury 325 is the centerpiece of a new 8.2 acre main entrance plaza that includes state-of-the-art ticketing and season pass processing.

As a girl who had a season pass many, many years ago when I was a young teen, this news is very exciting. I love the old-school vibe at Carowinds (especially rattling along on the climb to the top of Thunder Road), but a renovation and new coasters for a new generation is an awesome idea. (And what parent isn’t happy about an upgrade on ticketing and entrance processing).

Take a virtual ride at carowinds.com/fury325 to “feel the sting” today, and check out photos, virtual renderings, ride stats and more.