“Feel that adrenaline surging?” That’s the spirit of Huracan, a steel roller coaster here at Belantis amusement park in Leipzig. Huracan is not just any roller coaster. It’s an experience.
Originally, Huracan was intended for a Formula One-themed amusement park in Dubai. The financial crisis of 2007-2008 changed those plans. Belantis acquired the coaster for five million euros. Huracan opened here on June 26, 2010. The CEO of Belantis expected a significant boost in visitors with its arrival.
Huracan is a Gerstlauer Euro-Fighter model. There is only one other of its kind in Germany. That is the Fluch von Novgorod. This coaster is known for its unique features. The most striking is its first hill. It boasts a steeper-than-vertical drop of 97 degrees.
Look up! The bright red color screams excitement. The Huracan features a total of five inversions. These include a cobra roll, a zero-g roll, and interlocking corkscrews. Although it now has a Mayan theme, its red paint hints at its original Formula One destination.
Notice the cars. Huracan is unique. Its cars have three rows of two seats. Most Euro-Fighters have two rows of four seats. This arrangement gives everyone a great view.
Feel that vertical lift. Then brace yourself. You’ll plunge down that near-vertical drop. The Huracan reaches speeds of 85 kilometers per hour. That is about 53 miles per hour. All in a minute and a half. The ride exerts up to 4.3 G-forces on its riders.
To ride Huracan, you need to be at least 130 centimeters tall. That’s about 4 feet 3 inches. The park can accommodate about 800 riders per hour. It’s a popular ride.
Belantis even added a kiddie coaster to match Huracan. It is called Huracanito. It opened in 2014. This tiny coaster is only 23 metres long. It is one of the smallest kiddie coasters in the world.
Many say the moment the car shifts from horizontal to vertical is magical. Huracan truly is a special ride. A ride that keeps guests coming back for more. So, are you ready to experience the thrill of Huracan?