Carowinds announces new roller coaster for 2010 season

Carowinds has announced a new roller coaster named Intimidator, which will become the "tallest, fastest, longest coaster in the Southeast".

Intimidator will rise 71 metres above the ground and will travel at speeds in excess of 120 kilometres per hour.

The trains will be similar to the ones on other B&M Hyper coasters, adapting stadium-style seating with T-bar restraints. However, the design will be slightly altered to match the look of Dale Earnhardt's 1998 RCR No. 3 Chevrolet Monte Carlo.

The three trains will allow up to 1,600 riders per hour.

The ride will last for just over three minutes and will take riders on a fast-paced journey similar to that of a NASCAR race.

"The Intimidator will dominate the skyline and strongly position Carowinds as the thrill capital of the Southeast -- the statistics speak for themselves", said Bart Kinzel, Vice President and General Manager of Carowinds.

Intimidator was manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M) and cost the park $23 million.

This announcement follows the decision by Kings Island to announce an Intamin Giga Coaster, called Intimidator 305. Their version is also themed around Dale Earnhardt.

The Intimidator is to debut in spring 2010.

Photo: Carowinds