Carowinds 325-foot ‘hornet' coaster to open in spring

CHARLOTTE — Carowinds announced on Thursday morning that the park will add a 325-foot tall roller coaster that will whip riders around at 95 mph.

Fury 325 will be the world's tallest and fastest giga coaster, and will simulate the flight of a hornet, according to park officials.

The new ride will be visible from uptown Charlotte, renewing the park's skyline and serving as a symbol of changes to come. Fury 325 is part of a planned $50 million multiyear investment to bring new life to the original vision for Carowinds.

The park will be revamped to celebrate Carolina culture, including new rides and attractions, signature food offerings and entertainment.

The ride will open in spring 2015, and be the centerpiece of a new 8.2-acre main entrance plaza that includes a state-of-the-art ticketing and season pass processing area, as well as expanded guest service facilities.

Riders will board into three 32-passenger open air trains and begin their ascent to the top of a 325-foot hill, over 30 stories high. The hill is following by an 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 mph.

Fury 325 will take riders along 6,602 feet of track during the three and a half minute ride.

"The tradition of the park is so important to those who have grown up here," said Carowinds Vice President and General Manager Mike Fehnel. "It's long overdue that we gave our fans a new energy surrounding Carowinds, which will build on our legacy as the premier entertainment destination for generations of Carolinians."

Carowinds said the new expansion will also create jobs by adding full-time and seasonal positions over the next three years.

WSOC