Lightning Launch at Cedar Point

lightning launch top thrill 2 at cedar point

Top Thrill 2 is the world’s first reimagined strata coaster and the fastest and tallest LSM swing launch coaster. The coaster has been a smashing success at Cedar Point and quickly became one of the most popular coasters around the world.

Thanks to the all-new linear synchronous motor (LSM) launch system, riders experience three unique launches:

  • A forward launch at a speed of 119 km/h (74 mph), which leads into a crowd favorite- the rollback

  • A second backward launch reaching a speed of 163 km/h (101 mph), climbing at a 90-degree angle on the new, 128 meter (420 foot)-tall vertical spike.

  • A third launch that clocks in at the ride’s top speed of 193 km/h (120 mph) and speeds over the 128 meter (420 foot) top hat before diving into a 270-degree spiral leading to the finish line.

The project used part of the old ride’s original track and re-imagined the experience, which required years of research and design from Zamperla’s engineers.

The wheels are also a unique project component. They are sized to withstand the high speeds of the record-breaking experience and use a polyurethane compound that can stand up to the heat created from multiple high-speed accelerations.

“We knew that the reimagining of Top Thrill would require a partner that was fully committed to delivering a technologically advanced coaster that was as iconic as its predecessor. Zamperla stepped up to the challenge and exceeded our expectations. More importantly, it has exceeded our guests’ expectations. Top Thrill (TT2) may well be the greatest coaster on the planet, and it was our partnership with Zamperla that made it possible.”

(Tim Fisher, Six Flags Chief Operating Officer)

About the ride

Total Track Length 1043 meters (3422 feet)
Maximum height 128 meters (420 feet)
Footprint 375 x 41 m (1230 x 134.5 ft)
Max Speed 193 km/h (120 mph)
Number of Trains 3
Vehicles per-Train 5
Passengers per-Train 20
Height Restriction 132 cm (52 in) minimum
LIGHTNING LAUNCH
Customer service Spare parts Zamperla customer Portal