Today at the 2019 IAAPA Expo in Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay gave the media and fans a first glimpse at Iron Gwazi’s crocodile-themed ride vehicle.
The new wood-steel hybrid coaster isn’t set to debut until the Spring of 2020, but the company and coaster manufacturer Rocky Mountain Construction, decided to pull back the curtain for the new green coaster car in front of 38,000 industry professionals.
“While elements of the former wooden attraction will be integrated into the new ride, the steel track and reimagined layout of Iron Gwazi present an entirely unique experience that tells a different story,” said Busch Gardens in a statement. “Iron Gwazi will highlight the best of both worlds — the classic nostalgia of a wooden coaster and the bold innovation of a steel coaster. Thriving and adapting over millions of years, this evolutionary crossroad is perfectly represented in the crocodile, the largest living reptile and the animal inspiration for Iron Gwazi.”
Marketed as “North America’s tallest hybrid coaster and the fastest and steepest hybrid coaster in the world,” Iron Gwazi will reach a maximum height of 206-feet, as well as toss guests down a 91-degree drop angle. While zipping along the 4,075 feet of track at 76 mph, guests will also experience 12 airtime features, and three inversions.
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This article appears in Nov 14-21, 2019.