| Press Release: | RICHMOND, VA. – Paramount's Kings Dominion has announced HyperSonic XLC™, the world's first air-launched roller coaster will debut at the park in Spring 2001. The park's eleventh roller coaster, HyperSonic XLC will utilize compressed air to launch riders from 0-80 miles-per-hour in just 1.8 seconds! Industry experts have described the new air-launched coaster as the thrill ride of the new millennium.
The countdown begins as a series of colored lights indicate that the ride is about to begin. Just like a professional drag race, the column of lights signals red…yellow… …GREEN! Compressed air is then released and the coaster is launched from 0-80 miles-per-hour in just 1.8 seconds. Riders immediately ascend the 165 foot-tall, vertical tower at a dramatic 90-degree angle. Then it's over the top as riders descend the tower at the opposite 90-degree angle - straight down!
"HyperSonic XLC offers a completely unique coaster experience and unprecedented acceleration. Zero to 80-miles-per-hour in 1.8 seconds is unheard of! Imagine putting the pedal to the metal in a top fuel dragster, that's what the launch of HyperSonic XLC will feel like" said Richard Zimmerman, Executive Vice President and General Manager for Paramount's Kings Dominion.
The unique compressed air propulsion system was designed by S&S Power of Logan, Utah. The ride will be located in the Candy Apple Grove section of the park.
For more information, write to Paramount's Kings Dominion at P. O. Box 2000, Doswell, Va. 23047, telephone 804-876-5000 or visit the park's Web site at http://www.KingsDominion.com. Paramount's Kings Dominion is located 20 miles north of Richmond, Va. and 75 miles south of Washington, D.C. off Interstate 95 at exit 98.
The Wild Thornberrys has risen quickly to one of the most watched shows in kids’ television. The Wild Thornberrys follows the adventure of 12-year old Eliza, a courageous girl with a big secret – she can talk to animals. At The Wild Thornberrys Explorer Café, diners become world-class explorers in the jungle-style attraction, which includes the Thornberrys’ own comvee. Good food and a little "wild" adventure are on the cafeteria-style menu.
COMPANY PROFILE
Paramount's Kings Dominion is owned and operated by Paramount Parks.
Paramount Parks, a unit of Viacom Inc., is a leading developer and operator of regional theme parks and location-based entertainment attractions. The company currently manages: Paramount's Kings Island (Cincinnati, Ohio); Paramount's Kings Dominion (Richmond, Va.); Paramount's Great America (Santa Clara, Calif.); Paramount's Carowinds (Charlotte, N.C.); Paramount Canada's Wonderland (Toronto, Ontario, Canada); and Star Trek: The Experience™ at the Las Vegas Hilton (Las Vegas, Nev.).
Viacom Inc. is one of the world's largest entertainment and media companies, and a leader in the production, promotion, and distribution of entertainment, news, sports, and music. Its properties include CBS Television, MTV Networks, Showtime Networks, Infinity Broadcasting, Paramount Pictures, Paramount Television, Paramount Parks, UPN, Blockbuster, Simon & Schuster, and theatrical exhibition operations in North America and abroad. The company's Internet businesses include the MTVi Group, the CBS Internet Group, and Nickelodeon Online. Viacom also owns a half-interest in the Comedy Central cable channel. National Amusements, Inc., a closely held corporation which operates approximately 1,300 motion picture screens in the U.S., the U.K., and South America, is the parent company of Viacom. |
