News: Alton Towers prepares for Rita's arrival

Posted at 6:00 PM EST (2300 GMT)

Mar. 28th, 2005 -- There's a new addition to the famed group of roller coasters at Alton Towers. The park's latest ride, Rita: Queen of Speed, will debut on Friday.

With a Grand Prix theme, Rita will propel riders from 0-60 mph in only 2.5 seconds, giving it the fastest rate of acceleration of any European coaster and intended to surpass the rate of Formula 1 cars. Although the ride only lasts 49 seconds, it generates positive G forces up to 4.7. Rita cost about $15 million to build.

Visit The Independent for more.