Infinity Coaster
The Infinity Coaster is a steel roller coaster model manufactured by Gerstlauer Amusement Rides GmbH, a company based in Münsterhausen, Bavaria, Germany. Introduced in 2013, it represents an evolution of the manufacturer's Euro-Fighter line, emphasizing extreme customization to create diverse thrill experiences, including airtime hills, inversions, multi-launch systems, vertical lifts, switch tracks, and rotating platforms, all while prioritizing rider comfort through smooth vehicles and ergonomic restraints.[1][2] This model's flexibility allows for a broad spectrum of configurations tailored to park space and thematic needs, with track lengths ranging from approximately 400 meters to over 1,100 meters, heights up to 43 meters, speeds reaching 105 km/h, and inversion counts from 2 to 14. Propulsion options include traditional chain lifts for classic layouts or advanced magnetic launches for inverting coasters, enabling capacities of 600 to 1,200 riders per hour depending on the design. The vertical lift system, a signature feature, uses magnetic braking fins to eliminate noise and rollback during ascent, enhancing operational efficiency.[1] As of November 2025, eleven Infinity Coasters operate worldwide across Europe, North America, and Asia, with the debut installation being The Smiler at Alton Towers Resort in Alton, Staffordshire, England, which opened on May 31, 2013, and set a Guinness World Record for the most inversions on a single roller coaster (14) that it still holds. Other prominent examples include Monster at Adventureland in Altoona, Iowa (opened 2016), featuring a beyond-vertical drop, and HangTime at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, California (opened 2018), known for its steep 96-degree first drop and surf-themed elements. These rides highlight the model's appeal for record-breaking intensity and innovative theming in the amusement industry.[2][3][4][5]History
Development by Gerstlauer
Gerstlauer Amusement Rides GmbH was founded in 1982 as Gerstlauer Elektro GmbH by Hubert Gerstlauer in Edelstetten, Bavaria, Germany.[6] A former employee of the renowned roller coaster manufacturer Anton Schwarzkopf GmbH since 1968, Gerstlauer initially concentrated on developing electrical control systems, lighting, and pneumatic components for amusement rides, supplying various industry players without venturing into full ride construction.[6] In 1991, the company acquired Schwarzkopf's production facilities and relocated to Münsterhausen, marking a pivotal shift toward broader involvement in ride engineering.[6] The transition to complete roller coaster manufacturing occurred in 1998 with the debut of G'sengte Sau, a steel wild mouse coaster at Erlebnispark Tripsdrill in Germany, which represented Gerstlaeuers' first fully designed and built attraction.[6] This bobsled-style ride, featuring compact turns and drops, showcased the company's growing expertise in thrill elements while building on its electrical systems heritage.[7] By the early 2000s, Gerstlauer gained significant traction with the introduction of the Euro-Fighter model in 2003, premiering with Vild-Svinet at BonBon-Land in Denmark, noted for its innovative 97-degree beyond-vertical drop and small footprint suitable for space-limited parks.[6][8] The Euro-Fighter's popularity surged due to its ability to deliver intense inversions and airtime in modular, customizable layouts, leading to nearly 20 installations worldwide and establishing Gerstlauer as a leader in compact, high-thrill coasters.[9] The Infinity Coaster was developed as a high-capacity evolution of the Euro-Fighter, specifically engineered to enhance throughput and layout flexibility for modern theme parks.[10] Development focused on longer train configurations and a modular vehicle system that integrates chain lifts, launches, switch tracks, and rotating platforms, allowing for extended circuits with multiple inversions while maintaining operational efficiency.[11] This design addressed growing industry demands for inversion-heavy experiences that could operate at capacities up to 1,200 passengers per hour in footprint-constrained environments, enabling parks to maximize rider volume without sacrificing thrill intensity.[1] The model's conception emphasized customization, with scalable lengths from 400 meters to over 1,100 meters, building directly on the Euro-Fighter's compact ethos to support bespoke layouts tailored to individual park needs.[1]Introduction and Debut
The Infinity Coaster, an evolution from Gerstlauer's Euro-Fighter model, represents a versatile steel roller coaster design emphasizing flexible layouts and high throughput.[5] It officially debuted on May 31, 2013, with The Smiler at Alton Towers Resort in Staffordshire, United Kingdom, which achieved a Guinness World Record for the most inversions—14—on a single-track roller coaster.[12][6] Gerstlauer marketed the Infinity Coaster as offering "infinite" customization options, allowing parks to configure layouts ranging from gentle, family-oriented airtime experiences to intense, inversion-heavy thrill rides, limited only by site constraints and engineering feasibility.[1] Early industry reception highlighted its innovative approach to capacity, with configurations capable of accommodating up to 1,200 riders per hour, enhancing operational efficiency for high-traffic venues.[1] However, the model's reputation faced scrutiny following a major collision incident on The Smiler on June 2, 2015, which injured 16 people due to human error in ride operations and led to a £5 million fine for the park's operator.[13] The debut spurred rapid adoption across Europe, with the second installation, Karacho at Erlebnispark Tripsdrill in Germany, opening just weeks later on July 10, 2013, and featuring a dynamic launch element that showcased the model's adaptability.[14] Between 2013 and 2015, several more European parks followed suit, signaling strong initial market interest in the design's blend of thrill and throughput. A key industry milestone came in 2016 with the first non-European installation: Monster at Adventureland in Altoona, Iowa, USA, which opened on June 4 and introduced the Infinity Coaster to the North American market.[15]Design
Core Features
The Infinity Coaster features a steel track constructed with tubular rails and suspended running wheels of large diameter, enabling agile navigation through tight turns and supporting structure heights typically ranging from 31 to 43 meters.[1] This design incorporates easily adjustable side and upstop wheels with suspension for smooth operation. The track width measures 1200 mm, facilitating drops that exceed vertical at angles beyond 90 degrees.[11] The lift system employs a vertical chain lift hill equipped with a magnetic rollback safety mechanism, eliminating traditional anti-rollback dogs and utilizing retractable magnetic braking fins during ascent to ensure quiet and efficient operation.[11] This system is reversible, allowing for controlled lowering or reverse free fall in emergencies, and can integrate optional linear synchronous motor (LSM) launches for added propulsion.[1] Trains consist of single cars seating up to 8 passengers in a two-across arrangement across four rows, with trains configurable for 16 to 20 passengers or more, using lightweight assemblies for operational efficiency.[11] Restraints include continuously adjustable lap bars or shoulder harnesses, providing secure yet spacious leg and arm room via a tripartite elevated seating concept.[1] Standard layout elements include a beyond-vertical first drop, multiple inversions numbering up to 14, airtime hills, and high-speed sections achieving 84 to 105 km/h.[1] These components contribute to a track length of 400 to 1140 meters, with vertical accelerations from -0.9 g to 4.6 g. The design emphasizes high throughput, accommodating 600 to 1200 riders per hour through longer train configurations, surpassing capacities of earlier Gerstlauer models like the Euro-Fighter.[11] Customizable layouts are available to adapt these core elements to specific site requirements.[1]Customization Options
The Infinity Coaster features a highly modular track system that enables a wide array of "infinite" configurations tailored to park requirements, ranging from classic airtime bobsled-style layouts with chain lifts to inverting multi-loop designs or those incorporating LSM (linear synchronous motor) launch systems.[1] This adaptability stems from its core design philosophy, which emphasizes flexibility in element integration, including beyond-vertical drops and heartline rolls for enhanced thrill profiles.[1] The system's modular nature allows for seamless customization of ride dynamics, ensuring varied experiences while maintaining operational efficiency.[1] Shuttle variants further expand options, supporting back-and-forth motion with inclined or vertical lifts, and facilitating the addition of themed elements to create immersive narratives.[1] For instance, non-inverting family-oriented coasters like Gold Rush at Attractiepark Slagharen emphasize smooth, accessible airtime without inversions, contrasting with extreme inversion machines such as The Smiler at Alton Towers, which incorporates 14 inversions for high-thrill riders.[16][2] These variations demonstrate the model's versatility in balancing accessibility and intensity.[1] The design's flexibility extends to site constraints, with compact footprints of approximately 1 to 2.5 acres (0.4 to 1 hectare), making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor installations in space-limited environments.[1] Models like the Launched Infinity Coaster 400 occupy approximately 78 m x 66 m, while larger variants such as the Infinity Coaster 1140 scale up to accommodate more elaborate layouts without excessive land use.[1] A recent evolution, the Infinity Inverted Coaster variant introduced in 2023, builds on this modularity by offering floorless riding experiences with no track beneath the riders, incorporating airtime, inversions, and shuttle options for added immersion.[6][17] This development enhances customization for parks seeking innovative inverted thrills, with examples like the Launched Infinity Inverted Coaster 350 providing LSM launches and two inversions in a 350 m track.[17]Installations
List of Installations
As of November 2025, there are 11 operating Infinity Coaster installations worldwide, with all currently operating and no recorded relocations or closures. A 12th installation, Palindrome at Cotaland in Austin, Texas, USA, is under construction and scheduled to open in 2026.[18] The model debuted with The Smiler at Alton Towers in 2013.[3] The operating installations are listed chronologically below, with specifications including height, track length, top speed, number of inversions, and approximate hourly capacity based on standard train configurations of 16 riders per train running multiple trains.[1][19]| Name | Park | Country | Opening Year | Status | Height (m) | Length (m) | Speed (km/h) | Inversions | Capacity (riders/hr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Smiler | Alton Towers | UK | 2013 | Operating | 30 | 1170 | 85 | 14 | 1000 |
| Karacho | Tripsdrill | Germany | 2013 | Operating | 30 | 700 | 90 | 4 | 960 |
| Junker | PowerPark | Finland | 2015 | Operating | 40 | 860 | 104 | 3 | 1000 |
| Der Schwur des Kärnan | Hansa-Park | Germany | 2015 | Operating | 73 | 1235 | 127 | 1 | 1000 |
| The Monster | Adventureland | USA | 2016 | Operating | 41 | 762 | 105 | 5 | 840 |
| Madagascar Mad Pursuit | Motiongate Dubai | UAE | 2017 | Operating | 25 | 678 | 83 | 0 | 1000 |
| Gold Rush | Slagharen | Netherlands | 2017 | Operating | 22 | 650 | 70 | 0 | 1000 |
| HangTime | Knott's Berry Farm | USA | 2018 | Operating | 46 | 670 | 92 | 5 | 1000 |
| Mystic | Walibi Rhône-Alpes | France | 2019 | Operating | 30 | 900 | 85 | 4 | 1000 |
| Fury | Bobbejaanland | Belgium | 2019 | Operating | 33 | 825 | 100 | 4 | 1000 |
| Pitts Special | PowerPark | Finland | 2020 | Operating | 44 | 693 | 100 | 0 | 1000 |