Six Flags reveals first-of-its kind roller-coaster featuring ‘hovercycles’

Six Flags Magic Mountain announced a “next-generation, first-of-its-kind coaster” equipped with “hovercycles” will open at the theme park next year.

Thrill Glider roller coaster “combines flying, motorbike and suspended coaster technologies,” according to an announcement from Six Flags Magic Mountain Thursday.

Riders will “soar above the landscape through sweeping maneuvers, sudden dives and weightless moments that simulate piloting a high-speed hovercycle powered by tomorrow’s technology,” the company said. Six Flags Magic Mountain

The new ride at the Valencia park has been described as having a “suspended glider train design combined with over half a mile of twisting, turning, diving track,” built into the park’s unique mountainside.

Riders will “soar above the landscape through sweeping maneuvers, sudden dives and weightless moments that simulate piloting a high-speed hovercycle powered by tomorrow’s technology,” the theme park said.

“It will combine the freedom of flight with the intensity of a multi-launch thrill coaster, delivering an experience unlike anything guests have ever ridden.”

“It will combine the freedom of flight with the intensity of a multi-launch thrill coaster, delivering an experience unlike anything guests have ever ridden.” Six Flags Magic Mountain
Six Flags Magic Mountain in Southern California announced that Thrill Glider, a first-of-its-kind roller coaster, will debut in 2027. Six Flags Magic Mountain

The roller coaster was developed by world-renowned manufacturer Vekoma, offering riders “an action-filled 80 seconds” that will see riders reach speeds of 50 mph, with “12 airtime moments.”

“Enhanced by synchronized onboard audio and immersive lighting effects, every moment is designed to amplify the sensation of speed, flight and freedom,” the these park said.

The new ride will also set a series of new records including, “World’s Longest Thrillglider – 3,380 feet, which is more than half a mile” and “World’s Tallest Thrillglider,” standing at 107 feet tall.

Six Flags Magic Mountain in Southern California announced that Thrill Glider, a first-of-its-kind roller coaster, will debut in 2027. The new attraction will combine flying, motorbike and suspended coaster technologies to deliver a unique aerial adventure. Six Flags Magic Mountain

“Thrill Glider is more than a new attraction. It is the latest milestone in Six Flags Magic Mountain’s renaissance and a reflection of the park’s enduring role as an industry innovator,” said Six Flags Magic Mountain Brian Oerding.

Construction on the massive project is already under way, with it slated to open sometime next year. Additional details and opening information will be announced at a later date.

The new ride arrives on the heels of two deaths and a dozen injuries over the past 24 years linked to another thrill ride at the park, the X2 coaster.

The new coaster debuts on the heels of two deaths and a dozen injuries over the past 24 years linked to another thrill ride at the park, the X2 coaster. Getty Images

The ride — which reaches speeds of up nearly 80 mph and rotates 360 degrees — has been shut down since July 12 after two riders suffered catastrophic injuries and needed emergency brain surgery in incidents just days apart this summer, according to an investigation by CNN.

A park spokesperson recently told The Post “the ride remains closed at this time.”

The daily closures on the park website lists the ride with no other information about when or if it will reopen.

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