Suzuka Circuit Announced Duel GP

[roomraider]

With the latest addition to the "is it a coaster?" debate. Suzuka Circuit in Japan has announced Duel GP. Advertised as the world's first "two-seater coaster that passengers can steer by themselves"
http://www.suzukacircuit.jp/gpfield_s/duelgp/

I have literally no idea quite what type of ride this is or how the "Steer it yourself" bit works but it looks like it will be an nice addition to their already quirky line up. I mean this is the park that has a coaster where the launch speed is determined by how loud you can shout on the launch track. A ride design i think we can guarantee we won't see at Alton Towers or Margate any time soon



I think the best thing here is that the track is a mini replica of the Suzuka F1 circuit itself.

 

[Chris Brown]

Looks quite fab, Im imagining the Maurer at Ferrari World except the cars can be spun slightly by the rider to simulate a car drifting round a corner. Swear i recall a manufacturer unveiling a drifting coaster recently?

 

[TLARides]

It's like a slot car kind of thing, like the Tin Lizzies at Kentucky Kingdom.

At least, I assume so. The photo of the track looks like it has very large slots for the cars.

Maybe coaster was the wrong term for it...

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[Genasi]

Reminds me of the Single Car Racing concept Vekoma introduced some years ago. Maybe the first installation?

 

[Tulum]

I guess it is going to be a Maurer Ride like the one they opened at Skyline Park: https://rcdb.com/13786.htm

 

[roomraider]

Or none of the above
Duel GP is almost complete and ready for its opening next month. But quite what it is I'm still not sure.

Source

 

[TLARides]

Or none of the above
Duel GP is almost complete and ready for its opening next month. But quite what it is I'm still not sure.
View attachment 2338 View attachment 2339 View attachment 2340
Source

So if it's "steerable" then it's got more of a drifting mechanic to it?

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[J Rod]

The drifting concept seems to be the most likely option. I can't see any other way riders could "steer" with it being on a fixed track.

 

[Pear]

Why not just build a go kart track and get the same effect for less cost?

 

[Pokemaniac]

Why not just build a go kart track and get the same effect for less cost?

I would guess this has a higher capacity and lower risk of injury. Probably needs less attendance too.

 

[TLARides]

Why not just build a go kart track and get the same effect for less cost?

This is more fun and a more creative idea, I guess.

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[roomraider]

Some kind of spinning mechanic seems to be involved

https://twitter.com/x/status/965866160867614720

 

[Temleh]

That is so cool!

 

[TLARides]

Some kind of spinning mechanic seems to be involved

https://twitter.com/x/status/965866160867614720

So I was right. A drifting mechanic kind of thing.

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[roomraider]

More pictures and some testing footage

https://twitter.com/x/status/966860155148058624

https://twitter.com/x/status/966857480398503936

https://twitter.com/x/status/966948315295137792

https://twitter.com/x/status/966934280227119104

 

[peep]

Yeah that looks fun. A bit slow but I'm thinking that's for testing purposes?

 

[roomraider]

While i have no evidence for this. If the drivers can control speed i cant imagine it just goes flat out when the cars are empty? There would be a sort of base speed for when cars are empty perhaps.