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Furius Baco
Furius Baco
Furius Baco
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Furius Baco
One of Furius Baco's trains completing the ride's only inversion: an inline twist.
PortAventura Park
LocationPortAventura Park
Park sectionMediterrània
Coordinates41°05′05″N 1°09′23″E / 41.08472°N 1.15639°E / 41.08472; 1.15639
StatusOperating
Opening dateJune 5, 2007
Cost€15,000,000
General statistics
TypeSteel – Launched
ManufacturerIntamin
DesignerWerner Stengel
ModelWing Rider Coaster Accelerator Coaster
Lift/launch systemHydraulic Launch
Height46 ft (14 m)
Length2,788.75 ft (850.01 m)
Speed83.9 mph (135.0 km/h)
Inversions1
Duration55 sec.
Acceleration0-83.9 mph (0-135 km/h) in 3.5 seconds
G-force4.7
Height restriction140–195 cm (4 ft 7 in – 6 ft 5 in)
Trains3 trains with 6 cars. Riders are arranged 4 across in a single row for a total of 24 riders per train.
Furius Baco at RCDB

Furius Baco is a hydraulically launched steel roller coaster located at PortAventura Park in the resort PortAventura World, Salou, Catalonia, Spain. Manufactured by Intamin, the ride opened on June 5, 2007 as the fastest roller coaster in Europe at 135.0 kilometres per hour (83.9 mph), which the ride reaches in 3.5 seconds; this record has since been surpassed by Red Force at neighboring Ferrari Land.

Description

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Furius Baco stands 14 metres (46 ft) feet tall, is 850 metres (2,790 ft) long, lasts 55 seconds, and cost 15 million euros to build. It features several large turns, an inline twist, and a final turn over the lake. The ride also features Intamin's Wing Rider trains, a different seating arrangement to other hydraulically launched coasters built by the company, where the seats are attached to the side of the barrel themed trains. Each of the three trains have 6 cars, with two riders seated on each side of the track, allowing each train to hold 24 passengers.

Ride experience

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After being loaded with riders, trains slowly advance out of the station area and into the pre-show area, which is themed to a laboratory with whirling cogs and machinery. The sound of a bike bell goes off, cuing the entrance of the professors assistant, a monkey which cycles over the left hand side of the lab on a skybike. A video is shown revealing a machine which is supposed to collect grapes for wine, and the professor is seen climbing down a ladder and removing a large spanner out of his lab coat. The monkey appears to the left holding a lever whilst the professor adds the finishing touches to his machine. The professor then notices the monkey, and shouts "No, No!" However, the monkey pulls the lever, sending the professor flying into the cog machine; he is thrown around the laboratory, trapped in the cogs of the machine. At this point, the machine explodes, flooding the screen with wine. The cars then move forwards then back again, and on the screen the professor dives through the wine and then the ride launches to 135.0 kilometres per hour (83.9 mph)[1] in 3.5 seconds up a small hill before navigating a series of tight turns and transitions through the vineyard and a tunnel. The ride then dives into an inline twist before dropping and twisting through a turn very close to the lake before rising up and going into the brake run where the monkey is hanging on the ceiling holding some grapes. Then the riders are let off the ride and into the shop where they can purchase an onride photo or a video of their ride.

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Furius Baco

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from Grokipedia
Furius Baco is a hydraulically launched Rider roller coaster located in the Mediterrània area of , , , . Manufactured by , it propels riders from 0 to 135 km/h in 3.5 seconds along an 850-meter track featuring low-to-the-ground maneuvers, an in-line twist inversion, tunnels, and water crossings. The ride's theme revolves around a malfunctioning grape-harvesting that catapults passengers into a high-speed adventure, embodying the adrenaline-fueled attractions of the Mediterranean-themed section of the park. Opened to the public in June 2007, Furius Baco was constructed at a cost of €15 million and quickly gained renown for its intense acceleration, making it one of the fastest-launching coasters in at the time. It operates with three trains, each accommodating 24 riders in a 4-across configuration across six cars, achieving a theoretical hourly capacity of 1,500 passengers. Rider restrictions include a minimum height of 1.40 meters and a maximum of 1.95 meters, with options available for those with disabilities via exclusive entry. The coaster's hydraulic launch system and wing-style seating—where riders' legs dangle freely on either side of the track—contribute to its reputation for delivering forceful G-forces up to 4.7 and a ride duration of approximately 55 seconds.

History

Development and Construction

In late 2005, announced the development of Furius Baco as part of an expansion to the Mediterrània area, aiming to introduce a high-speed to enhance the themed zone's attractions. The ride was manufactured by Amusement Rides, with layout design handled by of Stengel Engineering Consulting GmbH, marking an innovative application of their Wing Rider concept featuring a hydraulic acceleration system. The total project cost reached €15,000,000, reflecting the engineering demands of integrating advanced launch technology into a constrained park environment. Construction commenced in mid-2006, following off-site preparations, and progressed over approximately one year to align with the planned 2007 debut, with on-site assembly becoming visible by summer 2006 and completion targeted for spring 2007 to fit seamlessly near the existing lake in the Mediterrània section. Key engineering efforts focused on achieving a compact footprint—limited to a maximum height of 14 meters—while delivering a powerful hydraulic launch capable of propelling trains to extreme speeds, necessitating precise installation of the hydraulic propulsion system within the park's established layout.

Opening and Early Operations

Furius Baco underwent a brief testing period before its public debut at in , . The roller coaster officially opened on June 5, 2007, and was immediately marketed as Europe's fastest, achieving a top speed of 135 km/h through its hydraulic launch mechanism. A grand opening celebration followed two days later on June 7, featuring Italian motorcycle racer as a special guest. The ride's introduction had a notable impact on park visitation, particularly benefiting the Mediterrània area, where is situated, drawing crowds eager to its record-breaking and wing-style seating. Operations quickly ramped up to full capacity of approximately 1,500 riders per hour shortly after the debut, allowing the attraction to handle high demand efficiently. Initial public reception highlighted the coaster's exhilarating intensity, with the 3.5-second launch to 135 km/h generating widespread excitement for its forceful G's and innovative . However, early rider feedback also pointed to the layout's roughness, particularly in the twisting sections following the launch, which some found jarring despite the thrill. By 2010, the ride had solidified its reputation as a high-impact in the park's lineup, though its demanding nature limited repeat rides for some visitors.

Modifications and Maintenance

Since its opening, Furius Baco has undergone several modifications aimed at enhancing operational reliability and reducing downtime. One significant change occurred around 2015 when the preshow doors were disabled to prevent them from triggering sensors on the preshow track, which had been causing frequent operational interruptions. The roller coaster's steel track has not received comprehensive retracking as of 2025. Furius Baco has a history of frequent short-term closures primarily for routine inspections and maintenance.

Design and Technology

Track Layout and Features

Furius Baco features a compact track layout measuring 850 meters in length and reaching a maximum height of 14 meters, with a single inversion consisting of an inline twist. The steel track is constructed using tubing designed for Intamin's Wing Rider system, where trains straddle the rails with seating positioned over the track on both sides, providing riders a floorless experience. This design allows for efficient integration into the park's footprint, weaving around pathways and prominently crossing the Mediterrània lake to enhance the thematic immersion within . The ride's circuit follows a streamlined sequence optimized for high-speed traversal: it commences with an inclined launch track, leading into a sweeping 180-degree turn that redirects the toward the park's central lake. Riders then encounter a dramatic dive over the water crossing, skimming close to the surface, followed by an airtime hill that introduces brief before ascending into the inline twist—the ride's sole inversion. The path concludes with magnetic that smoothly decelerate the back to the station. This low-profile arrangement emphasizes horizontal momentum and proximity to the ground and water, distinguishing it from taller traditional while maximizing the sensation of velocity across the . Furius Baco is the prototype for Intamin's Wing Rider coaster model.

Launch System and Trains

Furius Baco features a hydraulic launch system developed by , which propels the train from 0 to 135 km/h (84 mph) in 3.5 seconds using a mechanism inspired by aircraft carrier catapults. The system employs a catch that couples to the and is pulled by steel cables connected to a powered by 24 hydraulic motors and two high-pressure accumulators, with a reservoir pressurizing the oil to drive the launch. This setup generates a peak force of 4.7 g during , contributing to the ride's intense initial propulsion. The ride operates with three , each consisting of six arranged in a single row with four seats across, accommodating 24 riders per in a wing coaster configuration where seats are mounted on the sides of the for a floorless experience. Riders are secured by over-the-shoulder restraints that lock to ensure safety across the layout's twists and water elements. Each loaded weighs approximately 10.5 tons, and the overall system supports a throughput of 1,500 riders per hour.

Theming and Storyline

Mythological Inspiration

The name Furius Baco draws directly from , combining "Furius," meaning furious or raging, with "Baco," the Spanish rendering of Bacchus, the Roman god of wine, the grape harvest, fertility, and ecstatic revelry—equivalent to the Greek . This nomenclature evokes an image of a wrathful Bacchus, aligning the ride's high-speed intensity with the god's mythological associations with frenzy and uninhibited excess. The ride's thematic lore originates from a reimagined as a malfunctioning for harvesting grapes. In the park's storyline, a develops an innovative grape-collecting machine in a Mediterranean setting, but an assistant monkey inadvertently activates the wrong mechanism, transforming the device into an uncontrollable, high-velocity catapult that hurtles riders through the air. Positioned in PortAventura's Mediterrania area, which celebrates Iberian and broader Mediterranean heritage, the ride's mythology integrates elements of regional vineyards, wine barrels integrated into the trains, and a emphasizing agricultural innovation tied to ancient wine-making traditions. The lore was crafted by PortAventura's team, including contributions from experiential firm Thinkwell Group, to harmonize with the park's global cultural zones while amplifying the thrill through mythological undertones of and natural abundance.

Queue and Station Elements

The queue for Furius Baco begins in an outdoor terraced setting, evoking the Mediterranean landscapes associated with wine production and the ride's mythological ties to the Roman Bacchus. Guests navigate uphill paths lined with vines, blending natural elements with subtle Roman motifs to immerse visitors in the storyline of a mad inventor's grape-harvesting contraption. This section transitions into an indoor queue house featuring switchback paths in a scientific environment, complete with whirling cogs, spotlights, and prototypes of machinery designed for collecting grapes. The station adopts a rustic yet industrial aesthetic reminiscent of a warehouse, with wooden barrel-shaped trains that reinforce the wine theme. Large video screens integrated into the loading area present the safety briefing, narrated by the eccentric character from the ride's . Statues and decorative elements nodding to Bacchus and ancient Roman traditions adorn the space, enhancing the blend of mythology and invention. Interactive features within the queue and station bring the story to life through animatronic figures, including a realistic assistant pedaling a across a tightrope overhead and representations of the professor tinkering with his invention. Sound effects such as ringing bike bells, humming machinery, and clanking gears accompany these displays, heightening tension and tying into the preshow sequence where the accidentally activates the launch. Upon disembarking, the exit path directs riders to a themed merchandise shop focused on wine-inspired souvenirs, on-ride photographs, and related memorabilia. Dedicated stations allow guests to and purchase digital or printed photos from their experience, maintaining the immersive atmosphere with displays of motifs and Roman-inspired decor.

Ride Experience

Preshow and Launch

Riders enter the enclosed station of Furius Baco and board the wing-style , where the preshow sequence begins with a brief video depicting a activating a specialized machine intended for harvesting s in the Mediterranean vineyards. The narrative escalates when an assistant monkey pulls the wrong lever, causing the device to malfunction and transform into an uncontrollable directed toward the riders, heightening the thematic tension. Following the video, the station lights dim as audio elements build suspense, leading directly into the hydraulic launch. The train accelerates abruptly from a standstill to 135 km/h in 3.5 seconds, generating 4.7 g of and propelling riders forward with intense vibrations and a resounding hydraulic whoosh. This sudden surge pins passengers to their restraints, transitioning them seamlessly from the indoor environment into a themed evoking a passage before emerging outdoors at full speed. The launch's brevity and power create a visceral sensory experience, with riders feeling the raw force of the as the hurtles toward the outdoor layout. Theming elements in the station, such as props representing the professor's , enhance the immersive buildup without detracting from the focus.

Circuit and Elements

Following the intense hydraulic launch, the of Furius Baco immediately enters a high-speed right-hand turn, banking sharply as it accelerates toward the Mediterrània lake. This maneuver propels riders into a dramatic dive over the water's surface, skimming just above it and generating significant airtime sensations as the track rises and falls. The path then climbs a rising incline, building anticipation before culminating in a single inline twist inversion, where the rotates 360 degrees around the track while maintaining forward momentum. Throughout the circuit, riders experience pronounced lateral forces in the turns, reaching up to approximately combined, which press passengers sideways into their restraints, enhancing the sensation of unrelenting speed. The lake dive delivers moments of , with vertical forces dipping into ejector airtime (below -0.75G for nearly 1 second), creating a floating feeling over the water. The inline twist introduces disorienting , twisting riders around the barrel-shaped structure for a brief but intense inversion. These elements combine to deliver a compact yet forceful ride profile, emphasizing velocity and directional changes over height. The full circuit spans 55 seconds from launch to stop, integrating seamlessly with the park's landscape as riders catch glimpses of the PortAventura lake and adjacent pathways during the low-to-the-ground traversal. Braking occurs via a magnetic system in the final run, providing a smooth deceleration without physical contact to bring the to a precise halt. This design ensures a controlled conclusion to the high-velocity journey, allowing for efficient dispatch in the station.

Records and Recognition

Speed and Performance Records

Furius Baco held the record for the fastest roller coaster in Europe upon its opening on June 5, 2007, achieving a top speed of 135 km/h (84 mph). This milestone positioned it ahead of all other European coasters at the time, maintaining the title until the opening of Red Force at Ferrari Land in 2017, which reached 180 km/h. Following the 2018 debut of Hyperion at Energylandia (142 km/h), Furius Baco now ranks as the third-fastest operating steel roller coaster in Europe. The coaster's hydraulic launch propels trains from 0 to 135 km/h in 3.5 seconds, delivering a peak positive of 4.7. This acceleration underscores its performance as one of the most intense launched coasters, particularly notable after the 2021 closure of (180 km/h with one inversion), making Furius Baco the fastest operating globally launched featuring an inversion. In comparison to other Intamin launched models, such as Top Thrill Dragster (193 km/h), Furius Baco distinguishes itself by incorporating an in-line twist inversion, a feature absent in many higher-speed strata coasters that prioritize pure velocity over layout complexity. This combination of speed and elements highlights its unique performance profile within the launched coaster category.

Unique Achievements

Furius Baco represents Intamin's inaugural Wing Rider Coaster, debuting in as the manufacturer's first implementation of a side-seating configuration where riders the track in floorless trains positioned on either side of the rails. This innovative design provided an immersive, unobstructed view and enhanced the sensation of speed and exposure, setting a precedent for subsequent -style coasters despite Intamin producing no further models of this type. The ride's compact , with a track length of just 850 meters and a maximum of 14 meters, made it particularly suitable for parks with spatial constraints, allowing high-thrill experiences in limited areas without requiring expansive layouts typical of other launched . As the sole hydraulic-launched coaster featuring wing rider trains, it combined a powerful 3.5-second to 135 km/h with this unique seating, creating a prototype that blended launch intensity and aerial freedom in a manner not replicated elsewhere. Following its opening, Furius Baco contributed to a notable uptick in PortAventura Park's visitation, with attendance rising from 3.5 million in to 3.7 million in 2007, reflecting its draw as a flagship attraction. Culturally, the coaster gained prominence in enthusiast media for its explosive launch, earning nicknames like "Europe's rocket coaster" and inspiring numerous fan-built recreations in simulation software such as NoLimits Roller Coaster Simulation.

Operations and Safety

Capacity and Restrictions

Furius Baco accommodates up to 1,500 riders per hour through the operation of three trains. Riders must meet specific height requirements, with a minimum of 140 cm and a maximum of 195 cm, and the ride enforces a strict no loose items policy to ensure safety during the high-speed launch and circuit. The attraction operates during the park's seasonal opening periods, subject to periodic major maintenance closures, and experiences peak wait times of 60 to 90 minutes during high-traffic periods such as summer months. Accessibility provisions include exclusive access for people with disabilities and reduced mobility, and no single-rider option offered to maintain efficient train loading.

Incidents and Reliability

In September 2012, Furius Baco experienced a significant safety incident when a rider's restraint harness failed mid-ride due to a snapped cable, causing the mechanism to break open during operation. The affected passenger managed to hold onto the restraint bar and completed the circuit, emerging practically unharmed despite the high-speed forces involved. The attraction was subsequently closed for the weekend to allow for thorough inspections of all restraints and related systems. Following this event, PortAventura implemented enhanced restraint maintenance protocols, including regular cable integrity checks, to prevent recurrence. Throughout the 2010s, Furius Baco encountered reliability challenges typical of early hydraulic launch systems, including occasional glitches that resulted in incomplete launches or rollbacks down the inclined track. These issues contributed to intermittent downtime during operating hours. In recent years, minor breakdowns have continued, with data indicating several delays in attributed to potential sensor faults or mechanical issues, though none resulted in injuries. For instance, the ride experienced brief closures, including one lasting a few days reportedly due to an oil leak in the hydraulic system. No fatalities have ever been recorded on Furius Baco. As of November 2025, the ride continues to operate without reported major incidents beyond routine maintenance. The coaster adheres to the EN 13814, which mandates comprehensive safety requirements for design, operation, , and of amusement rides, including daily hydraulic system checks to ensure fluid levels, pressure, and component integrity.

References

  1. https://www.portaventuraworld.com/en/rides/furius-baco
  2. https://www.intamin.com/project/furius-baco/
  3. https://rcdb.com/3430.htm
  4. https://www.portaventuraworld.com/blog/en/how-does-furius-baco-reach-its-top-speed
  5. https://themeparkreview.com/forum/topic/5561-portaventura-discussion-thread/
  6. https://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/coasters/furiousbaco_portaventura
  7. https://coasterpedia.net/wiki/Furius_Baco
  8. https://coaster.fandom.com/wiki/Furius_Baco
  9. https://coasterforce.com/forums/threads/rides-effects-that-dont-work-as-they-used-to.39140/
  10. https://www.thrill-data.com/waits/attraction/portaventura/furiusbaco/
  11. https://www.tripsavvy.com/furius-baco-portaventura-review-3225672
  12. https://missionthemepark.home.blog/2019/12/05/furius-baco-portaventura-review/
  13. https://www.rollercoasterphilosophy.com/2010/portaventura-1/
  14. https://rollercoaster.fandom.com/wiki/Furius_Baco
  15. https://rideforcesdb.com/?id=4437
  16. https://coasterpedia.net/wiki/Accelerator_Coaster
  17. https://coasterpedia.net/wiki/Fastest_roller_coasters_%28Europe%29
  18. https://coasterpedia.net/wiki/Do-Dodonpa
  19. https://coasterforce.com/wing/
  20. https://www.teaconnect.org/images/files/TEA_29_601512_140617.pdf
  21. https://coasterforce.com/hydraulic-launch/
  22. https://www.barcelona-tickets.com/portaventura-world-tickets/timings-opening-hours/
  23. https://www.parkstrip.fr/2012/09/accident-grave-sur-furius-baco.html
  24. https://coasterforce.com/forums/threads/furious-baco-restraint-failure.34859/
  25. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3uvqrclJOU
  26. https://www.portaventuraworld.com/en/dates-times
  27. https://www.cencenelec.eu/news-events/news/2019/eninthespotlight/2019-06-20-en13815-safer-amusement-devices/
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