Top Thrill 2

Top Thrill 2
Previously known as Top Thrill Dragster (2003–2023)
The top hat and its supports of Top Thrill 2
Cedar Point
LocationCedar Point
Park sectionTop Thrill 2 Midway
Coordinates41°29′2.25″N 82°41′10.38″W / 41.4839583°N 82.6862167°W / 41.4839583; -82.6862167
StatusOperating
Soft opening dateApril 25, 2024 (2024-04-25)
Opening dateMay 4, 2024 (2024-05-04)
Cost$25 million
General statistics
TypeSteel Launched
DesignerWerner Stengel
ModelLSM Lightning Launch Coaster
Lift/launch systemLSM
Height420 ft (130 m)
Drop400 ft (120 m)
Speed120 mph (190 km/h)
Inversions0
Duration2 minutes
Max vertical angle90°
Height restriction52 in (132 cm)
Original manufacturerIntamin
Redesigned byZamperla
Fast Lane Plus only available
Top Thrill 2 at RCDB
Video

Top Thrill 2 is a launched roller coaster located at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, United States. The ride originally opened as Top Thrill Dragster in 2003, becoming the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world, as well as the first ever strata coaster. The original was an Accelerator Coaster model from Intamin designed by Werner Stengel, featuring a height of 420 feet (130 m) and a drop distance of 400 feet (120 m). It could accelerate from 0 to 120 mph (190 km/h) in 3.8 seconds and was themed to Top Fuel drag racing, with a launch track designed to resemble a dragstrip. Although its height and speed records were surpassed by Kingda Ka at Six Flags Great Adventure in 2005, the ride consistently ranked as one of the world's top steel coasters.

Following a serious incident in 2021, in which a guest was severely injured while standing in line, Top Thrill Dragster was abruptly shut down and remained closed with an uncertain future. Nearly two years later, Zamperla was hired to create a new version of the ride, adding a second 420-foot (130 m) tower and replacing Intamin's hydraulic launch in favor of a linear synchronous motor (LSM) launch system. Though less powerful, the LSM launch propels the train three times in the new launch sequence – forward, backward, and forward again – to reach the same maximum speed as the original design.

The coaster reemerged as Top Thrill 2 on May 4, 2024, featuring a new, longer riding experience. However, its inaugural season was cut short after only a week of operation, when an issue with its trains required modifications. It reopened for the 2025 season and also recaptured the title as the tallest roller coaster in the world following the closure of Kingda Ka.