Six Flags announces new roller coaster with devilish theme

JACKSON (WABC) -- New Jersey's Six Flags Great Adventure amusement park has settled on a devilish theme for its newest roller coaster, set to open in 2015.

Originally announced in the fall of 2014 as "Looping Dragon," with an Asian-inspired moniker and location in the Golden Kingdom section, the park's 13th coaster was re-imagined by park management and re-named El Diablo.

"The Jersey devil has deep roots in our state's history and inspired the new theme for our upcoming thrill ride," park president John Fitzgerald said.

The giant, fiery red El Diablo looping coaster will make its home next to the world's top-rated wooden coaster, El Toro, in the Mexican-themed Plaza del Carnaval section. It features riders sitting in "face-off" seats rocketing forward and backward pendulum style until the train gains enough momentum to complete a full revolution seven stories in the air. The coaster then kicks into high gear, completing full revolutions until it stops momentarily with riders suspended upside down, and then reverses direction for even more thrills.

"El Diablo is the perfect addition to Plaza del Carnaval, as it appeals to both thrill seekers and families alike," Fitzgerald said. "Rides like El Toro and Tango attract a wide audience to this area, which also provides ample opportunities for dining, shopping and relaxation from the excitement of the world's largest theme park."

El Diablo is set to open this spring, and will have a 48-inch height requirement to ride.