Orlando, Florida - At 570ft, the Skyscraper is just 21ft shorter than London’s Gherkin.
But this is no new-fangled office building – this is a 21st century plan to take old-fashioned roller coasters to new heights.
The red and white Skyscraper is being built in Orlando, Florida, but will not be housed in any of the city’s famous theme parks – instead it will be the centre of a £130-million Skyplex entertainment complex on the city’s International Drive.
It is set to open in 2017. Until then, thrill seekers can get a taste of what to expect thanks to a computer animation of the ride.
The four-minute clip, released by US Thrill Rides, will give them a teasing glimpse of what to it will be like to descend at 65mph high above the city.
Bill Kitchen, founder of US Thrill Rides, insists that not only is Skyscraper designed to be the tallest in the world, but claims it will be the most thrilling too.
He told the Orlando Sentinel: “Skyscraper will not only take riders higher than ever before, but also introduce one thrill right after the next – there’s no down time on this four-minute coaster experience.
“It is an absolute cutting-edge engineering marvel that will deliver pure adrenaline unlike any roller coaster in the world today.”
Mr Kitchen promises that the roller coaster will offer “more incredible, heart-pounding inside and outside loops, dives, spirals and inversions in a vertical area than riders have ever before experienced”.
For those who aren’t sure they can stomach such twists and turns, there will also be a look-out point 535ft above ground, accessible by glass elevators and offering panoramic views of Orlando.
And next door to the roller coaster, the 420ft Orlando Eye Ferris wheel will offer another sedate option from which to enjoy the view.
The current accolade of world’s tallest roller coaster is held by the Kingda Ka, which is also in Florida, and stands at 456ft.
Britain’s highest is the Big One in Blackpool, which is paltry in comparison at just 213ft tall. - Daily Mail