The theme is 1950's but the speed is definitely 21st century - sitting in flame-emblazoned '57 Chevy carriages, riders of the Xcelerator are propelled to speeds in excess of 130kmh in 2.3 seconds as they drop 60 metres.

The fast and furious roller-coaster covers 660 m in just over 1 minute, passing through two overbanked turns and a 60 metre ascent is followed by an immediate descent at a 90-degree angle before the magnetic brakes kick-in on the final run.

Launched in 2002 at Knott's Berry Farm, Buena Park, California, the Xcelerator can accommodate up to 40 passengers on its two trains, each expect to pull 4G's.