PortAventura Ferrari Land Construction Update + New Coaster Signage Installed

© PortAventura

Almost exactly one year from the start of the construction of PortAventura World Parks & Resort's third theme park, named Ferrari Land, construction crews placed a huge shield logo on the side of the area's new signature roller coaster.

The famous "prancing horse" Ferrari logo, seen above and measuring almost 40 feet tall, was carefully lifted into place during a media event to celebrate the occasion.  The vertical accelerator coaster is the tallest in Europe, standing 367 feet tall, and will reach speed of 112 miles per hour.

© PortAventura

The new roller coaster (designed by Intamin) is actually one of the first items in the new Ferrari Land to be installed, and is scheduled to be complete in just a few weeks.  The rest of the park is about halfway done, with major foundation work now complete.

Next up will be the instillation of buildings and other attractions, with thematic work taking place after.  The park will carry an Italian theme, including the iconic buildings of Maranello, the home of Ferrari.  Luis Valencia, Direction of Development for PortAventura noted that they are "currently involved in construction of the buildings that will shape the area dedicated to traditional Italy, such as the trattoria, and the area designated for the simulators.  Once the construction phase is complete we will start working on the theming of the buildings."

© PortAventura

Other attractions at the park will include an "electric car circuit" that will have a track stretching over 1,640 feet, with vehicles based on Ferrari GP racing cars.  There will also be the driving simulators referenced above, two "bounce-back" tower rides, a kid's area and a "real pit stop" where visitors can "change the wheels of a F1 racing car."

Ferrari Land will occupy almost 15 acres of land adjacent to PortAventura's main entrance and the Hotel PortAventura.  The PortAventura resort has been on a major expansion kick lately, attempting to raise attendance and become a vacation destination for all of Europe.  Ferrari Land is their largest investment in that plan yet, costing well over $100 million to complete.  It is slated to open in 2017.