A new high for roller coasters
Correspondent Lee Cowan reports on how the ups-and-downs of today's amusement park industry are being ridden via new technologies in roller coaster design, including the New Texas Giant (a hybrid wooden-and-steel roller coaster), and the Tormenta Rampaging Run (a "giga dive" coaster), at Six Flags Over Texas. (Originally broadcast April 12, 2026.)
Reported by 1 outlet — CBS News. See all sources ↓
A new roller coaster record was set at Six Flags Over Texas. The park opened the New Texas Giant, a hybrid wooden-and-steel coaster, and the Tormenta Rampaging Run, a giga dive coaster. Reporter Lee Cowan covered the story for CBS News on April 12, 2026.
Why it matters
These rides show how new technology makes roller coasters taller, faster, and safer. They also attract more visitors, helping the amusement park industry grow.
- What is the New Texas Giant?
- It is a hybrid wooden-and-steel roller coaster at Six Flags Over Texas.
- What does 'giga dive' mean?
- It describes a very tall coaster with a steep, near-vertical drop.
How outlets are framing the same story
Here's how each outlet is covering the story — compare their headlines and timing at a glance.
Since only CBS News reported the story, all outlets frame it the same way.
- Coverage card1 outlet1CoverageScouting report
A new high for roller coasters
Sources1TypeCoverageCBS News