Superman: Ride of Steel receives makeover

The Superman: Ride of Steel roller coaster located at Six Flags New England has been given something of a makeover.

The previously blue and red coaster - invoking images of the ride's namesake super hero - now sports purple cars to match the equally purple track. In addition to a new coat of paint, the track has been fitted with newly renovated trains.

All of the cars will now feature audio blaring from speakers positioned in the headrest of each seat. The speakers will pump out sound effects timed to coincide with particular sections of the coaster, triggered by sensors located on the track.

"The volume's going to be insane," Stephen M. Keaney, vice president of development, told The Republican. "These sounds are going to enhance the whole experience."

The formerly steel cars will now have fiberglass bodies and each seat is a little wider. Chuck Davis, director of maintenance and construction commented that the fiberglass bodies will allow the the coaster to operate a little quieter, enhancing the audio effects that much more.

Park official are, however, keeping quiet as to why they have chosen the new color for the coaster. Melissa M. Pinkerton, a spokeswoman for Six Flags, would only comment cryptically, "That's part of the transformation."

The renovated Superman: Ride of Steel debuts on May 23 - the start of Memorial Day weekend - more than a month after the park's April 10 opening.