THIS is the first glimpse of how the new £16.25 million rollercoaster at Blackpool Pleasure Beach will look.

Known only by its codename ‘Construction 2018’, the ride will see thrill seekers experience the same G force felt by Formula 1 car drivers.

The ride will feature the first double launch in the UK, propelling riders forward at high speed at the start of the ride and at a second point midway through.

Acceleration experienced while on the ride will be equivalent to four times that of someone driving a Lamborghini Gallardo.

The ride will reach speeds of up to 50mph, heights of 88.5ft and drops of up to 82ft as it loops between other rides at the Pleasure Beach including Big One, Steeplechase, Big Dipper, Pleasure Beach Express and the Grand Prix.

The coaster will be manufactured by Mack Rides in Germany and open at the Pleasure Beach in spring, 2018.

Over 44,800 hours have been invested in the development to date with that number expected to treble ahead of completion.

Deputy managing director of Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Nick Thompson, said: "We have been working on this concept for five years now and are delighted to be able share news of our plans.

"Construction 2018 will be fast, adrenalin fuelled and exhilarating but also smooth and comfortable – an entirely new ride experience.

“It sees a significant investment in Blackpool Pleasure Beach. We expect to see thrill seekers flock to the park to experience this UK ride first."

Blackpool Pleasure Beach's managing director, Amanda Thompson, added: "Construction 2018 follows in the long tradition we have at Blackpool Pleasure Beach of investing in fantastic rides and bringing first of their kind rollercoasters to the UK.

“Blackpool Pleasure Beach, the world's most ride intensive amusement park, is home to the UK's first looping coaster, Revolution, and, at the time it was built, the world's tallest and fastest rollercoaster, The Big One, plus many more thrilling rides.

“I'm delighted to be able to continue this tradition and bring such a thrilling ride to the UK."