Carowinds amusement park in Charlotte, North Carolina, has released a video showing the first ever test run of the soon-to-open Fury 325 'giga coaster'.

The video confirms reports that the $50m ride will be the world's tallest and fastest giga coaster – a specialist category of roller coasters that have an initial drop of more than 300ft and complete a full circuit.

Set to open this spring, Fury 325 stands at 325ft tall, with an 81-degree initial drop. Officials say it reaches speeds of 95mph.

The ride was designed and manufactured by Bolliger and Mabillard (B&M) of Switzerland.