Thorpe Park in Surrey will introduce a thrill ride based on the horror-film franchise Saw next year.

Saw – The Ride has been created in collaboration with studios Lionsgate Films and Twisted Pictures and features a 100ft-high, 100-degree vertical drop and three inversions, making it the steepest freefall ride in the world.

Keith Workman of Thorpe Park said: "In October 2007, we held focus groups with young adults to test whether a horror-themed ride would prove popular and the results showed unequivocal support for the use of horror theming. The general consensus was that a horror film-based ride would be a great addition to the park.

"Attention to detail will be obvious throughout the ride, and the creative team are working hard on bringing the film to life through theming, including queue line experience which will help guests immerse themselves into the story and build up their apprehension."

The project is part of Lionsgate Films' plans to progress the Saw brand beyond the cinema and into other entertainment streams. The studio opened its first ride, the Official Saw Haunted Attraction, in Bream California in September.

Twisted Pictures principals Mark Burg and Oren Koules said: “We love scaring people, and Saw – The Ride is a whole new way to do it. The team at Thorpe Park have really impressed us with their grasp of the ‘Saw’ universe and with their dedication to creating a truly edgy attraction.”

The new ride will be the Park’s fourth major rollercoaster, joining Stealth – one of Europe’s fastest rollercoasters, Colossus – the world’s first ten looping rollercoaster and Nemesis Inferno – the 4.5 G-force experience.

Thorpe Park and the Saw ride will open for the 2009 season on Saturday 14th March. Details: sawtheride.com