Xcelerator, Steel roller coaster at Knott's Berry Farm, Buena Park, California, US.

Xcelerator is a steel launched coaster at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, California, built by Intamin and designed by Werner Stengel. Its hydraulically driven catapult accelerates the train from 0 to 82 mph (132 km/h) in 2.3 seconds along a straight launch track, then the train climbs a vertical 205-foot (62 m) top hat element. After the crest, a short twister section leads into the brake run. The track is painted red, gray, orange and yellow.

The ride opened in 2002 and replaced the earlier Windjammer Surf Racers attraction on the same site. Manufacturer Intamin built the coaster for 13 million dollars at the time, bringing the hydraulic launch system to the United States for the first time.

The trains recall Chevrolet Bel Air convertibles from 1957, mirroring California's close ties to automotive and racing traditions. This nostalgic design fits the theme park experience and connects the fast ride sensation with American automobile history.

Xcelerator usually runs a single train, not two: each of the red and purple trains serves about a year while the other is serviced. The ride closes even in light rain on the manufacturer's recommendation, and test runs without passengers must precede reopening. Trains can go up to 16 months before being disassembled and reinspected.

The hydraulic launch system uses pressurized oil to push riders from zero to top speed in just 2.3 seconds. This short acceleration phase creates particularly high forces that press the body firmly into the seat.