Mitsubishi unveils super fast bullet-shaped elevator for the Shanghai Tower

In the next few years, Burj Khalifa will lose not only its status as the tallest skyscraper in the world, but also its right to be called home to the fastest elevators. Mitsubishi recently unveiled the mock-up design of its new elevator technology to be used for the currently-in-construction Shanghai Tower in China. Taking on an aerodynamic bullet-shaped form, the elevator can travel at a record-breaking speed of 40.2 mph or roughly 59' per second! In comparison, Burj Khalifa's elevators, can only reach speeds up to 26mph.

Mitsubishi's bullet-like elevator uses a rope made of high-intensity steel strands wrapped in plastic for maximum speed and safety. Aside from being fast, it's also rather green — its motors have the capacity to regenerate electricity, thereby reducing consumption by 30%. Inside the car, various mechanisms minimize vibrations and control air pressure so your ears don't pop while you're traveling upward at that kind of speed.

Want to experience riding the fastest elevator in the world? You have to wait until the Shanghai Tower opens in 2014. The extremely tall building is expected to measure 2,073' in height, which is shorter only than the Burj Khalifa — at least until Saudi Arabia's Kingdom Tower is built.

[via DVICE]

This article was written by Mariella Moon and originally appeared on Tecca

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