What made the first films work was how they involved situations that the majority of people can find themselves in. Lots of us fly, Lots of us drive or are driven, most of us will have found themselves on a rollercoaster.
From what I've seen mentioned here, the 'event' involves a racing track and that, I'd imagine, would make it fairly alien to a lot of people. Without the familiarisation that 'I've done that a few times, that could be me' the opening sequence will be fairly tame. Yes, the special effects and gore will still be impressive, but I bet a number of you won't find it makes the same impression.
I'm too cyncial when it comes to 3-D movies. Always think that it's a novelty to draw people in on weak films. perhaps the advanced technology and HD elements mean it's an added bonus and not a substitute.