The
Kyosho Mini-Z's are a range of small, electric radio-controlled
cars -- theoretically, they are 1/24
scale -- in other words, they're a little over 10
centimetres long and easily fit in the palm of your hand. What distinguishes them from other small radio controlled cars are:
- It comes with a wheel radio, while most other RC cars of this type come with a stick radio. The radio, in fact, dwarfs the car.
- It has proportional steering and throttle, in other words, if you turn the wheel a little, the wheels turn a little; similarly for the throttle.
- They are amazingly fast.
- Spare parts are readily available if you break one.
- Hop-up parts, such as motors, one-way differentials are available.
- They can be pulled apart and fixed, or serviced.
- They are expensive: the cheapest one you're likely to find is probably over US$100.
- They are really fun to drive.
- There are racetracks and clubs popping up all over the place.
There are two main variants: street and F1. The street ones are modelled after street cars, like the Ferrari F355, the Mazda RX-7, etc; but there are some surprise ones, like Speed-Racer Mach 5. The F1's are modelled after, obviously enough Formula 1 cars.