Mini-Z

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Mini-Z is a brand name for a popular line of 1:28-scale electric radio-controlled cars manufactured by Kyosho Corporation, a Japanese manufacture of various radio-controlled devices. [1] RadioShack's popular XMODS line is similar in appearance. Cars are approximately 6-7 inches long. Kyosho makes a huge number of bodies for the Mini-Z. They are all highly detailed realistic looking and fully painted with a high gloss paint. The bodies are so realistic and beautifully made that many people collect them. Bodies comes with a dummy chassis and wheels so they can be displayed. Popular bodies for racing are the McLaren and Ferrari Enzo. Classic ones includes Lancia Stratos, Lotus Europa, Porsche 934 and 935, Lamborghini Countach, Shelby Cobra and many others. Mini-Z comes with parts to adjust wheelbase and motor location to fit the body. Different bodies will handle differently due to wheelbase and width. A rear engine car like the Porsche 934 has a rear motor mount, so the Mini-Z replicate somewhat the handling characteristics of the real car. They can be modified quite extensively with parts both from Kyosho Corporation and from aftermarket suppliers like PNracing or Atomic which are the two most popular ones. The cars and modification parts are typically available in hobby stores and also through online hobby retailers. Many hobbyists race their cars against others. [2]

[edit] Racing

There are many different racing leagues for these cars around the world. In the United States, RCP tracks are the standard in racing surface. The tracks are made from interlocking mats that are about 1/2" thick. They have a rough surface on it to give the cars high traction. In Asia and European countries, carpet is a popular surface. There is less traction, so is more difficult to drive. The popularity of Mini-Z is partly due to the low cost of the car compared to 1/10 scale RC racing and the small space requirement. A full scale race course can be set up in the driveway of a home, and with the RCP tracks, it can be taken down in less than 15 minutes with help from all racers. They have been seen as a great way to get into RC racing. In the United States, the biggest race is the PN Racing World Cup event. They start with regional races held around the country every year that concludes with the world cup final. It is amazing to watch the best drivers compete in the final competition. The speed and size of the car requires high driving skills and quick reaction. Driving skill is definitely more important than equipment. Another popular race is the online HFAY racing series. Each local club or individual builds his or her race track using standard RCP track component and post their time on the internet. This innovative racing formal allows racers from different part of the country or even the world to compete in the same event. Another unique race is the 12 hours LeMans endurance race. One was held in Germany, another in Spain. Teams from all over Europe come to compete. The race includes simulated rain using hand out slick tires as well as night running where the lights are turned off for an hour, and cars drive using its own headlights. Bright headlights and different driving skills are needed.

[edit] Chassis types

• MR-01 (The original Mini-Z)
• MR-02 (Second-generation)
• MR-015 (Latest generation, similar to MR-01 but with integrated servo saver)
• MA-010 (all-wheel-drive version)
• Mini-Z LIT (Compact 1/28th RC car, comparable to a 1/32 scale car)
• F1 (Formula One style open-wheel)
• Overland (SUV/truck type)
• Monster (Monster truck)
• NASCAR Series (I-Series)

[edit] Links

Kyosho Kyosho web site

mini-zracer The most informative forum on mini-z

Mini-Z Guide Beginner's introductory guide to mini-z

Spoon's Mini-Z Blog Mini-z Blog

PN Racing Manufacture of high performance mini-z parts and organizer of PN Worldcup race.

Atomic Another manufacture of high performance mini-z parts.

RCP TracksMaker of high traction modular race course for mini RC cars.

MiniZZ Spanish Mini-Z Site

Kyosho also manufactures an extra-small zap-and-go type car under the Mini-Z brand (Mini-Z Lit), and also boats (Mini-Z Formula Boat and Mini-Z Catamaran Boat).