You might have heard of the Kyosho MINI-Z series if you are into radio-controlled cars. It was introduced way back in 1999 and has been around since. MINI-Z, for the uninitiated, was the RC industry’s first palm-top size RC car. It is a small hobby-grade RC car with proportional control. I had one. It was hella expensive which may be prohibitive for some to get started. But that changes with the First MINI-Z series from its toy line Kyosho Egg.
Joining the First MINI-Z series that already include popular car models like Initial D Mazda Savanna RX-7 (PC), Initial D Mazda RX-7 (FD), Nissan GT-R (R35), Initial D Toyota Sprinter Trueno AE86 headlight, Subaru Light Truck, and more are Toyota Hiace Super GL [JP] (oh yeah! An tiny RC van!), and a Toyota Sprinter Trueno in two colorways.
Like the mainline MINI-Z, this First MINI-Z is 1/28 scale and it is powered by AA cells. A fresh set of batteries will get you around 60 minutes of runtime. They may be minuscule but they are not lacking of speed. Each First MINI-Z is capable of 7 km/h (4.3 mph) in training mode and offers up to a breathtaking (for its size, that is) 10 km/h (6.2 mph) in racing mode.
It has an operating distance of a modest 30 meters (19 mph) with the included 2.4 GHz controller. A total of up to 12 units of FIRST MINI-Z can race together. Each model further touts light-up headlights and taillights. However, I believe they only light when it is in motion.
The Hiace further boasts an opening rear door that reveals a spartan interior. Each set contains the main unit, a 2.4 GHz controller with a stopwatch function, mini pylons, a trim adjuster, and a battery holder. The new First MINI-Z Toyota Sprinter Trueno AE86 is available in a choice of Black and Red [JP], and Black and White models [JP], while the Hiace is offered in white.
They are expected to be released in August 2024 for 6,578 yen (tax included) [JP] (about US$41) in Japan. Local and online retailers outside of Japan should be taking pre-orders for them as we speak.
Images: Kyosho [JP].