Q-steer
is a line of remote-controlled toy cars manufactured by Takara Tomy, based on the popular Choro-Q line. First released in late 2006, Q-Steer replaces Takara's Digi-Q and Tomy's Bit Char-G micro R/C lines.
Overview
Like its Takara predecessor Digi-Q, Q-Steer incorporates micro infrared technology as opposed to the traditional radio control used by other micro R/C brands. It also uses the 40 mm long S-Tech chassis, which is an evolution of Tomy's Bit Char-G chassis. Much like their Choro-Q contemporaries, Q-Steer cars have a slot at the rear, where users can insert a coin to change the cars' handling characteristics, such as doing a wheelie.
Each Q-Steer car can be set to one of two IR channels and up to four cars can race simultaneously. The controller features the basic six-point movement function, a turbo boost button and a special tool used to switch the power and channel levers underneath the car, as well as to open the car's battery case. It is also possible for users to operate their cars with their cell phones or a Sony PSP.
Unlike other micro R/C cars in the market, Q-Steer cars are not rechargeable. Instead, the car and controller are powered by two LR44 button cell batteries each. Maximum operation range is 1.5 meters or 5 feet.
Starter kits come with the car and controller only. QSH lines come with a "Spin Tire" axle which enables the car to drift. Aside from cars based on real models, Q-Steer also offers cars from licensed anime, movie and video game franchises such as Initial D, Disney/Pixar's Cars and Nintendo's Mario Kart Wii and Pokémon. The Lightning McQueen Q-Steer car (available in both Rust-eeze and Dinoco paint schemes) comes with a set of "Noco-Noco" tires, which are unevenly mounted to give the car a wobbly movement.
Tamiya X Q-Steer
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of Tamiya Corporation's successful off-road R/C line, the company collaborated with Takara Tomy to release Q-Steer versions of their popular 1/10 scale dune buggies such as The Frog, The Grasshopper and The Hornet. In contrast to regular Q-Steer cars, these models are rechargeable through the controller. This line is currently available in North America by Spin Master as Terrain Titans.
See also
- ZipZaps