The Kyosho Mini-Z range is well-regarded by RC enthusiasts and is known for its high performance and durable construction. The small 1/28 scale Mini-Z cars make them well-suited for use in a variety of different settings, including indoor tracks and small outdoor spaces. The 4X4 is a 1/24 scale truck.
The Kyosho Mini-Z is a good choice for those looking for small, high-quality, high-performance RC cars that are suitable for various settings. Whether you are looking for a touring car, off-road vehicle, special-edition model, or 4X4, there’s an option in the Mini-Z range that will meet your needs.
The Mini-Z is a range of small-scale remote control cars that you can customize with various parts and bodies to alter its handling. You can find these modification parts from Kyosho Corporation or aftermarket suppliers, and they are usually available at hobby stores and online.
The speed of a Mini-Z car can still be quite impressive, with some models capable of reaching speeds of around 30 mph or more. However, it’s important to note that the primary focus of a Mini-Z car is not on speed, but rather on handling and control.
But with modifications, some have achieved speeds higher than 60mph. People often race Mini-Zs against each other for fun.
In addition, the Mini-Z range is known for its advanced features and capabilities, such as adjustable suspension, brushless motors, and a full range of drivetrain options.
They are powered by brushed motors and all of them use AAA batteries for easy replacement instead of recharging.
Mini-Z FWD / RWD / AWD
The Mini-Z range consists of around six 1/28-scale RC cars and one 1/24 truck. These first three come in a variety of different body styles, including sports cars, touring cars, and special edition models. You can choose Honda, Mazda, Renault, or Toyota bodies for these options.
The FWD, RWD, and AWD options are designed for use on various flat surfaces, including carpet, asphalt, and rubber.
The FWD option is similar to normal road cars in style, while the RWD and AWD are more focused on racing performance. The RWD steering is separate from the drivetrain so you’ll get similar results to the real thing. AWD has better handling, stability, and acceleration.
The MINI-Z AWD Sports comes equipped with special tires for drifting, so you can focus on honing your drifting skills. This car offers a thrilling drift-driving experience.
These three options also feature adjustable suspension, allowing you to fine-tune the setup to suit your preferences and the conditions of the track.
Overall, the Mini-Z FWD/RWD/AWD are high-quality, high-performance RC cars that are well-suited for use on a variety of different surfaces. It is a good choice for RC enthusiasts who are looking for a touring car that is capable of delivering excellent performance and handling.
Length: 4.7 inches (120 mm)
Width: 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Height: 1.4 inches (35 mm)
Weight: 90 grams
Mini-Z Buggy
The Mini-Z Buggy is a 1/28 scale RC car and is designed for use on rough terrains, like dirt, sand, and grass.
One of the main features of the Mini-Z Buggy is its 4WD drivetrain, designed to provide excellent traction and handling on rough terrain. The car also features adjustable suspension, allowing you to fine-tune the setup to suit your preferences and the conditions of the track.
The Mini-Z Buggy is available in a wide range of body styles, including trucks and buggies. It is powered by a brushed motor.
One of the styles is the Mini-Z Turbo Optima;
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The Mini-Z Buggy is different from the road car versions of the Mini-Z in several ways. First, it is designed specifically for use on rough terrain, rather than smooth surfaces like carpet or asphalt. Second, it has a more rugged and durable design, with features such as a 4WD drivetrain and adjustable suspension that are well-suited for off-road use.
Length: 6.4 inches (120 mm)
Width: 4.13 inches (53 mm)
Height: 1.81 inches (35 mm)
Weight: 200 grams
Watch these Mini-Z buggies going for it in this race;
Mini-Z EVO
The Mini-Z EVO is a 1/28 scale touring RC car designed for use on various surfaces, including carpet, asphalt, and rubber.
One of the main features that make the Mini-Z EVO different from other Mini-Z models is its advanced electronics system. The EVO features a brushless motor and a 2.4 GHz radio system, which provide improved performance and reliability compared to the brushed motors and 27 MHz radio systems used in some other Mini-Z models.
Please take a look at my related article: Is Kyosho A Good RC Brand? Here’s Everything You Need To Know
The Mini-Z EVO also has many other optional features, including a high-precision gyro, an adjustable suspension, and a variety of different body styles. It is powered by a lithium-ion battery and is designed to be used with a 2.4 GHz radio transmitter.
Overall, the Mini-Z EVO is a high-performance RC car that is well-suited for use on a variety of different surfaces. It is a good choice for RC enthusiasts who are looking for a touring car that delivers excellent performance and handling, and who want the added benefits of advanced electronics and features.
Length: 4.86 inches (120 mm)
Width: 2.99 inches (53 mm)
Height: 1.38 inches (35 mm)
Weight: 135 grams
Check out the following video to give you an idea of whats involved with these vehicles and how they perform;
Mini-Z 4X4
The 1:24 scale MINI-Z 4×4 Readyset is a miniature replica of the first-generation Toyota 4Runner, designed to resemble a rock crawler. Its injection-molded body includes flexible mirrors and wipers to protect against damage, and the rear cap has a matte finish and a spare tire for a realistic 4WD off-road look. They have carefully crafted the model to capture the true essence of a rock crawler.
See the Toyota 4Runner in action in this video;
The factory-painted body of the model has highly detailed and lifelike features, similar to those of a die-cast model. It is also made with thicker material to increase durability and allow for more aggressive off-road runs.
Check he latest pricing for the Toyota 4Runner here on Amazon
People loved the first-generation 4Runner for its iconic design, including a distinctive chrome grille, window trim, and rain rails. You can customize the Mini-Z 4×4 body with optional LED headlights and taillights.
The Mini-Z size truck boasts a ladder frame and multi-link rigid-axle suspension that is typically used in larger 1:10-scale off-road models, resulting in excellent articulation and performance for a mini RC vehicle.
The Mini-Z 4×4’s ladder frame design combines steel vertical plates with molded parts to create a balance of rigidity and flexibility for superior performance and durability. They equipped the front and rear axles with metal components, such as steel rods and ring and pinion gears, to handle heavy loads and harsh driving conditions.
The suspension system features steel links and captured ball ends for strength, the maximum range of motion, and smooth operation, as well as 360-degree spring retainers to prevent spring loss on the trail. The Mini-Z 4×4 can adjust its wheelbase to 110 or 120mm, and its front axle has Ackermann geometry for excellent handling, particularly in rock crawling.
The model’s tires and wheels are specific to each model and feature a scale reproduction of Toyo Tire’s Nitto Ridge Grappler tires mounted on custom wheels. The chassis has a top-front section that can hold four AAA batteries to provide good ground clearance and realistic rock crawler performance.
Length: 7.89 inches (120 mm)
Width: 3.34 inches (53 mm)
Height: 3.39 inches (35 mm)
Weight: 223 grams
The Mini-Z Range General Specifications
Scale
The Mini-Z series is known for its small size, with all the models being 1/28 scale except for the 4X4 Mini-Z, which is 1/24. This makes them easy to handle and maneuver, and allows for a high level of detail and realism in the model.
Drivetrain
The Mini-Z series is available in rear-wheel drive (RWD), front-wheel drive (FWD) four-wheel drive (4WD), and AWD configurations. RWD models are more challenging to control but can offer a more realistic drifting experience, while 4WD models are generally easier to handle and may be a better choice for beginners.
Motor
The Mini-Z series is powered by electric motors, which offer a smooth, reliable performance. The specific type of motor used may vary depending on the model and configuration you choose.
Suspension
The adjustable suspension and steering, as well as the customizable drivetrain, allow users to fine-tune the handling of the car to suit their preferences and the conditions of the track, which is more important for handling than raw speed.
Chassis
The chassis of a Mini-Z car plays a crucial role in its performance and handling. Look for a car with a solid, well-designed chassis that can handle the stresses of fast-paced fun.
Battery
The Mini-Z range uses AAA batteries, so instead of recharging, just replace the batteries.
Conclusion
The Kyosho Mini-Z range is highly regarded by RC enthusiasts for its high performance and durable construction. Its small size makes it suitable for use in various settings, such as indoor tracks and small outdoor spaces. The Mini-Z range offers a wide variety of models, including touring cars, off-road vehicles, and special edition models, and is known for its advanced features like adjustable suspension, brushless motor options, and 4WD drivetrains.
Overall, each one of these models has its strong and weak points. It just depends on what you’re looking to get out of the car. If you just want to have some indoor fun, or even outdoors on a flat surface, go for the AWD, FWD, or RWD options.
For outdoor fun, it’s a good idea to get the Buggy or 4X4 options.
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