With a top speed of over 160km/h and a 0-60 time of just 2.3 seconds, the Traxxas XO-1 just made its way onto countless Christmas lists. Even if it’s only recommended for experts racing on a closed course.
In fact, with a set of 5000mAh lithium-ion polymer batteries on board and speeds that can literally turn it into a missile if handled improperly, the XO-1 comes with a long list of warnings and precautions that only seem to add to the fun:
It must only be driven at its top speed on a closed course such as a racetrack or drag strip where there are safety barricades and pedestrian access controls. Operating the XO-1 in a careless, unsafe manner, without adequate care and preparation, can result in collisions with catastrophic consequences such as serious injury or death. Know your limits. Be honest with yourself about your true ability and be certain you have a location where you can safely run the model. The XO-1 contains LiPo batteries. LiPo batteries have a severe risk of fire and injury if they are improperly handled, abused, or misused.
Yeesh. In order to even operate the RC car at its top speed, you need to download a special app to your iPhone or iPod Touch which docks to the included pistol grip remote and lets you ‘unlock’ that functionality. It also turns your iOS device into a real-time diagnostics display, and a wireless means to tweak the car’s performance. When it’s available at the end of the year the Traxxas XO-1 kit will set you back $US1100, but watching it tear around the Texas Motor Speedway almost makes the price tag seem more than justified. [Traxxas via Autoblog]