Carrera, a German company that has been making slot car toys since the 1960s, has taken racing to a whole new level with Carrera Hybrid. This new system ditches the traditional grooved tracks for a free-roaming experience controlled by a smartphone app. Available in the US from September 1 for $199.99, the starter set includes 15 track pieces—straights and curves—along with two Porsche 911 GT3 R racers scaled at 1:50.
The little racers use rechargeable batteries that last about 30 minutes per charge. Unlike traditional slot cars, which operate on metal tracks, these vehicles communicate with your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth. You may maneuver by tilting your tablet like a steering wheel, or by connecting the app to a Bluetooth controller for a more console-like experience. The free iOS and Android app employs sensors to track each car’s position by reading printed patterns on the track, ensuring that the system always knows where each car is.
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What makes Carrera Hybrid cool is its flexibility, as in up to 30 players can race on a single track layout, though competitive modes cap at 16 to track stats accurately. The app adds depth by letting you adjust your car’s performance—tire grip, brake sensitivity and more—just like real motorsports. It also simulates different track conditions—wet pavement or slick surfaces—to challenge seasoned racers. For newcomers, driving aids smooth out the learning curve so it’s more accessible.
The track is reconfigurable like a puzzle you can reshape for every race. But the cars aren’t tied to the track—you can drive them on any surface so you can outmaneuver your opponents. Carrera will be adding more cars beyond the Porsche 911 GT3 R, with licensed models from Mercedes-AMG, Audi and BMW in the works, building on their decades of making detailed, collectible cars.
Fans of Anki Overdrive, a similar concept from 2015 with reconfigurable tracks and app-based controls, will notice some similarities. Anki’s system, which included AI opponents, shut down in 2019 but Carrera has 60 years of history so they’re likely to be around for the long haul. They’ve spent years refining Hybrid to blend the physical joy of toys with the digital control of gaming.
Sound effects through the app add to the immersion, and the ability to overtake off-track adds a layer of strategy missing from traditional slot cars. It’s a system that rewards skill but doesn’t punish beginners.
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