The Sphero Ultimate Lightning McQueen Car arrived on our doorstep last week and OMG you have to see this thing.
Parents, I don’t know about you – but we are in midst of the middle Summer funk. We try to keep the kids busy – but with 4 kids going in 4 different directions it’s hard. On top of all of that, we live in Texas where it’s 100 degree outside.
Sphero Ultimate Lightning McQueen Toy Review
Last week our doorbell rang. Nothing unusual about that, but what was unusual was getting an unexpected package – and it couldn’t have arrived at a better time! I saw the imprint on the box and knew this would be something for the kids to open.
Low and behold, Sphero had surprised us with their new Ultimate Lightning McQueen car. You know, Lightning McQueen from the Cars movie, but as a remote control car like you’ve never seen.
Let me just say this. Pixar’s Cars franchise has been a long time favorite in our house. Cars 1, Cars 2 and Cars 3 are all favorites of our 4 kids. Lightning McQueen is one of those unforgettable characters so it’s so cool to have this toy that so much resembles him.
Sphero worked with the team at Pixar to make sure that this toy was on-point with the on-screen character that we all know and love. They nailed it. From the car’s body to the Lightning McQueen’s voice to what he says – it is spot on.
Ultimate Lightning McQueen Features
This isn’t your average remote control car. This car is like nothing I’ve ever seen (did I mention that?) For real though. Sphero has put crazy detail into making the Ultimate Lightning McQueen car into a one-of-a-kind device.
It features crazy things like you can drift while driving, emoting through suspension and expressive eyes. This product is packed with crazy innovations in robotic technology. If you have a Pixar Car’s fan, then this is a toy you will want to know about.
Car Body
The first thing I noticed with Lightning was the way her feels. The material used to make this device is soft and rubbery. This isn’t the hard old school plastic of normal remote cars.
Animated Eyes
Lightning’s windshield is actually an LCD screen featuring animated eyes. They move, they even sleep and are totally expressive.
Reactive Touch
Touch the Ultimate Lightning McQueen toy car on it’s hood, trunk, sides, or top and he will move. This may have totally freaked me out the first time I grabbed him.
Bluetooth Control via App
Sphero’s Ultimate Lightning McQueen is Bluetooth controlled via the Ultimate Lightning McQueen™ by Sphero app (download here). I’ll get more into the app later.
How Fast and How Far Can McQueen Go?
Ultimate Lightning McQueen can go up to 100 feet and up to 6 miles per hour!
How Long does the Battery Last?
The battery lasts up to 40 minutes.
How Long does it Take to Charge the Battery?
It took us around 1 hour to charge the battery.
Speaking of charging the device – talk about clever. The charge port connects to the gas tank. Priceless.
How Much Does It Cost?
Sphero Ultimate Lightning McQueen retails for $299.
What Comes in the Box?
- Ultimate Lightning McQueen
- Wall Charging Cable
- Quick Start Guide
- Legal Guide
- Wall Adapters based on Region
Can I Use Lightning Outside?
Sorry folks, this device is made for inside use.
How Long is the Warranty?
Lighting comes with a limited 1-year manufacturer warranty.
Ultimate Lightning McQueen™ by Sphero App
The Sphero app behind the car is your remote to this car. The app is free and is available via iTunes or Google Play.
Here is what you will be able to do in the app:
FREE DRIVE
With Free Drive you can use the joystick to drift, do donuts and drive Lightning with the driving pad.
Drive by guiding Lightning with the joystick. Long, sweeping motions work best. When Lightning turns around, he will make U-turns. To make Lightning drift while driving, change directions quickly. There are some other awesome ways to have fun driving with Lightning…
Reverse: To drive Lightning in reverse, hold the top button, showing Lightning with an arrow going backward, while using the joystick to drive in the direction you want to go.
Donuts: To have Lightning do donuts, hold the middle button, showing Lightning sliding, while pushing the joystick to the edge of the puck.
Boost: Give Lightning a boost by holding the bottom button with the arrow while driving with the joystick.
PIT STOP PANIC
Train hard and join the pit crew. Lightning coaches you as you race the clock changing tires, fueling up, and getting racers back on the track.
ACTING STUDIO
Direct Lightning McQueen as he prepares to be on camera. Create scripts with your favorite phrases and actions for him to perform.
DRIVE-IN
This feature is TOO COOL. You can watch Disney Pixar’s Cars with Lightning and watch him react to the movie. Select this option with Lightning plugged in to charge, start the movie, and hear all he has to say.
Not Your Average Remote Control Car
As mentioned, this device is not your typical remote control. Yes, you will pay more for this but Sphero products DO NOT disappoint!
- Learn more about Ultimate Lightning McQueen at Sphero
- View our Sphero 2.0 Review
