MINI is well known for packaging high-technology into a small space and its latest innovation, MINI Remote Steering (tm), takes ease of ownership to new levels. With MINI Remote Steering (tm), MINI has produced the world's first commercially-available full-sized remote control car. Based on the proven 'Tamiyah-hah' model racing technology, the new system allows MINI owners to remotely operate their cars up to a distance of 150 feet. Now, avoiding the rain is simple. Thanks to Remote Steering, MINI comes right to your door.

This system provides a number of benefits. For example, it allows owners to arrive at their favorite restaurant, be seated at their table and then remotely park their car in the street outside. Furthermore, an apartment dweller in Manhattan can remotely bring their car up from the basement garage and position it on the street, ready to go.

Opposition to the new system has been voiced however. Valet Parker's union president 'Scratch' N'Dentem said; 'Hey, we loved driving this thing and now it looks like we're out of a job...whaddya gonna do? ' he opined. MINI Remote Steeringtm, is now also likely to give street racing a whole new perspective as tuners abandon their hot rods in favor of playing with their hand-held.

MINI spokesperson, Donna Fallforit said 'Clearly this once again highlights MINI as a high technology product. We have thoroughly trialed this new system and apart from the occasional interference with light aircraft and TV remotes, we are happy with it. Pricing is not set, but we think it'll be a winner, especially on a day like today."

 

News post from MINI.com on April FOOLS day.
Charles

 

Not a bad idea though, if it were real, but too many people woulkd wreck their cars. Good joke.

 

is that with the automatic clutch

 

You didn't just post that did you!

 

amazingly enough, there's a video floating around the internet of the real deal, "life-size" radio control car. i believe it was an older corolla or something, and they wired into the steering, braking, accelerating controls to be able to be controlled from a hand held remote. they were doing some testing at one of the salt flats out west. driving it over different terrain to see how it held up. flipped it, and were able to continue driving away with it. if i can find the link, i'll post it here. but know that it CAN be done. :smile:

luckily enough, MINI wasn't as stupid to actually do this. ha ha