This is news that could revolutionize our indoor slot car circuits. According to an anonymous source close to Carrera’s design offices, the Austrian giant is secretly working on a brand new technology for the Carrera GO!!! range: the first slot car circuit with integrated solar power.
Rails that capture the light
The concept, internally dubbed “Solar-Volt”, relies on a high-performance photovoltaic coating applied directly to the track surface.
According to our information, the components involved would be the essential 342 mm straight sections (Ref. C) and the R1-90° curves (Ref. G). To reassure drivers, this coating would benefit from a specific “High-Grip” treatment: it would protect the solar cells from repeated tire wear while offering superior grip for the tires exiting the curves.
A complete energy ecosystem
The heart of the system would be a new intelligent starting rail. This rail would no longer simply distribute the current, but would dynamically manage the energy captured by the entire track.
According to our information, Carrera is going all out with its optional accessories:
- The “Power-Bank” Rail (15,000 mAh!): A storage unit capable of capturing excess electricity produced by the tracks on sunny days.
- Integrated Dual USB Port: This storage rail allows you to simultaneously connect and charge two devices (smartphones, tablets) or even recharge Carrera RC vehicles.
- Additional 342mm straight sections available as an option.
- R1-90° curves also available as an option.
The bigger it is, the more it charges!
The logic is irrefutable: to compensate for days with low light levels or to maintain a constant “supersonic” top speed, all you need to do is enlarge the track. The more rails you add, the larger the surface area for energy collection, transforming your giant circuit into a veritable small home power plant.
Carrera has not yet made any official comment, but one thing is certain: we’ll never look at our 342mm straightaways the same way again!