The Turbo Panther X2 is a modern iteration of a classic Nikko car, attempting to blend modern technology with the nostalgic charm of the original. Did they succeed? Well...
Features and Performance
The Turbo Panther X2 looks great on paper, with several specifications that really hark back to its 1980s origins. It's a decent 1:10 scale, with a reasonable 360 size motor, and proper 9.6V NiMh battery, it's off to a good start.
What surprised me is they actually gave it proportional steering! Many Nikko had this back in the day, and it was the edge they had over Tyco / Taiyo who never featured this. Incredible!
Added to that a proper high/low gear, all round shocks, and semi-pneumatic tires, and it seems to have the right combination of features for a successful 80s style R/C car.
Specifications: Great!
- Scale: 1:10
- Battery: 9.6V NiMH Rechargeable with Quick Charge
- Motor: 360 size motor (Mabuchi isn't specifically named, so assuming generic)
- Top Speed: 26km/h (16mph) in member tests, despite 20km/h (12.4 mph) Official
- Transmission: High/Low gear mechanical switch
- Suspension: Fully independent with steel steering linkages
- Remote: Digital proportional throttle and steering with trim adjustments
- Frequency: 2.4 GHz for up to 40 simultaneous players
- Color: Black with Blue Accents
Unfortunately the car didn't stay on shelves for long - it wasn't continued into the 2019 year. People I've asked who knew about it at the time saw it, and would have purchased it, but were put-off by one key thing. What was that?
Design: Terrible. But actually, sadly, "cool".
To me, a middle aged father of two boys, the new Turbo Panther X2 design looks terrible. Sure, the design from the 1980s wasn't much better, but in 2018 I'm sure they could have designed something far, far cooler than this. Right? The 2022 Nikko Velocitrax Pro, now that is a great modern design. At least it was, until they re-colored it and made it completely incoherent. WTF Nikko!
That said, when presented with the X2 and the 1987 Panther II, my 7 year old son said he'd pick the X2, easily, since it was "way cooler". Okay, fine, but going up against a 40 year old design isn't hard.
Thankfully there was another Turbo Panther released. A 1:14 scale Nikko Turbo Panther 60th Anniversary, which I'm desperately trying to get my hands on. Much much better looking, clearly inspired by the Turbo Panther II above. So why didn't they choose this instead of the "ugly" version? Simples. Kids!
You see, I presented the above Turbo Panther 60th to my 7 year old son, as well as the Turbo Panther X2, and asked him which one he'd pick. He choose the X2 every time, over the cooler looking 60th Anniversary model, and over the original models. "all the old variants and over the 60I reckon looks super kick ass, and then shown the Nikko Panther X2, my 7 year old son picked the X2 every time. "Why?!" I begged. "Because it's way cooler with lots of detail". And so there is our answer. Nikko knows what kids want, and I'm just an old man.
Packaging: Good
What did redeem it somewhat in my eyes was the packaging which is high quality, well presented, and generally pretty sweet looking. Good job Nikko packaging design team!
TV Advertisement
If you've seen my earlier review of the Nikko Velocitrax, you'll know that I was not at all impressed with Nikko's video marketing. Well this one might be even worse. Check it out yourself below. Really, do it!
"with Steel Steering Linkages!"
Seriously, if you haven't already, watch the YouTube video for this car above! You can practically hear the voiceover guy chewing up the words, barely able to blert out this trash. WHO WROTE THIS! What kid gives a flying hoot about "Steel Steering Linkages"!? Sure, yes, it's a good thing, and a rear differential is good too, but you don't read out the bloody spec sheet in the TV advertisement!
Also, "Race at real speeds of over 20km/h!" they say with a video of the car virtually rolling down the hill at a snails pace, it's suspension unable to deal with the minor bumps in the road. This looks and sounds TERRIBLE!
For an example of what a Toy R/C commercial should be like, let's check out the Tyco Hi-Jacker commercial from 1992.
WAY better! And that's a 30+ year old TV commercial. Far more engaging and exciting, it makes me want to buy it right away! The Turbo Panther X2 commercial is sleep inducing! I am gobsmacked how they went with such advertisements and expected anyone to relate with them.
Availability and Collectability
As a relatively recent release, the Turbo Panther X2 can be found online pretty easily, either as old stock, or used models typically in good condition. It's no longer made, though some toy stores may still carry it.
As for collectors, I'd be interested in picking up the 60th Anniversary model simply because it looks great, and it's an obvious collectors item. But the Panther X2? Negative Ghostrider!
