V_BOT

V_Bot is a giant super hero with unstoppable power. Transforming from a sleek sports car to a massive robot at the push of a button, V_Bot performs hundreds of action moves and has all the tools needed to battle evil and save the day. After all that hard work, plug in your MP3 player and watch V_Bot's fun and friendly personality shine as he celebrates victory to your favorite tunes.

* Remote control has 6 action buttons to perform individual moves and 3 pre-programmed action sequence buttons. * Requires 6 C-cell batteries to operate, and 1 9-volt battery to operate the controller.

You could buy a remote control car, and a remote control robot, and an MP3 speaker station, but why not have your cake and eat it too? The Learning Curve V_Bot is a three-in-one radio control vehicle that transforms into a karate-chopping, breakdancing robot and MP3 speaker.

A remote control car, robot, and MP3 speaker all in one

The V_Bot transforming from vehicle to robot with the push of a button.

Vehicle mode
In vehicle mode, the V_Bot resembles a cross between a sports car and a sport utility. This radio-controlled racer does everything you want an R/C car to do--in style. The rear "rims" have tiny LEDs that light up when in motion (what they call "Lightning Wheels"). The fully-functional digital controls are responsive enough to pull tight donuts and burn up linoleum (figuratively). When you are ready to switch gears for some robot action, simply press the button.

Robot mode
In mere seconds, watch the V_Bot morph from car into a 15-inch robot. The transformation is not at all clunky, and once in robot mode, you have now have the use of six action buttons to perform individual moves or three preprogrammed action sequences. The most famous move would be the "V_Chop," which is basically a robotic karate chop ensured to "destroy evil." The joysticks still provide direction in robot mode, and combined with the multiple action buttons, you have over 100 unique moves to perform. Want to go back to vehicle mode? Press the button and you're driving in style. But if you still need more replay value from the toy, plug in your MP3 player and start jamming.

MP3 speaker mode
Using the headphone jack, the V_Bot has a built-in speaker to pump out your favorite tunes. The eyes light up and you can start busting moves to the sweet break beats. Of course, his signature move is--you guessed it--the robot.

The manufacturer recommended age is eight years and up. The V_Bot requires six C batteries and one 9-volt battery for the remote control (batteries not included). --Scott Teal

Automatically transforming from a robot to a sleek RC car and back again with the push of a button, the V_Bot Radio Control Transforming Vehicle will astound kids of any age. You can drive the V_Bot car around the house with a remote control, transform it into a robot, and impress your friends with its action sequences. Recommended for ages eight and up, V_Bot and his dance moves will delight even grown-up kids.

The V_Bot can be used as a speaker system when attached to an MP3 player. View larger. View car form.

What We Think Fun Factor: Durability: (what this means) The Good: Hundreds of combinations of dance and fighting moves The Bad: Fragile frame parts may detach or require re-adjustment In a Nutshell: Transforms from a car to a robot with the push of a button At a Glance Ages: 8 and up Requires: Six C batteries and one 9-volt battery (not included)

Transforming Car to Robot
Produced by Learning Curve, the V_Bot is said to be the most sophisticated RC transforming vehicle available. To hold up to high-speed racing and be flexible enough to mutate from a vehicle to a giant-size superhero, this toy is built with a tough plastic body and a light plastic frame with a chrome red finish. In vehicle mode, the V_Bot features functional front and rear rim lights. Pressing the "T" transform button on the remote control, the vehicle side panels become robot support arms, which balance the V_Bot as the vehicle lifts, twists, and turns into a standing, unstoppable robot. In robot mode, the headlights are now shining shoulder blades, the vehicle roof sections become robot wings, and the front bumper slides into position as the robot chest, revealing the V_Bot's head with flashing green-and-red lighted eyes. In both modes, the V_Bot moves in any direction. As a robot, the toy also offers three pre-programmed action sequences and six actions, including a moon-walk with arm swing, 360-degree spin, and powerful "V_Chop" arm swing. As the V_Bot robot puts on a show, it plays its own action music. With an included MP3 jack and Velcro strap, you can also hook up your own portable music player to the robot and play your own tunes as he moves.

Put to the Test
While the box reads "Destroy," we found this robot to be less destructive than advertised and much less violent than typical boy toys. The V_Bot carries no weapons and his fight moves are no more aggressive than a choreographed dance sequence. For the most part, the V_Bot is fairly sturdy. However, a couple of the components, including the robot wings and the chest plate, are fragile and may get stuck during the transformation process. These high stress parts are design to detach in case they need readjusting. With adjustable components, music, and hundreds of combinations of impressive moves, the V_Bot takes fun seriously. The robot requires six C batteries and one 9-volt battery (not included).