You can purchase various remote-controlled (RC) cars readily available in stores, but building one yourself can be an educational experience. A great example is the "Lizard" RC car, developed by TRDB, which showcases a unique design process from scratch.
The Lizard features a design reminiscent of Formula 1 cars, with a stylish two-tone 3D-printed exterior. Engineered for speed and maneuverability, it boasts a rear-wheel-drive system and a fully sprung suspension to handle rough terrain. Most of the vehicle’s structure is crafted from PETG, including its shell, gearbox, and differential, while some parts of the suspension utilize TPU to enhance flexibility and impact resistance.
To ensure a solid grip, TRDB chose commercially available wheels, as replicating the same performance with 3D-printed tires would have been challenging. The control system relies on an ESP32 microcontroller, which communicates with TRDB’s custom RC controller that uses the same technology. This controller manages the speed settings for the brushed DC motor powered by a 3S lithium-polymer battery.
The Lizard not only looks impressive but has also achieved an incredible top speed of 48 km/h, verified by GPS during testing. This creation joins the ranks of other remarkable DIY RC projects, including a variant focusing on performance fundamentals. You can find more about those projects here.