Tonka Ricochet RC

Remote-controlled two-sided stunt vehicle

Tonka was too long in the non-RC arena, but they have made up for it with the Ricochet RC. This four wheel drive remote control vehicle can ride high or low. It can flip and keep on going. Use the controller to send it speeding around the floor and flip it from one side to the other. Drive it low to the ground, then trigger its monster lift suspension to drive it high. It recharges.

The concept of four-wheel drive (4WD) has a history that spans over a century, with its roots traced back to various inventors who worked on applying power to all four wheels of a vehicle for enhanced traction and control. The early incarnations of 4WD can be credited to Ferdinand Porsche, who designed a four-wheel-drive electric vehicle in 1899. During World War I, the U.S. military recognized the potential advantages of 4WD for off-road use and commissioned a four-wheel-drive truck called the "Jeffery Quad," paving the way for broader military applications. Post-World War II, 4WD technology began to be commercialized for civilian use, initially in off-road and farming vehicles. The Jeep, born out of wartime necessity, transitioned into civilian life and became a 4WD icon. By the latter half of the 20th century, automakers started offering 4WD options in a variety of vehicle types, including SUVs and pickup trucks. Technological advancements have since led to the development of electronic 4WD systems, allowing drivers to switch between two-wheel and four-wheel drive for different road conditions. Today, four-wheel drive is common not just in utility and off-road vehicles but also in high-performance and luxury cars, offering improved stability, control, and safety.