2014 Corvette Stingray becomes the fastest Power Wheels toy

New toy car is immediately the coolest Power Wheels model, even at 6 mph.

Power Wheels have come a long way since the Barbie Jeeps and Bigfoot Monster Trucks of the 1980s. Today, kids can drive everything from tiny ATVs and three-wheeled motorcycles to striking versions of the Boss 302 Mustang, Jeep Wrangler Laredo and Cadillac Escalade. There’s even a little Ford Raptor truck available. 

These Power Wheels come with vehicle registration, service centers and a helpful video on toy company Fisher-Price’s website showing you how to switch out the battery. All the other Power Wheels models will have to take a backseat, though -- Fisher-Price has just revealed its newest model based on Chevrolet’s 2014 Corvette Stingray.

The Power Wheels 2014 Stingray will be available starting in September, though overeager parents who want to make sure their little one’s Corvette dreams come true can pre-order one now through Wal-Mart’s website. The little Stingray is the fastest model in the Power Wheels lineup, with a 12-volt battery powering it to a blistering top speed of 6 miles per hour (and up to 3 mph in reverse). 

At $275, the Power Wheels Stingray isn’t cheap, but it’s not the most expensive model, either. Compared with the $345 Boss 302 Mustang version and its 5-mph top speed, the Stingray is a steal. While the gain in speed for the Power Wheels Stingray comes at the cost of a passenger seat, we’re not seeing that as a negative. Just imagine it as a Lamborghini Egoista for the crayon and finger-paint set.

It’s impossible not to smile at the sight of this little car. Design cues from the big one, which debuted at the North American International Auto Show in January, appear all over this “left in the dryer too long” Power Wheels version. Chrome wheels glisten under its flared fenders, and the rear end treatment transfers shockingly well. It’s also heartening to see a toy car garner so much attention and excitement these days, when so many young people don't even bother to sign up for driver's licenses. 

The Power Wheels Stingray is the kind of toy that not only draws a child’s eye, but hopefully can also inspire them to learn more about the 60-year history of the Corvette. In any case, the little Stingray is very cool -- and it's bound to be the king of the playground. Watch out for kids laying down tiny “11s” on blacktops and sidewalks all over America this autumn. 

autos.msn.com