The Carrera HYBRID app
Realistic racing fun with AI support
With the Carrera HYBRID app you’ll experience a new dimension of digital motorsport. The innovative combination of gaming and a race track lets you steer the vehicles freely on and off the track for an especially realistic racing experience.
Thanks to intelligent AI assistance driving behavior adapts to different driving modes. The initial range of the Carrera HYBRID line comprises four Carrera HYBRID sets, each containing all the components needed to get started right away. You can also complete your racing team with a wide range of vehicles as well as accessories and extensions .
Control is easy via the Carrera HYBRID app, available free of charge in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store . Control is intuitive: tilt your smartphone to steer, and use the display to operate the accelerator and brakes.
The app’s design is inspired by the cockpit of real race cars, creating an especially authentic driving experience. With selectable beginner and expert modes , the Carrera HYBRID app is suitable for drivers of all experience levels.
Updates & Roadmap
Update 1.1
NPC & Arcade
The upcoming App update for Carrera Hybrid significantly enhances the racing experience, making it more versatile and accessible. For the first time, it ensures NPC opponents make exciting races possible at any time—even without other players, with different difficulty levels and driving styles appealing to both beginners and experienced drivers. Two new driving modes also allow for customization: while the Arcade mode with direct, dynamic controls is ideal for fast-paced, action-packed sessions, the Simulation mode offers a more realistic, more demanding driving experience, with even more precise steering available as an option.
In addition, the cockpit interface has been completely redesigned and now displays important real-time data in a more modern, clearer layout for greater control during races. For pros, a new mode without driver assistance systems offers the ultimate challenge, where only your own skill counts. The update is rounded off with optimized firmware and numerous bug fixes, resulting in more stable operation and even more precise vehicle control. The update will be released on 01 April 2026 free of charge via the Carrera Hybrid app, with more content already in the works.
A look inside the app
Frequently Asked Questions
Didn't find the answer you're looking for in the FAQ, or would you like to learn more about our products? Our customer service team is here to help—with fast, expert, personal support. Whether you have questions about technical details, spare parts, or usage tips, we're here for you.
Around-the-clock support
Phone
Contact
What is Carrera HYBRID?
The right level for everyone: With a choice of arcade and simulation modes, Carrera HYBRID is ideal for both beginners and experienced drivers.
Carrera HYBRID is available from specialist retailers and various online retailers, as well as at carrera-toys.com.
The Carrera HYBRID vehicles are made to a scale of 1:50.
Our Carrera HYBRID sets offer everything you need to start racing straight away. Each set includes licensed, faithfully reproduced vehicles with detailed paintwork, as well as a versatile selection of track pieces.
You can create countless track layouts from the straights, curves, and start/finish elements, making every race exciting and unique. The sets also include compatible USB charging cables for the vehicles' easily replaceable plug-in batteries.
You can download the required Carrera HYBRID app for free from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
There are several sets that include all the parts racers need. There is also a selection of interesting individual vehicles and track expansion sets, known as Track Packs, as well as additional vehicle models.
You can control the vehicles however you prefer, either with a controller or directly using your smartphone. The Carrera HYBRID app is the basis for this, and you can download it for free from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If you choose to use your smartphone, steer intuitively by tilting the device or using the touchscreen joystick, while the accelerator and brake are operated using on-screen buttons.
The app's design is modelled on the cockpit of a real racing car to provide an authentic driving experience. A special highlight of the technology: the vehicles continuously scan the track as they drive and know exactly where they are. Intelligent AI uses this data to actively help you steer, stay on track, and find the ideal racing line. You can adjust the level of driving assistance to suit your needs, from comprehensive support for beginners to minimal intervention for experienced pros.
The HYBRID app also features vehicle-specific and situation-dependent engine, brake, and gear-shifting sounds while driving.
Carrera HYBRID has no slots, allowing vehicles to drive freely anywhere on the track. They are controlled via a smartphone app, making it possible to overtake at any point. You can also improve your car’s real-life handling directly through virtual tuning in the app.
Yes, you can race on your own. You’ll need at least two vehicles. Computer-controlled opponents (NPCs) can easily be added in the lobby before a race starts.
Production & Sustainability
All development of Carrera HYBRID takes place in-house. For production, we work with carefully selected partners certified by Carrera. This ensures that our high quality and safety standards are met at all times.
Carrera HYBRID products are distinguished by their durability and ease of repair and maintenance.
Defective vehicles can be repaired easily. For example, the batteries are deliberately plugged in rather than glued, making them easy to replace.
We also use almost no plastic in our packaging.
Vehicle Technical Questions
Connect the vehicle to the charger using the USB cable, then disconnect it again after about 2 seconds. This resets the vehicle, allowing you to switch it on normally again.
Sunlight or daylight coming in from the side may reflect off the track beneath the vehicle and affect its infrared sensor.
The best way to store the track sections is in their original box. To avoid scratching the track surface, place them surface to surface whenever possible.
For optimal care of the running surfaces, we recommend our special Carrera cleaning pads. Our new vehicles (identifiable by the packaging with a viewing window) already include one of these pads. If needed, you can reorder the cleaning pad at any time using item number 50053110.
It is best cleaned with a damp cloth and a small drop of glass cleaner. IMPORTANT: Before each use, remove dust from the track surface so that as little dust and lint as possible can stick to the tires.
The dimensions of the standard straight are: 25 × 43,3 cm
The radius of the standard curve is: 37,5 cm (measured at the center of the track)
Depending on the layout, the standard track in a set measures 251 × 175 cm, with a track length of 609 cm
Yes, we are continually expanding our range. We are always working on new vehicle models, as well as more attractive liveries and designs for you to look forward to in the future.
Yes, the spoiler and both side mirrors can be removed and are available as replacement parts.
Every model of the same vehicle type has the same factory-set driving characteristics and handling. These can be individually adjusted using the various settings in the app.
The HYBRID vehicles are charged via USB-C on the underside.
Each vehicle package includes a compatible charging cable.
App technical questions
It is difficult to define a universal list of minimum requirements, as performance depends greatly on the smartphone model. To ensure a smooth gaming experience and precise driving physics, the app requires current, high-performance hardware.
Our recommendation for an optimal driving experience:
- Apple: Devices from iPhone 11 onward (with iOS 15.8 or later)
- Android: Android smartphones running Android 12 or later
Please note: The maximum number of NPCs (computer-controlled opponents) you can add to a race also varies depending on your smartphone’s processing power.
The number of participants who can take part in a race session together is technically limited to 16, the maximum number of participants on a Wi-Fi network. There is theoretically no fixed limit on the number of participants when driving freely on the track; however, no more than 30 vehicles are recommended, as otherwise the radio environment will become heavily overloaded.
This is required by Google and Apple due to system requirements when Bluetooth is used in the app. However, Carrera does not access or evaluate location data.
Bluetooth is used for communication between the smartphone or tablet and the vehicle. Wi-Fi is used for communication between the drivers’ smartphones for race management and results analysis.
By completing tasks in the app, you can earn points that help you advance to the next rank. Each higher rank unlocks new tuning options, such as gearing, brakes, tires, …
Just as in real life, every acceleration, braking maneuver, and turn affects the condition of the tires. Tires wear especially quickly when you take corners too fast and the AI has to intervene with emergency braking. This should be avoided.
For legal reasons,
the app is currently available exclusively in Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark,
Germany, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy,
Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway,
Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Switzerland, Slovakia,
Slovenia, Spain, the Czech Republic, Hungary, the USA, the
United Kingdom and Cyprus. If you cannot find the app in one of
these countries, please check in your Apple
App Store or Google Play Store settings whether your account is registered
in the correct country.
