very cool. But I would prefer some more sexy style. You know, super mario is cartoony too, but he is still sexy (peach)

About the balancing. There are comming more and more multiplayer games with these balancing settings. But I think that idea is not good.
1. Because there is one perfect setting which everyone uses.
2. It´s not really fun to do such a (detailed) kind of setup before every map.

I think it is better if:
1. you realy want to set the points for balancing use less numbers. Like point 1 min point 10 max (no decimals!)
2. balancing not straight. For example, bowser in mario kart is much much more heavier as mario but got a little more speed and more bumping power. Improvements don´t have to be equal to each other. If I got good reflexes I am good with a worser control and a little more speed or acceleration.
3. Not too indiviual. I think it would be more fun if I create a fatty character for high speed with sloppy controls. I mean my character should react on the cart at least a little. Otherwise it´s strange. And I can build a certain character on purpose.
4. if you make indiviual speed and acceleration settings for each player, then why not make items to collect to build on the cart. So the player can only change his cart if he has the item he wants. Otherwise he has to trade or something, or wait till he collects the thing he wants. I am not talking about items with only advantages. I mean items which raise the top speed for example and lower the acceleration, or raise the weight, or redeem the grip.