Looking for a competition buggy with as much good looks as performance power? You might be interested in the HPI Apache C1 Flux, a 1/8-scale desert buggy designed for competitive all-terrain action.

Modeled after the Class 1 desert racing buggies from the Baja 1000 races, this scaled-down RC looks every bit as fierce as those long distance competitors. And it can perform the same way, too. Put this in a wide open sandy track with tons of jumps and lose yourself in the moment.

The HPI Apache C1 Flux Buggy borrows most of its design elements from the World Champion HB D8 buggy and the highly-acclaimed HPI Vorza. A bash-proof 4WD off-roader, it features a 4mm aluminum chassis, big bore threaded aluminum shocks, scale replica Yokohama Geolandar off-road tires, and the unique monocoque suspensions arms from the HB.

Body is a gorgeously detailed and pre-painted cage-style design, complete with a spare tire and a pair of people inside the cabin. All electronics are waterproof, of course, with quick access to all critical maintenance points multiple shock mounting positions for adjustable performance. It ships with a Q-Base ESC and an Alphastar 2350Kb brushless motor.

If you want realistic desert endurance racing in your RC, you can't go wrong with the HPI Apache C1 Flux Buggy. MSRP is $609.99.

[HPI]

SPECIFICATIONS

WIDTH: 300mm
OVERALL LENGTH 580mm
TIRES 114mm
WHEELBASE: 375mm

In the market for a fast-driving buggy with all the durability to withstand the harshest off-road tracks? Then you might take a liking to the Kyosho DBX VE 2.0, a compact and stylish racer for all levels of users.

While built on a 1/8-scale buggy design, the vehicle's cab forward design actually manages to look and feel smaller, giving it faster lap times compared to similarly-decked cars. It has the same wheelbase and track width as conventional 1/8-scale buggies, too, allowing for plenty of options in upgrades for competition races.

The Kyosho DBX VE 2.0 features the Team Orion Vortex 10 EVO brushless motor (Type 540), which boasts "jaw-dropping power and acceleration," and a cooling fan-equipped R10 ESC. It's built on a full-time 4WD chassis for clearing rough terrain, paired with the same wheels and tires as the much bigger Nitro Inferno Neo Race Spec buggy.

Details include large bore shocks with threaded bodies, wide-span suspension arms, multi-point adjustable parts, a brand new steering layout and aluminum motor mounts. It comes ready to race and fully assembled, too -- just add the consumables (batteries, stick pack, etc.) and drop it on the ground to start putting your local tracks to work.

Availability for the Kyosho DBX VE 2.0 is slated for December at a suggested retail price of $512.99.

Specifications:

Length: 475mm
Width: 300mm
Height: 154mm
Wheelbase: 320mm
Tread (F/R): 246mm
Tire(F/R): Φ115×45mm
Gear Ratio: 9.46：1
Weight: 2,370g（with body）
Motor: Orion Vortex 10 Evo brushless

[Kyosho]

Tamiya has been reissuing plenty of their classic models over the years -- some have been great, while a few have been underwhelming. The Tamiya Sand Rover, however, is bound to inspire a lot of excitement.

Originally released in 1981, the dune buggy has been a consistent favorite among fans of classic RCs, with its simple construction and downright fun handling. This reboot of the vehicle sounds like it's bound to evoke the same welcome reaction from hobbyists, with its true-to-form old-school body mounted on a completely modern RC.

The Tamiya Sand Rover is a 1/10 scale kit, built upon the relatively newbie-friendly DT-02 chassis. While past reissues built upon the platform have been "hit or miss," this one looks like a complete bullseye, with the gorgeously retro body, sick-looking paddle tires and a detailed driver figure. We do hope they offer add-on driver figures, because that could make playing with this car tons more fun.

Details of the kit include a 4-wheel independent suspension (with coil spring dampers), a Type 380 motor (can take Type 540 as an upgrade option, too), 10T pinion gear, ribbed front and spiked rear tires, and TEU-104BK ESC. Gearbox is fully-enclosed, since you'll likely be slumming this thing in dirty surfaces (I mean, it just begs for it).

If you're in the market for a real classic from the '80s, the Tamiya Sand Rover brings the entire look and feel of the original, paired with a modern chassis and RC system. It's coming in October, priced at $187.

[TamiyaUSA]

Looking for an inexpensive buggy for some weekend hijinks down at the local tracks? Here’s a nice-looking rig exactly for that: the Electrix RC Boost.

A ready-to-run buggy, the 1/10-scale vehicle measures 15.8 inches long and 9.6 inches wide, with a wheelbase of 11.2 inches. All parts needed to run come in the box, including batteries for both the car and the radio. The low-slung body also comes with its  paint and decals pre-applied.

The Electrix RC Boost features a narrow-style nylon composite chassis with rolled edges to reduce drag and improve performance on irregular surfaces. Details of the Electrix RC Boost include a Dynamite 20-Turn Motor, a Dynamite ESC, 2WD transmission with gear differential and adjustable slipper clutch, slider-type drive shafts, dish-type wheels, ribbed front tires, adjustable shocks and a custom battery strap.

According to Electrix RC, they based the Boost's design on popular, high-end racing buggies, all while taking all necessary pains to keep its cost to the consumer low. We don't know if this can hang with pricier builds, but it sure looks primed for some entertaining driving. It will be available this coming May in two color schemes, blue and orange, priced at $119.99.

[Electrix]

Specifications:

Type: 2WD Buggy
Scale: 1/10
Length: 15.8 in (401mm)
Width: 9.76 in (248mm)
Wheelbase: 11.2 in (284mm)
Weight: 3.44 lb (1560g)
Motor or Engine: Dynamite® 20-Turn Motor
Speed Control: Dynamite® ESC
Shock Type: Coil over Oil-Filled Shocks
Body: Blue
Minimum Age Recommendation: 12 years

Hankering to add a new short course buggy to your roster of RC racers? The Losi 1/10 RTR XXX SCB could prove an interesting pick, with its realistic good looks and the proven of the XXX platform.

Ready to run right out of the box (well, you'll need to throw in a battery, but that's it), the toy car comes painted and decorated in one of three styles: Stronghold, Rockstar and Readylift. The body graphics look awesome, with detailed appearance cues lathered from bumper to bumper, including a fully-designed cockpit with window nets and an elaborate driver figure.

The 1/10 RTR XXX SCB is a 1/10-scale vehicle with a three-piece Lexan desert buggy body. Designed for tough off-road performance, it's got durable composite-molded XXX chassis, nerf bars, beadlock-style wheels with treads similar to the Eclipse Short Course Trucks, realistic bumpers and a bad-ass roll cage.

A Losi LM-32K performance motor provides the muscle, aided by a three-gear transmission with sealable differential, a 2S LiPo-compatible ESC and a Spektrum SR300 receiver. Other details include oil-filled aluminum shocks, a digital steering servo and adjustable slipper clutch.

All three Losi 1/10 RTR XXX Short Course Buggy models -- Stronghold, Rockstar and Readylift -- are available now, priced at $249.99.

Specifications

Scale: 1/10
Length: 20.078 in (510mm)
Width: 11.42 in (290mm)
Height: 7.24 in (184mm)
Wheelbase: 12.95 in (329mm)
Weight: 4.25 lb (1.92 kg)
Motor or Engine: Losi LM-32K performance motor
Speed Control: LiPo-compatible ESC
Radio: Spektrum 2.4GHz DSM Losi radio system

[Losi]

Schumacher recently announced the latest from their highly-successful CAT SX range. Called the Schumacher CAT SX3, the 4WD competition buggy brings a whole slew of major improvements for improved acceleration and more intense jumps.

Boasting a new mid-motor layout with central LiPo battery positioning, the 1/10-scale vehicle is now more compact, leading to enhancements in balance, control and agility. All this without losing any of the line's trademark strengths -- namely, the blistering straight line speeds and breakneck acceleration.

Other new additions to the Schumacher CAT X3 include a three-belt transmission, hardened steel transfer gears for durablity, large capacity big bore shocks, high downforce max-sized rear wing (with rigid mount), larger layshaft bearings and adjustable internal transmission for optimizing ratio to any motor. The new tight-fit body and undertray do more than look cool, too, facilitating better dirt protection, cooling options and aerodynamics.

Schumacher bills it as "designed to race" and "designed to win." Of course, being designed for anything doesn't mean you'll actually drive like it a winner. That shouldn't be too difficult, though, since this package looks like it really is a serious performer.

All the stuff you loved about the Schumacher CAT SX3's predecessors remain intact, including the superb jumping responsiveness, no-torque steer effect and minimum grounding on rolls. No pricing yet, but it debuts sometime this Spring.

[Schumacher]

Can't get enough of those Tamiya buggy reissues? Here's one more to join your Buggy Champ and Hotshot: the Tamiya Avante.

During its first release in 1988, the electric buggy made some heads turn for its innovative design. Sporting a formula-type body, a double-deck chassis layout, and longitudinal motor and battery positions, it brought a sophistication to the RC scene that has kept it a nostalgic favorite among the current crop of buggy enthusiasts. In fact, unopened examples of the original vehicle continue to fetch a higher price today compared to any other Tamiya collectible from the same period.

The 2011 Tamiya Avante sticks to the same general design and dimensions of the classic RC, but gets a number of improvements to bring it up to par with today's crop of buggy racers. Updates include the use of carbon fiber for the main frame and various parts (instead of fiber-reinforced plastic composite), universal shafts at both front and rear to reduce friction, easier damper maintenance, duralumin front knuckles and pin-secured wheel axles.

It's compatible with all of Tamiya's current radio systems (including 2.4Ghz), as well as their wide range of battery packs. Just to further feed your sense of nostalgia, they're releasing it in the original packaging, with all parts stored in blister packs.

The 1/10-scale 2011 Tamiya Avante will hit store shelves starting January, with an MSRP of $745.

[TamiyaUSA]

Specifications:

• Length: 420mm
• Width: 240mm
• Height: 115mm
• Wheelbase: 260mm
• Tread (L/R): 200mm
• Minimum Ground Clearance: 40mm
• Weight: 1300g
• Double-Deck Frame
• Tires (F/R): 38/88mm
• Polycarbonate Body
• F/R Multi-Link Suspension
• F/R Metal Oil Dampers
• Gear Ratio: 1:8.33

XRAY just announced a new electric off-road buggy that sounds like an enthusiast's wet dream. Called the XRAY XB808E, the 1/8-scale racer is the battery-powered version of the company's much-lauded nitro buggy, the XB808.

First, the biggest selling point: it's an XB808 ported to run on an electric motor. If you're familiar with the platform, you'll know just how much acclaim and awards it's received since the first model dropped back in 2004, practically affirming the new vehicle's racing credentials.

Chassis has been redesigned for the XB808E, taking into account the different load requirements of the all-electric model. Built with 7075 T6 hard-anodized aluminum, it has been strategically machined in low-stress areas to provide lightness, without affecting strength. It's robotically hardcoated too, with countersunk screw holes on the bottom.

It uses the proven Zero Kingpin suspension found on the nitro versions, with the suspension geometry fine-tuned for even better handling. Drivetrain is similarly carried over from the XB808, with direct central shaft connection to pinion gears, optimal ratios and 22 high-speed, rubber-sealed bearings for maximum performance. Notable details include chassis-centralized parts for a low center of gravity, optimized weight balance for easy jumps, HUDY pinions, spurs and crown gears, front and rear anti-roll bars, graphite shock towers and adjustable HUDY turnbuckles.

The XRAY XB808E is only available as a kit, with a badass-looking ultra-low body. You'll need to supply the batteries and motors, apart from having to build the whole thing, so this should be better suited for intermediate and advanced racers. No exact release date yet, but it's being priced at around $510.

[Team XRAY]

Looking to take your RC down the tracks for the first time? No need to mince words, you'll probably lose. Just because your chances of winning are slim doesn't mean you shouldn't do your best, right? After all, giving it all is how you improve in this game.

1. Aim for consistency. Your first couple of times racing should be about trying to get consistent lap times. Forget about beating that obnoxious loud dude and his beefed-up truck. Instead, aim to run a consistent course lap to lap.

2. Let faster trucks have their way. Sure, you can be competitive and refuse to give way during tangles. Do realize it's the easiest way to slow everyone down, including yourself, apart from heightening the chances of accidents occurring. Unless you've got a good shot at winning, wrecking your truck isn't worth the ego boost. You can get them later - after putting in some practice time.

3. Make sure your car can handle the occasional nervous driving. Racing brings out everyone's nerves. That means a potentially disastrous trigger finger at the most inopportune times. As long as your vehicle can recover and keep itself from spinning out, you'll be fine.

4. Watch experienced racers run the course. If you get the chance, watch some of the more experienced drivers handle the course. What lines are they talking? Where do they go fast or slow? Which jumps are they going for and which ones are they passing on? Seeing that gives you a good idea of how you should handle the tracks come race time.

Billed as a "buggy for everyone," the LRP Blast BX S10 doesn't purport itself to be a world beater.  With a slew of nice features and good looks, though, the 1/10th scale should make an excellent basher, as well as a competitive entry-level racer.

Physically, we love the airbrushed looks of this fully-mounted, pre-decorated RTR based on the pictures.  Sure, there's not much originality to the body (honestly, it looks like a Chinese rip-off of a Japanese import), but both the wind tunnel- optimized body shell and high-downforce wing appear well-executed.

On paper, this sounds mighty impressive - steel differential gears, steel pinion and crown gear, big bore alloy shocks with adjusters, roll bars and more.  It's a mighty tough off-road vehicle, indeed.  The news release claims sensational driving performance, impressive quickness and superb handling, which, from the specs, does sound like it can deliver rather handily.  Other notable features include a Type 540 motor, VTEC high-grip tires, digital LRP speed control and (supposedly extra-strong) LRP steering servo.

Everything pretty much comes with the package, so you can haul it right out of the box and start bashing.  While LRP claims this can do quite well on low-end competition circuits too (it satisfies all requirements for the 1/10th electric category), it should be prudent to look towards the company's numerous option parts (particularly those intended for the S10 Sport and Pro variants) for better results.

For an entry-level buggy, though, the LRP Blast BX S10 sounds like a real...uhm...blast.  Considering it comes as a true RTR (complete with radio, speed control, motor, batteries and charger), it is quite the bargain, priced at just under $200 with most retailers.