by sunny on March 3, 2010
Here's something new for fans of older racers to watch out for: an upcoming Tamiya model of the 1971 East African Safari Rally superstar, the Nissan Datsun 240Z. If you're not familiar with that 6,200 km race, the #11 240Z basically took it all - Overall Victory, Class Victory, Team Victory and Manufacturers Championship, along with the hearts of every spectator looking on.
The Tamiya RC Datsun 240Z Rally Version is a 1/10th scale model that revives the legendary vehicle that both Herrman and Schuller drove during that period. Reproduction looks very good from the photos, managing to produce a really cool-looking vehicle that will continue to turn heads even to this day.
Available as a kit, the package includes a polycarbonate body (with bundled, non-applied stickers and masking seals), all the molded resin exterior components in the photo (including the front/rear bumpers, hood spotlights sans the LEDs and light cases), black offset wheels and Rally Block tires. A Type 540 motor and a TEU-104BK ESC comes with the box as well, although you'll have to purchase the 2-channel R/C system, battery pack and charger separately.
Not much info on the chassis, along with the rest of the parts, so it's best to wait for more details before deciding on this one. While I doubt this can stand up to HPI's awesome Cup Racer version of the same vehicle, the Tamiya RC Datsun 240Z Rally Car is easily the better-looking one. The scale reproduction is just hot. There's no exact availability date, although pre-orders are priced between $220 and $250.
by sunny on February 14, 2010
Looking for something to add to your collection of high-performance GT replicas? The Tamiya Corolla Axio apr GT should ably hold its own among your favorites, recreating the multiple-time racing champion to gorgeous detail.
Dressed to look like the version that raced at the 2009 Super GT Round 3 in Fuji (GT300 class), the kit comes with an unpainted, lightweight, polycarbonate shell (with those sleek, aerodynamic lines copied to perfection) and a slew of authentic-looking decals. The resin side mirrors, rear wing and polycarbonate fender fins are all separately molded, providing intricate realism. Hopefully, you know how to paint your way to something that looks as cool as the photo above.
The Axio apr GT uses a two-belt-driven TA05 chassis, which has been evolved to race specifications for its latest iteration (ver. II). It boasts reduced width for better roll movement range during cornering, repositioned battery mounts for enhanced handling, separate suspension mounts for easier maintenance and a one-piece motor mount with cantilever center shaft.
It includes a Type 540 motor, which should provide ample push for the tracks. Other features include a four-wheel double wishbone suspension (with short, reversible arms and 1050 ball bearings for the upright), single-speed transmission, medium-type racing slick tires and six-spoke gun metal wheels.
You'll need to pick out a two-channel radio system, battery and charger to get your Tamiya Corolla Axio apr GT ready for racing. There's a whole pile of compatible hop-ups, too, which should help you render this beauty into a more competitive ride.
Specifications
- Length: 14.7 in (373 mm)
- Width: 7.4 in (188 mm)
- Height: 4.8 in (122 mm)
- Wheelbase: 10.1 in (257 mm)
- Weight: 2.3 lb (1060 g)
- Requires: 2-channel radio with 1 servo, ESC, Paint, 6-cell NiCd/NiMH battery with standard connector and AC/DC peak charger
by sunny on February 10, 2010
A racing champion from the past makes its way through competition RC tracks in the form of the MR-03LM Sauber Mercedes C9 from Kyosho Racing. Known for rallying its way to become the winner of the 1989 World Sports Car Prototype (WSCP) against the Jaguar XJR-9, the full-scale version remains one of the most gorgeous automobiles my eyes have seen.
Included in Kyosho's Mini-Z racer series (which pays tribute for vehicle excellence), the model comes with a pre-finished body shell (complete with the accurately-applied decals) that recreates the original to dazzling effect. Those lines, those curves, that stylish rear wing - if looks could kill, I'd probably die upon seeing one in a local track (okay, I won't die, but I'll definitely salivate).
For racing performance, it boasts a low center of gravity, a coreless motor (instantaneous pickup and stopping), a newly developed steering gear unit (posting three times the gear ratio of previous versions), variable camber suspension, FET speed control amp and precision geometry settings. Even better, it allows for a ridiculous amount of adjustments, with suspension spacers and a removable motor mount. It's also compatible with all body styles from the Mini-Z series, allowing you to deck it in your choice of some of the most gorgeous car bodies in RC racing.
Released just last month, the Kyosho MR-03LM Sauber Mercedes C9 is not likely to be the fastest RC car in your roster. With that stylish design and a generous room for adjustment, though, it sounds like a definite winner in my book. It's priced at around $190.
by sunny on January 30, 2010
Late model race cars are the cream of the crop of local stock racing vehicles and Team Losi's Mini-Late Model should bring the same excitement to mini RC enthusiasts all over the map. It may be small, but the minuscule racer should pack a solid punch.
Sporting a diminutive 1/18th scale, it appears painfully cute from afar. Come closer, though, and you'll see the fantastic design that gives this late model dirt racer its realistic looks. One glance at that heavy-impact nose, detailed racing body, chrome two-tone wheels and hard compound rubber tires lets you know it means serious business.
The Mini-Late sports an extended chassis (longer than the Mini-Slider), allowing it to more ably support the weight of the electronics and drivetrain - a change you will likely realize in this mini RC's better balance and more dependable performance. With the extra chassis space, the vehicle's battery can be seated at either the left- or right-hand side (instead of in the middle), resulting in improvements on both cornering speed and handling through turns.
Little car can't run fast? Tell that to the pre-installed RX-280 high-speed motor, which should help the car post noteworthy straight line speeds over tough-to-handle tracks both indoors and out. The combination of the heavy-impact bumpers (both front and rear), along with the safety bars (both left and right sides), should ensure maximum protection against untoward racing incidents. Other features include long-arm suspension, low-profile rear tower, ESC system and 2.4GHz DSM technology radio system.
Good things do come in small packages and the Losi Mini-Late Model makes a good point of that. It's an all-in-one too, so you don't need anything else to begin racing. Just keep it away from your clumsy, overweight uncle (who tends to step on things that are a tad too small) and you'll be fine.
Specifications:
Length:15.5 in (394mm)
Width:7 in (178mm)
Wheelbase:8 in (203.2mm)
Weight:25 oz (708 g)
Kit/RTR:RTR
Body:Predecorated (available in Silver, Black, White or Red)
by sunny on January 25, 2010
While the original Abarth 500 (which debuted at the 2008 Paris Auto Show) wasn't quite a sight to behold (especially for SUV-loving Americans), it was a mighty impressive ride, packing near-200 bhp in such a small package. Tamiya, no doubt, realized this when they decided to produce a scaled RC version of the vehicle in the M05 Abarth 500 Assetto Corse RTR.
An expert-built, 1:10 scale replica, the model attempts to intricately capture the limited-edition compact racer, of which only 49 examples were ever made. It mirrors every aspect of the original's exterior, sporting a beautifully-designed polycarbonate shell that you can decorate with an included sticker sheet. Even the funny-looking side mirrors and spoilers are copied to size, along with eye-catching 11-spoke white wheels, threaded 60D radial tires and add-on LED lights (the latter needs to be bought separately).
Built around the durable and lightweight M-05 chassis, the car is finely-tuned to foster both a low-center of gravity and a balanced weight distribution for improved handling. It features a Type 540 motor, 4-wheel independent double wishbone suspension (for road-hugging performance) and 3-piece steering linkage (for turning corners at high-speed).
Tamiya calls the model "sharp and courageous," which should prove a good way to describe it. With that kind of styling and from what we've seen of M-05, it may very well be accurate. All electronics are factory-installed (motor, gearbox battery pack, receiver, servo and ESC) and it comes with a wheel-trigger type transmitter. Hop-ups are aplenty, too, so you won't have that difficult a time making this sleek mini into a monstrous...ummm...mini.
The Tamiya XB Abarth 500 Assetto Corse should prove a good ready-to-run RC for enthusiasts of all levels, as well as collectors interested in reproductions of limited-edition cars.
Specifications:
Length: 365mm, Width: 170mm, Height: 142mm
Wheelbase: 225mm
Tread (Front and Rear): 138mm
Front mounted motor front wheel drive
3-Bevel Differential Gear
3-Piece Steering Linkage
Front and Rear Double Wishbone Suspension
Front and Rear Friction Dampers
Gear Ratio= 5.8 :1
Tire Width/Diameter (Front and Rear): 25/59mm
Requires 8xR6/AA/UM3 Batteries for Transmitter.
by sunny on January 24, 2010
Bringing classics to life was never a better idea than when Tamiya decided to reproduce the Porsche 935 Martini, a gorgeous addition to Tam-Tech Gear's growing roster of on-road beauties. Built ready-to-run, they faithfully recreated the vehicle's distinct aerodynamic lines with downright impressive details.
The kind of car you can look at all day, this 1:12 scale model should leave you admiring its contours for hours on end. It's tough to look away from the polycarbonate body shell with a Martini lacquer finish that's fully furnished with a complete set of racing logos and decals. It's not just an RC model, it's a fine piece of art - just like its full-size counterpart.
Built on top of a lightweight, low-center GT01 chassis, the Porsche 935 Martini should exhibit an uncanny flexibility and durability during its on-road runs. A horizontally-installed Type 370 motor, rear wheel drive and optimally-tuned transmission should help ensure balanced handling through high speeds and difficult turns. Features include independent front and rear wishbone suspension (with front dampers), reverse body mounts (to preserve the lines), 64 tooth spur gear and 16 tooth pinion gear.
Electronic components and mechanical tuning be damned, though, this is a car you buy for those impeccable lines. Like I said, the TT-Gear Porsche 935 Martini is a car you'll lovingly look at as much as drive. There aren't many cars that can match up to the styling of this 1976 Porsche and Tamiya captures all of that into a compact classic. An absolute must-have for anyone who loves their classic racers.
Specifications:
Length: 355mm
Broad: 167mm
Height: 107mm
Wheelbase: 190mm
Trace: F 129mm, R 138mm
Wheels: Breite/Durchmsser: F 20/54mm, R 25/55mm
Chassis: strengthened Monocoque framework chassis
Drive: Rear propulsion with horizontal installed engine
Differential: Kugeldiff.
Steering element: 3 teiliges Tie Rod system
Suspension: Front and tail double wishbones
by sunny on January 21, 2010
A seemingly endless fascination with the mind-numbingly fast F1 racers inspired HPI to add the HPI Formula Ten Kit to its roster of model racers. Built for speed, this kit surrenders control of the most exciting and awe-inspiring racing machine in the world into your hands.
To accurately replicate the distinct appearance of formula cars, HPI breaks down the F10’s shell into a six-part polycarbonate body, with optional barge boards and winglets that help lend it an even more realistic form. Depending on the style you're aiming for, you get options in the placement of your front and rear wing. Get the workshop toolbox ready (glue, paint and decals don't come with the package)- this kit looks as much fun to put together as it is to race.
The HPI Formula Ten Kit comes with a sturdy, easy-to-assemble chassis that should make laying out component parts a breeze. It comes with a T-Bar rear suspension, strong rear-wheel drivetrain and tough-tuned front suspension for better durability (since speed kills and you're pretty clumsy - just kidding). Of course, HPI sells plenty of hop-up parts to further enhance your racer's ability to survive the demands of a highly competitive engagement (coupled with your poor still-improving driving skills, of course, tee-hee).
Designed for intermediate to advanced enthusiasts, your choice of motor, electronics, battery pack and charger will determine your F10's resulting performance (in terms of speed, power and longevity). Beginners can probably get in on the action, too, but make sure you fit in a system that your current abilities can handle.
With drop-dead gorgeous lines and shapes, the HPI Formula Ten Kit ably manages to bring the unique curves of Formula racers into a distinctive scale model that you're likely to enjoy building as much as taking to the tracks.
Specifications
Overall length: 436mm
Width: F 176mm, R 180mm
Wheelbase: 283mm
Weight: 1050g (approximate)
Camber: F 2° R 0°
Caster: F 6° R 0°
The complete list of equipment you will need:
- 2-channel radio transmitter
- steering servo (fits standard-size servos)
- receiver compatible with your transmitter
- 540-size (standard size) motor (either standard brushed or brushless)
- electronic speed controller (ESC) compatible with your motor
- 7.2v (6-cell) or 4.8v (4-cell) stick-pack battery
- charger compatible with your motor.
by sunny on January 15, 2010
The Nismo Festival has always attracted the best vehicles from all over the world. That's why it's no surprise when RC manufacturers sift through the ranks to find inspiration, such as what Tamiya did when they produced the Nismo Coppermix Silvia. Popularized in television and movies, this model is the closest you can get to own this classy rendering of a mean drifting machine.
To realistically mimic the refined look of its full-scale counterpart, Tamiya's 1/10th scale comes with a stylish polycarbonate body kit and a full set of decorative parts. Built for Tamiya's drift-spec TT-01 assembly kit, it features separately-molded side mirrors and rear wings, apart from a host of eye-catching options (such as front and rear LED lights, all black wheels and more).
Boosting both the vehicle's looks and performance, the provided 4WD shaft driven TT-01 bathtub frame chassis mounts both the battery and the motor close to the ground. The result is a lower center of gravity that allows for uncanny balance and superb handling while hitting difficult drifts. You don't have to be a pro to look like a pro and this car sure goes a long way at helping you on that end.
It features a powerful 540 Sport-Tuned motor and TEU-101BK ESC, providing top drifting speeds without losing much control even during unusual transitions. There's a wide variety of tune-up parts, too, in case you're going after an even more faithful mirror of the street-legal drifter's performance.
Like its real-life counterpart, the Tamiya Nismo Coppermix Silvia is a heck of a car. It looks amazing, drives great and will leave your friends drooling with envy without even trying.
Specifications:
540 sport tuned motor
Bathtub chassis
Front and rear sealed differentials
Aluminium heat sink
Drift tyres
Special suspension tuning
Full ball bearings
CVA mini shock dampers and short springs
TEU-101BK forwards and reverse Electronic Speed Control (ESC)
Kit includes 4 LED lights to depict head and tail lights, (white headlights x 2, red tail-lights x 2)
Add the TLU-02 Light Control Unit (53937) for greater control of light operations
