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
by sunny on January 11, 2010
The Tamiya BMW E30 M3 Sport Evo is one of the most good-looking model street cars we've seen from the Japanese manufacturer. Designed to take on the exciting drifting scene, it marries the M3's classic looks with up-to-date modern technology.
According to Tamiya, a seemingly incessant craving among BMW fans prompted the company to bring the beloved vehicle (which saw production between 1986 to 1992) into a drifting-focused RC kit. The set comes with a clear body shell that you can finish according to your liking, allowing you to keep it in the same classy form or decked out in a funky, modern design. To achieve an even more realistic look, Tamiya put in two working 4mm white LED lights.
Built on the same platform as the E30, the M3 features a TT-01D drift spec Type E-chassis to keep your model ride stable through sharp spins and abrupt maneuvers. BBS silver wheels and strong Super Driftech tires (made from a long-lasting resin and rubber compound) should see you through extended drifting action.
The RS-540 sport-tuned motor, with TEU-104BK ESC and aluminium heat sink, will ably feed you big bursts of power as you push the model to the edges of its abilities. Tamiya also enlisted a specially-tuned suspension, adjustable upper arms and CVA mini-shock dampers to help deliver the handling prowess you'll require.
You'll need to complete the required radio system, battery pack, and charger to hit the tracks on the Tamiya BMW E30 M3 Sport Evo. Beyond that, though, this gorgeous scale should be ready to burn the road as soon as you finish assembly. It's definitely one ride that everyone, from hardcore enthusiasts to dabbling collectors, can appreciate.
by sunny on December 6, 2009
Ever found yourself drooling at the sexy cover car for the Gran Turismo 4 video game? The HPI E10 RTR Ford GT LM Race Car Spec II brings a faithful reproduction to the table, marrying realistic 1/10th scale looks and undeniable racing appeal. Fans looking to get into RC racing should find it a great way to start without having to stray too far from their gaming roots.
Capturing the heart and spirit of the iconic GT-designed racer, the ready-to-race replica jumps out at your fancy with its exquisitely-detailed and painted body shell. All the nuances have been integrated, from the officially-licensed racing decals to the mag-type wheels to every tiny curve, almost like having the in-game car bust out of your TV screen.
Great looks, of course, should come with great performance. And reading through the specs alone, the E10 RTR should bring enough driving favors to complement its awe-inspiring exterior. The pre-installed, high torque Saturn 27T 540 motor should give you access to tremendous power, allowing you to enjoy exhilarating top speeds the same way you do in the game. Don't be afraid to push it hard across any terrain - with a durable chassis, treaded rubber tires, full-time 4WD and strong tub shape, this car should perform even under extreme conditions.
With great overall features and championship-level parts, the HPI E10 RTR Ford GT LM Race Car Spec II brings enough excitement to entice both new and old RC enthusiasts alike. Both model collectors and racing regulars should find it a worthy ride to bring into their roster.
Specifications:
Length: 14.8" (375mm)
Width, Adjustable: 7.32, 7.56, 7.80"
Height: 5.25" (133.35mm)
Weight: 2.8 lbs (1270g)
Wheelbase: 10" (255mm)
Drive Ratio: 7.48:1
Tread: Front- 6.5" (165mm) Rear- 6.8" 173mm)
Front Track: 7.5" (190mm)
Rear Track: 7.75" (197mm)
Spur Gear: 65T
by admin on December 1, 2009
HPI's 1/10th scale Sprint 2 Sport Drift updates the company's premiere electric club racer into a full-featured drifting machine that's bound to command every enthusiast's attention. Easy to drive and capable of providing consistent drift action, it's the perfect vehicle to realize your tire-burning fancies.
This special version of the sexy Sprint 2 Sport adds specially-designed hard compound drift tires, mounted on chrome-plated Volk T37 replica wheels. Available with either a Toyota Trueno AE86 or a Nissan 350Z body shell, it's laden with a realistic street look that will make you feel like you're in the presence of a full-scale drifting machine. The body is made of lexan material comes bare, so you can paint and decorate it yourself using either the included decals or some of your own custom pieces.
If realistic drifting is what you're looking for, this car will have you running like it's the real thing. It's supposedly designed to ride on a wide variety of surfaces, although most who have tried the car know it works best on even roads with no rocks or pebbles (so be careful). The assembled 4WD nylon chassis does help provide consistent movements, allowing you to perform with flexibility, durability and controlled handling. It runs on an electric powertrain, which makes for quiet operation despite the chaotic nature of the performance.
It comes with all the features you need for an ideal drifting set-up, with handpicked components specifically for the job. A wide variety of shock oils and springs are also available for individual needs, along with several tuning options right in the kit (adjustable suspension turnbuckles, 2-degree and 3-degree rear hubs, among others) . Numerous protective implements keep your car safe from the usual hazards of the sport, including huge foam bumpers (to cushion it from damaging impacts), upper deck and shock towers.
Whether indoors or outdoors, the HPI Sprint 2 Sport Drift should help you deliver optimal technique, helping you churn out the best lines, angles and show factor for your hair-raising drifts.
Specifications:
Length: 17” (431mm)
Height: 5” (127mm)
Width: 7.5” (190mm)
Wheelbase: 10" (254mm)
Radio: HPI TX-2 transmitter
Motor: Nosram Tornado SS3 (upgradeable)
Battery: Nosram 1800mAh
