by sunny on March 15, 2010
Are you planning to buy your first nitro-powered RC car? Here are a few things you should know before diving into the grin inducing hobby.
Nitro isn't gas. Some people refer to nitro RCs as gas-powered models. However, nitro fuel isn't the same as the gas you put in your real car. Don't confuse the two and don't make the mistake of filling it up from your crappy sedan's full tank. Nitro fuel has three main components - methanol, nitromethane and oil. This is mixed together with several additives, such as anti-corrosion agents. The fuel rating is based on the percentage of nitromethane (typically 20%).
Nitro RCs are fast. If you want speed and power, then nitro is the way to go. If too much of both overwhelm you, it might be wise to get your feet wet driving electric RC cars or trucks first.
Nitro fuel requires special handling. It's highly-flammable, not to mention poisonous, so avoid lighted cigarettes and open flames when you're around it. Make sure to wipe up any spills, especially on your car, lest have that chain-smoker at the track set it aflame when he lights one up. Oh yeah, don't mistake it for beer, either. Blech.
Nitro RCs require better driving skills. High-speed driving does have its drawbacks - the learning curve becomes much higher. There are many nitro-powered cars at all categories designed for beginners, though, so make sure you opt for those, instead of advanced models. More importantly, try to get a feel for the car's power before driving it at full speed, unless you want to risk damaging your $500 purchase on its first run.
Nitro RCs are kinda bad for indoors. While you can use them inside your house if you want, the fuel fumes, engine noise and excessive speeds make that a bad idea. Take it outdoors and go nuts.
Nitro RCs require more maintenance. Getting your car running isn't as easy as flipping a switch - you need to get fuel onto it, check the air filter, check the glow plug and more. You'll need to carry a quick-fill bottle along too.
Sure, they require more work and are more expensive. However, nitro RCs usually also mean more fun. It's a positive trade-off and one you're not likely to regret.
[Image Credit: Imageshack]
by sunny on February 22, 2010
The Kyosho Inferno GT2 Corvette C6-R comes from the Inferno series, one of the best-selling RTR nitro kits of all time. That should say a lot about what this car is about and, I have to say, it's hard to be disappointed.
Like most of the Inferno line, the GT2 comes in different championship-winning bodies, including the Red Bull Audi D4, the McLaren F1 GTR and the Aston Martin DB9 Gulf. Why choose the Corvette C6-R? Sure, there's accounting for taste, but in my mind, it's easily the sexiest of the lot. The fully-licensed replica body is just downright grand.
A long wheelbase chassis provides the foundation for the car. Being stretched, in this case, allows for greater stability, which you will notice when performing neck-breaking runs and turns at high speed. The added length also enhances the look, leaving it more proportional.
The Inferno GT2 comes with a big 4.6cc (.28 c.i.) pull start engine. A pilot-type crankshaft allows the clutch to be perfectly aligned with the motor, producing more power, as well as allowing owners to easily slot in an aftermarket replacement engine. The 150cc fuel tank features a quick-fill spring-loaded top, allowing you to refill the tank while the engine is running. It can manage runtimes of up to 15 minutes, then top-up again without shutting off. Other notable features include durable double A-arm suspension (extreme durability), two-channel radio with high torque servos, double disc brakes and a smaller 34mm flywheel.
Based on the Pratt & Miller racer that ruled the GT1 roost of the LeMans/ALMS series, the Kyosho Inferno GT2 Corvette C6-R marries both aggressive looks and tight performance in a downright sleek package. It's big, it's sexy, it's powerful - just the way on-road racers should be.
Specifications:
- Length: 20.28 in. (515mm)
- Width: 12.2 in. (310mm)
- Height: 5.31 in. (135mm)
- Wheelbase: 14.17 in. (360mm)
- Tread (F/R): 10.31/10.43 in. (262/265mm)
- Tire size: 3.82x1.89 in. (97x48mm)
- Gear Ratio: 10.14:1/6.3:1 (1st/2nd)
- Weight: approx. 8 lbs. 1 oz. (3650g)
- Engine: GXR28SG
by sunny on February 10, 2010
The XRAY NT1 has been one of the most sought-after nitro touring racers of the past few years. It's not a surprise, considering the number of both major race events it has won and RC awards it has bagged. Looking to build on this success, XRAY has forged on with further developing the vehicle, eventually coming up with the new XRAY NT1-2010 Specs 1/10 Luxury Nitro Racing Sedan, which turns the already formidable racer into an even more powerful machine.
XRAY dubs the NT1-2010 as the “the world’s lowest CG nitro touring car platform.” One look at the thing and you'll know they're not kidding with the claim. Not only does the low profile look amazing - it should guarantee stable and precise handling too.
Want to know what's new? The 2010 version boasts a new front suspension (with wheelbase adjustment), narrower front lower arms, a more refined rear shock tower, wider 2-speed 2nd gear, reinforced suspension, a more symmetrical radio plate, wider drivetrain belts. a new rear roll center bridge and many more, including previously optional components that now come as part of the set.
As before, it uses a CNC-machined 3mm Swiss 7075 T6 chassis, allowing for excellently laid-out components that make fine-tuning and adjustments easy. The monoblock engine mount (Multi-Flex 1-piece) provides easy mounting and adjustment for your engine of choice, eliminating the need for perennial gear mesh changes.
XRAY calls the NT1 a "sophisticated, professional, high-competition nitro touring car." Take a gander at the specs list and it's easy to see just how race- and performance-oriented this platform is. Want the best? You can't complain about success - and this car has the credentials in droves.
More at Team XRAY
by sunny on February 2, 2010
Followers of RC touring cars will definitely find delight in the Schumacher Fusion 28, one of the hands-down fastest nitro racers in the manufacturer's line. Meant to go neck-to-neck with the fastest competition, this 1/10th scale super saloon is a speed demon of the highest order.
Hailed by some as the "most exciting touring car ever created," it boasts the powerful Schumacher X28 (4.5cc) engine (2.85 hp at 33,000 rpm), which is built by legendary Italian builders, Picco. Tuned for high-speed racing, it boasts blistering on-road speeds of up to 80mph, making this car strictly reserved for more advanced RC fanatics.
The Schumacher Nitro Fusion 28 comes with a three-speed transmission (making for quick acceleration), a fully-adjustable 4WD suspension (which should ensure smooth handling), championship-based foam tires and a 4mm thick anodized aluminum chassis. To help you with getting the hang of the controls, Schumacher packed in a finely-tuned braking system that should help you build up confidence on your way to mastering your car's controls.
It brings very aggressive styling by way of the pre-trimmed body shell (based on the Nissan Skyline GT-R), in-your-face decals, durable white wheels and sporty rear wing. It's available as a ready-to-run, requiring only 10% nitro with synthetic oil fuel, 12 AA batteries and a cordless torque drill.
Serious RC hobbyists need a serious car for high-speed on-road racing. The Schumacher Nitro Fusion 28 RTR is about as threatening as they come. With innate power and a decent selection of upgrade parts, it's the kind of racer that can strike fear among the competition.
Specifications:
- Power Source: NITRO
- Model Type: 4WD, ON-ROAD, LEISURE
- Length: 420mm
- Width: 200mm
- Top Speed: 80 mph
- Build State: 90% or RTR
More info here
by sunny on January 29, 2010
For many of us, exotic cars are just a tad out of reach in our banal, ordinary lives. That's where scale models like the Kyosho PureTen GP Fazer come in, giving a taste of the exciting world of GP touring machines, with none of the costs you will usually associate with one.
Certain to appeal to new and old nitro fans alike, this model GT ships with factory-licensed, ultra-detailed body shell, plated wheels and high-grip tires. You get the choice of six different pre-built designs, each one resembling the full scale racers from which it is based from. From the front to the rear to the sides, it's truly a high-end looking car, making it a real bargain at its affordable price.
A sturdy aluminium plate, with molded upper deck chassis, forms the base of the PureTen GP Fazer. Chassis components have been placed on the lowest possible part of the frame, allowing it to attain a low center of gravity, which translates to better cornering, balanced weight distribution and greater top speed.
Power is delivered by a GZ-15 engine (which comes with a low-profile cooling head) providing decent entry-level nitro speeds - just right for beginning racers. Other features include four-wheel independent suspension with oil filled shocks, a sealed radio box, molded composite drive shafts, a two-channel / two-servo RC system and a set of 18 ball bearings.
Want to experience GP touring cars, but keeping a tight watch on your RC spending? The Kyosho PureTen GP Fazer should deliver the goods, bringing supreme looks and exciting performance at a budget-friendly price.
Specifications:
Category: 1:10 4WD Nitro Touring Sedan
Wheelbase: 260mm (10.2 in.)
Width: 200mm (7.9 in.)
Ground clearance: 10mm (0.4 in.)
Track width: 176mm (6.9 in.)
Height: 90mm (3.5 in.)
Weight: 1775g (62.6 oz.)
Chassis: Aluminum plate w/molded upper deck
Drivetrain: Shaft w/enclosed gearboxes
Differential: Sealed 4-gear (rear); solid axle (front)
Transmission: Single speed with 17/39T gears
Final drive ratio: 7.06:1
Radio system: Kyosho KT-6 2-channel
Engine: GZ-15 w/recoil starter
Kyosho's official US site
by sunny on January 23, 2010
Targeting beginners and intermediate RC drivers, HPI's Nitro RS4 RTR 3 Evo+ updates the original Evo (minus the "plus") with a number of upgrade options as part of its standard package. As a result, it's a better, faster and stronger performer than its already impressive predecessor.
With new choices in body and an even faster engine, it's made a sick (and we mean that in a good way) roadburner even more fun. For one, the pre-painted, realistic shells continue to look excellent, apart from fostering good durability. Whether you house your ride as a Honda NSX GT, Nissan Greddy 350Z, Ford '66 Mustang GT, Plymouth AAR 'Cuda, 1967 Chevrolet Corvette or a Fujitsubo HPI Impreza, it will demonstrate outstanding speed reaching up to 81 kph.
The Nitro RS3 RTR 3 Evo+ draws all that power from the pre-installed RotoStart T3.0 engine. And man, that's a pretty impressive package. In fact, we recommend you start out slowly (especially if you're a novice at nitro racing), as the top speed is considerably fast and could cause damage (either to you or nearby fixtures, neither of which would be good).
Other features that should make driving it a satisfying experience include a thick countersunk aluminum chassis, real oil-filled shocks, longer runtimes (with a 75cc fuel tank, that's how), race-tuned suspension with durable plastic parts, ultra-strong foam bumpers and very reliable HPI control boxes. It's fast, durable and looks badass - what more can you ask for?
For RC enthusiasts looking to build up their nitro racing skills, the Nitro RS4 RTR 3 Evo+ should prove an ideal purchase. It's a great-looking car with both the speed and durability to have you racing with confidence.
Specifications:
Length: 17.1" (434mm)
Width: 7.9" (200mm)
Height: 4" (102mm)
Weight: 3.85lbs (1745g) approximate
Wheelbase: 10.1" (256mm) (wheels on-center front-to-rear)
Tread: Front-6.75" (171mm) Rear-7" (178mm) (wheels on-center side to-side)
Front Track: 7.25" (184mm)
Rear Track: 7.75" (197mm)
Ground Clearance: 0.29" (7.5mm)
Chassis: 0.098 (2.5mm) 6061 aluminum
Drive: Four wheel shaft drive
Engine: Nitro Star G3.0 3.0cc (.18 cu in) 2.2hp with pull-starter
by sunny on December 6, 2009
If "mean" and "fast" are the foremost words in your fifth-grade-level vocabulary (just busting your chops), then look no further than the Traxxas Nitro 4-Tec 3.3, a powerful RTR model that's the first to break 70mph in its category. For more advanced RC enthusiasts, it could prove the easiest way to fulfill your need for speed.
Classy and stylish, this "blink and you'll miss it" ride comes expertly painted, with detailed graphics, attractive decals and timeless 2.0 Mesh wheels. The level of attention the exterior received is quite impressive, making for one of the sexiest RC sports cars even a full year after its release. The partly-shown, blue-coiled TRX 3.3 Racing Engine's cooling head on the top part of the rear adds additional flair, making it look even more intimidating than usual.
Even with newer, faster RCs on the market, your opponents won't be leaving you behind with the Nitro 4-Tec 3.3’s finely-tuned performance talents. With a neckbreaking top speed of 70mph, lightweight body, durable construction and quick acceleration, it's a veritable powerhouse that can run as good as it looks. It's equipped with a Traxxas EZ-Start system (to gain ground quickly out of the gates) with console diagnostics, commendable tire traction and enhanced 3-belt drive system.
Designed for experts (strictly level 5 drivers), the Traxxas Nitro 4-Tec 3.3 is not for the faint of heart. As a model racer, it's all about speed and power, requiring you to carry out the highest level of control. Don't say we didn't warn you.
Specifications:
Drive: Four wheel, three belt
Transmission: Two speed (adjustable shift point)
Engine: Traxxas .20 cu in (3.3cc) racing engine
Length: 17" (432mm)
Weight: 62oz (with Rx Battery)
Wheelbase: 10.16" (258mm)
Height: 4.375" (111mm)
Front Track: 7.64" (194mm)
Wheel Diameter: 2.0"
Rear Track: 7.8" (198mm)
