Kyosho recently announced a race spec upgrade to one of their most exciting on-road cars.  The new Kyosho Inferno GT2 Race Spec boasts a laundry list of improvements that should make it an attractive option for 1/8-scale racing fans.

Sporting a hardened main chassis coupled with a detailed slick body (choice of either a Corvette 2007 C6-R or an Audi R8 LMS), it makes for a strong and stylish racer that performs as beautifully as it looks.  Also new to this version are composite chassis stiffeners, a better big block engine with polished tuned pipe and header, Metal Gear KS-200 servos, and a 3-piece racing clutch.

The Kyosho Inferno GT2 Race Spec uses the high-power K25, which delivers more torque and higher maximum speeds than the engine on previous GT2 vehicles.  Out of the box, it can do 55 mph; with optional components, it can be tuned to hit maximum speeds of 70+ mph.  For smoother gear changes and minimal shift shock, the car comes fitted with the previously optional shoe-type two-speed transmission.  Kyosho’s latest KT-201 computerized 2.4GHz radio system, which features a blue LCD for quick access to control settings, is included.

Other details of the vehicle include a failsafe function (stops the car safely in the event of radio signal trouble), double-disc ABS braking, a 150cc fuel tank and a shaft drive system.  The entire chassis is boxed pre-assembled, with the bodies fully painted and decaled.  Just add batteries and fuel to start racing.

Slated for availability in March, the Kyosho Inferno GT2 Race Spec will retail for $949.99.

[Kyosho]

SPECS:

• Scale: 1/8th
• Length: 515mm
• Width: 310mm
• Height: 135mm
• Wheelbase: 360mm
• Gear Ration: 1st 10.14:1 2nd 7.90:1
• Weight: 3,650
• Engine: KE25 SG
• Radio: KT-201 2.4GHz

Looking for an off-road truck with aggressive styling and equally capable performance?  You might want to throw some looks over at the RC4WD Trail Finder 2, a truck kit designed for kicking mud on your favorite off-road trails.

Described as "part scale truck, part adventurer," the 1/10 scale 4WD can take on sand, dirt, snow, mud and rocks, allowing you to rugged it up whether in the backyard or at a local trail.  Sporting a billet aluminum ladder-frame chassis, 1.55 stamped steel beadlock wheels, super grip Mud Thrasher tires, rock rails, wide gears, skid plate and tube rock guard bumpers, RC4WD claims the vehicle should deliver a smooth and reliable performance over rugged terrain.

The Trail Finder 2 comes with a Mojave body set, complete with accurate proportions and precise details.  An industry first, it features a dropped bed molded directly into the body, allowing you to remove the bolt-on cab for equipping the vehicle truggy-style.  Windshield wipers, mirrors, marker light details, and door handles are also thrown in as add-on parts.

Sold as a kit, you'll need to use your own motor, radio and electronics, with building time estimated at approximately 3 hours.  The RC4WD Trail Finder 2 will be available mid-February, priced at $399.99.

[RC4WD]

Ford has been a staple of the World Rally Championships since the early 70s, bringing the legendary Escort and two-time winner Focus to the epic adventure race.   The new HPI WR8 3.0 borrows from the team's 2011 Ford Fiesta rally racer, boasting gorgeous scale realism and high-output nitro power.

As you can see from the picture, it's a highly-detailed 1/8-scale replica of the road car used by the Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team.  All elements of the body, from the shape to the decals, are built on point, making for one true-to-form recreation.

Based on the Bullet 3.0, the HPI WR8 3.0 uses an extended version of the truck's 3mm aluminum chassis, complete with a modified suspension and wheelbase.  It retains the nitro truck's full-time 4WD shaft drivetrain, tough bevel gear differentials and twin disk brakes.  The newly-upgraded Nitro Star G3.0 HO engine delivers the road-burning power.

Designed to perform like a real rally car, the vehicle features adjustable ground clearance, so you can tune regardless of what types of road conditions you're racing on.  Other features include Gravel Spec rally tires similar to those used in WRC competition, extra-durable SF-10W servos, a raised skid plate on the front jumper, a 75cc fuel tank, front and rear sway bars, and rear shock mud guards.

The HPI WR8 3.0 Ford Fiesta Abu Dhabi Castrol WRC Nitro Rally Car is sold ready to run, packaged with a 2.4GHz radio control.  No pricing yet, but it probably shouldn't go too much higher than the Bullet (under $500).

SPECIFICATIONS

• Length: 485mm
• Width: 227mm
• Height: 172mm
• Wheelbase: 300mm
• Drive System: full-time shaft 4WD

[HPI]

The selling point for the Traxxas XO-1 is dead simple: "100+ MPH out of the box." Seriously, do you need anything else to make RC fans drool?

Measuring 27 inches long, this isn't a compact racer for leisurely racing around your local tracks. Heck, no. Designed strictly for expert RC drivers, this is a serious piece of equipment that performs like a real car. Only smaller.

The Traxxas XO-1 can hit 100 mph in as little as five seconds, going from 0 to 60 in just 2.3 ticks. You don't need to tweak any part of the vehicle to reach those speeds, although Traxxas requires you to tune it using a downloadable iPhone app (called Traxxas Link) that can dock into the all-new Traxxas TQI radio system. With the app, you get a full-color graphical UI that lets you optimize the radio to achieve the downright ridiculous numbers.

­Specs include a 1650 Kv Big Block brushless motor, Castle Mamba ESC, shaft-driven 4WD, bellcrank steering and sealed hardened steel bevel differential. Notable features include numerous machined aluminum parts, SS dual-CV driveshafts, onboard air-management system and the patent-pending Cush Drive for absorbing drivetrain shocks.

Billed as the world's fastest "ready-to-race" supercar, the Traxxas XO-1 will retail for $1099.99.

SPECIFICATIONS

Length: ­27 inches (686mm)
Front Track: 11.61 inches (295mm)
Rear Track: 11.81 inches (300mm)
Center Ground Clearance: ­ 0.59 inches (15mm)
Weight: ­8.6 lbs (3.9 kg) (w/o batteries)
10.3 lbs (4.67 kg) (with batteries)
Height (overall): ­5 inches (127.5mm)
Wheelbase: 15.91 inches (404mm)
Front Shock Length: 3.27 inches (83mm)
Rear Shock Length: 3.39 inches (86mm)
Front Tires (pre-glued): Belted Slick Front (4.29" x 1.7")
Rear Tires (pre-glued): Belted Slick Rear (4.29" x 2")
Front Wheels: 3.3" Split-Spoke™ (black-chrome)
with 17mm splined hex
Rear Wheels: 3.3" Split-Spoke™ (black-chrome)
with 17mm splined hex

[Traxxas]

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]

Billed as the "perfect 1/18th scale fun package," the HPI Mini Recon is a tiny bundle of monster truck awesomeness that will have you mini-bashing the afternoon away. Small but durable, you can smash it into everything in sight and the damn nugget will just keep running.

Sold as an RTR, this miniature RC model comes painted, trimmed and decaled, ready to have its shiny finish muddied and put through a real backyard workout. It's decked in an "extremely tough composite material" on the body, tub chassis, shock towers and suspensions parts, though, so you don't have to worry about breaking it in a day. Maybe a week. Just kidding. HPI claims this thing is "nearly indestructible."

The HPI Mini Recon features a heavy-duty 4WD shaft system that capably handles the travails of your favorite outdoor tracks. A high-torque RM-18 motor (370-size) pumps the power, allowing it to push at an impressive pace both on pavements and trails. Other details include "super smooth" ball differentials, factory-fitted long-stoke shocks, twin point steering, fully covered electrics, six-spoke rims and high-grip Micro Block tires.

Designed for novice hobbyists, it comes with everything you need to get cracking, including an HPI TF-40 radio set, 7.2V NiMh battery, charger and AA batteries for the transmitter. All you have to do is take it out of the box and drive.

Seriously, this thing sound gnarly for a 1/18th scale ride. The HPI Mini Recon is available now, priced at $179.

SPECIFICATIONS:

CHASSIS LENGTH: 232mm
WIDTH: 174mm
HEIGHT: 108mm
TRACK: 145mm
WHEELBASE: 160mm
DRIVE SYSTEM: Shaft 4WD
TIRES: Micro Block

[HPIRacing]

Having been purpose-built for high-level all-terrain performance, the F-150 SVT Raptor is easily one of the most powerful rides available to off-road enthusiasts. The Traxxas RTR F-150 Raptor SVT is a replica model that brings the same rugged features in a 1/10-scale radio-controlled package.

Designed for all-terrain driving, the vehicle comes fully-equipped with everything you need to take into rugged territory as soon as it pops out of the box. It ships Ready-To-Race, with fully-assembled parts, painted and decaled body, and even the TQ 2.4GHz radio system pre-adjusted for operation.

The Traxxas RTR F-150 Raptor SVT shares much of its feature set with the Traxxas Slash, the award-winning truck that's been a consistent favorite among off-road racing enthusiasts. From the chassis design with huge center clearance to the massive BF Goodrich Mud-Terrain tires, you can quickly bash, race or plain wreak havoc anywhere you please. The fenders keep the tires covered up, so you can smash into other vehicles without being tangled up.

It comes with a Titan 12-Turn 550 motor, which you can upgrade to a Velinion brushless motor to reach speeds of up to 40 mph. Other details include an XL-5 ESC, a Metal Gear Magnum 272 transmission, Revo-spec Torque-Control slipper clutch, adjustable steel turnbuckles, satin-finished 2.2-inch Slash wheels, and a water-sealed electronics box. The vehicle includes a Training Mode that allows you to limit full-throttle power to 50%, allowing novice drivers to develop their skills without losing control of the vehicle.

Currently on preorder with a November ship date, the Traxxas RTR F-150 Raptor SVT is listed with a suggested price of $480.

[Traxxas]

Back when the Mitsubishi Pajero (or Montero, in parts of the world where "pajero" can mean "wanker") first came out, it came loaded with features that were previously unseen in the same category. A four-wheel drive that comes integrated with passenger car amenities, it was a pretty big deal in its day, made even bigger by its participation in many off-road races. Now, you can enjoy this classic in an RC package with the Tamiya Montero Wheelie.

Sold as a 1/10-scale assembly kit, the vehicle is based on the racing-configured models that were used in events like the Dakar Rally. It's only a 2WD, though, so don't expect all that capable off-road performance. Looks mighty badass driven through relatively tame terrain, though.

The Tamiya Montero Wheelie uses a box-type 2WD chassis, equipped with a front swing axle and rear rolling rigid suspension. Body is injection-molded for durability, with a spare tire, roll cage and cargo bed details thrown in for realism.

It features a fully-enclosed gearbox for keeping off dirt and debris, 115mm tires, a wheelie bar, a Tamiya 540-type brushed motor and TEU-104BK ESC. Since it's a kit, you need your own tools and paint to get the ride done, along with a two-channel radio and battery.

No pricing yet, but the Tamiya Montero Wheelie should hit stores this October.

[Tamiya]

Serpent has announced a new racer that they claim "sets new standards in 1/10-scale race chassis design." The vehicle is the Serpent 733 Team Edition, it gets many practical updates, stemming from real-world use by the team and factory drivers.

Boasting high cornering speeds, superb braking and a wide sweet spot, the vehicle should prove easier to race than any of the 733's previous iterations. Serpent also claims the ride features a newly-developed geometry, improved weight balance and very responsive steering.

The Serpent 733 Team Edition uses a 3mm machined aluminum chassis, with countersunk and chamfered edges that makes for a closed, rigid design. It has a mono-type engine mount for securely holding the engine, as well as a side bracket assembly (for mounting the receiver, switch, antenna and both servos) and a carbon fiber bracket on the opposite side of the front-mounted fuel tank for seating the battery, making for one compact layout. Sold as a kit, the racer comes with the new SL6 gearbox, an updated 75cc fuel tank with a Cobra tank-cap and seal system, the Direct Link system, rear-end aluminum-rubber connector set, rear camber bracket, rod-type stiffener and a whole load of other additions.

We can't find pricing or availability information anywhere in the web for now, but Serpent has already raced the 733 Team Edition last month (at the 1/10 scale 200mm Euros in Germany) and will probably figure in a few more events entered in by the team (including the US Nationals later this year). You can also check out the link below for more information.

Specs:

Class: 200mm 1/10th Scale 200mm
Purpose: 200mm Touring Car Racer
Chassis: 3mm aluminum, 7075 aerospace quality, CNC machined
Suspension: Independent double wishbone suspension
Radio plate: 2.5mm carbon fiber, CNC machined
Shock absorbers: RCCX shock absorbers
Fuel tank: 75cc design with new lid
Drive system: 4wd through kevlar reinforced timing belts
Clutch system: Centax-III clutch system
Front axle: Gear Differential (Optional One way axle )
Rear axle: Gear Differential
Gearbox: Lightweight SL6 2-speed with interchangeable fine pitch gears
Weight: 1.695kg (depending on radio gear)
Max. speed: 105km/h +
Acceleration: 0-90km/h 3.0 seconds
Instructions: Full color instruction manual, reference guide
Not included: Engine and pipe, body, radio equipment, battery pack, tires

[Serpent]