by sunny on February 2, 2012
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
by sunny on January 3, 2012
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]
by sunny on November 17, 2011
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
by sunny on March 1, 2010
If you've been shopping for an eight-scale buggy, you must have come across the Tamiya TRF801X, the company's competition-level off-road kit. While we have heard some complaints about it (mostly the heft), our own experience was actually very satisfying.
There isn't much to distinguish it in the looks department, although we found it to be an attractive ride all the same. Building does require some amount of time (designed for advanced hobbyists, beginners will definitely find the manual a little lacking), although the decision to bundle screws with the parts that use them made sorting through the pile a heck of a lot easier (thanks for that, Tamiya).
Equipped with an anodized duralumin chassis and enclosed by a tough body shell, the TRF801X fosters dependable strength all while offering good mobility. It does feel a little hefty (while driving) compared to other top players in the class, which actually helps with stability, although it's nowhere near "tank-like" as some people have described.
Overall vehicle performance is great. The drivetrain is very smooth (Mugen-like quality), the acceleration is downright quick and handling is very forgiving. Driving it against other buggies, you'll notice the car practically saving itself while everyone else's vehicles are tipping over during corners and rough patches of ground. Jumps are a little harder, though, because of the weight, which tends to result in its falling nose-down a little more than other models in the same class. You should be able to iron it out with a little tuning, so give it time - this is the kind of ride that grows on you.
The Tamiya TRF801X 1/8 Off Road Competition Buggy is easily one of the best vehicles in its class. Like all top-of-the-line performers, it requires a little getting used to. The time you put in should be worth it, though.
Tamiya TRF801X Specifications:
Wheelbase: 320-327mm
Length: 495mm
Width: 307mm
Gear ratio: 11.34:1
Kit/RTR: Kit
Experience Level: Advanced
Items Needed for Completion:
- .21 Off Road Nitro Engine
- Tuned Exhaust System
- 2 Channel Radio System & 8AA Batteries
- High Torque Steering & Brake Servo's (2)
- 6V Receiver Battery
- Glow Driver
- Starter Box & Batteries
- Nitro Fuel & Fuel Bottle
- Paint for Body
- Charger for Reciever Pack & Starter Box Batteries
- Tires & Tire Glue
by sunny on February 25, 2010
Based on the successful RC8 platform from Team Associated, the Factory Team RC8T is a 1/8th scale truggy with a reputation to live up to. The buggy version, which came out months before, was heavily-lauded and the company did take their sweet time entering the newer market.
Since it's sold as a kit, you'll have to build the vehicle yourself. The shocks, differentials and turnbuckles are, fortunately, already set up, saving some of the hassles you'll otherwise slave through. Assembly isn't that hard, but it isn't easy either. Expect to reserve a full workday for it (or more, if you're not used to kits).
Team Associated has said that the Factory Team RC8T is a full-blown race truggy out of the box and they aren't kidding. Suspension, with the new big bore shocks featuring 16mm six-hole pistons and 4mm gold shock shafts, worked wonders, absorbing problems in the tracks handily, making for very smooth driving. It clears jumps with ease and can adjust effectively even while in the air. Handling, with on and off power steering, is very precise. Out of corners, you can accelerate hard with 4.30:1 gear boxes that provide maximum punch.
The car is specially light and agile, making for good runtimes even with no further modifications. It exhibited decent durability too, with its milled 3mm hard-coated 7075 aluminum chassis, aluminum top plate and aluminum steering rack. Other notable high-performance features include aluminum wheel hexes, a full ball bearing drivetrain, two-piece split-center diff mounts, an innovative clutch design and the Free Float Caliper brake system.
Overall, the Team Associated Factory Team RC8T Truggy Kit is an excellent box, even over a year after its first release. It's easy to drive, follows movements accurately and is very friendly even with less-skilled drivers. A great buy for the $500-something marked down price (yes, it's the going price now).
Specifications:
- Scale: 1:8
- Power: Nitro
- Type: Off Road
- Length: 571.5mm
- Width: 419mm
- Weight: 3946 (no rec. pack or body)
- Wheelbase: 375mm
- Internal Gear Ratio: 4.3:1
- Drive: 4WD
by sunny on February 12, 2010
With seven world championships under its belt, Kyosho's MP9 is one of the most successful racing platforms around. The new Kyosho Inferno MP9 E takes the same winning design and transforms it into a brushless-powered performer.
A 1/8th scale racing buggy, it borrows majority of the kit from the MP9 Racing Buggy, but throws on an easily identifiable body. Slimmer and lower in height, it brings a more aerodynamic design that should lend it extra-powerful down force. The box comes with racing decals, but you'll need to buy both the wheels and threaded tires separately.
Tired of RC makers claiming a low center of gravity? Kyosho goes further, calling their setup "ultra low," thanks to the race-tuned lightweight, rolling chassis. One nitpick: from the detailed pics on the website, they used exactly the same chassis plate as the nitro version, choosing to cram plugs into the holes instead of molding one from scratch. Not sure how bad of a thing that is, though.
Since it's a kit, you'll have to supply your own brushless motor, speed control, radio system and battery. It uses an EZ Motor Mount, allowing you to find the perfect mesh by simply sliding the whole motor using two screws. Other included features include double A-arms suspension, medium rear shock towers, lightweight universal driveshafts and full ball bearings.
Not only does the Kyosho Inferno MP9 E look wicked with its low-profile design, it's got the racing DNA to inspire confidence when you take it to the tracks too. Expect it to drop in your local hobby shops anytime this month.
Specifications:
- Length: 490mm
- Width: 307mm
- Height: 180mm
- Wheelbase: 325mm
- Tread: 254mm (F) /254mm (R)
- Weight Approx 3370g
- Gear Ratio: 12.6:1
by sunny on February 6, 2010
Z-Car USA's entry into the tough-as-nails world of truggy racing came in the form of the ZMXT-8, a vehicle released with the sole purpose of "winning races." A 1/8th scale competition-ready truggy, it's designed to give even regular backyard bashers a chance to survive the rigors of the tracks.
First impressions count and this an impressive vehicle at first glance. The overall look isn't very original, though. In fact, it will likely remind of some other buggies and truggies you've seen around. That's because Z-Car USA's parent company, SH Engines, is an OEM who does work for a lot of bigger RC brands. At any rate, you should find its pre-trimmed, blue-painted shell particularly attractive, especially coupled with the installed rear wing and huge white wheels.
Comfortable both racing on the tracks and bashing in the yard, the ZMXT-8 runs a preinstalled .28 three-port engine, which delivers enough power to be useful for either endeavors. It works best at mid- to high-RPM, so take note. Upon pull-starting, you'll find yourself appreciating the quick acceleration, all while maintaining its poise during runs.
The aluminum shocks and overall handling are downright impressive. Jumps, stunts and even high-speed turns won't be enough to halt your drive - unless you don't know what you're doing. It carries many improvements over SH Engines' work for other brands, too. Changes include the throttle and brake servo mounted in a central location, a new brake system designed to mimic those of real automobiles and more.
One word of caution, though. While the Z-Car USA ZMXT–8 comes ready to run, breaking in your engine is nowhere to be found in the manual. There are some comprehensive guides online for this (some direct from Z-Car themselves), so make sure to check them.
Specifications:
- Length: 555mm
- Width: 418mm
- Height: 243mm
- Wheelbase: 363mm
- Weight: 4,100g
- Motor: SH - P3 .28 Pull Start
- Radio equipment: Airtonics Digital FM Radio
More info at Z-Car USA
by sunny on February 4, 2010
Fancy the pro-level, 4WD racing trucks that keep short-course fans in the West Coast giddy? Drive one in your favorite short-course track with the Team Associated SC8, which brings authentic racing replicas of those bad-ass performers into your RC fleet.
Team Associated hails it as a milestone in the platform’s design and features. When it comes to the level of scale accuracy, I'll have to agree. Upon removing the model from its box, you’ll find a ready-to-run truck capped with a pre-cut and pre-painted shell (available in Red Bull, Lucas Oil, Bully Dog, Pro Comp, KMC Wheels, and AE Team bodies). Decals are already set down, but you also get a a sticker sheet in case you want to customize a little. All bodies, wheels and tires are fully-licensed, making this as faithful a replica as you can dream up.
Under the body lies the SC8's functional roll cage, keeping the body from being crushed and the engine from being banged up during the heat of intense driving. Dirt guards placed behind the front wheels offer further protection from debris and dirt. It mirrors its full-sized inspiration in every way an RC could, borrowing the original's roll-cage tube diameter, scale suspension travel, functional mud flaps and more.
Power is provided by a Pro .28 nitro big-block motor (which comes with Pro-Start engine starter) and XP3D Computerized Digital FM Radio system. It can go from the box to the dirt in literal fashion, clearing rough turns and racing with a spirited stride.
The Team Associated SC8 scores it big in the looks department, bringing a level of accuracy to detail we rarely see in many high-performance vehicles. Hardcore fans of short-course dirt trucks need to have this high on their short list.
Specifications:
- Length: 24.5"
- Width: 12"
- Wheelbase: 14.75"
- Dry Weight: 9 lb
- Engine:Team Associated Pro.28 2-stroke nitro engine w/ included hand-held starter
- Transmission: Single speed. No reverse.
- Battery used: 4 AA receiver. 8 AA transmitter
- Radio equipment:Team Associated XP3D FM radio system. S2008 metal gear high-torque steering servo
More info and pics at Team Associated SC8 page
