by sunny on February 23, 2010
Slated for release in the Spring, the HPI Blitz ESE vows to take short course RC to the next level. Throwing in a ton of premium upgrades to the already impressive 2WD's stock chassis, this can make an excellent replacement for your worn-down Blitz or a powerful entry to the short course truck scene.
Available as a kit, you can let your creativeness shine through as you customize the included ATTK-10 clear body with a paint job of your choice. It comes with a set of graphic elements and official logos to help you out in decorating, as well.
The Blitz ESE boasts a stiffer composite main chassis that claims overall quicker response. Color coded performance parts (white, cool gray and warm gray) let you see high-response parts at a glance, apart from lending it a more attractive appearance. Of course, it's only likely to remain that way until the first time it tastes dirt, at which point it will have to say hello to your favorite scrub.
HPI wasn't short on superlatives when describing the release. Precise steering and cornering from the firm front and rear arms, tougher skid plates for aggressive take-offs and landings, firmer bumpers for stronger and a whole host of other tune-ups have been outlined that make it a potentially super fast ride.
You'll have to supply a lot of the parts for this kit, including the motor, batteries, servos, wheels and tires. This adds a laundry list of things for you to pick up, but allows for plenty of customization on actual racing abilities. Expect the HPI Racing Blitz ESE Kit around April for a $250 price.
[HPI Racing]
by sunny on February 18, 2010
Want a fun, entry-level 4WD buggy on a budget? The HPI Brama 10B RTR should prove an excellent value, delivering a sharp looker that requires little additional work on your part.
Sure, it's not the prettiest shell around. It brings an overall classy feel, though, with the attitude to boot. The polycarbonate body sports attractive, boxy lines with nice paint and glistening decals. The Digger tires, white wheels, wide bumper and mounted nylon wing nail the look right on the button.
Most parts are nylon and composite plastic, so the Brama 10B is not exactly the most trustworthy ride when it comes to durability. Actual performance is impressive, however. The components appear well-built and are able to hold up to a good level of abuse. Big credit to the shell and the tub chassis, along with the sealed shaft drivetrain and pinion/spur combo, which provide solid protection to the vehicle's inner mechanisms. You will require a good amount of upgrades to turn it into a serious off-roader, though.
It employs an HPI Saturn motor for power, providing good speed for its class. The handling in downright impressive, thanks to the longer arms, bigger shocks and reliable E10 chassis. Curbs and jumps are cleared with relative ease, with capable driving through dirt, grass and mud.
For the most part, the HPI Brama 10B RTR personifies how an entry-level buggy should be - quick to set up, low maintenance and built for durability. It's an excellent way to burst into the scene, not to mention, very affordable too.
Specifications:
- Length: 432mm
- Width: 297mm
- Wheelbase: 239mm
- Tires: 135mm diameter
by sunny on February 5, 2010
Hailed as one of the best RC cars released in 2008, the HPI Baja 5B SS is as powerful a buggy as you can ask for. This particular kit brought the Baja platform to new heights, bringing tons of improvements that enhanced its speed, power and durability.
Sure to appeal to fans who love to tinker with their cars, the kit allows for plenty of customizations to your Baja buggy racer's looks. The clear body shell leaves itself a blank canvas, allowing you to slap up your choice of paints and designs, using the included pre-cut decals and protective overspray film.
The Baja 5B SS comes with a gunmetal-anodized monocoque main chassis that appears absolutely nasty under the body, all while providing a rigid base for superior performance. Orange anodized Super Sport parts complement the chassis, leaving it even more durable and better-looking.
Power is delivered from a Fuelie 26s gasoline engine, paired with an aluminum tube pipe, delivering faster acceleration and higher top speeds than other desert buggies before it. Working together with the 750cc gasoline tank (which holds enough fuel to see you through 40 to 45 minute runs) and an 8000 RPM clutch (for a quick push during a standing start), it should see you blow through the pack in even the most competitive races. Other notable hop-ups include a new rear shock tower brace, heavy-duty shock set, metal gear steering and ultra-responsive sway bars.
To put it simply, the HPI Baja 5B SS Kit can't be recommended enough. It remains as one of the best buggies in the scene and totally deserves all the praise it has received over the past two years.
Specifications:
- Scale: 1/5th
- Length: 817mm
- Wheelbase: 570mm
- Weight: 21.3lbs. / 9.6kg
- Chassis: Aircraft grade 6061 chassis
- Motor or Engine: Two cycle piston valve gasoline engine
- Servos: High torque waterproof metal gear steering servo w/ 25Kg.cm - Speed 0.16/60 degree
- Kit/RTR: Kit
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 750cc fuel tank
Tons of more pics and info here at HPI
by sunny on February 1, 2010
No-maintenance brushless motors have revolutionized the hobby of RC racing in some ways. HPI's popular stadium trucks first caught on to this brushless trend with the release of the E-Firestorm 10T Flux, a 1/10th scale 2WD that's fully geared for fast-paced, competitive action.
Aggressively styled, the vehicle sports a pre-cut lightweight DSX-2 body shell that comes painted and decked in custom graphics. Meant to hang with the fastest stadium racers, all parts are factory-assembled with the authentic-looking ground assault tires glued to the wheels.
The E-Firestorm Flux promises high-quality performance, boasting a vehicle built on top of a durable framework that's meant to absorb heavy wear and tear. Take off the shell and you'll find a tough composite chassis with components strategically placed to provide balanced weight distribution.
Sporting a Flux Warp 5700kv motor and Flux Motiv ESC, the vehicle's brushless system is tuned to deliver both speed and power in heaps. Many races over the past year have proven its mettle, showing off blistering bursts that sees it reach top speeds of up to 60mph in quick fashion.
On the downside, the E-Firestorm has been known to suffer from occasional cogging (very rare, though) of the sensorless ESC during acceleration, which sees the truck's responsiveness take a temporary hit. The smooth start does allow you to go from 0 to max rather quickly, which completely makes up for the hitch. Braking is also handled fairly well, allowing for great transitions between runs and stops. With a soft suspension, cohesive drive train and excellent electronics, it delivers where it matters - action-packed performance.
The HPI E-Firestorm 10T Flux is a great balance of speed and handling, making it a perfect stadium truck to dive in the thick of the action with right out of the box.
by sunny on January 28, 2010
Whether you want something larger than your normal racer or looking to quench your thirst for blistering speeds, the 1/8th-scale HPI Hellfire Truggy is a vehicle that capably steps up to the plate. Built for stadium truck racing, it makes its mark by having one of the biggest adjustable range of features in its category.
There's no way to mistake it for just another truck. The blazing red, strong polycarbonate body looks hellishly sexy, with all the paint and decals already applied right out of the box. Paired with large dish truck wheels and Aggressor tires, it looks ready to slug it hardcore with the craziest trucks you can bring to the meet.
Comfortable when bashing in the backyard as it is slugging it out in the tracks, the Hellfire sports an HPI Nitro Star K4.6 HO big block engine that's been reworked for even more power and torque. With a simplified chassis design and an adjustable motor, it allows for effortless tuning, more so than majority of vehicles built in its class. It should manage great handling with a unique captured outer pin suspension, hard-anodized aluminum shocks and new steering geometry.
Do note that the stock Aggressor tires are more attuned to bashing than racing. As such, we recommend outfitting it with a different set before taking it out on the tracks (HPI has a number of options that should fit the bill).
Out of the box, the HPI Hellfire Truggy will easily prove to be a powerful RTR set. It does need some tweaking to get it primed and ready for competitive conditions, though, whether you intend to race it or bash it against other monster truggies. HPI delivers the goods, regardless, and this is one sweet ride you'll enjoy getting to know.
Specs:
Fully assembled and Ready-To-Run 1:8th scale racing Truggy
Wheelbase - 348mm
Total Length - 513mm
Total Width - 415mm
Total Height - 173mm
Weight - 9.2 lb (ready to run, less fuel)
HPI TF-3 steerwheel radio system fitted
High torque HPI SF-2 steering servo
Includes 6v receiver pack & charger
150cc fuel tank
17mm hex hubs
by sunny on January 24, 2010
Looking to feed your competitive spirit by stepping your racing up a notch? Hit the roads with the innovative HPI Vorza Flux HP Brushless RTR Buggy, a 1/8th-scale, pre-assembled RC that promises one of the fastest lap times you can post on a model ride.
Wearing sleek lines and a mean-looking frame, the Vorza Flux takes to the ground with a pre-trimmed VB-1 shell, complete with an attractive paint job, sporty decals and the trademark Vorza Flux HP logo. More than a looker, though, the car 's thick aluminum chassis should capably absorb tremendous beatings, apart from allowing more mobile movement. A bullet-proof drivetrain and a hardened steel spur and pinion gear ensure it will meet the most demanding requirements.
Housing a powerful Flux Tork 2200 Kv brushless motor, racers should be able to reach speeds of up to 80mph, depending on the battery options you pick out for your ride (3 cell LiPo naturally gets you the best performance). With strength-tested nylon wheels wrapped by Proto tires and extra motor cooling (provided by the chassis), it can handle itself around race tracks without worrying about your machine not being up to the task. Control is facilitated by HPI's TF-3 AM radio, which provides extra long range and uninterrupted signal.
With the HPI Vorza Flux HP, the company managed to put together a complete racer every RC enthusiast can get behind on - great look, high-level performance and an affordable price tag. Whether for backyard bashing, neighborhood racing or expert competition, it's a car that can capably match your advanced driving skills.
Specs:
Chassis: 7075 Aluminum 0.16" (4mm) thick
Length: 20" (508mm)
Width: 12" (305mm)
Height: 5.7" (146mm)
Wheelbase: 12.8" (325mm)
Weight: 7.1 lbs (3230g)
Radio: HPI TF-3 AM system with BEC
ESC: HPI Flux Blur, sensorless programmable, with cooling fan
Battery Box: Fully adjustable to fit a variety of battery configurations
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 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.
