by sunny on February 10, 2010
A racing champion from the past makes its way through competition RC tracks in the form of the MR-03LM Sauber Mercedes C9 from Kyosho Racing. Known for rallying its way to become the winner of the 1989 World Sports Car Prototype (WSCP) against the Jaguar XJR-9, the full-scale version remains one of the most gorgeous automobiles my eyes have seen.
Included in Kyosho's Mini-Z racer series (which pays tribute for vehicle excellence), the model comes with a pre-finished body shell (complete with the accurately-applied decals) that recreates the original to dazzling effect. Those lines, those curves, that stylish rear wing - if looks could kill, I'd probably die upon seeing one in a local track (okay, I won't die, but I'll definitely salivate).
For racing performance, it boasts a low center of gravity, a coreless motor (instantaneous pickup and stopping), a newly developed steering gear unit (posting three times the gear ratio of previous versions), variable camber suspension, FET speed control amp and precision geometry settings. Even better, it allows for a ridiculous amount of adjustments, with suspension spacers and a removable motor mount. It's also compatible with all body styles from the Mini-Z series, allowing you to deck it in your choice of some of the most gorgeous car bodies in RC racing.
Released just last month, the Kyosho MR-03LM Sauber Mercedes C9 is not likely to be the fastest RC car in your roster. With that stylish design and a generous room for adjustment, though, it sounds like a definite winner in my book. It's priced at around $190.
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 20, 2010
The Kyosho Ultima DB is a new buggy based off racers that competed at events in the Baha area. It's a throwback to the days of pipe-framed buggies, giving it that attractive, old-school appearance.
Boasting a chassis based on the Ultima SC and performance traits lifted off the Ultima RT5, it's both a backyard basher and a racing specimen in one. Better still, this 1/9 scale comes out of the box ready to run, allowing you to waste no time in getting things rolling. It comes with a pre-assembled chassis, pre-painted body and a full set of electronics, requiring only a battery to run.
Power is provided by a stock, fan-cooled G20 motor, which should prove a decent performer, especially if you intend to push this hard in successive races. The vehicle is compatible with NiMh 8.4V (7cell) packs. Do note that the G20 is an excellent motor for longer-running races, as it can manage to stay cool even under duress.
Durability traits include a carbon-fiber composite chassis, strategic braces molded into the chassis, impact resistant bumpers (front, rear and sides), sealed gear box and tactically-mounted shock tower and shocks (to keep mass low). Notable features include a three-gear transmission (with heavy-duty SP idler gear), a low-mounted motor (allowing for better bump handling), modified steering assembly (eliminating bump steer) and threaded composite shocks.
On the paper, the Kyosho Ultima DB seems like an excellent scale buggy with downright realistic looks. It's tough to gauge how it will actually perform, but if Kyosho parts are easy to come by in your area, there's no reason not to give this a try. Looks exciting. It's slated for availability in March.
Specifications
Scale: 1:9
Width: 296mm
Length: 455mm
Height: 158mm
Wheelbase (max): 326mm
Final Drive: 2.6:1
