While the original Abarth 500 (which debuted at the 2008 Paris Auto Show) wasn't quite a sight to behold (especially for SUV-loving Americans), it was a mighty impressive ride, packing near-200 bhp in such a small package. Tamiya, no doubt, realized this when they decided to produce a scaled RC version of the vehicle in the M05 Abarth 500 Assetto Corse RTR.
An expert-built, 1:10 scale replica, the model attempts to intricately capture the limited-edition compact racer, of which only 49 examples were ever made. It mirrors every aspect of the original's exterior, sporting a beautifully-designed polycarbonate shell that you can decorate with an included sticker sheet. Even the funny-looking side mirrors and spoilers are copied to size, along with eye-catching 11-spoke white wheels, threaded 60D radial tires and add-on LED lights (the latter needs to be bought separately).
Built around the durable and lightweight M-05 chassis, the car is finely-tuned to foster both a low-center of gravity and a balanced weight distribution for improved handling. It features a Type 540 motor, 4-wheel independent double wishbone suspension (for road-hugging performance) and 3-piece steering linkage (for turning corners at high-speed).
Tamiya calls the model "sharp and courageous," which should prove a good way to describe it. With that kind of styling and from what we've seen of M-05, it may very well be accurate. All electronics are factory-installed (motor, gearbox battery pack, receiver, servo and ESC) and it comes with a wheel-trigger type transmitter. Hop-ups are aplenty, too, so you won't have that difficult a time making this sleek mini into a monstrous...ummm...mini.
The Tamiya XB Abarth 500 Assetto Corse should prove a good ready-to-run RC for enthusiasts of all levels, as well as collectors interested in reproductions of limited-edition cars.
Specifications:
Length: 365mm, Width: 170mm, Height: 142mm
Wheelbase: 225mm
Tread (Front and Rear): 138mm
Front mounted motor front wheel drive
3-Bevel Differential Gear
3-Piece Steering Linkage
Front and Rear Double Wishbone Suspension
Front and Rear Friction Dampers
Gear Ratio= 5.8 :1
Tire Width/Diameter (Front and Rear): 25/59mm
Requires 8xR6/AA/UM3 Batteries for Transmitter.
{ 0 comments }
