February 20, 2009

Edit RC Cyclone D4 lightweight options

Edit RC Cyclone D4 lightweight options

Edit RC have released some new items to help improve the performance of your Hot Bodies D4 or D4 WCE. First up is this lightweight WCE slipper hub set, which has been made from light and tough 7075 aluminium alloy. This slipper set will not only improve performance but will last the lifetime of your car. Also new is this lightweight Titanium layshaft that has been made from lightweight high-grade titanium, which is super strong and 40% lighter than the standard item.

Click here to see the layshaft


February 19, 2009

LRP S8BXe Action Video

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNSU6PJoIP0[/youtube]

Shown for the first time at the Toy Fair in Germany earlier this month, this video was on show at the LRP booth and shows both the company’s new 1/8th scale brushless system and the S8BXe. Shot on a cold day in Germany, the video shows the capabilities of the new Vector 8 X12 motor and the super small, by 1/8th BL standards, SPX 8 Speed controller. The product is still in testing and what was shown at the fair, and is in use in the video, are not the final versions. Expect a mid August release for the S8BXe, which may or may not be the same release date for the electronics too, as well as a truggy version following soon after.

The video can also be downloaded from the LRP site here.


February 19, 2009

The Dirt Nitro Challenge update

The Dirt Nitro Challenge update

This week sees the best buggy and truggy racers in the US, as well as some competitors from Europe, come together for ‘The Dirt’ Nitro Challenge, which takes place on the large and incredibly technical Nitro Pit in Wittmann, Arizona. Team Associated are reporting from the event and have already spotted the new JConcepts Hi-Flow RC8 body shell as used by Ryan Maifield. Also on show for the first time were the new Revolver truggy tire from Pro-Line, who also have a new molded foam insert and new lightweight wheels. Associated themselves are debuting new Factory Team blue anodised shock towers on their RC8.

Click here for more photos and a video from truggy practice


February 19, 2009

GRP 2009 product updates

GRP 2009 product updates

Following on from our coverage of GRP at the toy fair, the Italian company has released complete details of the new updates in their product line for 2009. They now offer a bigger buggy wheel, now 83mm in diameter compare to 79mm, which improves the stiffness, while the weight has actually been reduced from 40 grams to 31 grams, a saving of 21%. A well as a new super soft compound in all their tires, GRP have also released an updated Cubic pattern to improve traction and lateral grip thanks to a new tire structure and new design and positioning of the pins. As we mentioned in our fair coverage, there is the new worked black insert which is more resistant to crushing, abrasion and heat than the orange molded version. Finally the company’s tuned engine line has received some small updates, including new internal crankcase workings, a new industrial natural diamond treatment on the crankshaft, better lubricated conrods, updated carburetor and a new rear cover. They also offer a Scuderia version of each engine which has been run in at the factory using a very specific fuel.

Click here to see the other products


February 19, 2009

Kyosho MP9 TCD Gear set

Kyosho MP9 TCD Gear set

Kyosho have announced the release of an optional TCD (Traction Control Differential) gear set for the Inferno MP9. The TCD gear set is designed to provide more balanced power delivery under acceleration by reducing differential action. Each of the TCD components are designed to create more friction when power is applied, which effectively increases power delivery to the wheels that have the most traction, unlike a standard differential where power is directed towards those that have less traction. An added benefit of the TCD gear set is that, when off power, it allows more differential action than a standard diff, which maximizes traction and steering response in corner entry. The TCD gear set is recommended for high-traction conditions and for tracks that have medium to high-speed, large radius corners. The TCD gear set can be used in the front differential for increased on-power steering; in the center differential for better rotation and acceleration out of tight corners, or in both positions. The gear set is not recommended for use in low-traction conditions.

Click here to see the full gear set


February 18, 2009

X-Factory X-6 Squared now available

X-Factory X-6 Squared now available

X-Factory were in contact to tell us that they have now shipped the new X-6 Squared Kits to their distributors. The first Kits were shipped last Friday, and more went out on Saturday and at the beginning of this week, so they should all start arriving at distributors soon. They will now turn their attentions to sending the kits directly to dealers. X Factory president Chazz had the following to say:

The X-6 Squared is the biggest product launch we’ve ever had at X Factory. We have almost as many Kits pre-sold to the distributor and dealer Family as we sold in the entire year 2007. The Squared will go up on our web site for retail sales late this week.  Everybody will be able to get their Squared most quickly through their local hobby store.

Source: X-Factory [xfactoryrc.com]


February 17, 2009

Hot Bodies lightweight D8 body shell

Hot Bodies lightweight D8 body shell

Hot Bodies have released a lightweight version of their D8 body shell, which helps lowers the weight of your buggy by 20 grams. Shave an amazing 33% off the weight of your unpainted bodyshell simply by switching to the lightweight version and best of all, you are dropping weight exactly where you need it, at the highest point of the car. Features lightweight and crystal-clear polycarbonate construction for extreme durability and long life, vinyl window masks for precise painting, easy to see body cut lines for exact fit and genuine Hot Bodies D8 fitting.

Source: Hot Bodies [hbeurope.com]


February 16, 2009

Riccardo Rabitti claims Montpellier GP victory

Riccardo Rabitti claims Montpellier GP victory

The annual Montpellier GP took place last weekend in the French town in the south of France. With all the best French drivers, as well as a number of front runners from around Europe, in attendance it was Yannick Aigoin that took the TQ position after qualifying with his Novarossi powered Losi 8ight 2.0. Following the semi finals it was the Mugen RB combination of current European Champion Renaud Savoya that took the pole position for the main final, with Yannick lining up in 2nd. The main final started with a close battle between Savoya and Aigoin with Yannick managing to pull away, a gap that would increase following problems for the Mugen man. This left Italian Losi racer Riccardo Rabitti in 2nd but quite a distance behind the leader, but in the closing stages Aigoin hit troubles and this allowed the Italian through to inherit the lead and with it the win. Xray driver Sartel took 2nd, while a recovering Savoya took the final spot on the podium in 3rd.

Source: RC Mag [rcmag.com]