Red RC

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

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

Schumacher XVS cells & Mi3 options

Schumacher have released a number of new competition items, starting with their new XVS Team Select cells. Using Ener-G 4600mAh cells as the base, these matched packs are said combine high performance with robust construction, and are available in sets of 4, 5 & 6. For the Mi3 platform is a new rear shock bracket, which has wider mounted body posts to provide a better mounting platform for the body, making the whole car more stable. Also new for the Mi3, and also for the Mi2 platform, are new 4 degree C-hubs that have been molded from a more flexible polymer to give more steering and better impact absorption. Finally for the Mi3 is a new 66T 48P spur gear for an additional gear ratio tuning option.

Click here to see the other products

February 19, 2009

Much More Cell Master Legend

Yesterday we showed you the new Much More Cell Master Legend and power supply, today we have received the first studio picture of the device which while still not finalized regarding the specs, its essentially complete regarding the looks. One major feature we failed to mention yesterday, and something that we were told in Thailand at the World Championships last November, is that this new electronics range from Much More uses a docking system. As you saw in yesterday’s photos, there were 2 chargers atop each power supply, this is due to the fact that the chargers themselves are plugged into the power supply directly, like you would an iPod into a cradle charger. This eliminates the need for extra wires around the back, and frees up outputs which would normally be used for powering the charger, to be used for other devices.

Updated with picture of Power Master legend, showing the connection points for the docking.

February 19, 2009

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

Green confirms backing from Xceed & RW Racing

Following up on the news that Multiple World finalist Mark Green had signed for Novarossi comes today’s announcement to confirm some sponsors for the 2009 season. For his tires, chargers, power supply and cells Mark will be using Xceed RC products as he did last year and will partner up with new sponsor RW Racing for pinion and spur gear, while of course he will continue to run the full range of Serpent cars across the different disciplines.

February 19, 2009

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

Mike Haynes signs with Schumacher

Fresh from two wins and five A main showings at the Snowbirds, Schumacher USA have announced that Mike Haynes will join their racing tea. Already a Speed Passion factory team driver, Mike now makes Schumacher USA his one stop shop for both chassis and power. Schumacher USA representative Shawn Palmer stated that “Mike has done a tremendous amount of on-track testing and development for our Speed Passion ESC and motor line, and we’re certainly looking forward to his insights going forward with our on road chassis program as well. He is a wealth of information for his new teammates, and I know we’ll all benefit greatly having him on the team”. Mike works at his home track, 360 RC Speedway & Hobbies in West Babylon NY which is one of the most active racing facilities in the Northeast and recent host of a ROAR regional championship and he had the following to say about the deal:

I’m looking forward to running the Mi3.5 since there is so much to tinker with on it. In the past I have wished there was a fine adjustment for various items, and the Mi3.5 has just that, but for everything on the car! The rest of the team has already helped me out a great deal by providing information about the car and it will make the transition to Schumacher that must easier.

Source: Schumacher USA [racing-cars.com]