Hobao are showing off a number of prototype cars on their stand the first of which is a new 2wd electric buggy. Featuring a long wheelbase similar to that of the TLR22, it has an aluminium chassis and the ability to switch the motor from rear to mid motor while retaining the ability to use a full size stick pack. Details are not yet locked down but they are aiming for a mid summer release date.

Also in prototype form are the Hyper 7S and Hyper 7S Truggy, both are brand new platforms with only the steering from the Hyper Star carried across to the new cars. Both will be RTR’s and will come with a pullstart engine and are expected to hit the market in March.

Other new items on the stand are a pair of Hyper 7 S GTPs which are based on the buggy of the same name with one coming with the buggy chassis as is standard in this class but the other will sport the longer truggy chassis which gives the ability to use more true to scale proportioned bodies. Both will also be available as RTR and in nitro or electric versions.

Finally, there is a pair of high-end competition .21 buggy motors under the name Lee Power. This motors sport a 5+2 port configuration, lightweight cooling head, interchangeable venturis and a nice carburetor return spring system which wont distort the barrel by pulling it straight back.

Image Gallery

Grid RC have announced that they will release a new motor mount for the Hyper 9e that will utilize the same eccentric style motor plate, as incorporated in their other mounts. This gives precise gear meshing and multi-hole mounting, and uses all six available mounting screws for a Tekin or four mounting screws for a Neu/Castle motor. What’s unique about this new motor mount, is the ability to gain access to the center differential without removing the mount and disturbing the motor.

Source: Grid RC [gridrc.com]

DE Racing continue to extend their line of chassis skid and bump skid plates. The original manufacturer of this type of chassis protector, there is new skid plates for the Agama A8 Evo as well as the Hobao/OFNA Hyper 9 and bump skids for the Agama A8 Evo and the Serpent S811 Cobra.

Source: DE Racing [deracing.net]

HoBao have released 3 new molded foam inserts for off-road racers. Available in 3 different compounds the black (firm) insert is ideal for maximising control as the extra firmness allows the tyre to maintain its shape. This in turn means the tyre has increased traction and maneuverability. The grey (medium) compound is better suited for tracks which include jumps. There is more ‘give’ in the insert allowing it to soak up more of the impact when landing. For the best of both worlds you can always go for the more professional dual compound. While more expensive than the other single colour inserts, the dual insert has hardened shoulders with a softer strip in the middle. This means you get the added traction of the black insert with the improved dampening of the grey insert.

Source: CML [cmldistribution.co.uk]

Hobao have released this race ready RTR Hyper 9 package. Based around the race proven Hyper 9 platform, the this version retains all the required race features to help you be competitive straight from the off. Coming factory assembled with HoBao’s new 2.4ghz radio system for crystal free running and the Hyper 21 3-Port RACE engine for excellent power and speed. The suspension is the ‘B’ type suspension as used on the top spec Pro UK competition kit, the version used by their top team drivers. Race options such as in-line tuned pipe, anti-roll bars and huge 20mm big bore oil filled adjustable shock absorbers all come standard on this race ready RTR.

Hyper 9 RTR Features:
- ‘B’ spec front and rear suspension, as used on the lastest Hyper 9 PRO UK Competition Kit
- 20mm Super Big Bore Shock Absorbers
- Hobao In-line Tuned Pipe Set
- Hyper .21 3-Port RACE engine w/pullstart
- Front & Rear UJ’s
- Front & Rear Anti-Roll Bars
- Carbon Fibre Radio Tray
- Optional Caster Blocks & Ackerman Bars included.
- Turnbuckles
- Steel Spur Gear
- Pre-Oiled Outer Air Filter
- HoBao 2.4ghz Radio Set

Source: CML [cmldistribution.co.uk]

Confirming many rumors surrounding his future, Italian Hobao distributors Schepis Model in Italy have announced that Davide Tortorici will race for the Hobao team in the 2010 season. Alongside his driving responsibilities the former Crono team driver and double European Champion will also manage the commercial and technical activities of Hobao in Italy. Expect an official announcement on his new engine deal with Sirio in the coming days.

Source: Schepis Model [schepismodel.it]

New from Hobao, this 1/8th scale sprint car is based on the 4-wheel drive Hyper 8.5 chassis and has extremely realistic and true to scale features. With the large adjustable wing, you can drift around your favorite dirt or paved oval track. The added bonus of 4WD makes for quick acceleration from corner to corner with complete control and confidence. It is amazing how much more fun oval racing can be when you have to turn right to go left.

Features
- High Down Force Wings (Front & Rear)
- Hyper .21 Engine (RTR version only)
- Realistic Scale Sprint Car
- Dish Wheels w/Dirt Tread Tires
- Remote Ignitor Wire to Engine for [*]Quick Start
- Side Nerf Bars for Protection and [*]Scale Look
- C-hub Suspension with Front Universals
- High Adjustability, Toe, Camber, Shock Position, Wheelbase, and Roll Center
- Hub Extenders – 8mm Rear
- Sway Bars (Front & Rear)
- Hyper 9 Fuel Tank
- Front & Rear Brakes
- Enclosed Receiver Box
- Composite & Aluminum Rollover Bars
- 4WD – 3 Differentials
- Front & Rear Wishbone Suspension
- Laydown Steering Servo
- Low Profile Air Filter

Specifications
- Length: 19 in/483 mm
- Width: 12 in/305 mm
- Weight: 8.5 lbs/3878 g
- Wheel Base: 12.75 in/324 mm

Source: CML [cmldistribution.co.uk]

DE Racing has released two new rear skid plates for the O’Donnell Z01B and Hyper 9. Made of ultra thin resin, eliminating the need for longer screws, the plates provide protection for your expensive buggy or truggy chassis.  The plate wears just like aluminium but is much cheaper to replace than a complete chassis. Sold in a pack of 3.

Source: DE Racing [deracing.net]

PSM Racing have created this new epoxy material brake disc for the Hobao Hyper 9. Made from high grade 4mm thick fibre glass (epoxy), it is lightweight and heat resistant and claims to provide better brake performance. A direct replacement for the standard brake disc, it is recommended to use blank brake pads with these new discs.

Source: PSM Racing [psm-racing.com]

New from German 1:5 Scale Off-Road manufacturer Hörmann Tuning are several option parts for the popular HoBao Hyper 9 buggy. The Shock Towers, Front Upper Plate, Diff Housing Plate as well as the Center Brace Plate are a direct fit and all of the parts are machined from high quality 4mm carbon fibre and offer a significant weight loss over their aluminium counterparts. Also new is the aluminium rear lower arm Holder for the Hyper 9 which eliminates the use of the Rear Bumper and therefore is also a lightweight but durable improvement to the car.

Source: Hörmann Tuning [hoermann-modelltechnik.de]