Kyosho have introduced their new line of head gear. Available in two sizes, S/m and L/XL and in black and read, there is a new 3d Cap with the Kyosho logo embroidered on the front. There is also a one size fits all beanie hat, also with the Kyosho logo on the front, and it is available also in black and red.

Source: Kyosho [kyoshoamerica.com]

Kyosho have given updates to a lot of their competition line up adding option parts as standard to all their high end electric cars. The RB5 SP2 WC 2wd buggy is based on the car used by the team in Finland and comes supplied with big bore shocks, X-gear springs, a new large slipper system and new updated plastics. Other improvements include the one piece front wheel axle/hex and an updated bodyshell and wing called the Trident. The 4wd Lazer ZX-5 FS2 SP gets the same treatment with improved plastics, big bore shocks and X-gear springs and also has chassis modified to better accept LiPo packs. The Ultima SCR SP is another car to get the same shock and springs, slipper and improved plastics.

The Kyosho TF6 SP, which Christopher Krapp has been using so successfully lately, is a full option touring car with the new gear diff, new steering system, a narrower chassis and a thinner top deck. Staying with the on road cars there is the release of the Plazma Ra 1/12th scale link car which is a pretty standard affair with oversized diff for better consistency and it is designed to accept all the most popular wheel types.

Other cars on the stand are the GT2 Race spec chassis with Audi R8 LMS body shell which features a KE .25 engine and tuned exhaust system and comes as an RTR with the 2.4Ghz LCD transmitter. Another RTR getting an update is the DBX line with the release of the VE 2.0 which is a 3S compatible brushless powered version of the original 1/10th scale gas car with cab pre painted forward body and 1/8th scale buggy tires. The final new addition to the car range is the DRX Ford Fiesta S2000 rally car which comes with rally wheels and tires and a 2.4Ghz radio system.

The star of the show for Kyosho however is their new Mini-Z motoracer. It features gyro stabilisation, digital steering servo, 7000kv coreless brushless motor, full ball raced drivetrain, high-grip racing slick tyres and Yamaha YZR-M1 body work. We had a go and its pretty awesome, it doesn’t fall over even at low speeds thanks to the gyro and it not only looks great when stationary it also looks super realistic when turning.

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Kyosho’s Inferno GT2 1/8 scale on-road cars receive a Race Spec upgrade and now sport a hardened main chassis plate, composite chassis stiffeners, KE25 big block engine with polished tuned pipe and header, and a 3-piece racing clutch that works the updated 2-speed transmission. Included in the ReadySet called package are also Kyosho’s latest KT-201 computerised 2.4GHz radio system, KS-200 high-torque metal gear servos and your choice of a Corvette 2007 C6-R or Audi R8 LMS body shell. Both cars will be available from March.

Source: Kyosho [kyoshoamerica.com]

Japanese star Shin Adachi has announced his departure from Kyosho, a company he has seemed so closely linked to for so long. In a message on his FB page the multiple National Champion explained that he will depart the Red Army on January 20th. We contacted him for further details but he wasn’t remaining tight lipped on the subject, but we can expect a follow up announcement in the coming weeks. His statement read:

I will leave from Kyosho on January 20. It was hard decision for me to leave the company, please understand. I thank you very much for your support and your cooperation past days. I really enjoyed working with you. I think I will see you some racing track. Please free feel to speak me at that time, it would be pleasure for me. Thank you again and wish you the best.

Kyosho France were in touch to inform us of the 14th running of the Kyosho Masters. The race will take place at Sucy en Brie in France from the 15th to the 17th of June this year. It will be your typical Masters with top racing, lots of fun and giveaways. For more information you can contact the organisers at kyoshomasters@kyoshoeurope.com

Kyosho have released details of their soon to be released Mini-Z MC-01 MotoRacer bike. The 1/18 scale bike features gyro stabilisation, digital steering servo, 7000kv coreless brushless motor, full ball raced drivetrain, high-grip racing slick tyres and a Yamaha YZR-M1 body work. Included in the set are a KT-19 2.4GHz radio system, 3.7V 120mAh battery, charger, USB charing harness for charging via an existing computer and other parts such as a bike stand and tools. Gyro and the fork’s camber are adjustable to set the bike’s characteristics up to your liking. All that is needed to get the RTR MotoGP bike running are four AAA-size cells for the transmitter and an optional charger if needed. View more images here.

Source: Area52 [area52.cc]

Kyosho Germany is proud to announce the signing of German Truggy National champion Carsten Keller. Running for Losi/Horizon the previous years, Carsten was looking for a new challenge and is joining the reigning world champion team with national team mates like Timo Engelstätter and two time German national champion Tim Bremicker. Carsten will compete in all major races like the Neo12, the Euros and World Championship as well as the German national championship. His rides will be powered by Team Orion engines and ground contact will be provided by AKA tires. Carsten had the following to say about his new deal:

First I would like to thank Losi, Horizon Hobby UK, Horizon Hobby Germany and especially David Spashett and Sascha Bauman for supporting me the past years. Without them I wouldn’t be where I am today. But time goes by and I am ready for a new experience. I am happy that Kyosho Germany put their trust in me and I will do my best to represent the brands and achieve as good as possible results in the upcoming races.

Source: Kyosho [kyosho.de]

News out of Australia is Kyle McBride, the wonder from down under, and one of the stars of the last 1/8th offroad Worlds in Pattaya has signed a two year deal with Japanese firm Kyosho. This year’s FEMCA champion has raced for Durango since the end of last year but started running the Inferno, with some success, when his contract ended a few months ago. Kyle and his father were competing last weekend in Japan at the Kyosho Masters and took a trip to the Kyosho headquarters to ink the deal. Relishing his new contract, Kyle said “I’m very excited to be on TKI, it’s a dream come true. Look out 2012!”

Image: Yasuo Takizawa

JConcepts introduce the Mono 1/10 scale buggy wheels and RC8.2e Punisher body shell. The new Mono dish disc wheels are available for the TLR/Losi 22 and Kyosho RB5 and Team Associated B4.1/B44.1 when equipped with 12mm hex wheel hubs. The wheels incorporate an outer glue catch that resists excess glue from running down the wheel face during the gluing process. Designed and manufactured to ensure trueness and durability the Mono wheels are available in white and yellow colour in sets of four rims.

Also available are 12mm front clamping hex adaptors for the Associated B4.1. The hex adaptors are precision machined from high-quality aluminium, come blue anodised and feature a clamping style design that combine durability and functionality. The fit the front of the B4.1 buggy with the addition of Team Associated 12mm conversion parts. Also available is a set for the rear of the B4.1/B44.1 buggies. Last but not least JConcepts have the Punisher RC8.2e body available. Based in the original design the new variant features and extended rear part to accommodate the longer wheelbase chassis of the RC8.2e. The body is a drop-on fit, comes made from clear Polycarbonate and comes including window masks and decal sheet.

Source: JConcepts [jconcepts.net]

Kyosho are very proud to announce UK top driver Kevin Lee as their new team driver. He will be running the new Lazer FS2 SP in 4WD and will continue with the Kyosho based Vega mid-motor buggy in 2WD. As well as winning many Nationals, Kevin is a multi European A finalist and his skills and knowledge will be a big asset to Team Kyosho. This is what Kevin had to say about the deal:

“I’ve always been a big Kyosho fan, ever since running the original Lazer ZX a long time ago as a teenager. After running the Vega RB5 SP2 in 2011, I have been converted back, and now can’t wait to start running the Kyosho Lazer once again (some 20 years on..). It’s an honour to be able to represent one of the most respected RC manufacturers in the world, and I hope to be able to contribute to the results of an already successful race team”.

Source: Kyosho Europe [kyoshoeurope.com]