Toy Fair 2011 – Novarossi
We stopped by the Novarossi stand to be given the run through of the new additions and updates to their line of engines. While the 2010 line of engines will continue to be sold, the new additions include the Plus 4 buggy engine which features a new sleeve with a lower and newly shaped exhaust port. Also internally there is a steel plate on the back plate for reduced friction while externally and most noticeably there is an all new low centre of gravity cooling head which comes down over the top of the crankcase for better heat dissipation and as there is less material required around the bottom of the head, and because it has been strategically machined, it is very lightweight. There will also be an S version which will come supplied with a front ceramic bearing, in addition to the rear ceramic bearing that comes as standard.
Replacing the Torro Nero, the new Bonito has a longer stroke than the Plus 4 but unlike its predecessor it has done away with the explosive power and made the delivery more linear than before for more driveable power, while at the same time retaining the great top end. This has all been achieved through a new liner configuration. This motor also has the low centre of gravity head and friction plate on the back plate, while both engines also sport and all new profiled rubber exhaust gasket and mount. This new design helps make the gasket last longer by removing sharp angles in the design.
On the on road side, both the Flash 12 and 21 are better balanced due to new software that allows more precise measurement, the result being that the .12 crankshaft sports two balance weights with the .21 coming with 3. The .12 line sports different porting to increase efficiency for better fuel consumption and a wider sweet spot when tuning. The crankshaft now also features internal grinding along the entire inside length of the shaft which helps deliver more power by preventing fuel accumulating on the surface giving more power. For the first time the .12 also gets the low friction back plate and also the all new lower centre of gravity cooling head configuration.
For the .21 apart from the new low CofG cooling head and new balanced crankshaft, the only other update is to the piston which has been coated to help prevent seizure damage when the engine is cold or ran too lean.
