Serpent SRX8GT R 1:8 GT Nitro Car
With the IFMAR 1:8 GT World Championships coming up next month in Chile, Serpent has announced its latest 1:8 Nitro GT challenger, the SRX8GT R. The new car represents the next step in the evolution of the SRX8GT ’23 and has come about following invaluable contributions from factory driver and newly crowned Italian National Champion Andrea Catanzani and his father, Roberto. Serpent has refined the suspension geometry, transmission, and adjustability to optimise performance. New features of the SRX8GT R include an in-line drivetrain, commonly referred to by racers as straight transmission. This innovation significantly enhances transmission efficiency and was essentially an obvious choice to implement. To facilitate the In-line drivetrain, a new chassis was essential. After relocating all the major components, Serpent also seized the opportunity to enhance the flex characteristics. The new chassis is 4mm thick in most areas and is designed without side dams. It offers the ideal flex for a race car that is both fast and easy to handle. You can also adjust the rear flex by adding a small stiffener plate beneath the rear transmission. An optional 3mm chassis is available with distinct flex characteristics, which can enhance performance on specific tracks.
One of the most significant advancement comes from the revised geometry. In addition to adjustments in the roll centre, roll centre migration, and camber change, the narrower track width stands out as the most noticeable modification. This geometry update has been crafted in close partnership with Catanzani and his father. Another key aspect is the altered relationship between wheel and shock movement. The car also gets all new Suspension Brackets which are equipped with entirely new inserts, providing a wide range of adjustments for the lower pivot. The updated gearbox includes the option to add weights into the shoes, resulting in faster and more consistent shifting. Additionally, they have incorporated clips between the first and second gears to prevent the ball bearings from moving out of the second gear and causing the gearbox to lock up.
Source: Serpent [serpent.com]
