Dutch brand Serpent are here showing their range of cars which of course includes the new 966 1/8th scale on road chassis. As we knew already the rear end of the car is made completely of aluminium, save the wishbones and uprights, and definitely feels nice and looks well built when in your hands. the front end of the car remains the same and according to team drivers on the stand, the car has proved very successful during early tests, both in Italy and the USA.
GS Racing have their new CLX buggy on show on their stand here in Nuremberg. The new car looks instantly different, with the unique looking body shell that to me looks like it has taken some inspiration from the Hyper 9 and the Losi 8ight shell.
Horizon Hobby, under the Losi brand were showing off their new 8ight E 2.0 electric powered 1/8th scale buggy. The car, as with the previous 8ight E, is based on their nitro powered version of the buggy. Sporting lightweight shock towers, boots on the transmission, beefier upper suspension links and new chassis plate, the car is identical to the 8ight 2.0, but fitted with their electric conversion kit. Elsewhere on the stand was the 8ight T 2.0, which will see an electric version soon, and of course the Nitro 8ight 2.0 buggy.
Tamiya are present here at the fair as ever, showing off their range of plastic models of ‘fun’ products, but amongst all that on the TRF stand is the new Tamiya 801X 1/8th scale buggy. Details are sketchy from staff on the booth, and we can only go on what we saw, but this new buggy is still in the testing phase and features the trend of the moment of having the engine slanted in the car.
German company Shepherd had their new Velox V10 on display and when they stated earlier that the car would be revolutionary, they weren’t really kidding. This car looks the part, all decked out in aluminum, while still in protoype stage the car will retain the current balance between aluminium and plastic. Most noticeable thing on the car is the Velox braking system on the rear which clamps the rear gear differential. Similar in function to that of its larger stable mate, it has been reduced in size to fit.
Incorporated in the Xray stand was of course Hudy, who were showing lots of new products. The tool maker has branched out to making other racing accessories and these include a handy new pit bag, which is made from a durable cloth material and can be folded flat in a matter of seconds. Large enough to carry everything you need into the pit lane, it is super lightweight and perfect for the travelling racer. While in the pits you can wear the new Hudy apron or while in a foreign country you can use their ‘just for fun’ coin bag, a handy place to store your change while at an international event.
The Xray stand was the first port or call today and as usual the Slovakian manufacturers display was extremely well presented. On show was a number of updated cars, including the 2009 XB808 1/8th scale buggy. This car retains the basics of the previous model, launched here 1 year ago, but features some new improvements including new bulkheads that have a redesigned bearing retaining collar for better durability. Also for improved performance over a period of time, the new shock absorbers have new boots to keep the dirt away, while other small changes include stronger ball joints, new rear body holder and whats new on all the gas cars, a new fuel tank lid that has a unique one piece rubber seal system to stop ant leaking. Finally the car sports a new low profile air filter that enables the use of a new sleaker body shell.
We have arrived at the annual toy fair in Nuremberg, Germany and even though it is set up day we were kindly shown around the HPI Racing/Hot Bodies stand on which we found the new, yet to be released HB D8T. This new truggy is making its debut here at the show and definitely looks the part, with an agressive looking bodyshell and forward mounted engine, staying with the trend of the current crop of cars in this class. Mounted on the D8T are new wheels the company are producing, and while they are currently mounted with Pro-Line tires we are assured that a similar line of tires are on their way under the HB brand in the next few months.
