Red RC » Hong Nor

January 2, 2026

Hong Nor X3GTS’26 1:8 GT

World Champion manufacturer Hong Nor has released images of their latest 1:8 Nitro GT kit the X3GTS’26. Due for release at the end of January, the ’26 is an evolution of the WC edition which was released after Toni Gruber’s 2023 World title win in Australia. The most significant upgrades are increased rigidity from the new 4mm 7075-T6 chassis. The kit also features a new radio tray design, Carbon Top Deck, and CNC Machined Chassis Brace Mount, with the combined overall result of the new parts being improved corner speed. Running a 13/44T Spiral Bevel Gear, the’26 also gets a new fuel tank that has been fitted with a fuel pick up that can also function should the car flip.

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December 17, 2025

Hong Nor 2026 Team Wear

A manufacturer that appears to be making waves with its new XB5 1:8 Buggy, announcing recently AMain Hobbies as its new US distributor, Hong Nor has unveiled their new official team wear for the 2026 season. The 2023 1:8 GT World Champions, the Taiwanese company’s black hoodie and light blue t-shirt feature Hong Hor branding on the front with the HN logo on the rear. Both items will be available in the usual range of sizes and will go in release in January.

View T-shirt here

December 10, 2025

Hong Nor X5B M0.8 Steel Spur Gear & Clutch Bell

1:8 GT World Champion manufacturer Hong Nor has introduced this new M0.8 Steel Spur Gear & Clutch Bell for its X5B 1:8 Nitro Buggy. The Taiwanese manufacturer brought the 0.8M gear from the GT to the X5B Nitro Buggy and using 60/17T gear ratio the result is smoother power and quicker acceleration during cornering.

View Clutch image here

November 21, 2025

Hong Nor iX5B Electric Buggy ‘Prototype’

Following the successful return to the 1:8 Nitro Buggy market with the release of its brand new X5B platform during the Summer, Hong Nor has through their Italian distributor unveiled images of a working prototype of an electric kit release, the iX5B. The Taiwanese manufacturer states that the buggy is the first stage prototype of the electric variant and they are now awaiting the completion of final testing in both Italy and the United States before moving on to the next stage of finalising the kit release. Racing 23 ,who are the 1:8 GT World Champion manufacturer’s Italian distributor, and who announced EFRA European B Championship podium finisher Dario Gabrielli as a team driver recently, said testing has gone very well and that the buggy is the result of strong demand for Hong N or to offer an eBuggy option, a category that has become very important to the industry.

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November 4, 2025

Gabrielli joins Hong Nor

Continuing to expand their team driver line-up following the release of its new X5B buggy, Hong Nor has announced that EFRA European B Championship podium finisher Dario Gabrielli will race for the Taiwanese manufacturer. The 21-year-old Italian, who previously raced a TLR buggy, qualified second at the this year’s Euro B Championships hosted by the Ospyteam R/C Off-Road Circuit in Italy and would go on to complete the podium line-up with 3rd position. In moving to Hong Nor Gabrielli joins another of the Euro B finalists 19-year-old Mirko Carrettin who switched to the X5B buggy after the September event and on the news Gabrielli said, ‘I’m very proud to be part of the Hong Nor family and I can’t wait to take on this new challenge and get on the track as soon as possible, see you there.’

Source: Hong Nor [hongnor-racing.com]

October 30, 2025

Duraes joins Hong Nor

Taiwan’s Hong Nor has announced that Portuguese international 1:8 Offroad racer Carlos Duraes will represent the brand and race their new X5B buggy. Having campaigned a Mugen Seiki previously, Duraes now has a completely new race package having joined Ielasi Tuned engines earlier this season. On joining Hong Nor, who marked the 35th anniversary of the company’s first buggy with the release of the all new X5B this Summer, Duraes said, “I’m extremely happy to join HN racing team! It’s a new challenge for me, with a completely new platform and I’m looking forward to hit the track to see what we can do together. Thanks to HN and see you on a race track”

Source: Hong Nor [hongnor-racing.com]

October 24, 2025

Hong Nor X5B Alu Center Diff Brace

Continuing with the release of upgrade parts for its recently released X5B 1:8 Nitro Buggy, Hong Nor have added this Aluminium Centre Diff Brace. A direct replacement for the kit standard plastic brace, the machine aluminum version offers great rigidity which helps improves braking and helps improve bearing life.

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October 15, 2025

Hong Nor X3-GTS 2025 Conversion Kit

Hong Nor has released a 2025 conversion kit for its World Championship winning 2023 X3-GTS 1:8 GT kit. The new parts had been developed for the recent IFMAR 1:8 GT World Championships in Chile for their factory driver Toni Gruber however the German was a late withdrawal from the event. As part of the the conversion kit you get a new increased rigidity 4mm 7075-T6 material chassis with new hole positioning and cutouts. The car gets a new fuel tank that has been fitted with a fuel pick up that can also function should the car flip. The other key feature of the 2025 conversion is a new radio tray design with the combined overall result of the new parts being improved corner speed.

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