January 22, 2026

Hong Nor X5B Alu Front Top Deck

Continuing to roll out option parts for their well received X5B 1:8 Buggy, Hong Nor has released this aluminium Front Top Deck for the platform which now includes the recently unveiled electric iX5B version.  CNC machined from 7075-T6 Aluminium it is finished with black anodising and silver chamfered edges.  As a direct replacement for the kit standard carbon front top deck, this upgrade reduces body twisted and improves cornering stability.

Images: Hong Nor [hongnor-racing.com]


January 9, 2026

Hong Nor iX5B 1:8 Electric Buggy

Having shown images of a prototype of its 1:8 electric buggy in November, Hong Nor has now released official images of the production version of the iX5B.  The Taiwanese manufacturer, who returned to the competitive 1:8 Buggy market with the release of its all new XB5 last Summer, say the new electric kit represents a significant milestone in their return to buggy, with its innovation, performance, and durability.  The IX5B is scheduled for official release in mid-February.

View Specs & more images here


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.

View more images here


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.

View more images here


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]


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