February 15, 2007

Hirosaka prototype Kyosho Stallion TF-5

Hirosaka prototype Kyosho Stallion TF-5

We’ve written briefly about Masaaki Hirosaka, father of multiple World Champion Masami and top RC mechanic, before and the fact that he makes some pretty cool well thought out products. Well here is his take on the Kyosho Stallion TF-5 which takes a different approach to that used by Josh Cyrul who’s car we saw at the Snowbirds. As you can see from the pictures, the batteries have been set further back than normal and where the top deck connects with the front bulk head is pretty unique too, although i cant tell you exactly why. Also note that the rear body mount is bolted directly to the bulkhead which means the downforce generated by the body shell is pushed straight down onto the chassis, its mounting position also protecting it from crashes.

Masaaki has also created patent pending one touch total length adjustment shock absorbers. I cant tell how they work either but i have included pictures of them below.

Click more to check out more pictures of the car and shocks… content


February 12, 2007

Kyosho Sirio partnership still strong says Andrea Rossi

Kyosho Sirio happy

Last week we suggested that the partnership between Kyosho and Star Motor Engineering, makers of Sirio motors, may be on the rocks following constant rumours suggesting so and the fact that their 2 World Champions had stop running their motors. In an interview with Italian website Unoadieci, Andrea Rossi set the record straight and suggested that these rumours were aimed to cause damage to the companies reputation and the partnership between itself and Kyosho and cause doubt in the market. He says that the working partnership is as strong as ever and their team will remain the same for this season as it was last season with the exception of Adrien Bertin. He also took the opportunity to state that their competition engine development continues with the release of 4 new motors for on road and off road.

UPDATE: Just when you think everything is pleasant in Sirioville, RMV Deutschland, who are heavily involved with Kyosho Europe, have issued a statement on their site stating that as of last Sunday their contract to supply Sirio ran out and that they no longer wish to continue selling their products and will instead only concentrate on RB Products. See statement here (in German).

Source: Unoadieci [unoadieci.net]


February 8, 2007

Josh Cyrul modified Kyosho Stallion TF-5

CEFX touring car

More car sightings from the Snowbirds, this time we get to see Josh Cyruls self modified electric touring car, which looks based on a Kyosho Stallion TF-5. I don’t know if this car has been seen before, but what is very interesting (click image to make larger) is the one piece carbon fiber bulkhead and chassis stiffener. This layout allows you to run without a high C of G top deck, yet still benefit from a stiff chassis, and I’m pretty sure its a lighter system than the conventional approach taken by other manufacturers. The car also features other self made parts including the chassis, steering blocks as well as the entire, centrally mounted, steering system.

To view more images of this car, click more… content


February 7, 2007

Kyosho and Sirio partnership close to an end?

Kyosho and Sirio

We have been hearing this rumour for a while now and from a number of sources, the fact that the partnership between Kyosho and Star Motor Engineering, makers of Sirio, was strained and may even be coming to an end. Things started to be mentioned when World Champion Lamberto Collari didnt renew his contract with the Italian engine manufacturer and jumped ship to Novarossi, followed relatively closely by fellow World Champion Adrien Bertin who left his job at Sirio and moved to Team Orion in Switzerland. Rumour has it that Francesco Tironi, a Collari protegé, has also left his position in the company but this hasnt been confirmed as yet. All the previously mentioned racers are heavily backed by Japanese manufacturer Kyosho and seems like too much of a coincidence to be not related to their engine and car sponsors relationship going sour.

Now i dont pretend to know why this could be happening but the shift could see Team Orion and their range of CRF Wasp motors taking over the supply of motors to the Japanese teams drivers with Bertin and fellow Kyosho team driver Josh Cyrul already running these motors and the unannounced news that another top European Kyosho racer, that we havent mentioned, will also jump from Sirio to Team Orion in the coming weeks. We will watch and see how this unfolds and update you when we hear more.


February 3, 2007

Kyosho to release RTR Lazer ZX-5 buggy

Kyosho Lazer ZX-5

More electric buggy news and again from Kyosho. The Japanese manufacturer has announced that they will release a RTR version of their popular ZX-5 buggy. The ZX-5 is a shaft driven 4wd buggy that has done very well on the International racing scene in its kit form and therefore as a ready to run should be a great platform for anyone getting started in the sport. As always, as we get more information we will let you know.

Click more to see the chassis pic… content


February 3, 2007

Kyosho Ultima RB5 2WD buggy

Kyosho Ultima RB5

Kyosho have shown their new 2wd buggy, the Ultima RB5, at this weeks show in Germany. The prototype of this very car put on a very good show at last years pre Worlds Japan and now the car is almost ready to hit the shelves. Details on the car are pretty thin at the moment but as soon as we hear more we will let you know.

In the meantime check out some chassis pics here… content


February 1, 2007

Kyosho Mini Inferno ST-09

Kyosho Mini Inferno ST-09

Kyosho have shown the all new Mini Inferno ST-09 at this years Nürnberg toy fair. The stadium truck version of the very popular Mini Inferno, the ST-09 is just a small truggy and if the Mini Inferno 09 buggy is anything to go by it should be very quick and great fun to drive. The car comes in 2 versions, the Readyset version with starter box and radio gear included and the Almost Ready to Race verison without radio and starter box, with both versions supplied with the Sirio 1.5ccm motor.

Click more to see under the shell… content


January 15, 2007

Kyosho release 2D Racing Clutch

Kyosho 2D Racing Clutch

Kyosho have announced the release of their new 2D Racing clutch which has been developed for high level competition and modern high revving engines. Made to fit their 1/10th scale 200mm chassis’ it seems to be just an upgrade in materials used over the original version, with benefits being to clutch consistency and durability.

A new nickel-plated lightweight flywheel has a smooth, polished surface that allows the clutch flyweights to move smoothly and consistently. The red clutch shoe is the same high-grip material used in the 1:8 Evolva, which provides strong engagement with less slip, which reduces heat.

Source: RCCA [radiocontrolzone.net]


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