JConcepts have introduced new aluminium shock parts for Team Associated’s fifth generation 1/10th scale off-road vehicles. First up are the Fin series shock caps with angular bleed hole for correct building procedure and maintenance. The precision machined caps features weight reducing holes positioned about the centre to reduce weight and add to the popular styling. A knurled portion makes for increased grip when fastening or undoing the cap.
Serpent have introduced aluminium steering bellcranks for the SRX4 4WD off-road buggy. The parts are machined from high-quality 7075-T6 aluminium and they come grey anodised to match with the remainder of the option parts. Designed to replace the standard moulded bellcranks the parts make for improved rigidity and durability, resulting in a more direct and reliable steering response.
Source: Serpent [serpent.com]
Rumours about a possible new Kyosho 1/8th nitro buggy are around for some time, and now things started to materialise as the follow-up model of the successful MP9 TKI3 seems to be around the corner following the appearance of a first image including a features sheet on the Asian website rcfans.com. Still being an MP9 series vehicle, with all its winning pedigree, the TKI4 will be more of an evolution than a revolution of the existing design and according to the information available so far the buggy will feature redesigned steering knuckles with a different steering Ackermann setting, longer front A-arms and redesigned front suspension mount, all of which lead to improved stability and easier vehicle control. Also new are longer and reinforced rear wishbones as well as aluminium rear hubs that allows the adjustment of the suspension shaft height for a wider setup window. The successor of the 2015 European Championship winning car is rounded out by an upgraded servo saver for more linear and precise steering input, a new bodyshell with improved aerodynamics and a newly designed rear wing with two different wickerbills. Shipping of the MP9 TKI4 will start in March.
Source: RC Fans [rcfans.com]
Coming from Xray and made for the use with the XB4 4WD buggy is a 82mm centre driveshaft dogbone. Made from Hudy spring steel the 82mm variant is used when utilising the rearward motor position that requires a shorter rear driveshaft. The hardened dogbone comes with a black surface treatment for reduced wear, it sports laser-etched size markings for easy identification and it has to be used in combination with the 95mm front centre driveshaft.
The recent team driver exodus over at HPI Racing and HB continues with the announcement that JJ Wang is the latest factory team driver to leave. Following the departure of Andy Moore, Freddy Südhoff and also team manager Hiroyuki Kasuya in the past few weeks, JJ parting ways with the Japanese manufacturer leaves just Jilles Groskamp as the sole remaining Factory onroad team member. This is what JJ has to say about his departure:
I would like to inform everyone that I have ended my contract with HPI/HB Inc. The past 6 years has been a life changing experience for me. I would like to give a big thank you to Tatsuro Watanabe, Hiro Kasuya, and Toshihiko Hara for supporting me and believing in me from the start. I also want to give a big thanks to my teammates from all over the world. It was fun meeting everyone and it has taught me that there’s more to a team than just results. I will never forget the laughter we shared and the experiences we’ve been through. It was truly an amazing ride. I am certain that this is a new beginning of my racing career and I am really looking forward to what the future holds for me. I wish HPI/HB the best and I look forward to seeing you all at the track soon!
Vigor RC have introduced a new fan protector and heat sink for the fans of electronic speed controllers. CNC-machined from 7075 aluminium and coming black anodised and with machined silver details the add-on protectors are meant to increase the airflow pressure while adding cooling surface, which can lead to an eight to ten percent lower ESC temperature. The protector is available for 25mm and 30mm fans.
Awesomatix have announced the signing of former HPI/HB driver, Freddy Südhoff to their team. The multiple ETS A-finalist was under contract with the Russian company already from 2012 to the end of 2014 and he will race Awesomatix’ new A800 car at all major European races including the European Championships as well as the World Championships in Beijing. Freddy had this to say about the deal:
I am really happy to announce that I have signed a contract with Awesomeatix. Immediately after testing the new Awesomatix A800 car, I feel very exciting to come back to this team. The fact that we know each other from previous years working together will help us to become even more close. I am looking forward to a great racing time with Awesomatix. Special thanks to Oleg Babich and Max Mächler for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the team.
Source: Awesomatix [awesomatix.com]
JConcepts have introduced the LiL Chasers 1/8th buggy tyre. Relying on a tread scaled down from the original Chasers, the small, rectangular lugs are angular in multiple directions, giving the tyre the ultimate bite for outdoor racing. It also has a lower, closer lug arrangement which gives exceptional responsiveness and bite in medium, high and low grip conditions. The wet and dry condition tyre has small recessed cuts in the top of the tread for extra edges and increased formability over terrain while the centre’s overlapping bar treatment increases durability in the highest wear region. The tyre is available in blue, green and black compound including Dirt-Tech inserts and also as pre-mounted green compound tyre.
Source: JConcepts [jconcepts.net]
