Red RC

March 8, 2024

Xray XB8‘24

Xray has released its latest 1:8 Nitro Buggy with the 2024 iteration of its popular XB8 platform. The Slovakian manufacturer introduced the first XB8 in 2004, and two decades later the main new feature of the buggy is an all-new shorter chassis with specially milled flex areas significantly improves traction on all surfaces. The chassis is an important component that affects the XB8’s handling characteristics. The chassis’ dimensions and flex characteristics are selected for the best blend of stability, traction, and steering. It also fits both Soft and Hard composite radio boxes without chassis modification for additional flex tuning choices. The chassis is CNC-machined from high-quality 3mm Swiss 7075 T6 aluminium. This is strategically machined in low-stress areas and then anodised to make it as light as possible without affecting strength or rigidity. Also new is the Swiss 7075 T6 aluminium rear shock tower which increases stability on all surfaces while improving strength & reliability. The front & rear shock towers are CNC-machined from 4mm aluminium and feature an additional row of shock absorber positions for super fine shock angle adjustments. The lower row creates less chassis roll for higher corner speed, while the upper row increases roll to help generate additional traction when needed.

View the full XB8’24 presentation here

March 8, 2024

Volante V9XE Evolution Asphalt Tyre 2024 Compound

Korean 1:10 onroad tyre manufacturer Volante has announced an all new 2024 compound for its V9XE Evolution Outdoor Asphalt Tyres. The inner profile dimension and inner belt design is entirely new with a more grip compound rubber. Testing on a large size track, in both high and low bite conditions, revealed stunning stability, amazing cornering ability and a great ease of driving performance. Designed to offer an improved life span the “V9XE” is intended to perform two times longer than the previous V9X. Sold as a set of 4 pre-glued tyres they are offered in 32 and 36 shores.

Source: Volante [volantetire.com]

March 8, 2024

T-works MBX8R fuel tank guard

New from T-Works and intended for the Mugen MBX8/MBX8R 1:8 nitro buggy is a new version of their carbon fibre fuel tank guard. Tailor-made to fit the fuel tank, the guard provides added protection against heat, debris and more. The guard is cut from high-quality carbon fibre and it comes including mounting hardware.

View guard fitted here

March 8, 2024

ZooRacing Gorilla MAX FWD body shell

New from Germany’s ZooRacing is the Gorilla MAX 190mm 1:10 FWD body shell. Designed to push the boundaries of performance in the ever-evolving front-wheel drive touring car class, the Gorilla MAX represents a leap forward in aerodynamic efficiency and handling prowess. Designed with meticulous attention to detail, the Gorilla MAX features a sleeker, more aerodynamic roofline that optimises airflow to the rear wing, resulting in higher top speeds and enhanced stability on the track. The redesigned front end exudes modernity and sophistication, while the closer-fitting wheel arches minimize turbulence at the rear, enabling smoother cornering and improved overall handling. With a shorter rear section, the Gorilla MAX offers unparalleled agility, allowing drivers to navigate tight corners with precision and confidence. Its increased wheelbase aligns seamlessly with current touring car chassis designs, ensuring optimal performance and compatibility. Furthermore, the Gorilla MAX boasts smoothed surfaces along the side windows, enhancing aerodynamic efficiency and reducing drag for an even more dynamic driving experience. The Gorilla MAX is already EFRA approved for 2024. Available in 0.5mm and 0.7mm polycarbonate options, part of the package are window masks in a new more flexible and stickier quality, that will ensure window frames of pro quality. The body package is topped of by high-quality wing mounting hardware and a highly detailed sticker sheet including grill, head and tail lights.

View more images here

March 7, 2024

Introducing the ‘Michal Orlowski Column’

We have had the pleasure of following his career from his early days of racing a Tamiya TT02 and all the way through to being in Florida last December to finally witness him become a World Champion. Last year on the way to the 1:10 Offroad World Championships in Arizona, we both endured a lengthy 4-hour delay to our connecting flight in Washington and it was during that conversation and the sharing of many stories that the idea was born for a regular column from one of the most travelled racers in the business. To be honest, not expecting a great reaction to asking any driver to commit to writing regularly about their racing adventures both and off the track, we got Chris Ashton of his main sponsor Schumacher to ask the question, and, he jumped at the opportunity. So with out further a do we’ll hand you over to the newest member of the Red RC editorial team (well so sort). Michal Orlowski take it away……

Click here to read Michal first of hopefully many columns

March 7, 2024

TMG Speed B7 0-4 degree C Block

New from British manufacturer TMG Speed is this 0-4 degree C Block for the Team Associated B7 2WD Buggy. With the kit coming with a 1-5 degree C Block, this option is designed to give the car a range of 0 and up to 4 degree toe in. The machine aluminium block is anodised in AE blue and has also been strengthened on the side walls for extra durability.

Source: TMG Speed [tmgspeeduk.com]

March 7, 2024

2024 TITC Chassis Focus Index

Last weekend thanks to the support of Hobbywing, Red RC made a return to the TITC for the 20-edition of this legendary Bangkok race. The biggest one yet, it has truly become the most significant annual electric Touring Car race in the World. It was extremely positive for the category to see so much manufacturer support for the race. Of all the major car brands, only Schumacher had no official team presence but here’s hoping the British manufacturer gives us the opportunity to see Michal Orlowski take on the challenging RC Addict track conditions for the first time next year. Such was the quality of the field, the B-Main was full of World Championship Finalist drivers and it was great to see six different manufacturers represented in the A-Main of Modified. Call us old school, but putting the iconic Tamiya logo in our results graphic was a nostalgic moment. In another positive for electric touring car we had three new cars at the race. We had the latest prototype from Yokomo, the Japanese brand going for a name change as the BD name is dropped in favour of MS for Master Speed. Nicolas Lee did try to get us permission for a chassis focus but we couldn’t get it across the line. Kyosho had two prototypes of what is expected to be their TF8. That news generated massive excitement, so much so Kyosho requested we take down the story we ran on their return to the category. Finally Ryan Maker debuted his exciting new SP1 that will see him realise the dream of his RC Maker brand becoming a fully fledged car manufacturer. While both RC Maker and Kyosho allowed us to look at their new creations, we were not granted permission to photograph them for a Chassis Focus which we fully understand given the cars’ designs are still to be fully finalised. Over the event we did however photograph 12 cars from seven different manufacturers and we have compiled them all here in our latest Chassis Focus index.

View Chassis Focus Index here

March 6, 2024

Roche P12V optional alu upper and lower bulkhead set

A new option part from Roche for its P12V 1:12 kit is an aluminium upper and lower bulkhead set. Used by team driver Hayato Ishioka during the 2023 1:12 World Championships in Florida where he finished Top 5, they offer a centre wheelbase position between the existing short and long options given more fine tuning for the cars performance on different traction surface.

View more images here