HPI’s 30th anniversary spawns big range updates

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Looking at the information HPI Racing put live about 3 hours ago, it linda feels like the majority of their lineup is haveing a refresh or being replaced!  HPI had very few new releases of late, and I had presumed that they were paying the current financial situations cautiously, but perhaps they were just waiting for their 30th year anniversary celebrations?  Whatever the reason, the Jumpshot range is getting a big expansion. The Jumpshot MT is a more budget oriented vehicle, but seeing the platofrm expand into a Stadium Truck and Short Course Truck I can’t but help wonder if it is relacing the Firestorm/Blits platform, or simply slotting in below it.

The Savage Range has also had a big update with a range of new and updated vehicles, even the diminutive Q32 adds a new model to the range, and of course the Venture crawler is also making a splash.  One other update that asbeen mentioned in passing is the Fusion system, an all in one ESC and motor that has been added to the updated Jumpshot MT and Wheely King.

Ok, so here is the long list of what we know, so far……..

Venture scale crawler
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An all-new platform for scale crawling fanatics, the Venture combines a realistic front-motor position, metal chassis rails and realistic drivetrain with the Toyota FJ Cruiser for a fantastic off-road experience only HPI can deliver! With a licensed replica body that includes front and rear bumpers, mirrors, roof rack and rear tire mount, the Venture brings total scale realism to crawler fans. Underneath the body, the metal chassis rails support a front-mounted motor, central transfer case, telescoping driveshafts and solid axles with metal suspension pieces. Authentically scaled oil-filled shock absorbers and full-time locked differentials work with the tires for confident driving in any off-road environment. Join the Venture Facebook group for exclusive pictures and discussion with other scale crawler fans!

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Baja Kraken Sidewinder X5 buggy
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Teaming up with Kraken RC, HPI is proud to offer the Baja 5B buggy with the Kraken Sidewinder X5 roll cage conversion right out of the box! This amazing kit makes it easy to get one of the most unique looks in large scale RC: the ‘sand rail’ style begs you to take it for huge jumps off monster sand dunes! The Baja 5B Sidewinder X5 is completely pre-built and ready to drive

right out of the box – just add fuel for 30-minute runtimes! It’s also completely outfitted with the latest Super Heavy Duty option parts, including driveshafts, front hex hubs and one-piece rear hubs so you can thrash it around the dunes or track as long as you like. Baja 5B and Kraken RC: a partnership made born in the desert and made to drive anywhere!

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Baja 5B Kraken TSK-b Class 1
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Kraken RC and HPI partner to bring you the awesome Baja 5B TSK-b Class 1 racing buggy! Kraken RC’s super-cool TSK-b Class 1 adds a fantastic-looking roll cage to bring modern desert racer looks and functionality to the large scale Baja 5B. The Baja 5B TSK-b Class 1 is completely pre-built and ready to drive right out of the box – just add fuel for 30-minute runtimes! It’s also completely outfitted with the latest Super Heavy Duty option parts, including driveshafts, front hex hubs and one-piece rear hubs so you can thrash it around the dunes or track as long as you like. Baja 5B and Kraken RC: a partnership made born in the desert and made to drive anywhere!  (Ed note, I thought this looked like the Krakken vehicles!)

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RS4 Sport 3 Hoonicorn RTR
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Ken Block. Gymkhana. Hoonicorn. RS4 Sport 3. Fully detailed replica. That’s all you need to know. Still want more? The thrilling and amazing 1965 Ford Mustang Hoonicorn RTR is arguably the star of the latest Ken Block Gymkhana video, and you can get an authentic 1/10th scale replica version on the latest HPI on-road 4WD chassis, the RS4 Sport 3. The model car even features custom fifteen52 R43 wheels and perfectly scale Pirelli P Zero tires under the flared wheel arches, plus an enclosed full-time 4WD shaft drivetrain with coilover shocks and independent double-wishbone suspension for awesome driving action – all fully built and ready to drive right out of the box!

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Savage XS Flux Vaughn Gittin Jr. Signature Edition
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The Savage XS Flux gets an amazing new look with the awesome Vaughn Gittin Jr. Signature Edition! Taking the cool geometric design from Vaughn’s drift competition livery, the Savage XS Flux adds massive jumps, backflips and more to Vaughn’s repertoire of high-angle drift attacks and awesome sideways action! Behind the fantastic new look, which includes bright green springs and wheels with HB Power Pin tires, the Savage XS retains the composite TVP (Twin Vertical Plate) chassis, 3S LiPo compatibility, waterproof electronics and super-durable drivetrain and suspension that have made the Savage XS Flux the toughest – and fastest! – mini-monster truck in the world!

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2015 Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5 RS4 Sport 3
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Introducing the brand new HPI Racing 2015 Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5 RS4 Sport 3! Bringing the awesomeness of Vaughn Gittin Jr’s RTR Spec 5 into your hands in 1/10th scale RC form, the latest RS4 Sport 3 kit is Ready to Rock your RC world! The super realistic Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5 body is coupled with a set of replica HRE Tech 7 wheels for over the top scale realism. Under the hood, this 1/10th scale Mustang is equipped with the latest HPI Racing Touring Car chassis, the RS4 Sport 3. With full time shaft driven 4WD, a fully sealed drivetrain, waterproof 2.4 GHz electronics/radio gear, fully independent double wishbone suspension and adjustable oil filled shocks it’s Ready to Rock in any condition.

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Formula Q32
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When you want wheel-to-wheel formula racing action at home, you have to check out the tiny and fun Formula Q32! This palm-sized racer features the look and the styling of classic open-wheel racers combined with the ease of a pre-built and ready to drive rear-wheel drive racing car. Painted in cool retro colors, the Formula Q32 is a great way to get creative and have fun as you make your own grand racing circuit at home: on your dining table, in the kitchen or in your garage – check out the HPI Q-Club for downloadable track pieces! The Q32 features a 2.4GHz controller which doubles as a car charger, foam tires for traction on tile and carpet and RealSteer technology for a real driving experience!

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Savage XL Flux
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The Savage XL Flux combines the awesome raw power of 6S LiPo brushless power with the stability of a long wheelbase in the legendary Savage HPI monster truck package! The colossally powerful Flux Tork 2200 is ready for all the power you can run through it, and the Flux ELC-6S electronic speed controller is fully capable of up to 22.2 volts of power to let you pull off giant stunts and jaw-dropping speed. Fully equipped with super heavy-duty drivetrain parts, all-metal differentials with machine-cut gears, 2.5mm TVP (Twin Vertical Plate) chassis, 3mm 7075 motor plate and 8mm billet motor clamps, the Savage XL Flux is stacked with options and ready to rock right out of the box!

savage_xl_flux_01.jpgSavage XL Octane V2
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The Savage XL Octane gets a big makeover with this awesome ‘V2’ release! The Savage XL Octane V2 is now easier to start than ever before with its factory broken-in GT15C engine, plus it’s more powerful thanks to a huge new aluminum tuned pipe. The truck is also more reliable with a relocated electronics box featuring large cooling vents, plus the CDI electronics and receiver are now easier to use with LiPo-compatible battery boxes, which Octane owners will really appreciate. You’ll still get more than 20-minute runtimes and be able to get the most out of the legendary Savage toughness thanks to its TVP chassis design and super-durable suspension and drivetrain – the Savage XL Octane V2 is even better and more enjoyable than ever before!

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Savage XL 5.9 2.0
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The updated Savage XL 2.0 features a variety of upgrades and changes to one of the most popular Savage monster trucks, making it faster, meaner and even bigger! Underneath the GTXL-1 in a cool new subdued color, the chassis is the same as the colossal Savage XL Octane, with its TVP design, 3-speed Octane transmission, triple brake disc system, a complete set of all-metal Super HD drivetrain parts and the legendary Savage suspension. The brand new F5.9 engine powers the truck for increased acceleration and power to blast over obstacles and the roughest of terrain. The Savage XL 5.9 2.0 is ready to take to the roughest, toughest spots you know for all-day bashing fun!

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Jumpshot SC
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The Jumpshot SC is based on the latest fun 2WD truck from HPI that gives you the awesome short course racing truck look combined with a modular, TVP (Twin Vertical Plate) chassis that’s easy to work on and fun rear-wheel drive action! With front and rear ‘basher’ bumpers and oil-filled shocks, the Jumpshot SC is ready for the rigors of off-road bashing, plus all-terrain tires and waterproof electronics let you drive the truck just about anywhere. Ready for LiPo batteries, a standard NiMH battery and charger are included so you get driving right away. The Jumpshot SC is ready for hours of fun!

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Jumpshot ST
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If you’re looking for an easy to drive, fun and durable stadium truck, the Jumpshot ST is definitely what you need! With its Savage-style TVP (Twin Vertical Plate) chassis and modular design, tough suspension and big tires, the truck is able to go just about anywhere so you can get your big-air action fix any time! To help take the abuse of all that stunt action, the Jumpshot ST has big oil-filled shocks, wide all-terrain tires, plus a tough double-wishbone suspension and waterproof electronics! You can use the standard NiMH battery included with the kit or a LiPo battery for extra power and runtime so you can have hours of fun!

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Jumpshot MT Fuzion
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The Jumpshot MT Fuzion adds the one thing that some Jumpshot owners have asked for: more speed! The amazing Fuzion system combines a brushless motor and LiPo-ready speed controller in one high-powered unit, allowing HPI designers to increase the power-to-weight ratio for more speed, which equals more fun! You’ll be able to get longer jumps, bigger air and higher top speeds with the power of Fuzion brushless in the back of the Jumpshot! The Jumpshot is the latest fun 2WD truck from HPI that features a TVP (Twin Vertical Plate) chassis, modular steering and drivetrain for fantastic action and hours of fun!jumpshot_mt_fuzion_01.jpg

Wheely King Fuzion
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Adding the amazing Fuzion combined motor-speed controller system to the Wheely King adds even more awesome fun with extra speed! The amazing Fuzion system combines a brushless motor and speed controller in one high-powered unit, giving you more speed and fun while you drive and play with your friends! With its rearward weight distribution, the Wheelie King Fuzion is able to get instant wheelie action for hilarious driving action and tons of fun! Get more wheelie-popping fun and speed with the Wheely King Fuzion!

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Source: http://www.hpiracing.com/en/article/view/2016012001

HPI previews Nuremberg Toy Fair releases

After the uncertainly of their European division going into administraton, it looks like HPI as a whole isn’t slowing down releasing a swaith of preview photos of new and updated models for the forthcoming nuremberg toy fair.

The RS3 Sport 3 Ford Mustang based Hoonicorn driven by Ken Block is certainly one of hte more unusual units, along with a green and grey Vaughn Gittin Jr. Signature Edition Savage XS Flux and an updated Savage lineup.  However the one that really caught my eye is the refreshed Baja 5B buggy photos that have been released.  Certainly they look somewhat like the Krakken aftermarket units currently available, but I don’t think that is such a bad thing. I have to say that I am digging the new style and can’t wait to see if they are just a rebody or come with some updates as well.

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Source: http://www.redrc.net/2016/01/hpi-racing-nuremberg-toy-fair-news/

 

Racing Lines Magazine Feb 2016

Ok, I think i may have missed previewing a couple of editions, so here is the latest!

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Within the pages you will find these articles:
– a look at the new Hot Bodies D216 2wd Buggy
– More news of the new DHK range from Hobby Headquarters
– News of earthmoving equipment from RC4WD
– And news of the Xray XB2
– Testbench looks at the Hobbywing Xerun combo
– Rc history looks back at the Kyosho Ultima series if cars
– Also looked at is the building of the Associated RC8B3e
– The LRP Twister 2 monster truck is tested
– As is the Arrma Voters Stadium Truck
– As well as the amazing Axial Trophy Truck ( lots of tests this edition)
– of course the latest race news, reports and results

HPI into recievership

It looks like one of my favourite rc companies is in trouble with HPI racing’s European section apparently going into recievership if the footer on their website is anything to go by. I guess only time will tell what happens.

The affairs, business and property of Hobby Products International Europe Limited are being managed by Eddie Williams and Nick Wood, appointed as Joint Administrators on 14 January 2016.

The Joint Administrators act as agent of the company without personal liability.

Eddie Williams is authorised by the ICAEW to act as an insolvency practitioner and Nick Wood is authorised by the IPA to act as an insolvency practitioner.