HPI adds Toyo Tires Edition of their Jumpshot SC V2 platform

You may, or may not, have seen a Toyo tyres advertisement last year showing a HPI Short Course Truck, and if you don’t, let’s refresh your memory below 😉

Now you can own it yourself as HPI have released Brushed and Flux version of the car onto the market. It’s not just a cosmetic update either with new metal top and middle hears on the Brushed version, and all metal gears on the Flux, a new diff gear, new gearbox and 3s capable electronics in the Flux brushless version. After the recent release of the new Savage it is good to see HPI Racing moving forward again after some time siting stagnant, teetering on the verge of disappearance.

Source: https://www.hpiracing.com/en/kit/160267 and https://www.hpiracing.com/en/kit/160268

Vale to the HPI Blitz

For  a little while now most of the focus of my collection of RC cars has been on my sons, and my own cars for off road carpet racing.

However later this  year I will be moving to a property that has enough space to build my own r/c track.  Now this got me thinking what would be the most fun to run around that dirt track as well as bashing in general.  So I turned to the recovering  HPI’s website to see what vehicles  they sold these days as in the past they had been my favorite bashing vehicles.  There is pretty much something for everybody in their range.

The Original Blitz

Eventually my thoughts came back to the venerable HPI  blitz that I used to race at my local club, as well as wherever I could find space.   I actually had the white and grey beast that was the Blitz ESE racing   version with stiffer plastics and a ball differential (and on  that note, me and that ball differential did not get along, and it was a replaced with a eFirestorm grease filled gear diff fairly quickly).  However to my horror I found that the new HPI post financial crisis have killed off the Blitz, and it’s older brother the eFirestorm! In their defense they have been replaced with the jumpshot range featuring a twin vertical plate chassis like the very successful savage trucks.  Now the  blitz wasn’t the first, it probably wasn’t the best.  But it was a tough truck that looked great, was heaps of fun and generally did whatever was asked of it.  Mine was only retired when our club moved to a carpet track and the blitz just didn’t work well on it at all.

My personal Blitz ESE

So now the dilemma is what to purchase.  I have to admit true Short Course Trucks like the Traxxas UDR and Losi BajaRey etc look and work incredibly well and are 4wd. But I also love the simplicity of the 2wd stadium trucks like the Losi 22S and Associated SC10 Short Course Trucks.  Somehow the TVP chassis of the Jumpshot Short Course Truck doesn’t appeal.  Even the Kyosho Outlaw  Rampage looks like fun. I suppose it will probably comedown to budget, so we will see what happens I guess.

In the meantime, rest in peace to the mighty HPI Blitz, we will see who inherits the SCT crown in time …..

HPI Racing Bringing Christmas

Over the last few weeks HPI racing have been posting a number of refreshed vehicles that will be new for 2019.  These include versions of the WR8 rally car in Flux and Nitro versions (and colour changing paint), a F-150 Crawler King, new bodied E10, Jumpshot MT, RS4 Sport 3 Flux GT40 and Savage XS.

Head over to the HPI Facebook and website to check them all out.  https://www.facebook.com/OfficialHPI/  or https://www.hpiracing.com/

HPI’s 30th anniversary spawns big range updates

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
#116558

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!

Baja Kraken Sidewinder X5 buggy
#115484

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!

Baja 5B Kraken TSK-b Class 1
#115485

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!)

RS4 Sport 3 Hoonicorn RTR
#115990

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 1/10^th 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!

Savage XS Flux Vaughn Gittin Jr. Signature Edition
#115967

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!

2015 Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5 RS4 Sport 3
#115126

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.

Formula Q32
116710 (Red)
116706 (Blue)

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!

Savage XL Flux
#112609

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 Octane V2
#116386

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!

Savage XL 5.9 2.0
#116050

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!

Jumpshot SC
#116103

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!

Jumpshot ST
#116112

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!

Jumpshot MT Fuzion
116210 

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!

Wheely King Fuzion
#116200

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!

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

Venture platform pics

In other news, we finally got a good look at the Venture / HPI crawler with the body off, and it looks good!

Source: https://www.facebook.com/VentureHPI/

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.

 

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

 

Has Drifting and Street Racers saved the Touring Car?

Ok, ok, I know that touring car racing is not dead, but there has been a significant increase in the number of cars designed to either cater to those wanting sideways action, or some social street driving or racing.  Much like their crawling cousins, scale accessories and scale detail are also king in this arena of public opinion. However this new brand of on road driver has certainly resurrected some interest in On Road chassis.

Today’s release of two muscle cars from Kyosho on the Fazer platform, a 1970 Dodge Charger and a 2015 Dodge Challenger Hellcat are further evidence, and while I don’t know how these vehicles are selling, I certainly see a few around the place, and there is certainly a lot of chatter generated by them.  Heck i’d be quite happy with one the the offerings on the Vaterra V100 platform or the new HPI RS4 Sport 3 platform (and I almost forgot the Team Associated Apex cars).  All of these platforms have a number of attributes in common, great looking scale bodies, scale tyres and rims, basic shaft driven platforms and affordable pricing.  This is fast turning into a what RC car to buy for street fun article, but I will resist!

Now none of these are what you would call drift vehicles despite being labeled as such and coming with hard tyres.  Yes they do a decent job, but in my mind a drift car has to at least have an optional set of gearing to allow a Counter steer (or CS) conversion.  What does that mean?  Well the rear wheels turn faster than the front ones.  Why?  Because it’s easier to keep the car sideways, and who doesn’t like a bit of sideways action sometimes.  None of the cars mentioned before have much in the way of adjustment either with all having fixed suspension links, but most have aftermarket or factory adjustable ones available to allow for some adjustment.  That said, this keeps the price of these units down, and there is nothing like a car that is fun to drive, a decent price to buy and looks great as well.  Personally I love how the BMW M3 and Subaru BRZ models on the HPI Sport 3 chassis look, but the 1969 Corvette from Vaterra looks amazing as well.

Many of this new breed of street cars also come with waterproof electronics, so even a rainy day isn’t able to keep you off the streets.  About the only feature that I am a little disappointed is still on these cars is the ubiquitous post body mounts.  Yes, they work well, but there are some great magnetic body mounts available today which eliminate the posts and give the car a much clearer look, but are still strong enough to stop the body coming off easily.

There is a whole range of chassis and bodies out there, and there are some offerings from Yokomo, MST and Sakura which are true drift chassis, but expect to be paying more than the cars we are discussing here today.

I guess what I am saying is don’t be a chassis snob, grab one of these budget street brawlers, grab some mates and go outside and have some fun!  And because everybody loves some eye candy, here is a slide show of some of the offerings on sale at the moment.

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PS, yes, I completely missed out on the Tamiya TT-01 and TT02 platforms, I could say I was focusing on new platforms, but the TT-02 is a new platform, Maybe i have a bit of tunnel vision, but check out the Tamiya cars as well as they have a huge range of cars and bodies available.

HPI Jumpshot range from the Nürnberg Toy Fair

Not an updated anything else, this line of 2wd 1:10 vehicles featuring twin verticle plate chassis similar to the legendary Savage is all new and sure to be a basher favourite. Confirmed starters in the lineup include Stadium Truck, Monster Truck and Short Course Truck.

Features Include:

• Tough aluminum TVP chassis design
• Large battery box capable of fitting 7-cell NiMH stick packs
• Battery easily accessible from bottom of chassis
• SC-3SWP2 waterproof brushed ESC
• Enclosed receiver box
• 2.4 GHz radio system
• Oil-filled shock absorbers
• Double-wishbone suspension design
• Sturdy body mounts
• Standard 12mm hex hub wheel fitting
• Monster Truck: 2.2″ wheels & tires and pick-up truck body
• Short Course: Standard-size SC wheels & tires and SC racing body
• Stadium Truck: 2.2″ wheels & tires and racing body

Source: http://www.hpiracing.com/en/article/view/2015012302

More new cars from HPI at Nuremberg

Ok, so a roundup of what is news on the HPI stand at Nuremberg.  Apart from the Baja 5R one of the cars that looks to be almost all new is the HPI RS4 Sport 3 1/10th scale Electric 4WD Touring Car chassis.  They are showing the car as a basic platform as well as a RTR with some slick looking bodies including a Falken Tire Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Fatlace Subaru BRZ and fifteen52 BMW E30 M3. The chassis features a sealed shaft drive which is a little less common these days (but lends itself to a rally version please HPI ! )  Certainly it looks like a successor to the old E10 platform with shaft drive and none of the adjustable turnbuckles of the Sprint 2.  Still it looks like an interesting proposition.  I do love the look of the BRZ body as well.

Other news includes a new version of the WR8 3.0, WR8 Flus and the smaller Micro RS4 all featuring the latest Ken Block livery.

HPI’s Big News from Nürnberg

And by big, I mean Large Scale.  Most news from Nurenburg I am doing by Manufacturer to bring the number of posts down, but I thought this deserved it’s own post.

HPI has taken another RC clas and brought it into the mainstream a little more.  They first did it with the 1:5 Baja, and how the Baja is moving onto the road with the massive Baja 5R on Road car.  The photos thus far show a mustang, and no under the hood photos, but the following features have been noted.

Features:

• Replica 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302 bodyshell
• New on-road 4mm thick aluminum monococque chassis
• On-road suspension geometry with low ride height
• Extremely durable suspension derived from Baja 5B buggy
• On-road foam front bumper
• Vintage 8-spoke beadlock wheels with Tarmac Buster tires
• 23cc engine with super-durable Baja 5B drivetrain
• SFL-11MG steering servo
• Enclosed radio box with battery charging jack
• New TF-45 2.4 GHz radio system

We will post details when they become available, and I do hope they do an electric version personally, but I think this will certainly bring large scale on road into the spotlight a little more than it already was.

Source: http://www.hpiracing.com/en/article/view/2015012303