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Bittydesign has introduced the KANJO-N, a pre-cut clear Lexan body shell for 1/7 scale models aimed at fans of iconic Japanese cars from the 1990s and 2000s. It is offered in two versions: one for the ARRMA Infraction V2 and Limitless, and another for the ARRMA Felony. Both versions are priced at €94.90.

Bittydesign describes the KANJO-N as “an icon of style for your 1/7 scale model.” The company says the project began with the goal of creating an extraordinary body developed especially for ARRMA, aimed at fans of the Japanese car culture from that era. Bittydesign adds that it spent months on virtual design and rendering to evaluate improvements and details before the final shape.

Built Around a “Best or Nothing” Philosophy

Bittydesign says the KANJO-N follows the same “best or nothing” approach used across its projects. The company cites more than 20 years of specialized experience and describes its engineering work as guarantee, authenticity, and innovation. It also says the shell represents the perfect implementation of a no-compromise quality standard.

Each shell is made of 1.5mm polycarbonate Lexan and comes clear with a protective film on the outside. It is pre-cut, so buyers do not need scissors, a Dremel, or other tools for trimming. Bittydesign says robotic cutting handles the preparation, and hardware for the fenders and wing is included in the package.

Pre-Cut Accessories Included

Also included are pre-cut parts:

• Widened wheel fenders, secured with the included M2 screws and nuts
• Front and rear aero flaps; the front side pieces are attached with double-sided adhesive tape
• A large rear wing with assembly screws
• A pre-cut decal sheet and window masks

Bittydesign says the enlarged fenders and aero details give the model an aggressive underground tuning look, while the wing adds a racing-car aesthetic.

Size Differences Between the Versions

The Infraction/Limitless KANJO-N measures 720mm long, 306mm wide, and 174mm tall. The Felony version is the same length and height but 325mm wide. With ARRMA dBoots Hoons wheels, both shells use a 406mm wheelbase.

Fitment and Required Parts

The Infraction/Limitless body is designed for the ARRMA Infraction V2 chassis. It is also compatible with the Limitless, although Limitless installs need four additional ARRMA parts:

• ARRMA Infraction Body Post Mount Set (#ARA320517)
• ARRMA Front Bumper Support (#ARA320521)
• ARRMA Front Bumper (#ARA320515)
• ARRMA Outcast Body Post Set (#ARA320357)

The Felony version is made for the ARRMA Felony. Bittydesign also lists the Traxxas XO-1 and Hobao Extreme VTE2 as compatible chassis.

Engineering and Manufacturing

Bittydesign says the shell was developed with advanced CAD and 3D design, then produced using 5-axis CNC milling machines. The company says this process helps deliver precisely executed forms and details, and it calls the result the best available on the market today.

Optional Professional Painting

Buyers who prefer a finished shell can order the KANJO-N airbrushed by Bittydesign. The company says it can do street-style monochrome paint in pearlized and chameleon colors, artistic graphics, or a racing livery. The customer chooses the style, and Bittydesign handles the painting.

Price and Availability

Both KANJO-N versions are priced at €94.90. The Infraction/Limitless version uses code #BDAR7-KJN, while the Felony version uses #BDAR7F-KJN. US distribution is handled by AMain Hobbies, with more details at Bittydesign.net.

LEGO is taking adult builders straight into Shrek’s swamp. The new LEGO Ideas set 72423, officially named Shrek, Donkey & Puss in Boots, turns the DreamWorks movie trio into a 1,403-piece display model for builders aged 18 and up.

A Swamp Scene Grown Up

The set is built around three characters: Shrek and Donkey get full brick-built figures, while Puss in Boots arrives as a minifigure. They stand together on a swampy base complete with the classic “Beware Ogre” sign, sunflowers, an onion, and a blue flower with red thorns. The official LEGO product listing describes the finished model as a display piece that belongs on a shelf or table and calls it a nostalgic decor piece for adult LEGO fans.

Small Details That Pay Off

The base accessories are packed with movie callbacks. The Toy Insider’s play experts highlighted details such as a fly on the “Beware Ogre” sign and a belly for Shrek filled with onions and eyeballs. IGN’s hands-on review also found a waffle tucked inside Shrek’s stomach.

Elsewhere on the base, the sunflowers and onion reference a scene of Shrek and Donkey crossing a field after Lord Farquaad gives them the quest to save Princess Fiona. The blue flower with red thorns is tied to the moment Fiona sends Donkey to find it as an excuse for some alone time with Shrek. In the film, Donkey is color blind and never finds the flower, but the brick-built Donkey appears to have managed it.

The build order has a logic to it, too. IGN’s reviewer notes that the build starts with the Puss in Boots minifigure, then moves through the swamp foundation, Donkey, and the small accessories before tackling Shrek himself. Builders should set the minifigure somewhere safe: once the foundation is down, just about everything else connects into one piece. There are slots near the back of the base for the sunflowers, onion, and flower, but they can also be posed beside the characters.

Articulation and Printing Details

Both main figures have posing options. Shrek’s head can turn, and his arms, hands, and fingers are movable. Donkey’s head rotates, his jaw opens to reveal large teeth and a tongue, and his ears and tail swivel. Puss comes with a fabric cape, a plastic tail, and separate sword and hat pieces; a clear piece lets builders perch him on Shrek’s shoulder, matching the scene on the box.

One feature builders may appreciate: the set uses no stickers. IGN’s review says all details, including eyes and mouths, are printed directly on pieces. The same review notes that the inner frames of Shrek and Donkey rely heavily on red and pink bricks, which made parts of the build feel slightly graphic — something the reviewer thought was intentional.

Build Experience and Expert Notes

The Toy Insider’s review describes the set as a good evening project for movie fans, with easy-to-follow instructions and a finished model that looks at home among other movie merch and LEGO displays. The same review suggests stashing leftover loose pieces in a spare-parts jar instead of throwing them out.

IGN’s reviewer found it one of the more challenging adult builds he has attempted because of small, finicky details. The Shrek figure’s tunic alone requires placing 22 one-slot round pieces in a symmetrical pattern. The instructions tell builders to put an armless Shrek into the foundation before attaching his arms; the reviewer broke pieces when trying that and ended up attaching the arms first. Another quirk: brick-built Shrek has four fingers, and one hand connects to an open spot on Donkey. IGN also praised the finished model for feeling like a real statue rather than a collection of separate mini-scenes, with Shrek and Donkey integrated into the base.

Price and Where to Find It

The set carries a $129.99 price tag, according to IGN’s review. It is listed at the official LEGO Shop US under product number 72423, where the product page calls it a movie gift idea for fans of the Shrek series. The listing also highlights the LEGO Builder app, which offers zoomable, rotatable 3D instructions and lets builders save and track progress.

Fronti-Art has another Koenigsegg miniature heading into production, and this one is finished in Jaktgrön. According to a Diecast Society report dated September 25, 2026, the resin-sealed model of the Koenigsegg CC850 is limited to 100 units and is scheduled to ship in late November 2026.

The new model carries product number F221-209. The announcement describes the interior as well-appointed, and the exterior is finished in Jaktgrön. With production capped at 100 units, the run is small.

The real CC850

The full-size CC850 is itself a celebration of Koenigsegg history. It was unveiled on August 19, 2022, at Pebble Beach, California, as an homage to the CC8S. Koenigsegg describes the car as “the ideal combination of classic design and cutting-edge technology.” The car also marked two milestones at once: 20 years of vehicle production and founder and CEO Christian von Koenigsegg’s 50th birthday.

Wikipedia notes that the CC850 was originally planned as a 50-car limited run. Strong demand led Koenigsegg to add 20 more cars on August 25, 2022, bringing the total to 70 vehicles.

Mechanically, the CC850 shares its platform with the Jesko rather than the CC8S. Wikipedia says the engine is borrowed from the Jesko with smaller turbochargers, producing 1,185 hp on regular fuel or 1,385 hp on E85. Koenigsegg’s official page lists that E85 output and a curb weight of 1,385 kg, giving the car a 1:1 power-to-weight ratio. Torque is rated at 1,385 Nm at 4,800 rpm.

The signature transmission feature is the Engage Shift System, which combines a gated six-speed manual shifting experience with a fully automatic mode in the same gearbox. Drivers can switch modes at any time, with a physical clutch pedal in manual mode. Koenigsegg also highlights the analog chronocluster, which it calls a work of art. The first chronocluster was designed for the CCX, and the second-generation unit in the CC850 shows engine speed on the outer perimeter, vehicle speed on a central dial, and turbo boost info in the center.

Fronti-Art’s announcement gives the cabin a shout-out, and because this is a sealed model, the interior detail will be visible through the glass.

From 1:1 to collector scale

FrontiArt Model Co., LTD was founded in spring 2010 and has become known for hand-made resin models with sharply reproduced details. The standard scale lineup includes 1:6, 1:8, 1:12, 1:18, 1:43 and 1:64, and the company’s specialty list includes Koenigsegg, Aston Martin and other sports-car brands. FrontiArt says its operation spans resin model design, research and development, production and sales.

This Jaktgrön CC850 is a resin-sealed piece, so the emphasis is on the bodywork, paint and visible interior rather than opening panels. FrontiArt says its resin models are made entirely by hand, and the brand positions its work as a faithful reproduction of the original car’s design and mechanical beauty.

On Koenigsegg’s official CC850 page, founder Christian von Koenigsegg said:

“Clearly, we struck a chord with the connoisseurs and the fans by blending our roots with novel thinking and a timeless design that stands apart from the rest. We are humbled and grateful for the response and will do our utmost to exceed expectations.”

Production and timing

The new model has a production cap of 100 units. The Diecast Society report places delivery in late November 2026, with F221-209 as the product code for the Jaktgrön version.

Serpent has introduced the SRX8-E GEN4, a 1/8-scale electric four-wheel-drive off-road buggy kit, and the company is upfront about what it isn’t: a brand-new race car. Serpent describes the fourth-generation model as a methodical refinement of a proven championship platform, with every component questioned and each proposed change accepted only when it improved on-track behavior. RC news outlet Big Squid RC lists the kit as #SER600025, priced at HK$4,749, or roughly $600 USD.

New Chassis, More Battery Options

Under the body, the GEN4 gets a new Factory Lightweight Competition Chassis, CNC-machined from 7075-T6 aluminum and finished with a hard-anodized coating. Serpent says the machining removes unneeded material while preserving the rigidity needed for precise suspension work, and the chassis comes standard instead of as an optional upgrade.

The chassis handles both traditional block battery packs and modern saddle packs. It ships in the saddle configuration, but it also accepts full-size stick packs and shorty batteries. With shorty packs, racers can choose Rear, Mid, or Forward mounting positions to shift weight distribution for more rear traction, all-around balance, or extra steering response. Serpent also says the chassis accepts a range of rear skid plates so drivers can match durability to different track surfaces.

Geo-Matrix, Shocks, and Rear Geometry

The new Geo-Matrix™ Suspension Geometry System anchors the update. Rear suspension brackets are machined from 7075-T6 aluminum with a black anodized finish and machined silver edges. Precision square inserts seat in matching square pockets and rotate in 90-degree increments, forming an indexed 25-position tuning system. That gives racers repeatable adjustment of anti-squat, toe-in, roll center, kick-up, and track width.

The 16mm shock package is also reworked. A threaded cartridge retainer replaces the previous clip-retained design, a thicker stepped lower spacer supports the shock shaft, and new front and rear shock boots complete the assembly. Serpent says the shocks are easier to build and service and deliver more consistent damping through long race use.

Out back, +4.5mm longer rear shock stand-offs move the upper shock mounting point rearward, aiming for a 90–95 degree working relationship with the suspension arm under load. The company says track testing showed better rear traction and more stable rough-track behavior.

Faster Service and a Returned Driveline

Routine maintenance gets faster with a redesigned center differential and motor mount system. After removing six mounting screws, the center diff assembly can be rotated and lifted straight out of the chassis for quick oil changes between heats. The proven single-screw sliding motor mount remains, keeping gear-mesh adjustments quick and repeatable.

Up front, V2 aluminum caster blocks add clearance around the driveshaft and its protective boot. 17° caster blocks come standard, with 19° and 21° options available. Serpent says the available caster range shifts upward by 2° compared with the previous generation, opening a wider front-end tuning window.

The captured center driveline also returns in response to racer feedback. The grease-packed, rubber-booted joints enclose the articulated center driveshaft ends, protecting contact surfaces from dirt while keeping lubricant in place. Serpent says that reduces friction and wear compared with an exposed dogbone arrangement.

Built to Wear Slower

The proven HTD differential system carries over, joined by new lightweight outdrives at the front, center, and rear. The outdrives share a common design and remain compatible with Serpent’s one-piece cross pin. The center spur gear is also lightened; Serpent says it will appear in production kits once existing inventory is consumed.

The V2 driveshaft, coupler, and wheel-axle system targets long-term consistency. Driveshaft joint diameter grows from 9mm to 10mm, while the cross-pin diameter grows from 2.5mm to 3mm. Serpent says the larger contact surfaces spread drivetrain loads over a broader area, reducing the concentrated stress that leads to pin and drive-slot wear.

Serpent also kept a long list of proven components: premium NSK bearings, a full ball-bearing steering rack, ball-raced sway bars, adjustable-flex suspension arms, easy-access front and rear differentials, the 44/13 internal gear ratio, carbon fiber Ackermann plates, and shock caps that work with bladder or emulsion damping.

From the Designer

Billy Easton, designer at Serpent Racing Development, said in the release that the development process was about improving rather than inventing for its own sake. The team examined the existing SRX8-E, kept the solutions that already performed, refined areas where a gain could be found, and brought back previous approaches that had proven better. His closing message to racers: “To give you a car you can trust enough to push to your limit.”

MR Collection has shown off the production sample of a new limited Lamborghini Revuelto. The model is a NA63 edition in Blu Marinus, with Bianco Monocerus and Rosso Mut livery, and it is limited to 63 units. It carries product code LAMBO058NA63A.

The report from diecastsociety.com’s DS Team said MR Collection unveiled the sample and noted the model is believed to be available now.

A second NA63 color is already listed

The NA63 name is not exclusive to the blue car. A retailer listing from Modelkars shows a Bianco Sideralis version of the Lamborghini Revuelto NA63, also capped at 63 units. According to that page, the model is 1:18 scale and made in resin, and it comes with a display base and a clear display case. The same page’s bullet points note that the model has no openings.

Modelkars also uses the listing to recap the real Revuelto’s powertrain. It describes the supercar as a hybrid with a naturally aspirated V12 and three electric motors producing a combined 1015 hp, and it calls the Revuelto the first HPEV — High Performance Electrified Vehicle — in Lamborghini’s history.

The product page adds that delivery can be handled by Colissimo, Chronopost, DPD, Mondial Relay, UPS, FedEx, or DHL depending on destination. The rate sheet for most 1:18 models under 2 kg lists €4.80 for pickup or €10.90 for home delivery in France, Belgium, and Luxembourg, with free shipping over €150 in that group. Neighboring European markets are €13.90; Denmark, Finland, and Sweden, plus a set of Central and Eastern European destinations, fall in a €15.90 band; and all other countries are €29.90 economy or €49.90 express. The shop also accepts credit card, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Klarna, and SEPA bank transfer, and gives buyers 15 days from receipt to return a purchase.

The official Lamborghini connection

MR Collection’s own catalog pages describe the firm as an official Lamborghini licensee and an official supplier during world premieres and major international car shows, a role the company says it has held for many years. The pages cover the wider Lamborghini ID range, with the Lamborghini ID page showing 38 results.

Another Revuelto special color, with a different cap

A separate MR Lamborghini Revuelto special color appeared on retailer The Car Model’s site with product code LAMBO058SE12. That edition is limited to 99 pieces and carries a $579.95 price on both the regular and sale fields. The retailer gives an estimated release date of 2026 and says pre-orders placed in advance get special pricing, first come, first served. Payment can be made in full or with a $50 deposit. The page also warns that orders cannot be canceled once the model is in production.

The listing’s color options include Bianco Asopo, Giallo Inti, and Bianco Asopo fading to Rosso Khonsu, though the page marks those variants as sold out or unavailable. The Car Model page also says all MR models come from the factory with a base and display case. Shipping is free in the US, while outside the US it lists a 3–8 week standard option at an extra $35 or a 3–7 day UPS/FedEx option at an extra $65.

Blue sample, tight run

Back to the Blu Marinus NA63 production sample: it’s part of a 63-piece run, wears the Bianco Monocerus–Rosso Mut livery, and is identified by the code LAMBO058NA63A. The report that broke the news says it is believed to be available now.

Hobbywing has expanded its AXE crawler motor family with a new big-can option. The XeRun AXE 4987 SD R3S is a 1600KV sensored FOC brushless motor built for 1/5 and 1/6 scale rock crawlers, and Hobbywing is positioning it as a high-power climbing motor. It’s intended to work with the company’s AXE series of FOC ESCs, with the XeRun AXE Plus R3 named as the recommended match. RC Car Action also put the motor in front of the camera for a quick-look segment.

Size and output

The new motor’s can is 87mm long with a 49.5mm diameter. Hobbywing says the motor gives up about 3mm in length compared with typical 4990-class units while adding roughly 8% more power. At matching loads, the company says the 4987 runs with less heat, so performance stays consistent while acceleration and punch feel stronger. Robitronic’s product page repeats the 8% power advantage and adds that the dimensions make it easier to fit into tighter builds, with improved acceleration and efficiency.

Materials and protection

Hobbywing assembles the R3S from parts chosen for durability. The motor’s housing is CNC-machined from aluminum that Hobbywing calls high-hardness. Inside, the builder fits bearings from a top-tier supplier, ultra-thin silicon-steel laminations, enameled wire resistant to 200°C, and an output shaft made from high-toughness alloy. The company says these materials are intended to deliver consistent, long-lasting performance. The motor’s IP66 rating is another trail-focused feature: Hobbywing says rain, snow, mud, sand, and water won’t stop it on the trail. Robitronic adds a caveat that the protection isn’t permanent, declines over time, and the motor shouldn’t be submerged for long periods.

Encoder-driven control

Instead of conventional Hall sensors, the R3S relies on a built-in magnetic encoder. Hobbywing’s spec sheet puts the encoder’s position resolution at roughly 60 times that of the Hall sensors used in ordinary sensored brushless motors. The company also says steady three-phase signals let the motor feed the ESC a clean position reading. Paired with the recommended XeRun AXE Plus R3 ESC, Hobbywing says the R3S offers exceptionally smooth low-speed running and big low-end torque, delivering a feel beyond what standard sensored systems provide. Robitronic’s description focuses on zero cogging, immediate response, and enough reserve to take on tough terrain.

Specs at a glance

The full product name is XeRun AXE 4987 SD R3S. It is a four-pole sensored brushless FOC motor with a 1600KV rating, designed for 3-8S LiPo packs. The can measures 49.5mm by 87mm, the shaft is 5mm, and the motor weighs 660g. Robitronic’s listings also show a 12.5A no-load current. Hobbywing’s spec chart lists the scale as 1/5 and 1/6 and names the XeRun AXE Plus R3 as the recommended ESC.

Where it fits in the AXE family

The 4987 becomes the larger option in Hobbywing’s AXE FOC motor range. The existing AXE 4274 motors are marketed for 1/8-or-larger crawlers, carry IP67 protection, run on 6S-class power, and share the same precision magnetic sensor concept. The 4274SD 2000KV version takes 3-6S LiPo, measures 42mm by 74mm, and weighs 415g. AMain Hobbies’ listing for that motor also highlights a drag brake adjustable to 200% and support for crawlers up to 1/6 scale. Hobbywing notes that the 4274 accepts an optional motor adapter. The new R3S 4987 moves the line up in scale with its bigger 49.5mm-by-87mm package and 3-8S support.

Availability

Hobbywing says the XeRun AXE 4987 SD R3S is available now, with more information at HobbywingDirect.com. Retailer listings include the XeRun AXE Plus R3 ESC as an optional accessory for the new motor.

KO Propo has a new steering servo for 1/10-scale racers, and it’s packing noticeably more punch than its predecessor. The BSx5A-one10 Grasper3 carries the Grasper name into a new generation with roughly 20% more torque, a new AGR cornering aid, and serial-communication support for faster response.

More torque, same familiar grip

Compared with the previous BSx4S-one10 Grasper2, the new servo is rated at 20.3 kg·cm of torque at 7.4V, up from the earlier model’s 16.0 kg·cm — an increase of about 20%. It manages 0.09 sec/60° at 7.4V and drops to 16.4 kg·cm with 0.11 sec/60° at 6.0V. The low-profile case measures 40.5 × 26 × 21 mm and weighs 51.0g, with a 180mm cable. KO Propo recommends it for 1/10 electric touring cars, 1/10 electric buggies, and 1/10 engine touring cars.

The Grasper name is tied to a specific feel. KO Propo defines holding force as the force with which the servo’s axis tries to stay in place, and says strong holding force results in stable steering. “Grasper,” the company notes, means “to grip tightly” or “to hold firmly” — exactly the personality this new servo is supposed to bring to cornering. The Grasper3 is described as inheriting the series’ renowned cornering performance and strong holding power, with a “gripping” feel aimed at today’s high-performance chassis.

AGR: Active Grip Response

The headline feature is AGR (Active Grip Response). According to KO Propo, the servo detects the machine’s behavior in real time during cornering and works to suppress understeer. The idea is to extract grip from the front tires and keep the chassis stable through corners, even on circuits where grip is usually in short supply. KO Propo’s description of the goal is straightforward:

“By suppressing understeer in corners, it enables smooth and stable turning, allowing for more precise machine control.”

There is a caveat: the function may not be effective on extremely high-grip courses.

Serial communication and REAL TIME ICS

The Grasper3 supports serial communication, moving beyond the PWM method that has long dominated RC servos. With PWM, the angle comes from the signal waveform; with serial, the servo receives the angle as a numerical value. KO Propo says that shortens the communication interval and cuts the time from command to action. Combined with EX-NEXT’s XT mode, the company says the response feels as if you are directly touching the machine.

Serial mode also unlocks REAL TIME ICS. With an EX-NEXT transmitter and a compatible receiver — KR-420XT or KR-242XT — the servo connects to the receiver’s B/S port, letting you change servo parameters from the transmitter. You can check the feel of the car while it is moving and adjust settings on the fly, rather than taking it back to your hands. The servo automatically switches between serial and normal modes based on the connected port and receiver settings. Serial use requires one of the two compatible receivers, while older receivers such as the KR-418FH work in normal PWM mode. HCS mode is not available, and standard PWM compatibility remains for many existing receivers.

Hardware details

The Grasper3 gets a new aluminum top case. After anodizing, KO Propo machines it into a sharp, angular shape, with the inside reduced to minimum thickness to keep weight down while maintaining strength. The case is joined by an aluminum heatsink middle case, hard anodized aluminum gears, dual ball bearings, a hard servo gear shaft, and gold-plated connectors. Black servo leads complete the look; KO Propo says they deliver the needed current capacity and have a flexible feel that makes them easy to handle.

Other specifications include a brushless motor, a power supply range of 6.0–7.4V for LiPo, LiFe, NiMH, and NiCd packs, and a low-profile body. The model number is #30224. KO Propo is pointing racers to KOPropoAmerica.com for more details.

Carisma has officially introduced its new M40S 2.0 chassis, and this release wears a fully licensed Honda Civic Type R FL5 body in Boost Blue. The 1/10-scale model is an ARR (Almost Ready to Run) package, with the chassis, drivetrain, motor, and ESC already in place. Carisma says owners just need to add a 2–3S LiPo battery before the first run.

Carisma calls the M40S 2.0 a highly anticipated update and notes that the earlier M40S platform has been a dependable part of its lineup for years. The new version is built around permanent four-wheel drive, with a center differential from the M48S platform joining front, center, and rear differentials. Carisma says that setup distributes power effectively and points to stronger traction as the result.

Power comes from a brushless motor paired with a Carisma brushless ESC, so the speed control is in the box. Aluminum oil shocks are standard, and the lower chassis and top deck are made from carbon composite, which Carisma describes as light and stiff. Front and rear anti-roll bars are also standard equipment, adding stability during sharp turns.

Licensed Type R details

Big Squid RC notes that the Civic Type R shell is fully licensed. Carisma says the FL5’s styling has been replicated in detail at 1/10 scale, including a performance front injection-molded spoiler and a rear wing that mirrors the road car’s aero treatment. The company’s product copy says those aero pieces are meant to improve both aesthetics and aerodynamics, in line with their role on the full-size Honda. Carisma’s announcement also describes the FL5 as a standout in the automotive world, crediting its performance-oriented styling and its rear wing for much of that status. Big Squid RC’s highlights also point to the shell’s flared fenders and prominent rear spoiler, both signature elements of the FL5. The Boost Blue finish completes the look, giving the model the same visual identity as the real car.

Price and availability

Carisma lists the M40S 2.0 Civic on its official shop under model number #95968 at $329.99. Big Squid RC’s announcement cites a street price of $329. According to Carisma, US distribution is handled by HRP.

Another M40S 2.0 on the road

The Civic is not the first M40S 2.0 model to surface. Big Squid RC reports that the 1/10 Audi R8 LMS ARR is already shipping on the same chassis. With Carisma’s Audi licensing coming to an end, that report describes the R8 LMS as the last chance for Carisma’s licensed Audi body.

The platform first turned up in a promotional video shared by Japanese RC outlet RC Monkey on January 29, 2026, which showcased the M40S 2.0 chassis with the Civic Type R FL5 body. RC Monkey’s write-up described the clip as a look at the new chassis architecture and the authenticity of the Civic body. Carisma’s product page for the chassis also includes a downloadable manual, and the ARR package still requires a separate 2–3S LiPo.

Specs at a glance

• Scale: 1/10
• Model type: ARR
• Body: Honda Civic Type R FL5 in Boost Blue
• Drivetrain: Permanent four-wheel drive with front, center, and rear differentials
• Motor/ESC: Brushless motor and Carisma brushless ESC
• Shocks: Aluminum oil
• Chassis materials: Carbon composite lower plate and top deck
• Anti-roll bars: Front and rear, standard
• Required battery: Separate 2–3S LiPo
• Price: $329.99 on Carisma’s listing; $329 street price cited by Big Squid RC

The second wave of Matchbox: The Movie basics is now rolling out on the Wheel Collectors website, just over two weeks before the film arrives on Apple TV. The latest Matchbox Monday report, posted by The Lamley Group on September 21, runs through the newly arrived even-numbered singles in the collection. It follows an earlier post covering the first batch of odd-numbered Movie basics.

Wheel Collectors sent that first batch to The Lamley Group for a closer look. Now the second half of the set is going live online in time for the movie’s October 9 premiere.

The Movie Behind the Singles

Matchbox: The Movie is an upcoming American action comedy from Mattel and Skydance Media, directed by Sam Hargrave. The cast features John Cena, Jessica Biel, Sam Richardson, Arturo Castro, and Teyonah Parris, with additional roles played by Randeep Hooda, Danai Gurira, Corey Stoll, Bill Camp, and Golshifteh Farahani.

The story centers on Sean Walker, a spy and former soldier who reunites with childhood friends and ends up drugged and kidnapped by a group searching for a nuclear warhead. When the CIA believes Walker and his friends stole the weapon, the group decides to re-steal the bomb and clear their names.

Development stretches back to May 2024, when Skydance Media and Mattel Films were working on the live-action adaptation. Sam Hargrave was hired to direct, with David Coggeshall and Jonathan Tropper writing the screenplay. John Cena joined in September of that year, Jessica Biel in November, and Sam Richardson, Arturo Castro, and Teyonah Parris in December.

Film production began in Budapest in January 2025, with additional shooting in Casablanca in March, where social media posts showed John Cena filming action car scenes on location. Scenes were also shot in Erfoud and Merzouga, and production was expected to take place in Slovakia and Los Angeles.

The Official Toy Lineup

Mattel’s shop page for the movie is already promoting more than the basic singles. The Director Diorama is pitched as a collector-level set that includes a mini figure of Sam Hargrave filming a chase scene. The Desert Chase Escape multipack features four movie-accurate die-cast vehicles in premium diorama-style packaging. The Mountain Helicopter Escape set is described as a downhill race through dangerous curves that ends in a road and bridge collapse.

Wheel Collectors, meanwhile, leans into Matchbox’s long history. The retailer points out that Matchbox started in 1953, with cars packaged in boxes about the size of a real matchbox, and calls the line one of the most recognizable and collected die-cast car lines in history. It says it regularly lists Matchbox models for collectors at any level.

Leipzig and Auction A Come First

Before the October 9 release, The Lamley Group is also pointing collectors to Leipzig. In the same Monday update, the site teases that something called Auction A will make its debut on Saturday. Full details are expected to go up on The Lamley Group page that day, with bidding opening after the details are published.

The post also links to past blog reports from previous years, rounding out the Matchbox Monday coverage of the two-part Movie basics release.

What’s Next for Matchbox Collectors

For now, the second half of the Movie basics is the main immediate release. The next dates on the calendar are the Saturday debut of Auction A and the October 9 premiere of Matchbox: The Movie on Apple TV.

CEN Racing has expanded its Matrix family with two ready-to-run 1/10 scale 2WD off-roaders: the Matrix ST stadium truck and the Matrix E buggy. Both RTR packages include pre-painted bodies, brushed power systems, 2.4GHz radios, and composite chassis.

Matrix ST Stadium Truck

The ST is the stadium-truck option, priced at $199 in either red (#8120) or blue (#8121). It is built around a low-center-of-gravity molded composite chassis and measures 412mm long, 320mm wide, with a 294mm wheelbase and 50mm of ground clearance. Its weight is listed at 1.9kg. That is 16.22 inches long, 12.59 inches wide, and 4.19lb.

Under the pre-painted racing-spec body, CEN fits a 60A WP-1060 brushed ESC powered by HobbyWing. The speed control is waterproof and dustproof for all-weather use, with a built-in capacitor module, automatic throttle range calibration, low-voltage cut-off for Li-Po and NiMH packs, and protection against over-heating and throttle signal loss. Power comes from an RS-550 high-torque brushed motor.

Steering is handled by a Savox-powered 6kg-cm servo with a 25T horn gear spline. CEN rates it at 4.2 kg-cm at 4.8V and 6.5 kg-cm at 6.0V. The chassis also gets a high-torque servo saver horn, full precision ball bearings, and an easy-access 160 x 48mm battery tray.

The radio package uses the AMP30 3-channel transmitter with a G82198RX 2.4GHz receiver. Features include digital trimming, steering dual-rate adjustment, end point adjustment, and a built-in failsafe. The transmitter, listed as model 82198TX, weighs 375g and takes four AA alkaline batteries that are not included. The receiver measures 1.35 by 0.72 by 0.53 inches.

Suspension and drivetrain specs include big-bore oil-filled adjustable coil-over shocks with oversized bodies and 3mm hardened steel polished shafts, fully independent double-wishbone suspension, a rear-motor 2WD drivetrain, full metal transmission gears, and a slipper clutch system. It rolls on 2.2-inch racing-spec tires with stylish wheels.

Matrix E Buggy

The Matrix E is priced at $189 with a red (#8110) or blue (#8111) body. It shares the same low-CG molded composite platform, but its dimensions are different: 412mm long, 245mm wide, a 294mm wheelbase, and 44mm of ground clearance. Weight is listed at 1.68kg. That is 16.2 inches long, 9.65 inches wide, and 3.7lb.

The E comes with a pre-painted racing-spec buggy body and wing. Its electronics package mirrors the ST: the HobbyWing-powered 60A waterproof/dustproof brushed ESC, the RS-550 high-torque brushed motor, and the Savox-powered steering servo with the same torque ratings. The radio is the same AMP30/G82198RX 2.4GHz system with digital trimming, steering dual-rate, end point adjustment, failsafe, and a 375g transmitter that takes four AA batteries.

The buggy also carries over the truck’s suspension and drivetrain features: fully independent double-wishbone suspension, big-bore oil-filled adjustable coil-over shocks, full precision ball bearings, an easy-access battery tray, a high-efficiency transmission, full metal transmission gears, a slipper clutch, and 2.2-inch racing-spec tires on stylish wheels. CEN lists the receiver’s power supply as DC 4.8–6.0V; the transmitter needs four AA alkaline batteries, not included.

Both Matrix models are listed by CEN Racing USA, with the ST at #8120 red / #8121 blue — $199 and the E at #8110 red / #8111 blue — $189.