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Sun Star and YC Model have offered a first glimpse of an upcoming 1:18 Toyota Prado, with painted samples shown in Black and White. The reveal appeared on September 9, 2026 via die-cast news site Diecast Society and confirms that the model is planned as a diecast metal build with opening features.

What the samples reveal

The new images are painted samples rather than a final production announcement. The confirmed facts so far:

• Scale: 1:18
• Material: diecast metal
• Build: opening model
• Finishes displayed: Black and White
• Product number: TBD

The two colors are the visual centerpiece. Collectors are looking at a black Prado and a white Prado, with no other finishes mentioned in the update. The product number is still listed as TBD, meaning a final catalog reference has not been assigned. The short Diecast Society post, credited to DS Team, closes by asking readers whether they plan to add one, a direct request for early collector reactions rather than a full ordering announcement.

Both names are attached to the reveal: Sun Star and YC Model. The announcement does not break down each partner’s specific responsibilities, but it presents the project as a joint one.

Sun Star’s collector brand

Sun Star has a specific reputation among model-car buyers. A Sun Star brand page on YXCarmodel describes the maker as known for high cost-effectiveness and fine craftsmanship, with a program focused on classic cars, modern cars and racing cars in 1/18, 1/24 and 1/43 scales. The same page emphasizes accurate restoration of body lines, interiors and details, and it gives special attention to retro cars and limited-edition models. The retailer also highlights Sun Star’s wide variety of patterns and colors, along with what it calls reasonable prices that have attracted a large base of model-car enthusiasts. YXCarmodel also praises the maker’s exquisite workmanship and says its fair prices have made it popular with many collectors.

Models118, a site dedicated to 1:18 die-cast models, adds a slightly different view. It says Sun Star built its name on detailed 1:18 diecast of American classics and muscle cars at a price point below specialist resin makers covering the same subjects. The same guide says collectors often use Sun Star as a value-tier complement to higher-priced resin releases of the same cars. It also lists vintage classics, classic sports cars, Group B and Group A rally legends, and cultural touchstones such as the DeLorean across Ford, Chevrolet, Mercury, Pontiac, Mercedes, Audi and the Trabant, dating those subjects from the 1950s through the 1980s. The same overview cites the Trabant as an example of Sun Star’s willingness to reproduce less obvious subjects, a trait it says gives the range a distinctive character.

Retail pages point in the same direction. Slickshifts, an online die-cast store, carries a Sun Star collection covering cars, racing subjects and 1:18 scale models. Its brand description frames Sun Star as a company that has worked to give demanding collectors the best quality die-cast collectible money can buy.

Those range guides do not mention a Toyota Prado. The new announcement, by contrast, centers on a Toyota and pairs Sun Star with YC Model for a painted-sample reveal.

The status so far

For now, the confirmed story is straightforward. Sun Star and YC Model are working on a 1:18 diecast metal Toyota Prado with opening features, they have shown the model in Black and White, and the project is still waiting on a final product number. The model remains in painted-sample form until Sun Star and YC Model assign it a catalog number.

CM Model has two new 1:64-scale releases on the way: a Ford Mustang GTD in Blue and a Toyota GR Supra in Yellow. Diecast Society posted the announcement on September 9, 2026, and reports that both models are due to arrive in late September 2026. The announcement lists the product number as TBD and gives a month-level window rather than a specific day.

Retailer pages add more detail for the Mustang GTD. It is listed at RCMart, Karson Diecast Co., and Horizon Diecast. RCMart lists the model as CM64-GTD-02, with blue as the color, Ford as the car brand, diecast as the material, CM Model as the brand, and 1/64 as the scale. The listing includes one model car. Retailers also give the blue finish a specific name: Karson Diecast Co. and Horizon Diecast both call it Indulgent Blue. RCMart’s same-brand section also lists other CM Model 1:64 cars, including a Ford GTD Police Car and a McLaren 750S Spider Ember Orange. Its related-product section includes a McLaren Senna GTR Dark Gray, a Toyota Tundra Black, and a Toyota Sequoia Gray.

Karson Diecast Co. uses the same CM64-GTD-02 number on a pre-order page and gives an estimated arrival window of August 2026 through October 2026, noting the ETA is subject to change. That listing describes the item as new in blister pack, highly detailed, officially licensed, and intended for ages 14 and up.

Horizon Diecast, another pre-order retailer, gives a different estimate: Q4 2026, subject to change by the manufacturer’s decision. Horizon’s page lists the same CM64-GTD-02 number, describes the material as diecast, and says the packaging is a display base with an acrylic cover. The car’s approximate length is listed as 6 to 7 cm, or 2.36 to 2.76 inches. Horizon also directs customers with product-status questions to contact the shop by email and points to an FAQ page for more questions.

The Supra is the second model in the announcement. The Toyota GR Supra is finished in Yellow and is also expected in late September 2026, with the product number still listed as TBD. As with the GTD, the timing is given as late September rather than a specific day.

CM Model also has another blue 1:64 Mustang listed by retailers. Network Shuttle Diecast Model lists the Ford Mustang Dark Horse in Blue Ember Metallic as CM64-DARKHORSE-01, with CM Model as manufacturer and 1:64 scale. Lot57 Supplies Diecast Shop lists the same Dark Horse colorway with a Q3 2026 ETA that is subject to change, notes it is Ford officially licensed, and describes it as a limited run with limited pieces per colorway. That model is separate from the GTD.

Pre-order terms on Horizon Diecast’s GTD page include a seven-day return policy. To be eligible, the item must be unused, in its original packaging, and accompanied by a receipt or proof of purchase. If a buyer cancels a pre-order, a 5% restocking fee is charged; if Horizon cancels the order, no fee is charged. The page also says release dates are estimates and can be delayed by the manufacturer.

In the announcement, the product number is still listed as TBD. The GTD and Supra are both scheduled for late September 2026, while retailer estimates for the GTD vary, with Karson giving August through October and Horizon giving Q4 2026. The late-September date in the announcement sits inside Karson’s window, while Horizon’s estimate is later.

Team Exalt has introduced a new spec-style motor that’s now the official motor of the Busch Series. The X27 540 Brushed Fixed Timing Motor is a 540-size, 27-turn brushed motor with a fixed timing design, positioned as an affordable, dependable option for beginner, club, and organized spec racing.

The announcement came as a straightforward product launch, but the implications for spec racers are clear: this motor is built to keep competition fair and close. Team Exalt says the fixed timing provides consistent power delivery from motor to motor, which helps maintain a level playing field across the field. Instead of chasing motor-tuning advantages, racers can focus on car setup, driving lines, and race craft.

The X27 at a Glance

The X27 is built around the popular 27T brushed motor platform. It’s a 540-size unit with a fixed 27-turn winding. Key features listed by Team Exalt include smooth and predictable throttle response, reliable performance, and a design specifically geared toward spec, beginner, and youth-focused racing programs. The company calls it a “great option” for those categories and emphasizes that it delivers “affordable performance without sacrificing reliability.”

That affordability is a central theme. Team Exalt says the motor was developed with controlled racing in mind, and the company notes that it helps “grow the sport while keeping the cost of racing under control.” The motor is also designed to be easy to use and maintain, making it a sensible choice for racers who are just starting out or for clubs looking to keep their spec class simple.

Built for Close Racing

The X27’s design philosophy is straightforward. With fixed timing and a proven 27-turn brushed platform, the motor is meant to let racers focus on driving and setup rather than motor tuning. Team Exalt describes the X27 as “all about keeping the racing tight and the program simple.” That’s a direct appeal to spec-class organizers who want to avoid an arms race over motor upgrades.

The motor also carries the official designation of “Official Motor of the Busch Series,” a title that gives it immediate recognition in the RC racing community. For series officials, that means a single, controlled motor choice that’s clearly defined and readily available.

A Warranty Limited to “Dead Out of the Box”

One notable aspect of the X27 is its warranty policy. Team Exalt states that due to the nature of brushed motors and racing use, the only warrantable condition is if the motor is dead out of the box. That means normal wear, performance degradation, or damage from racing isn’t covered. It’s a pragmatic approach for a motor that’s expected to be pushed hard on the track.

This limited warranty aligns with the motor’s intended role as a controlled spec component. Racers who want to swap motors or experiment with different timing will likely look elsewhere, but for a true spec class, the X27 is meant to be a plug-and-play, keep-it-simple solution.

Pricing and Availability

The X27 carries the product code EXAX27 and is priced at $17.49. It’s available directly through Team Exalt’s website. That price point puts it firmly in the budget-friendly category, which should appeal to entry-level racers and clubs watching their budgets.

Team Exalt also offers a broader line of motors, including the ZroX Fixed Timing Series, the Phoenix Spec/Modified line, and the Rotation Drift motors. According to the company’s product pages, all of these are built with tight tolerances, rebuildable architecture, and race-proven components. The lineup also includes approved rotors like the EXAS2304 and EXAS2305, and many motors are designed for ROAR and event-compliant use.

The X27’s Place in the Lineup

The X27 sits alongside these other families as a budget-focused entry point. Its fixed timing and low price make it an obvious choice for spec classes that want to keep costs down. The Busch Series designation adds credibility, and the motor’s availability at $17.49 makes it an easy decision for racers to try.

With the X27 now official for the Busch Series, the question is how it performs on track. But for now, Team Exalt has delivered a motor that’s simple, affordable, and ready for competitive action.

ACME’s future-release list has grown by three, and a public rundown of the new wave is out. The lineup was posted on Sept. 10, 2026 by DiecastSociety.com, which said the three models are new to ACME and will arrive later this year, with some following in early 2027. The post also carried the combined product reference A1806143 / A1806138SS / A1806142.

Three SKUs in ACME’s next wave

ACME’s future-release list names three cars:

• 1971 Cuda “Brooklyn Heavy” — product code A1806143
• 1966 Plymouth HEMI Under Glass “Southern Speed” — product code A1806138SS
• 1970 Plymouth HEMI Cuda “The Dreadful Flying Glove” — product code A1806142

The announcement describes the cars as all-metal with opening features. It also sends collectors to ACME for additional details, so the initial confirmation is built around vehicle names, SKUs, and a combined window rather than per-model release dates. The product numbers printed at the end of the release note match the individual codes listed above.

One model already has a spec sheet

Most of the public detail centers on the 1970 Plymouth HEMI Cuda “The Dreadful Flying Glove.” A product page at Diecast Models Wholesale labels it with SKU A1806142 and lists the car as “Coming Soon.” At the top of the listing, the SKU is followed by the “Coming Soon” status and an Expected Q4 2026 line, so the reseller is presenting that arrival window as an estimate rather than a confirmed release date.

The page identifies the car as a 1/18 scale die-cast model and a limited edition of 426 pieces worldwide, using the same product code that appears in the ACME announcement. The listing title itself emphasizes the model name, the 426-piece run, the 1/18 scale, and the ACME brand.

In the product description, the Flying Glove is a brand-new boxed model and an officially licensed product made of diecast metal with some plastic parts. It is also called a brand new box in its own line item, with the manufacturer’s original unopened packaging included.

Its feature list includes:

• Real rubber tires
• Steerable wheels
• True-to-scale detail
• A detailed chassis
• A wired and plumbed engine
• Opening hood, doors, and trunk
• Detailed interior, exterior, and engine compartment
• Manufacturer’s original unopened packaging

The page also lists approximate dimensions of 10.5 inches long, 4 inches wide, and 3 inches high.

By the numbers

The wave is compact so far: three models, three product codes, two arrival windows, and one published edition cap. Only the Flying Glove currently has both a limited production number and a specific expected quarter in the available materials.

What’s known about the other two

The 1971 Cuda “Brooklyn Heavy” and the 1966 Plymouth HEMI Under Glass “Southern Speed” are confirmed in the ACME lineup by name and product code. The release note groups the timing as later this year and early 2027 rather than assigning each car its own arrival date. It describes the group as all-metal, opening builds and directs collectors to ACME for more information.

Quick comparison

| Model | Product code | What is public so far |
|—|—|—|
| 1971 Cuda “Brooklyn Heavy” | A1806143 | Name and code in the ACME release note |
| 1966 Plymouth HEMI Under Glass “Southern Speed” | A1806138SS | Name and code in the ACME release note |
| 1970 Plymouth HEMI Cuda “The Dreadful Flying Glove” | A1806142 | Expected Q4 2026; limited to 426 pieces; full spec-sheet details |

Tracking the wave by code

The three announced codes are A1806143, A1806138SS, and A1806142. According to the release rundown, the cars are all-metal builds with opening parts. The separate wholesale listing adds a 426-piece worldwide run and a Q4 2026 arrival estimate for the Flying Glove. For more on the rest of the lineup, ACME is the named point of contact.

Axial has brought the Toyota Tacoma to its SCX30 sub-micro crawler lineup for the first time. The new 1/30-scale ready-to-run Tacoma TRD Pro arrives in two versions — a green Rock Crawler edition and a tan Overland edition — and both carry the same $99.99 price tag.

The Tacoma has been a go-to truck for overlanders and off-road fans since its 1995 debut, according to Axial. Axial also positions the release for SCX24 fans, collectors, and Tacoma owners, and says the SCX30 version is built for tight spaces: desktops, cluttered living rooms, and tight outdoor terrain.

Same platform, two distinct looks

Both trucks share a high-performance foundation. An angled skid plate helps the micro crawler slide over obstacles, ramped axle housings and rear high-clearance links cut down on dragging, and a forward weight bias improves climbing stability. Axial also points to the longer wheelbase as a Tacoma-specific advantage, giving the truck extra composure around larger obstacles.

The green AXI-3289T1 is the Rock Crawler edition. It uses a wider stance, larger tires, a fender delete, tube-style front and rear bumpers, and a KC light bar for a stripped-down trail-rig look. Its rolling stock is officially licensed BFGoodrich Krawler tires on KMC Torx wheels.

The tan AXI-3289T2 is the Overland edition. It keeps full fenders and adds a roof rack with storage containers, a skid plate-style front bumper, a traditional rear bumper, and fender flares for an adventure-ready appearance. Officially licensed Yokohama Geolandar X-MT tires on Black Rhino Bahari wheels handle traction duties.

Both versions include an officially licensed Toyota Tacoma ABS hard body, front and rear LEDs, molded accessories, and soft-compound tires with factory-installed foam inserts.

Shared electronics, ready to run

Axial fits both editions with the same Spektrum electronics package. The SLT2 2.4GHz transmitter has a throttle-limiting feature that caps maximum available speed at 50% or 75% until the driver is ready for full power. The onboard electronics are mounted low in the chassis to improve the center of gravity.

Power comes from a low-mounted Axial 88T 030-sized brushed motor, a Spektrum SCX30 SLT Brushed 2-in-1 ESC/receiver, and a Spektrum 7.4V 160mAh 2S 30C LiPo battery. A 0.5A USB charger and four AA transmitter batteries are included.

The package is full-time 4WD, rolls on sealed ball bearings throughout, and has an easy-access transmission for maintenance. Clipless body mounting makes battery swaps quick, and the transmission is compatible with optional SCX24 worm gears for different ratios. Axial says the truck is ready to run with absolutely nothing else required; the box also includes an instruction manual.

Pro-Line’s new Brute body fits the SCX30 Tacoma

Pro-Line has a new custom shell for the platform. The Pre-Cut Brute is a clear polycarbonate body designed around the longer-wheelbase SCX30 Tacoma TRD Pro. It uses a high-clearance, pinched front and rear profile for technical crawling, and it can be trimmed at the fender wells to fit shorter-wheelbase SCX30 models.

The Brute ships untrimmed with window masks and a decal sheet, giving builders control over the final wheel openings, body height, and overall stance. It requires Pro-Line paint to finish. It is listed at $14.99 under part number PRO375217, is made in the USA, and Pro-Line lists it as a direct fit for the Overland edition.

With two Tacoma personalities and a fresh aftermarket body option, Axial’s micro-crawler lineup now has something for both rock-crawler fans and overland-style builders.

LEGO has officially unveiled the next LEGO Ideas set, and it is a journey to the English countryside. LEGO Ideas 21373 Downton Abbey is a 4,711-piece minifigure-scale model of Highclere Castle, the real-world building that served as the main location for the hit ITV historical drama. The official reveal arrived on September 10, 2026, and the set lands on October 1, 2026.

It is also the 12th LEGO Ideas set of 2026, according to Jay’s Brick Blog. The show first reached television screens in 2010, and this release brings its main setting into brick form.

Upstairs, downstairs, all in brick

Like the show, the model leans into the “upstairs, downstairs” world of the aristocratic Crawley family and the servants who worked on the sprawling Yorkshire estate depicted in the series. Jay’s Brick Blog describes it as a dollhouse-type build with an open back, giving easier access to the detailed interiors. The top level can be lifted off entirely, so each room can be viewed up close.

The upper floor holds the dining room, main hall, and library. The lower floor contains the kitchen, servants’ hall, and Mr Carson’s office. Brickset’s product description calls out the authentic details packed into each room and says builders can lift off the top level to view every room closely.

Populating the house are 13 minifigures: members of the Crawley family, Tom Branson, Mr Carson, Mrs Hughes, Mrs Patmore, Daisy Mason, and more. Brickset says the characters are drawn from Season 6 of the TV series. Jay’s Brick Blog praises the lineup and says the 13-character count goes a long way toward filling the interiors. It also singles out the dresses, suits, and jackets as a highlight, especially for LEGO customisers. The mix of family and staff figures matches the show’s upstairs/downstairs structure.

More than a Downton display

For anyone who is not a fan of the show, the model still works as a historical country-house replica. Jay’s Brick Blog notes that the bath stone facade and period-accurate architecture let the build double as a grand English country house or mansion. The facade is impressive in physical terms, measuring 44cm (17.5 in.) wide and 30cm (12 in.) tall. A cedar tree and bench are included to finish the scene.

Brickset’s listing frames the set as a way to create Downton Abbey merchandise tied to both the TV series and the film, and says the completed build works as an inspiring piece of home or office décor. That same description calls the build a rewarding creative challenge and gives it an 18+ rating, aimed at adult builders.

Prices and where to buy

LEGO Ideas 21373 Downton Abbey will be available from LEGO.com and local LEGO Stores from October 1, 2026. Regional pricing:

• US$349.99
• AU$499.99
• £269.99
• €299.99
• CAD$489.99
• SGD$459.90

Brickset’s listing confirms the headline US, UK, and European prices and the October 1 on-sale date. The same set will be sold through LEGO.com and local stores, with regional pages covering North America, Europe, Australia, and Singapore.

With 4,711 pieces, 13 minifigures, and an instantly recognisable castle exterior, the set gives Downton Abbey fans a large-scale way to bring both the family rooms and the servants’ quarters to the shelf. It arrives October 1, 2026, at LEGO.com and local LEGO Stores.

VMB Models is turning Max Verstappen’s undercover Nürburgring Ferrari test into a collector piece. The company has announced a 1:18 resin, sealed model of the Ferrari 296 GT3 #3113 — the car Verstappen drove during a Nürburgring Nordschleife test that began under an alias. The edition is capped at 66 pieces, and the product code is still listed as TBD.

The ‘Franz Hermann’ Name That Didn’t Stay Secret

Verstappen’s test day made waves when it emerged that he had entered under the name ‘Franz Hermann’. He said he came up with it himself: “I said ‘let’s make it as German as you can’.” The reason for the alias was practical: he was not on the entry list. “You’re not on the entry list,” he explained. “Otherwise people rock up at 8am knowing that my name is on the entry list.” He knew recognition was inevitable once he was at the track, but the alias kept the early morning quiet. It didn’t last: Tom Coronel, also at the circuit, described the scene as a “complete madhouse” as crowds and journalists flocked to see the undercover Dutchman.

A GT3 Test Between Grands Prix

The run took place in the gap between Formula 1’s Miami and Emilia Romagna Grands Prix. Verstappen drove on a Friday during a test session ahead of the third round of the ADAC Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie, formerly the VLN. The Ferrari was operated by Emil Frey Racing, the GT squad behind the GT World Challenge programme for Verstappen.com racing. Its Verstappen.com Red Bull colours made the “secret” test easy to spot once he arrived.

No official timing was published for the run, but word soon spread that Verstappen had dipped below the official GT3 lap record on the NLS configuration. Verstappen confirmed it, adding that the car was running compliant to NLS spec. For context, the existing record on that configuration with a GT3 car in competition is held by Christian Krognes, who set a 7m49.578s lap in a BMW M4 GT3 in 2022.

More Than a One-Off

Verstappen was clear that the test wasn’t just for fun, though he admitted it was fun. “I was just having fun and learning the track together with the team, with Emil Frey as well, they weren’t there before,” he said. He also said he wanted the outing to lead to racing, specifically the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring. “I would like to do that in the future,” he said of the 24-hour race.

At the time, he still needed the DMSB permit required for Nordschleife racing. Coronel noted that “Franz Hermann” could not participate in the race because the required course had not been completed. NLS rules call for two races of 14 laps total in a car with power equivalent to a detuned Porsche Cayman to earn that permit.

Verstappen’s virtual Nordschleife background helped. He said he had done thousands of laps on the track in iRacing, so tackling it in real life was mostly about learning the grip level, the new tarmac in places, and modified barriers. He still described driving an F1 car as more of a thrill, but said GT3 speed at the Nordschleife felt “perfectly fine”.

The VMB Release

The new model is presented as a 1:18 resin, sealed replica with race number #3113. The edition is limited to 66 pieces. VMB has not yet assigned a final product number, with the announcement listing the product code as TBD.

Tamiya has announced the 1/10 Lamborghini Countach 5000S Limited Edition Kit, an assembly kit that puts the Countach body on the company’s popular TT-02 4WD on-road chassis. The release carries part number #47527 and lands as a Limited Edition package.

What’s in the box

The model sits on the easy-to-build TT-02 4WD platform from Tamiya. It is a 1/10 scale R/C assembly kit, so builders will work through the build themselves. The Countach shell is described by Tamiya as an existing body, moulded in clear 1.0mm thick polycarbonate, which means the paintwork is in the builder’s hands.

Separate white plastic side mirrors and a rear wing are included, along with metal plated light cases. LED lights are sold separately, but Tamiya says the separately sold LED units are attachable to those light cases. Stickers and window masking stickers are part of the package, and the instruction manual has background story text about the real car on its cover.

The dimensions are 445mm long, 203mm wide and 117mm tall, with a 257mm wheelbase, based on TamiyaBlog’s full listing. It rolls on 5-hole dish wheels paired with tread-pattern racing radial tyres.

Electronics and what you need

Big Squid RC’s coverage lists a 540 brushed motor and ESC in the box; TamiyaBlog’s product list calls the included motor a torque-tuned unit. Builders will still need to supply a transmitter and receiver, a servo, a battery and charger, paint for the polycarbonate body and assembly tools. LED lighting is listed as an optional extra rather than included hardware.

Tamiya says the efficient shaft-driven 4WD TT-02 layout delivers superior adaptability and stability.

Real-car pedigree

The Countach story is part of the release. Tamiya’s product notes say the prototype was announced in 1971 and made huge waves with its futuristic form and innovative design. The LP400 arrived as the first production Countach in 1974, and the 5000S followed in 1982 with a 5-litre engine.

TamiyaBlog adds that around 320 examples of the 5000S were built up to 1985 and describes the car as a symbol of Lamborghini even today.

More from Tamiya’s latest lineup

TamiyaBlog’s same new-release roundup covers two more models. The first is 58754 Lamborghini Cheetah (2026), a re-released and upgraded assembly kit based on the Cheetah prototype shown at the 1977 Geneva Motor Show. The Cheetah project came from a collaboration with American company MTI (Mobility Technology International) and was aimed at creating an all-terrain military vehicle for the U.S. market; the prototype was assembled in the U.S. and finished at Lamborghini’s facilities in Italy. The original prototype used a waterproofed 5.9-litre Chrysler V8 offering 180 hp, according to TamiyaBlog. In kit form, the Cheetah wears a body moulded in PS Desert Yellow, includes a driver figure, and rides a 2WD chassis related to the 1/12 XR311 Combat Support Vehicle but with a 10mm shorter wheelbase.

The roundup also includes 47532 The Falcon (2026), a limited-edition refresh of the 1986 buggy. The Falcon kit uses assembly universal shafts with ball bearings to help keep the rear trailing-arm drive shafts from dropping off, and it keeps the original 0.7mm polycarbonate body.

Price and pre-orders

The Countach kit is retail priced at $189, according to Big Squid RC. In the UK, SC Models is taking pre-orders at a full price of £149, with the balance after deposit listed at £129. The shop estimates an arrival of late October 2026. The deposit is non-refundable, but SC Models says it can be changed to another product.

Injora has unleashed a new brushless power system for the Axial SCX30 micro crawler, and it’s built to inject serious speed into the tiny chassis. The new combo pairs a MBL32-NANO electronic speed controller with a 1616 4800KV Green Viper motor — the company’s second brushless offering for the 1/30-scale platform, but one that trades size for a serious rpm bump.

Smaller Can, Bigger Bite

Compared to Injora’s first brushless motor for the SCX30 — the 1621 4300KV Green Viper — the new 1616 is noticeably more compact. The motor measures just Φ15.5×15.5mm and weighs 9.7g, shaving dimensions and mass compared to its predecessor. Yet it spins at 4800KV, delivering a higher top speed than the stock 88T brushed motor or Injora’s own 1621 brushless unit. That makes it a direct upgrade for owners who want to turn their SCX30 into a pavement-scorching pocket rocket, while still keeping low-speed crawling capability.

The motor is a sensorless brushless outrunner with 9 slots and 12 poles. It runs on 2S LiPo only, draws a max current of 10A, and has a no-load current of 0.8A at 7.4V. The output shaft is Φ1.7mm and comes with a 0.3mod 11T pinion. Wire length is 65mm, and the connector is a PH2.0 3-pin.

ESC: Waterproof and Programmable

The MBL32-NANO ESC is built for cramped spaces. It measures just 25.5×15×12mm and tips the scale at 9.5g. Despite its tiny footprint, it handles a continuous 25A and peaks at 45A. It’s waterproof, runs on 2S LiPo, and features a built-in BEC with adjustable output — either 6.0V or 7.4V at 3A. The ESC is pre-configured and ready to run, so no programming is required out of the box. A USB programmer card (sold separately) allows PC tweaking for those who want to fine-tune parameters.

The firmware is based on AM32, tailored specifically for RC crawlers. According to Injora, it delivers smooth and linear control at low speeds while providing powerful and aggressive performance at higher throttle. The system also runs quieter than brushed setups, with reduced motor whine. Multiple built-in protections cover low-voltage, fail-safe, and rotor lock scenarios.

Compatibility Caveats

One important note: the new brushless system is not compatible with the stock SCX30 radio. Users will need a transmitter and receiver with a CH2 port. Otherwise, the ESC and motor set is plug-and-play — no programming required, and it fits the limited interior space of the SCX30.

Injora also warns to use only 2S LiPo batteries and advises against attempting firmware flashing or modifications, as any damage from unauthorized changes won’t be covered under warranty.

Price and Availability

The MBL32-NANO Brushless ESC & 1616 4800KV Green Viper Motor is available now directly from Injora.com at a price of $61.99.

An interactive exhibition that uses LEGO bricks to bring NASA’s Artemis program to life is launching at The Henry Ford. Artemis Adventure with LEGO Bricks opens to the public on October 18, with an exclusive member preview scheduled for October 17, and will remain on view through January 3, 2027. The exhibit arrives as part of the museum’s 2026 programming and turns space exploration into a hands-on experience for builders of all ages.

A mission for builders

Visitors enter the exhibition as crew members rather than spectators, taking on the roles of astronaut, scientist, and engineer. The hands-on activities are designed around STEAM subjects — science, technology, engineering, arts, and math — and are paired with large-scale LEGO models of spacecraft and space technology. The combination is meant to show how play can lead to curiosity about the real systems that support human spaceflight.

Spacecraft, rovers, and Canadarm3

The exhibition’s project page highlights several stops on the Artemis journey. It presents the International Space Station as a hub where international collaboration pushes scientific boundaries every day. Visitors can also get close to Canadarm3 and see lunar rovers with wheels built to travel across the Moon’s surface. NASA’s Space Launch System, identified as the agency’s most powerful rocket, is another featured display.

The use of LEGO bricks adds a familiar, approachable layer to those advanced technologies. Rather than simply reading about the hardware, visitors can look at detailed brick-built versions and then engage with their own building challenges.

Extending play beyond the toy aisle

The exhibition is also being watched as a model for how toy brands can move beyond the traditional retail environment. In a review, Global Toy News pointed to Artemis Adventure as a strong example of the opportunity at the intersection of toys, education, and location-based experiences. The publication noted that the project demonstrates how play can be extended into museums and other real-world venues.

The setting matters as much as the subject matter. The Henry Ford says its collections represent one of the most comprehensive looks anywhere at innovation, ingenuity, and resourcefulness in America. By focusing that lens on space exploration and NASA’s Artemis missions, the exhibition connects the spirit of American invention to the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Planning a visit

The public opening is October 18, and members get an exclusive first look on October 17. The exhibition will run through January 3, 2027, giving families and school groups several months to visit. The Henry Ford is already a popular family day trip, and one Detroit-area events guide notes that a family membership can pay for itself in just two visits for a family of four.

With hands-on challenges, detailed LEGO displays, and spacecraft technology on view, Artemis Adventure with LEGO Bricks is set to offer a fresh way to engage with space exploration. For young visitors, the exhibit frames the Artemis program as something they can build, investigate, and imagine — one brick at a time.