Traxxas has launched two new brushless 2WD trucks in a single day, giving RC enthusiasts a choice between a refined short course racer and a high-speed stadium truck. The Slash 2WD Brushless and Rustler 2WD Brushless both feature the company’s new Velineon 3s power system, designed to run on 11.1V LiPo batteries and deliver impressive speed without needing aftermarket upgrades.
Slash 2WD Brushless: 50+ mph Short Course
The Slash has been a staple of short course racing for a generation, and the new brushless version brings significant upgrades. Its Velineon 3s system pushes the truck to 50+ mph using standard 3S LiPo packs. To keep it planted at those speeds, Traxxas designed a new aerodynamic body that reduces high-speed lift. Underneath, a new low-center-of-gravity chassis provides what the company calls “razor-sharp handling,” while revised suspension tuning delivers an “ultra-plush ride.” The combination, according to Traxxas, offers “an authentic short course racing experience like nothing else.”
The truck remains 2WD, which keeps the drivetrain simple and efficient. The new chassis layout lowers the center of gravity, improving cornering stability and reducing body roll. The suspension has been recalibrated to absorb bumps while maintaining steering feel, making the Slash more capable on both prepared tracks and rough terrain. Traxxas emphasizes that the Slash has defined short course RC racing for years, and this version adds more power and performance.
Rustler 2WD Brushless: 60+ mph Stadium Truck
The Rustler 2WD Brushless targets a higher speed bracket, hitting 60+ mph right out of the box with no gearing changes required. It shares the Velineon 3s system and 11.1V LiPo compatibility but is tuned for a different purpose: stadium truck driving, which means tackling jumps, bumps, and loose surfaces. Traxxas equipped it with GTR shocks and revised suspension that the company says “tames the roughest terrain,” providing an “ultra-plush” feel over imperfections. The company describes the Rustler as ushering in a “new era of stadium truck performance.”
Like the Slash, the Rustler is 2WD, but its suspension geometry and shock tuning are optimized for higher speeds and aggressive terrain. The GTR shocks offer oil-filled damping that can handle repeated impacts, while the calibration focuses on soaking up surface imperfections while maintaining control at 60+ mph. The Rustler is advertised as delivering “more of everything: more power, more performance, and more value.”
Shared Velineon 3s Power System
Both models use the same Velineon 3s brushless motor and electronic speed controller, designed to maximize output from 3S LiPo batteries. The system transforms 11.1 volts into the claimed top speeds. While the Slash benefits from its aerodynamic body and low-CG chassis for stable handling, the Rustler relies on its GTR shocks and suspension travel to stay composed on rough ground. Both trucks are designed to deliver an authentic racing experience — the Slash for short course, the Rustler for stadium truck.
RC Car Action has published quick-start videos for both trucks, providing a hands-on look at the features and driving characteristics of each model. The two trucks serve different segments of the 2WD brushless market, sharing core technology but tuned for distinct driving environments.
Availability
As of June 26, 2026, the new Slash 2WD Brushless and Rustler 2WD Brushless are available. For complete specifications, pricing, and dealer information, Traxxas directs customers to its official website at Traxxas.com.









