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Yokomo has officially announced the MS2.1 Competition Touring Car Kit, the latest iteration of its 1/10-scale Master Speed platform. The new kit packs a range of targeted updates designed to improve speed and make the car easier to dial in for different track surfaces.

Three Chassis Flavors and a Conversion Kit

A key highlight is the availability of three chassis specifications: carbon, aluminum, and steel. Yokomo also has a conversion kit scheduled for release, allowing owners of previous MS2 models to upgrade.

Suspension and Shock Adjustments

The MS2.1 features several geometry tweaks. The front suspension arms are now longer by 1mm. The front shock and sway bar mounting positions have also been revised, and the shock towers — both front and rear — are new. The shock mounting position has been optimized overall, and the kit includes new shock plastic parts.

Drivetrain and Motor Mount Updates

Under the shell, the rear belt position has been moved closer to the battery. The center pulley bearings have been widened to improve retention accuracy. The motor mount is also new, with the motor position raised by 0.5mm.

Lower Center of Gravity

The MS2.1 features a lower center of gravity design, according to Yokomo.

What’s Available Now

No pricing or release date has been shared yet. For now, Yokomo has only released these highlights. The conversion kit for previous models is also scheduled for release. More information can be found on the official Yokomo website.

Broader RC News Context

The MS2.1 announcement comes alongside several other notable RC releases and racing developments. VBC Racing announced the All-New Vari MPAN-RR, a 1/10 M-Chassis size rear-wheel drive rear-motor pan car. Describing it as ‘Scale Realism Redefined,’ VBC says the car is engineered to mimic the driving dynamics of full-scale rear-engine sports cars. The kit features aero-grade 7075 aluminum components, a carbon fiber main chassis, selectable battery layouts, and a 210mm and 225mm adjustable wheelbase.

RC Xpress has entered the 1:28 competition market with the Pixel Z1. The Hong Kong manufacturer released one image of the kit, stating, ‘This is what the kit will look like built out of the box, with upgrades available shortly after!.’ The car features a 98mm wheelbase, narrow main chassis, long upper suspension arms, and a direct servo horn steering system.

On the racing circuit, newly crowned 2026 Chinese Touring Car National Champion Kenrick Fong has joined Team Xray. The Hong Kong-based driver said, ‘Thrilled to officially join Team Xray! Huge thanks to Martin and Nic for giving me this amazing opportunity — I truly appreciate your trust. I’ll give my very best and push hard for success. The journey starts now… let’s go!’ Previously representing Mugen Seiki, Fong has raced in the ETS and is a TITC Open Brushless finalist.

In competition results, Berkan Kilic of Mugen Seiki won the DMC German National title in the 1:8 eBuggy category. Racing at Offroad Heiligenstadt, Kilic took his LRP powered MBX8R to the fastest time in all five qualifying rounds. Winning the first two of the triple 10-minute finals gave him the title. Aaron Waltz finished runner-up with Team Associated’s Aaron Rönick completing the podium.

The wait is over for developers, roboticists, and AI enthusiasts. Arduino has officially opened pre-orders for the VENTUNO Q, the powerful successor to the UNO Q and the company’s second UNO-branded single-board computer. Priced at $299, the VENTUNO Q promises to bring serious AI compute and real-time control together on a single board.

A 21st Anniversary Launch with a Bigger Brain

Announced in May to celebrate Arduino’s 21st anniversary (“Ventuno” means twenty-one in Italian), the VENTUNO Q is a major step up from the original UNO Q, which was the first Linux-capable board in the UNO family and the first product after Arduino’s acquisition by Qualcomm.

At its core, the VENTUNO Q uses a Qualcomm Dragonwing IQ-8275 processor with eight 64-bit Kryo processor cores, an Adreno 623 GPU, and a Hexagon DSP for on-device AI workloads. But the real magic is its “dual-brain” architecture: the Qualcomm chip handles high-level AI inference while a dedicated STM32H5F5 microcontroller from STMicroelectronics takes care of real-time tasks. The two brains communicate over a dedicated bus, enabling seamless interaction between the SBC and the MCU.

Specs That Pack a Punch

Memory and storage get a huge boost over the UNO Q. The board packs 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 64GB of eMMC storage, and you can add even more via the M.2 slot for NVMe SSDs. On the connectivity front, it offers tri-band Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, multiple video outputs (HDMI, DisplayPort via USB-C, MIPI DSI), and a wide array of peripheral buses including USB, CAN FD, I2C, I3C, SPI, PWM, UART, and GPIO pins. It also supports Arduino UNO shields and Modulino-format add-ons, as well as Raspberry Pi Hats via a standard 40-pin header.

Because of its powerful components, the board is significantly larger than a standard Arduino UNO and requires an active cooling fan for its heatsink.

From Prototype to Production

One of the VENTUNO Q’s key features is its scalability. Through the Works with Arduino program, partners SECO and Toradex offer production-certified Systems-on-Modules based on the same Dragonwing IQ8 architecture. This means developers can prototype on the VENTUNO Q and then scale their applications to production without re-architecting their hardware.

Fabio Violante, vice president and general manager at Qualcomm, highlighted the mission behind the board: “For twenty-one years, Arduino has taken complex technology and made it simple enough for anyone to build something real. VENTUNO Q is that same mission, applied to the most consequential technology of our time. With VENTUNO Q, we are giving every developer, educator and innovator the tools to build machines that don’t just think, but do.”

AI at the Edge, Out of the Box

The VENTUNO Q is optimized for local AI workloads, including large language models, computer vision, and robotics. With its NPU delivering up to 40 dense TOPS, the board can run models like Qwen, Gemma, Whisper, and YOLO-X entirely offline. The Arduino App Lab environment provides a unified development experience with ready-to-use AI bricks, and integration with Edge Impulse and Qualcomm AI Hub lets users bring their own models.

Where to Get One

Pre-orders are now open on the Arduino Store and through usual distribution channels. The $299 introductory price includes a 65W USB Type-C power supply and USB cable. Deliveries are expected to begin within four weeks.

HOBBYWING has introduced the EzRun MAX10 G2S, a new sensored electronic speed controller for 1/10-scale radio-controlled vehicles. The ESC packs integrated Bluetooth, IP67 weather protection, and onboard data logging into a compact unit, aiming to give drivers more control and insight out of the box.

Bluetooth Without the Dongle

Bluetooth connectivity is built directly into the power switch, eliminating the need for an external module. Drivers can connect to the HW LINK smartphone app to adjust parameters, review data logs, and perform firmware updates. The wireless range is approximately 5 meters — enough for trackside tuning.

Onboard Data Logging

The ESC features an internal data logging function that records up to 10 minutes of the most recent runtime data. After a run, connecting via the app displays the data in graphical format, covering throttle input, voltage, current, temperature, and speed. It’s a practical way to monitor performance without extra telemetry gear.

Adjustable BEC for High-Voltage Servos

The integrated BEC delivers a maximum output current of up to 10A and offers three voltage steps: 6.0V, 7.4V, and 8.4V. This allows compatibility with both standard and high-voltage servos. Note that stable 7.4V or 8.4V output requires a 3S or higher battery.

Cooling and Fan Control

Cooling is handled by a frameless fan that pushes air out the sides, paired with an integrated heatsink housing. An intelligent fan control system keeps the fan off at low temperatures and activates only when a preset threshold is reached, reducing noise and power draw. The result is consistent thermal management without unnecessary fan noise.

Turbo Timing and Power Boost

The ESC supports Turbo timing adjustment up to 32 degrees. When paired with HOBBYWING EzRun 3652 or 3665 G3 motors, the system can increase maximum RPM by approximately 25%, delivering a noticeable top-end boost while maintaining controlled power delivery.

IP67 Protection and Safety Features

Rated to IP67 standards, the ESC is protected against dust and water ingress, allowing reliable operation in mud, sand, snow, and wet conditions. Capacitor thermal protection adds an extra layer of safety by preventing damage from excessive loads, reducing the risk of capacitor failure.

Dual Programming Options

Users can adjust parameters wirelessly via the smartphone app or through a wired LCD programming box. This dual approach gives flexibility depending on the situation — quick app adjustments at the track or detailed tuning at the bench.

Two Variants for Different Rigs

HOBBYWING offers two versions of the EzRun MAX10 G2S:

• #30102700 EzRun MAX10 G2S 80A — 80A continuous, 520A peak, accepts 2-3S LiPo
• #30102500 EzRun MAX10 G2S 140A — 140A continuous, 880A peak, accepts 2-4S LiPo

Both measure 53 x 39.5 x 37.2mm, weigh 120g with wires, and use XT60 connectors. The 80A variant is aimed at 1/10 buggies, on-road cars, and light-duty short course trucks, while the 140A version steps up for trucks and monster trucks.

The EzRun MAX10 G2S is available now. For more details, visit the HOBBYWING website or check with authorized retailers.

Joe Romero brought a one-off build to a tour stop that had never happened before in Albuquerque — and left with the win. His custom 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible was chosen from 163 entries at the Hot Wheels Legends Tour’s first-ever Albuquerque event on Aug. 22.

A Full Custom Lowrider

Romero, a New Mexico native, didn’t leave much stock on the classic Bel Air. The build pairs a copper-and-black exterior with rose-gold rims, air-ride suspension, and a lowrider stance. The detail work continues inside, where intricate paintwork and custom detailing match the care put into the body.

It wasn’t just the judges who showed up. More than 6,900 fans attended the free, family-friendly event at the Walmart near Menaul and Wyoming, which ran from 8 a.m. to noon. The date marked the first time the Mattel and Mobil 1 Legends Tour visited the Albuquerque area.

Albuquerque was the 10th of 12 stops on the 2026 tour schedule. The route started with Tampa on April 25 and moved through Detroit on May 16, Toronto on May 30, Louisville on June 13, Charlotte on June 20, Birmingham on June 27, Houston on July 11, Dallas on July 18, and San Francisco on Aug. 1 before reaching New Mexico. Hot Wheels notes that dates and locations are subject to change.

What a Legends Win Means

The Legends Tour is a global search for a custom vehicle worthy of becoming a Hot Wheels die-cast car. Custom builders enter passion projects at each stop for a chance to land a spot in the Garage of Legends. Each stop produces a winner, but only one contestant from the entire tour will get a special-edition Hot Wheels version of their car.

At the Global Grand Finale in November, designs from around the world will compete for that payoff. Mattel says three finalists will be chosen, and only one will join the Garage of Legends and have their custom build turned into a 1:64 scale Hot Wheels die-cast car anyone can own. The company describes the Garage of Legends as the most exclusive VIP group in the Hot Wheels world. Its designers have previously turned winning builds into die-cast cars, with Hot Wheels saying the full-size builders’ years of work can be held in the palm of your hand.

What Judges Look For

The official tour criteria are authenticity, creativity, and garage spirit. Hot Wheels says the last one is about physical evidence of the late nights, early mornings, grit, and determination that go into a build. The tour page also describes the search as celebrating the builders and visionaries who put in the long hours needed to be legendary.

Last year’s Global Grand Finale was won by Paul Czarnecki of Poland with a custom 1990 Polski Fiat 126p BIS. That build was a mid-engine, Group B-inspired rally machine, widened nearly half a meter from stock and built entirely in Czarnecki’s garage. The 2025 finale also featured Jay Leno alongside a panel of automotive, design, and culture experts.

Two Stops Left

Romero’s Albuquerque win came with two tour stops still to come. The series heads to Las Vegas, Nevada, on Sept. 26, followed by El Segundo, California, on Oct. 3 at Mattel’s headquarters. The November Global Grand Finale will determine which custom build becomes the next Hot Wheels die-cast.

Fans can find the full schedule and more information on Mattel’s official Legends Tour page.

HPI Racing has unveiled its all-new 1/10-scale rear-wheel-drive drift platform, the Stage-D10, and it arrives with a serious dose of Formula Drift authenticity. The first Ready-To-Run (RTR) cars wear officially licensed 2024 Ford Mustang RTR Spec-5 FD bodies, complete with three authentic liveries that replicate the machines of Vaughn Gittin Jr., James Deane, and Ben Hobson.

Developed from the ground up over three years, the chassis was tested across multiple surfaces by drivers ranging from RWD newcomers to experienced drifters. That testing shaped a factory setup that HPI says delivers solid all-around performance straight out of the box—but the real story is the adjustment on offer.

A Platform That Rewards Tinkering

Under the polycarbonate shell, the Stage-D10 is built for serious setup exploration. The wheelbase can be adjusted from 246mm to 264mm, and the rear gearbox offers more than 100 possible motor positions. Combine gearbox configurations (3- or 4-gear, both included) with all those motor positions and HPI says you have over 200 options to experiment with.

Steering gets fully adjustable Ackermann geometry with forward, backward, up, and down adjustment, plus four servo mounting positions. The suspension features adjustable camber links, toe block options, and multiple roll center and camber gain positions front and rear. Threaded oil-filled coilover shocks make ride height and spring preload changes quick.

Magnetic body mounting uses N52-grade magnets and 10mm steel balls, so no body posts poke through the Mustang shell. A conical screw-lock system with scale Aerocatch detailing is included for shells that already have body holes.

Two Power Levels: Brushed and Flux

The Stage-D10 comes in two RTR configurations. The brushed version pairs a 20T brushed 540 motor with a 60A ESC, aided by a D-Box3 Lite drift gyro with EPA and gain adjustment accessible via Channel 4 on the TF-51 transmitter. The Flux version steps up to a 10.5T sensored brushless motor and a programmable FLX-D10 80A ESC with boost timing, turbo timing, and turbo delay. It also gets a low-profile brushless metal-geared 12kg steering servo (0.093 sec/60°) and the more advanced D-Box3 Pro gyro.

Both versions come factory-fitted with a full LED light system—headlights, upper grille intake lights, tail lights, and brake lights—controlled directly from the transmitter with three modes: On, Off, or Daylight running. The RTR Aero-5 replica wheels are color-matched to each livery, with a 3mm offset front and 6mm offset rear, wrapped in HPI’s new harder HDPE T-Drift compound tires.

Pricing and Availability

Six SKUs are listed, covering brushed and Flux variants for each of the three driver liveries. The brushed RTR cars carry a price of $324.99, while the Flux brushless RTR models are $399.99. A separate Creator Edition roller chassis (SKU #161000) is also available for those who want to build from the ground up. Batteries and a charger are not included with any RTR version; HPI recommends a 2S LiPo pack with an XT-60 connector and a compatible charger from its Plazma or Reactor lines.

With its deep adjustment range, officially licensed bodies, and two clearly targeted power options, the Stage-D10 looks ready to slide into the RC drift scene at multiple skill levels.

Little Guy Racing Parts (LGRP) has officially released its eagerly awaited Rally Runner Body Set for the Arrma Mojave Grom, and it’s ready to ship to hobbyists looking to give their truck a completely new look. The clear polycarbonate body conversion is now available for purchase for $39.99, following a pre-order period that began back in May.

From Teaser to Trail-Ready Rig

The body was first teased on social media, with pre-orders opening in mid-May and an estimated shipping date of June 2026. Now, the finished kit is in stock and ready to transform the popular 1/16-scale truck.

According to manufacturer Little Guy Racing Parts, the whole point of the project was to create something that stands out from the crowd.

“If you want something more aggressive and unique than the standard truck body everyone is running, this was built for exactly that.”

This is a direct retrofit, meaning it bolts onto the Mojave Grom without any major surgery. It’s designed to work with the factory clipless body mounting system and keeps the stock chassis and interior platform. That straightforward install is a key part of the appeal.

What’s in the Box

The Rally Runner is pre-cut and comes with everything needed for a weekend project. The kit includes:

• A heavy-duty clear polycarbonate body, ready for paint
• Injection-molded conversion components and mounting hardware
• Bumpers, roof skid rails, and a rear wing
• A window mask sheet and a full decal sheet

The body is lightweight and designed to add a proper rally-raid look to the Mojave Grom’s proportions. It can be run with the rear wing in place for maximum style, or without it for a cleaner silhouette.

Built for the Mojave Grom

This is a direct swap for the Mojave Grom, using the factory clipless mounting system. Because it’s made specifically for that platform, the fit is clean and the installation is straightforward, even for someone who hasn’t done a body conversion before.

The body is made from clear heavy-duty polycarbonate, so you’re free to paint it any color you like. The included masking and decal sheets let you dial in a race livery without needing to source graphics from a third party.

LGRP’s Rally Pedigree

The design is clearly modeled after the Porsche 911 Safari, and it gives the Mojave Grom a completely different personality. It’s a big departure from the standard truck body, which is exactly what LGRP intended. The company wanted something that feels more fitting for the chassis and suspension, and the result is a body that looks scale-inspired and purpose-built for off-road running.

Availability and Pricing

The Rally Runner Body Set is priced at $39.99 and is available now at littleguyracingparts.com under part number LGRRB001. The site is based out of Simi Valley, California, and ships quickly on weekdays. The body can be run with or without the rear wing, and installation instructions are available as a downloadable PDF. LGRP designs and tests all components in-house at its Simi Valley headquarters.

For Mojave Grom owners who have been looking for a way to differentiate their rig, this is one of the first real body options on the market. It transforms the truck into a unique off-road machine that’s ready for rally-style running, all while keeping the build simple and the price reasonable.

The Rally Runner Body Set is in stock and shipping now.

Matchbox has rolled out its fourth Walmart exclusive for the 2026 model year, and this time the five-truck set comes with a twist: the models are themed after Mattel employees. The set, available now at Walmart in the United States, marks the second year of Matchbox’s truck-focused Walmart exclusives, following a similar five-pack in 2025.

A Fun Twist on the Truck Theme

The 2026 set continues the “Year 2” truck tradition, but with a playful nod to the people who design and develop the brand. The exact vehicles in the set haven’t been listed publicly by Mattel, but the theme is clear: each model draws inspiration from actual Mattel employees. It’s a niche approach that collectors often appreciate, turning a standard exclusive into something with a bit of storytelling attached.

This is the fourth Walmart exclusive batch of the year. According to the broader 2026 Matchbox preview, Walmart will receive a total of six five-model sets throughout the year, each with its own theme. The first three sets have already been revealed: Set 1: European Cars includes a 1975 Opel Kadett C Coupe, 2023 BMW i4 Police, Porsche Cayman, 1963 Austin Healey, and Porsche 911 Cabriolet. Set 2: MBX Rally III features a Sonora Shredder, Jeep 4×4, Ford Explorer Utility, 1968 Toyota Land Cruiser, and 1965 Land Rover Gen II Safari. Set 3: Super Cars packs a 1968 Lamborghini Miura P400S, 2023 Chevy Corvette Z06 Convertible, 1965 Aston Martin DBR1, Ford GT40, and Dodge Viper GTSR. The employee-themed truck pack is the fourth, with two more themed sets still to come.

What Might Be Inside the Employee Set?

While the primary announcement doesn’t detail the specific castings used in this employee-themed set, an earlier 2026 line preview — presented by the Matchbox team at the 23rd Matchbox Gathering in Albuquerque — listed a separate truck-themed batch under “Batch D: Trucks.” That batch included a 1993 Ford Ranger PreRunner (a new casting), a 1956 Ford F-100, a 1986 Ford F-150, a 1968 Dodge D-200 Pickup, and a Chevy Silverado 4×4. It’s possible that those models form the basis of the employee set, though final decorations and livery may have been updated to reflect the employee theme. The Lamley Group blog, which broke the news, notes that detailed breakdowns and histories of each model are available on the Wheel Collectors website, where the blog now publishes its full reports.

Big Year for Matchbox: 125 Models and 37 New Castings

Looking at the bigger picture, 2026 is shaping up to be a packed year for Matchbox. The brand’s full lineup across all retail channels includes 125 models, with 37 entirely new castings. The typical development cycle from concept to production runs about 18 months, so the models hitting shelves now have been in the works for a while.

The Matchbox team has also been active on social media, sharing updates under the Instagram handle @matchboxdesignteam and encouraging collectors to post shelf sightings with the hashtag #mymatchboxpegs. It’s a small but meaningful way for the brand to connect directly with its fanbase.

Walmart Exclusives as Part of a Larger Strategy

The employee-themed truck set continues Matchbox’s effort to keep the Walmart exclusive program fresh with themed releases. Last year saw the debut of the truck series, and for 2026 the brand has expanded to six themed sets. In addition to the Walmart exclusives, Matchbox is releasing themed 5-packs across other retailers, including the MBX Construction, MBX Truckin’, City Life, and Italian Roads packs, all detailed in the 2026 line preview. The preview also confirmed that the Matchbox movie, planned for release in Q3 2026, will bring tie-in models, though specific details are not yet available.

For now, collectors can hunt for the employee-themed truck set at Walmart locations across the U.S. As with any Walmart exclusive, availability may vary by region, and those who want to complete the set should keep an eye on their local pegs. The remaining two Walmart themed sets for 2026 are expected to arrive later this year, keeping the momentum going for Matchbox fans.

Gluing 1/8-scale buggy and truggy tires has always been a fiddly, messy chore for RC racers and bashers. Klinik RC thinks they’ve cracked it with a single tool that handles both tire types. The company has just released the Klinik RC Ultimate 1/8 Buggy & Truggy Tire Glue Jig, promising a cleaner, faster, and more consistent process.

One Jig, Two Tire Sizes

Instead of buying separate jigs for buggy and truggy tires, the new Klinik RC unit comes with dedicated components for each. The core design is a rotating platform mounted on a heavy-duty ball bearing turntable. A cap presses down on the tire, and with a twist the bead opens evenly around the entire circumference. That lets you apply glue exactly where it’s needed without fighting to pry the rubber open.

Once the glue is in, you release the cap, pull the tire out, and install a band to hold pressure while the glue cures. The company claims the equal release prevents the bead from lifting or warping, giving consistently straight sidewalls. The whole jig is self-contained and stows away compactly—no more hauling two separate tools to the track.

What’s Included and What It Costs

Klinik RC lists the jig at $79.99. According to the company, that’s a 45% savings compared to purchasing two separate jigs. The base is described as large and stable. The tool is “beautifully printed and finished.”

In a statement, Klinik RC said: “We are excited to announce the world’s first all in one 1/8 tire glue jig!! … Welcome to the next level of 1/8 tire gluing.” They added that after “dozens of models and countless refinements” the tool is ready to let everyone “glue like a seasoned pro.”

A Competitor on the Market

Klinik RC isn’t the only company offering a dedicated tire gluing jig. Assault RC sells the Revolver Series 1/8 Truggy Tire Gluing Jig, which also uses a ball-bearing turntable and a quarter-turn top to open the bead. The Revolver, designed by product designer Roger Wendling, is a truggy-only tool, while Klinik’s jig covers both buggy and truggy in one package. The two products share a similar mechanical approach, but Klinik RC’s all-in-one angle may appeal to racers who run both classes.

A Cautionary Note from Dialed Hobbies

Not every wheel is compatible with jig-based gluing. Dialed Hobbies explicitly warns against using any tire jig with its DIALED-RC Cobra Wheels. In updated instructions from December 2024, the company says: “DO NOT USE A TIRE JIG – it will not work with DIALED-RC Cobra Wheels!” Instead, they recommend gluing by hand using the pull-back method, and cleaning the tire beads with 100% Simple Green non-diluted formula. They also advise against brake cleaner, acetone, and small gluing bands. So if you’re running Cobra wheels, the Klinik RC jig won’t be the right fit.

Availability

The Klinik RC Ultimate 1/8 Tire Glue Jig is available directly from KlinikRC.com at the $79.99 price point. The jig includes both buggy and truggy components and is described by the company as a “2-in-1” system that stows away compactly and is completely self-contained.

XRAY has unveiled the next evolution of its competition-ready 2WD stadium truck, the XT2 2028, bringing a host of chassis, gearbox, and suspension updates to the lineup. Now available in two distinct builds — a Carpet Edition and a Dirt Edition — the new truck is designed to deliver top-tier performance across any track surface.

Shared Platform, Track-Specific Tuning

Both editions are built on the same core Uni-Platform™, ensuring full compatibility and interchangeable parts between the two versions. The platform also shares numerous components with the XRAY XB2 buggy, simplifying spare parts logistics for racers who campaign multiple vehicles.

At the heart of the update is a completely redesigned 2.5mm one-piece chassis. The new layout features a wider rear section, which XRAY says improves traction and stability on all surfaces. The wider rear geometry is aimed at enhancing flex characteristics, resulting in more consistent handling and an improved overall balance.

A new Flat Chassis Brace — carried over from the successful XB2 platform — sits underneath the chassis. This system allows drivers to easily adjust chassis flex to match the traction level of any track condition, from low-grip dusty tracks to high-grip carpet.

Updated Gearbox and Drivetrain

The XT2 2028 introduces an updated 3G Gearbox, which integrates directly with the lower Flat Chassis Brace. The weight bias of the 3G transmission is tuned to balance steering response and stability across dirt, clay, turf, and carpet. The gearbox is universal across both editions, and racers can optionally swap to a 5G configuration without changing the chassis.

For the drivetrain, lighter diff outdrives reduce rotating mass, improving acceleration, braking, and drivetrain efficiency. The gear differential is included in the Carpet Edition and is recommended for medium to high traction conditions. The Dirt Edition ships with a redesigned ball differential, built for smoother action and increased traction on loose surfaces. Both variants benefit from unified 97mm drive shafts that work with either differential, and the LCG gearbox provides super-easy diff access by removing just six screws.

Suspension and Geometry Changes

The shock towers — front and rear carbon — have been updated with lower geometry, effectively lowering the shocks to increase stability and cornering speed. The big bore 13.2mm shocks have been shortened to match the new tower geometry, with XT2C and XT2D kits including -2mm front and -4mm rear shock spring collars for lower ride height settings on high-traction surfaces.

A new aluminum Rear Roll Center Holder appears in both kits, featuring a centering milled area for the anti-roll bar collar that eliminates play. The holder also adds an extra middle pivot ball mounting position for additional roll center tuning. XRAY notes the aluminum part improves strength and reliability over the previous composite component.

Suspension arms are molded from a medium-hardness compound suitable for all standard track conditions, with the rear arms gaining two additional mounting holes to match the updated shock tower geometry. The front and rear suspension arms accommodate the anti-roll bar system, and the solid arm design aims for a responsive feel without sacrificing durability.

Steering, Turnbuckles, and Body

All-new 3.5mm Heavy Duty Turnbuckles join 5.4mm Heavy Duty Ball Joints and Ball Ends to strengthen the steering and camber links. The composite ball joint design has been revised to reduce binding for smoother suspension and steering movement.

The body has been redesigned for both editions, sitting lower on the chassis to match the shorter shocks and lower shock tower geometry, which XRAY says results in a lower center of gravity and improved driving dynamics. Mounting points and trimming lines have been updated for a precise fit.

Proven Pedigree

XRAY notes that the previous XT2 platform has already won the prestigious EOS (European Off-road Series) — with Hupo Hönigl taking the Modified class and Max Götzl winning the Stock class, making the XT2 a double EOS Champion. The truck is also a past winner of the ROAR Nationals.

The XT2 2028 is designed, developed, and fully manufactured in-house at the XRAY factory in Slovakia, using German and Swiss machinery and premium European materials.

The 2026 Formula 1 Heineken Dutch Grand Prix at Circuit Zandvoort is set to be a landmark event, and not just because it’s the final race under the current contract. This year, the podium ceremony and the fashion on the grid are getting a dazzling high-tech makeover. Royal Delft, the pottery maker founded in 1653, has teamed up with Dutch FashionTech pioneer Anouk Wipprecht and artist-producer Don Diablo to create trophies and a dress that are as much about live data as they are about centuries-old artistry.

Trophies That Glow

The trophies for the 2026 race continue Royal Delft’s tradition of bringing its iconic Delft Blue style to the event, a partnership that has been active since the Grand Prix’s return in 2021. But this year, Wipprecht has infused them with a modern spark. The winner’s trophy and the constructor’s trophy feature a specially developed electroluminescent material embedded into the design of the Dutch Lion and the race number. The third-place trophy also gets the glowing treatment, but with unique details per podium position—orange and blue fixed colors for second and third, and a blinking blue light for the winner’s cup.

The result is a set of awards that literally translate the energy of Formula 1 into light. King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands is scheduled to present the winner’s trophy on the Zandvoort podium on Sunday, August 23, 2026.

Wearing the Race

The real showstopper, however, is Wipprecht’s GP dress. It’s a wearable piece of tech that blends high fashion with live race telemetry. The dress itself is hand-painted by Royal Delft artisans, combining checkered flag graphics with intricate Delft Blue motifs. Hanging from the front is a large, abstract textile representation of the Zandvoort circuit. Along its perimeter runs a strip of individually addressable RGB LEDs.

Controlled by a Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32-S3 development board, these LEDs will update in real-time during the race by pulling data from OpenF1.org, a publicly accessible API that publishes live telemetry. The lights will show the positions of the cars on the track, with a special magenta LED reserved for Max Verstappen’s Red Bull car. For anyone who knows the color codes, it means you could effectively track the entire Grand Prix by watching Wipprecht’s dress.

A Fitting Send-Off

Wipprecht is no stranger to blending tech with craft. Known internationally for her work at the intersection of fashion, technology, and engineering, she sees this project as more than just decoration. The technology, in her view, gives the object a new kind of expression, using light to capture the intensity of Formula 1.

This year’s race also marks the final Dutch Grand Prix under its current agreement, as the promoter has decided not to extend the calendar slot after this season. The weekend will also feature a dedicated F1 sprint race format. With a fusion of 17th-century Delft Blue pottery, electroluminescent materials, and a dress that acts as a live leaderboard, the 2026 event is shaping up to be a memorable farewell.