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Dirt oval racers who want their rig to look as fast as it runs just got a new styling tool. Whitz Racing has released a set of wheel covers specifically designed for the Losi 22S Dirt Late Model (DLM), letting drivers match their wheel look to their paint scheme without swapping the whole rolling stock.

Made for the 22S DLM

The set includes four wheel covers that fit over the model’s existing wheels. According to Whitz Racing, they are the same size for both the front and rear wheels and use the vehicle’s original wheel nut for installation — no extra hardware needed. The product page explicitly states that it includes wheel covers only, not wheels or tires.

Whitz is pitching these as the “ultimate Dirt Oval accessory,” with the promise of five different color options for mixing and matching. The company says the covers will give drivers the best-looking wheels on the track.

Practical Benefits on the Oval

The covers aren’t just for show. On a dirt oval, clay and debris can accumulate inside open wheels as the car runs, increasing rotating mass and unbalancing the assembly. Because the car repeats the same loading pattern on every lap, even a small weight shift can affect steering feel and acceleration. By blocking that buildup, Whitz’s new covers help maintain consistent handling throughout a race.

The 22S DLM Platform

The Losi 22S DLM itself is a relatively new and well-received platform. It’s a 1/10 scale, rear-wheel-drive RC oval racer inspired by full-size American short-track late models. According to a review by China Hobby Line, it features a Spektrum Firma 45A Brushless Smart Lite ESC and a Spektrum Firma 3650 3300Kv sensorless brushless motor. Losi’s official product page notes a 2.5mm 6061-T6 aluminum chassis and an innovative clipless body mounting system hidden behind the molded air cleaner. Losi rates the vehicle at more than 25 mph, and it shares suspension and transmission components with the 22S Sprint, creating a strong shared-parts ecosystem.

Racing Context

The timing of this release aligns with a growing competitive scene for the 22S platform. The Mudboss Shootout, an annual oval racing event held in Tulsa, Oklahoma, has added a Losi 22S Late Model class for its 2027 running, scheduled for January 7–9, 2027 at the Mustang Arena inside Expo Square. The event organizers also announced that the 13.5 Sprint and Late Model classes will now use the Whitz Wideopen tire as their spec tire, highlighting Whitz’s deepening involvement in organized oval racing.

Tuning the Platform

The 22S DLM responds well to small setup adjustments, according to a detailed review. One key tip is to reduce the steering rate, as too much steering input can break rear traction. With different Spektrum transmitters, recalibrating the ESC endpoints helps ensure consistent throttle response. The adjustable battery tray lets drivers shift weight forward or backward to fine-tune corner entry and exit. Small changes to spring preload can also alter weight transfer through the constant-radius turns. The stock Hoosier Soft tires typically improve after a few laps of running; drivers should clean them lightly without soaking the wheels, since trapped moisture can damage the foam inserts and cause imbalance.

Availability

Drivers looking to customize their 22S DLM can purchase the covers now directly from Whitz Racing. The covers work on all four wheels, use the existing wheel nut, and come in multiple color options for mixing and matching. The product includes four wheel covers only — no wheels or tires.

Lamborghini’s latest electrified weapon, the Temerario, is getting the miniature treatment from not one but two die-cast specialists. MR Collection and Looksmart have confirmed they will produce scale-model versions of the new supercar, giving collectors a choice between ultra-exclusive limited editions and more readily available resin replicas.

Two Scales, Two Approaches

Both manufacturers are offering the Temerario in 1:18 and 1:43 scales. That’s where the similarity ends. MR Collection is taking the high-end, limited-run route, while Looksmart is targeting a broader audience with its unnumbered lineup.

MR Collection: Exclusivity in Three Flavors

MR Collection’s 1:18 offerings are strictly limited to 63 pieces each. Collectors will have to decide between three distinct color-and-livery combinations:

• LAMBO062TRI – Bianco Monocerus / Blu Marinus with Italian Stripe
• LAMBO062GEA – Grigio Crater Matt with Grigio Artis Livery
• LAMBO062GEB – Celeste Fedra with Bianco Phanes Livery

Each variant carries the same limited-edition cap of 63 units, meaning total production of the 1:18 MR Collection Temerario across all three versions will be just 189 models worldwide.

Looksmart: The Accessible Option

Looksmart is matching MR Collection’s 1:43 scale models with its own three variants, but with no stated production limit. The Looksmart 1:43 versions use the same color themes as their MR Collection counterparts, identified by their own product codes:

• LS555TRI – Bianco Monocerus / Blu Marinus with Italian Stripe
• LS555GEA – Grigio Crater Matt with Grigio Artis Livery
• LS555GEB – Celeste Fedra with Bianco Phanes Livery

While MR Collection has not yet offered an official release date for any of its Temerario models, Looksmart’s 1:43 versions have already appeared on pre-order listings. One retailer, Horizon Diecast, lists an estimated release of Q4 2024 for a Looksmart 1:43 model in Viola Pasifae, though the listing cautions that the date is subject to change at the manufacturer’s discretion.

A Deeper Look at the Temerario

The real Lamborghini Temerario is no ordinary supercar. It is the first model from Sant’Agata Bolognese to be powered by a V8 twin-turbo engine paired with three electric motors, producing a combined 920 CV. It represents the second vehicle in Lamborghini’s HPEV (High Performance Electrified Vehicle) range. The car also introduces new design concepts, extensive customization options, and connectivity features that are firsts for the brand.

Official Credentials

Both MR Collection and Looksmart have deep ties to the automaker. The MR Group describes itself as an Official Supplier of Lamborghini at major international car shows and world premieres. The group also manufactures models for the Lamborghini Contact Program, an exclusive service that creates 1:18 scale models matching the exact colors and specifications of cars purchased by Lamborghini customers.

More Known Variants

A 1:18 MR Collection variant in Giallo Inti Yellow (SKU LAMBO062E) has also been listed. On the Looksmart side, a 1:43 model in Giallo Inti (product code LS555E) appears on the official Looksmart website. An additional Looksmart 1:43 model in Viola Pasifae has been offered by a retailer for pre-order.

No Date, But Plenty of Detail

Neither MR Collection nor Looksmart has yet announced an official, unified release date for the full Temerario die-cast range. For now, collectors will have to keep an eye on pre-order windows, retailer updates, and official channels from both manufacturers.

The European Nitro Series (ENS) is in full swing, and one driver is making it look easy. Inf1nity pro driver Jilles Groskamp has just dropped a detailed technical walkthrough of his Infinity IF15-2 touring car, breaking down the exact setup tweaks he’s running to dominate the competition.

Groskamp’s season has been nothing short of flawless. According to Inf1nity RC Cars, he has pulled off a clean sweep so far, taking wins in Round 1 in Ettlingen, Round 2 in Rucphen, and most recently, Round 3 in Aigen. With that kind of momentum, his latest video—hosted on the RC Car Action site—offers a rare peek under the lexan body of a championship-caliber machine.

Engine, Clutch, and Chassis Stiffening

In the video, Groskamp walks through the specific setup adjustments and component choices he made for the ENS season. He covers engine selection, clutch configurations, and the strategic use of chassis stiffeners. These aren’t just generic tips; they represent the specific tweaks that help him extract maximum performance from the IF15-2 on various track conditions.

The discussion of chassis stiffeners is particularly interesting for competitive builders. By adding rigidity to the car’s backbone, Groskamp can change how the chassis flexes under load, which directly affects cornering grip and power delivery. It’s the kind of fine-tuning that separates a top-10 finish from a podium spot.

Dialing in the Diff

A significant portion of the walkthrough focuses on differential settings. For those who aren’t deep into the tuning weeds, the differential is the component that allows the left and right wheels to spin at different speeds—critical for turning without scrubbing speed or losing traction.

While Groskamp’s specific diff oil weights and preload settings are his own secret sauce, the fact that he dedicates time to explaining his approach signals just how crucial this area is for 1:10 GP touring cars. A well-dialed diff can mean the difference between a car that pushes wide through corners and one that rotates on a dime.

The IF15-II Platform

The car under discussion is the Infinity IF15-II, a 1:10 GP (gas-powered) touring chassis kit. It’s the same platform Groskamp has used to secure his ENS championship. The car is available directly from the Inf1nity RC Cars website, which also stocks spare parts, screws, bearings, and other essential gear for racers.

The IF15-II has already proven its mettle across multiple rounds of the ENS, and Groskamp’s technical insights give fellow competitors and hobbyists a blueprint for getting the most out of the kit. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an ambitious club racer, understanding how a factory driver tunes his car is invaluable data.

What’s Next

With three wins in three rounds, Groskamp and the Inf1nity team are looking unstoppable. The ENS series continues, and drivers across Europe will be studying this setup video closely, hoping to close the gap. For now, the full walkthrough is available over on the RC Car Action website and through the links on the Inf1nity RC Cars homepage, where Groskamp also has a separate video explaining perfect steering angles for 1:10 EP cars.

After decades of fan demands, the final frontier of LEGO collaboration is finally here. Set your phasers to build mode, because LEGO Icons 11385 Star Trek: U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701 Bridge is officially launching on September 1, 2026.

Priced at $199.99 in the US, this 1,701-piece diorama set captures the iconic bridge and transporter room from Star Trek: The Original Series. The build is a fresh take on a LEGO diorama, featuring modular sections that can be rearranged for display.

The Final Frontier, Brick by Brick

This is the second Star Trek set from the LEGO Group, following last year’s massive U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D from Star Trek: The Next Generation. While that set focused on the ship’s exterior, this new model dives deep into the interior of the original NCC-1701, letting builders step onto the iconic set for the first time in LEGO form.

The build itself is straightforward and beginner-friendly, constructed around a semi-circular bridge with several attached modules: a turbo lift, a viewscreen, and the transporter room. The design team used some clever techniques, including sideways construction for the transporter room’s floor, but the overall experience is described as welcoming for less experienced builders.

A Crew to Boldly Go

One of the biggest draws here is the minifigure lineup. The set includes eight brand-new minifigures representing the core crew of the Enterprise:

• James T. Kirk (with a confident smirk and a Tribble)
• Spock (featuring a brand-new wig with Vulcan ears and a TOS Tricorder)
• Nyota Uhura (with printed dual-moulded legs and a communicator earpiece)
• Hikaru Sulu (complete with an épée)
• Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy
• Pavel Chekov
• Christine Chapel
• Montgomery “Scotty” Scott (carrying Dilithium)

The uniforms are standardised across the crew, allowing for a screen-accurate look. For accessories, the set finally delivers an all-new LEGO phaser element, along with Starfleet communicators, Spock’s harp, two Vulcan lirpas, a Trident Scanner, and four fuzzy Tribbles.

Interactive Features and Hidden Details

The set is loaded with play features that recreate classic on-screen moments. Kirk’s captain’s chair rocks side to side to simulate turbulence. A dial on the transporter room activates a beam-down sequence, spinning crew minifigures on the pads. A lever opens and closes the turbo lift doors.

The build is packed with Easter eggs. The viewscreen displays a Klingon warrior and a Gorn, which fans hope hint at future sets. Behind a removable panel in the transporter room, builders will find a hidden nest of Tribbles. The back of the model includes a rack of phasers for an entire landing party and a small armoury of Vulcan artifacts.

Timing and Availability

The release of this set is timed to the 60th anniversary of Star Trek: The Original Series, which first aired in September 1966. Pre-orders opened on July 23, 2026, during San Diego Comic-Con’s Preview Night. The set will be available for immediate purchase from September 1, 2026, exclusively through LEGO Stores and LEGO.com.

Secondary market pre-orders are already appearing at prices around $240, suggesting strong collector demand for this long-awaited license.

Whether you are a lifelong Trekkie or a LEGO collector looking for something out of this world, the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701 Bridge offers a detailed, nostalgic build that captures the spirit of the original series.

Avid RC has released a new drivetrain hop-up for the Team Associated 7-series buggy and truck platform, and the focus is squarely on reducing rotating mass. The company’s latest part, the B7 MachLite Idler Gear, takes a simple approach: narrow the gear face to cut weight.

Designed primarily for stock and spec racing classes, the gear’s face has been reduced from the standard 10mm down to 6mm. According to Avid, the result is a part that weighs 3.34g and is 24% lighter than the kit gear. The company states that less rotating mass and inertia provide “quicker drivetrain response” — a meaningful advantage when every bit of rotational weight affects acceleration and handling.

Built for Both Stock and Modified

The gear isn’t just about weight savings. Avid says the 54-tooth (54T) design retains enough strength for Modified racing, so racers don’t have to treat the part as fragile. The gear is machined from self-lubricating plastic, which the company says runs true and smooth from the start. “You get less material and less rotating mass without ever having to treat it like it is made of glass,” Avid notes.

The part uses standard 10x15x4mm bearings, making it a direct replacement for the existing idler in compatible transmissions.

Fitment and Pricing

The B7 MachLite Idler Gear is a direct replacement for the kit part ASC71216. Avid says it fits into AE transmissions that use a 54T idler gear, specifically naming the B7.1, T7, and SC7 models. That covers the buggy, truggy, and short course vehicles in Team Associated’s 7-series lineup.

Each package contains a single idler gear. The part number is #AV10257-N, and the price is set at $16.00.

A Broader Lightweight Trend

Avid isn’t the only manufacturer pursuing lighter drivetrain parts for the AE 7-series. Willspeed, for example, offers a 54T PEEK idler gear (part W3147) for the B7.1 three-gear transmission. That gear uses polyetheretherketone (PEEK), a high-performance engineering plastic known for mechanical strength and heat resistance. Meanwhile, Avid also produces B7 magnesium idler shafts for the same platform. Those shafts weigh 0.33g each, compared to the kit’s aluminum shafts at 0.88g each, showing a company-wide emphasis on reducing rotating mass.

Company Background

Avid RC, founded in 2003 and based in Denver, Colorado, has grown from a small bearing operation into a global RC product designer. The company has secured 11 IFMAR World Championships and over 100 National Titles, according to its website.

Availability

The B7 MachLite Idler Gear is available now from AvidRC.com. The part is priced at $16.00 and comes as a single gear per package. For racers focused on stock and spec classes, the gear offers a lighter option without requiring a switch away from the 54T drivetrain configuration.

Avid’s new idler gear builds on the company’s existing line of lightweight components for the 7-series platform. The same manufacturer also offers magnesium idler shafts for the B7, which come in at 0.33g each compared to the stock 0.88g aluminum shafts. Those shafts are sold in a set of three and develop a natural oxidation layer over time.

The gear is machined from self-lubricating plastic and includes one idler per package. Avid states the gear is designed to provide smooth and consistent rotation thanks to precision machining. The 54-tooth count matches the kit transmission design, meaning no gearing ratio change is required for installation.

The 1999 Ford F-250 Super Duty was a landmark truck for Ford, introducing a new platform and a tougher visual attitude. Now, JConcepts is bringing that late-90s heavy-duty presence to the 1:10-scale RC monster truck world with a brand new, officially licensed body.

Released on August 18, 2026, the new body captures the proportions of the first-generation Super Duty. It’s a serious option for builders looking for something with a distinctly muscular, modern-classic look.

Built for the Big Rigs

This isn’t just a generic pickup shell. JConcepts has designed the body specifically for the long wheelbases found on today’s monster truck chassis. It fits models with a 13.00-inch wheelbase. The body shown in promotional materials was mounted on JConcepts’ own REACTOR Stage 2 Kit, “WOLF” Racer, which shares that same 13.00-inch wheelbase spec.

Authentic Super Duty Styling

The design references the full-size truck with a front end featuring a prominent grille and headlight area where the Ford Blue Oval sits. The long hood rises to an upright cab, with the front fenders visibly shaped. Lines along the side panels emphasize a broad, planted look.

It’s a single-cab configuration, which JConcepts notes provides a particularly clean and aggressive silhouette for a monster truck. The rear bed and bodywork round out the classic Super Duty profile. JConcepts describes the resulting look as having an “unmistakable late-1990s presence.”

Racer Touches and Details

Beyond the stock look, JConcepts includes an attachable racerback and visor accessory. These add a custom, race-inspired flair, allowing builders to modify the truck’s personality. The proportions are designed to accommodate large monster truck tires, with generous wheel openings built into the fenders.

What’s in the Box

The body is molded from clear, heavy-duty polycarbonate. It ships with protective film, pre-cut window masks to simplify painting, and a detailed Ford decal sheet for finishing the look. The product arrives unpainted and ready for the builder’s own custom finish.

Specs and Pricing

• Scale: 1:10
• Wheelbase: 13.00 inches (designed specifically for that length)
• Part #: 0678
• UPC: 845937033819
• Retail price: $45.00
• MAP price: $38.25

According to JConcepts, this body “fits a variety of 1:10-scale RC monster truck platforms.”

A History of Ford Bodies

This release is not JConcepts’ first foray into officially licensed Ford truck bodies. The company previously offered a 1979 Ford F-250 Single Cab body, which featured a retro, chiseled square-body look with rectangular headlights and a one-piece center grille. That earlier version, with a wheelbase range of 12.5 to 13.0 inches, was aimed at platforms like the JConcepts Renegades, Losi LMT, and Axial SMT10.

The new 1999 body brings the design language forward to the late-90s Super Duty era. The first-generation Super Duty lineup introduced a completely new visual identity for Ford, and JConcepts’ body captures key elements such as a bold grille, integrated headlight treatment, and the prominent Ford Blue Oval.

Company Background

JConcepts, established in 2003, describes itself with the motto “World Proven Innovation and Design.” The company designs and manufactures a wide range of RC products including tires, wheels, bodies, and accessories for buggies, scale crawlers, and monster trucks. This latest body continues their line of officially licensed Ford products.

More details on the new body are available at JConcepts.net.

Vanquish Products has just unleashed a new generation of rock crawler with the officially licensed Jimmy’s 4X4 Moonbuggy kit. Built on the Unlimited Rock Buggy (URB) platform, this 1:10 scale rig is available in three trim levels, ranging from a builder-friendly base kit to a fully loaded Spec Ops edition.

Three Trim Levels

All three versions share the same core chassis and drivetrain, but the hardware and finish differ. The standard URB Jimmy’s 4X4 Moonbuggy (part #VPS09029A) comes with a black anodized aluminum cage and standard axles, priced at $1,499.99. For those who want more, the Ultra trim (#VPS09029B for black frame, #VPS09029C for clear frame) upgrades to aluminum Currie F10W axles and Crawl Spec Battle Born Sierra wheels, retailing at $2,299.99. At the top sits the Spec Ops kit (#VPS09029D), a made-to-order package that lets buyers customize the anodizing color of the cage, axles, and wheels. It carries a price tag of $2,599.99.

All kits are sold unassembled and require the builder to supply their own tools, paint, 2.2-inch tires, transmitter/receiver, a standard-length 540 motor, steering servos, a dig servo, ESC, and battery.

Under the Hood

At the heart of every Moonbuggy is the all-new LFD transmission. This lightweight unit uses precision-machined, hardened 48P gears and hardened steel shafts. Its compact design includes an integrated dig unit that disengages the rear drivetrain, giving the driver tighter turning and better maneuverability on technical trails.

Power is sent to the wheels through the new F10W axles, which are 15.5 mm wider than Vanquish’s standard F10 Portals. The extra width boosts stability without sacrificing ground clearance, and the front- and rear-driver-side off-set pumpkin design optimizes both clearance and steering angle.

FOX Suspension and Scale Details

Vanquish has partnered with FOX to produce the S8I Scale Rock Crawler Shocks. Each oil-filled shock measures 110 mm eye-to-eye and contains dual internal springs matched with precision pistons and seals. The result is a lower center of gravity while still allowing the tires to travel downward for traction on uneven surfaces.

Scale realism extends to the body: a detailed engine ready for painting, an interior for customization, and an officially licensed Jimmy’s 4×4 aluminum cage are all included. The Moonbuggy also comes with four-wheel steering out of the box.

Specs at a Glance

• Width (hex to hex): 215.5 mm (8.4 inches)
• Wheelbase: 339 mm (13.3 inches)
• Front axle ratio: 5.25:1
• Rear axle ratio: 5.78:1
• Final overdrive: 9.6%

Availability

All three variants of the URB Jimmy’s 4X4 Moonbuggy are available now from Vanquish Products and its dealers. The standard kit carries part #VPS09029A, the Ultra #VPS09029B (black frame) and #VPS09029C (clear frame), and the Spec Ops #VPS09029D.

Injora has added a new set of machined aluminum rollers to its catalog with the release of the 1.9-inch Turbine Deep Dish Wheels (W1915). Designed for 1/10-scale R/C crawlers and trail trucks, these wheels bring a classic turbine look to modern builds.

Machined Aluminum, Multi-Piece Construction

Each wheel is constructed from machined aluminum with a multi-piece design that includes inner and outer faces, an inner ring or barrel, and a separate wheel hub. This setup mimics the look of full-size beadlock wheels. Buyers can choose from three color options: black, white, or purple.

Key Specifications

According to the product details, the wheels offer a -11mm offset, which pushes the tire track outward for improved stability on uneven terrain. Here are the full specs:

• Part Number: W1915
• Outer Diameter: 52.5mm
• Width: 30mm
• Wheel Hub: 12mm
• Weight (Each): 81.6g

These measurements make the wheels compatible with most 1/10-scale crawler tires and hex hubs. The wheels are sold as a set of four.

Pricing and Availability

A set of four wheels is priced at $49.99 USD and is available now from injora.com. That works out to roughly $12.50 per wheel, which is a typical price point for CNC-machined aluminum wheels in the crawler segment.

A Growing Turbine Family

Injora has been expanding its Turbine Deep Dish line across scales. The company’s homepage also lists a 1.0-inch version with a -4.7mm offset for micro crawlers like the SCX30, priced at $29.99 USD. The new 1.9-inch wheels share the same design language, allowing builders to match the look across rigs of different sizes.

The 1.0-inch Turbine Deep Dish wheels (part number W1015) are available for $29.99 and fit micro-scale platforms such as the SCX30 and similar models. Looking at the broader Injora wheel and tire collection, the company also offers a range of other 1.9-inch wheel options, including beadlock and standard rims, as well as a variety of tire compounds and tread patterns.

Broader Product Context

Injora’s website features a dedicated Tires and Wheels section where shoppers can find the full lineup. That page lists multiple sizes, including 1.0-inch, 1.55-inch, 1.9-inch, and 2.2-inch wheel options, along with various tire models like the MAVERIX M/T, Cling On, King Trekker A/T, and Rock Terrain tires. The tires are described as durable rubber molded in the company’s Super Soft & Sticky S5 Compound, and the section includes both complete wheel-and-tire combos as well as separate rims.

Injora also recently marked its 10th anniversary on August 14, 2026, highlighting a decade of RC parts and community building. That milestone was noted alongside other content such as build guides, ESC tuning tutorials, and installation tips for various crawler models, including the SCX24, SCX30, and SCX10 III platforms.

The new 1.9-inch Turbine Deep Dish Wheels are now available for purchase through Injora’s online store, offering a direct upgrade option for 1/10-scale crawler and trail truck builders looking for a machined aluminum wheel with a distinctive turbine-style appearance.

Tamiya has dropped a new 1/9 scale radio-controlled buggy kit that trades on familiar looks but packs an all-new platform. The Dune Beetle Cross (part #58757) rolls on the BB-02 chassis, a rear-wheel drive setup that Tamiya says follows up on the mass appeal of its 2023 BBX (BB-01) release. While the bulging fenders and cut-down rear hood scream Volkswagen Beetle desert racer, this is not a simple body swap — it’s a ground-up chassis design.

A Beetle Built for the Baja

The model captures the look of Volkswagen Beetles modified for American off-road racing. The polycarbonate body is 1.0mm thick and features bulging front and rear fenders, a removed rear engine hood, and an internal roll cage that ties the chassis together for added rigidity. The cage also protects the two included female driver and co-driver figures, who wear full-face helmets and sit in a detailed interior with a window net, fire extinguisher, stick shift, steering wheel, and engine parts.

A full set of LED light pods is molded into the body — six up front and two taillights — though the LEDs themselves are sold separately. The kit also comes with black light cases for easy installation of aftermarket lights.

Two Front Suspension Choices

One of the BB-02 chassis’ standout features is the ability to build the front suspension in two configurations:

• Double trailing arms (width: 204mm) — common on full-size Baja cars, offering longer arms and increased stroke for stable straight-line performance on flat dirt surfaces.
• Double wishbone arms (width: 225mm) — typical of unlimited-class off-road vehicles, giving superlative ground-hugging and stable jump landings on rough courses.

The rear suspension uses trailing arms, and all four corners use 4-wheel independent suspension with adaptive dampers that limit oil leakage. The front double wishbone arms and rear trailing arms are shared with the earlier Item 58719 BBX (BB-01).

Chassis and Drivetrain Details

The BB-02 chassis features floor pan design motifs with front and rear tire housings to protect the model from dust and dirt. The R/C equipment box sits under the driver figures, and the battery pack is mounted lengthwise with the motor at the rear for optimum balance. A sealed gearbox with a built-in ball differential and drive shafts with joint boots provide reliable off-road performance.

Wheels are hex-hub style (same shape as the BBX) paired with front rib-pattern tires for directional stability and rear square-spike tires for high grip — those tires are also from the BBX kit.

Overall dimensions: 454mm long, 204mm or 225mm wide (depending on suspension choice), 180mm tall, with a 283mm wheelbase.

Pricing and Availability

The Dune Beetle Cross is a full assembly kit priced at $341.60 and is available now through Tamiya USA and retailers like A Main Hobbies. Builders will need to supply their own 2-channel radio, steering servo (standard or low-profile compatible), ESC, a 540-size brushless motor (recommended), a 7.2–7.4V battery with compatible charger, and Tamiya PS and acrylic paints.

Tamiya sums up the kit’s appeal with a nod to its predecessor: “In 2023, we unveiled the BBX (BB01), a retro styled 2WD off-road buggy that paid homage to our rich history of off-road buggies with modern day performance and construction! Following up on the BBX’s mass appeal, we now have the follow-up kit that is sure to capture the hearts of Baja racing and Volkswagen Beetle fans alike!”

With its mix of old-school Beetle styling, dual suspension options, and a purpose-built BB-02 platform, the Dune Beetle Cross offers builders a fresh take on the desert racer theme.

Kyosho just made life easier for 1/10 scale drift builders who like to swap bodies. The company’s new FAZER D2 chassis kit uses a split resin main chassis that lets you adjust the wheelbase from 240mm to roughly 273-274mm, depending on the spec sheet — a range that covers everything from compact hatches to full-size truck shells.

The announcement landed on RC Car Action today, and it signals a serious push into rear‑wheel drive (RWD) drifting, the current standard for realistic slide action in the 1/10 scale class.

What the FAZER D2 Chassis Kit Brings

The D2 isn’t just a rehashed FAZER frame; Kyosho designed a dedicated RWD drift platform from the ground up. The resin chassis splits into front and rear sections, and by changing the connection points you can dial in the wheelbase for the body you want to mount. That flexibility opens the door to running bodies from Kyosho’s existing FAZER series, plus other 1/10 polycarbonate shells.

At the front, long‑span double wishbone suspension provides plenty of steering angle, with adjustable caster and roll center so you can tune the chassis for different track conditions or driving styles. The motor sits high in the chassis to create moderate roll characteristics, and the motor mount eliminates traditional gear backlash fiddling — just slide the motor and lock it down. Kyosho says the mount accepts its 48P 16‑37T pinion gears for easy ratio changes.

Out back, the rear drive unit uses a spool (rigid) axle without a differential, which helps maintain smooth, predictable drifts. Oil‑filled shocks with red anodized caps come standard, and the whole drivetrain runs on 16 full ball bearings.

Gyro‑Assisted Control and Electronics

A new KRG‑331D receiver with a built‑in gyro is at the heart of the D2’s electronics. The gyro actively manages both steering and throttle to keep the car in a controlled slide — great for newcomers who haven’t yet mastered counter‑steer, but with an adjustable gain dial for experienced drivers who want to tune sensitivity. Paired with a 60A Kyosho Speed House ESC (three modes: FWD/Brake/REV, FWD/Brake, or FWD/REV) and a G22 brushed 540‑size motor, the package is ready for immediate action.

Ready‑to‑Run Versions Are Already Here

While the chassis kit appeals to builders who want to choose their own body, Kyosho is also shipping complete FAZER D2 Readyset (RTR) models. Two of the most eye‑catching versions are the Toyota Sprinter Trueno AE86 — with its signature retractable headlights — and the 2021 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro Drift Version wearing custom wide overfenders, racing stripes, and a bed‑mounted roll cage.

Both RTR cars come pre‑assembled with the Ultra Scale Body Plus finish (no visible mounting holes), the factory‑installed gyro receiver, and the Syncro KT‑231P+ transmitter. All you need to add are four AA batteries for the transmitter and a 7.2V Ni‑MH or 2S LiPo pack with charger for the chassis.

Tuning and Customization

Even in RTR form, the D2 platform remains fully open to upgrades. Kyosho offers optional parts including LED light units (front and rear light buckets are ready for them), different gear diffs and ball diffs, and a range of suspension components. The adjustable wheelbase means you’re not locked into the stock body — you can swap to another FAZER‑series shell whenever you want a new look.

Availability

The FAZER D2 chassis kit is available through Kyosho America and authorized dealers. The complete Readyset models — the AE86 Trueno and the Tundra TRD Pro — are already listed on Horizon Hobby and Motion RC as well, with the Tundra version featuring a 9.1:1 gear ratio and a weight of approximately 1,450g.