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JConcepts has added a new monster truck tire to its lineup, and it’s dubbed the Big Cheese. Named after Tom Hitchcock, a well-known track owner in central Florida, this jumbo tire packs a ton of design features into one package.

A Tire Named for a Track Legend

The Big Cheese isn’t just a catchy name—it pays homage to a figure in the RC and full-scale monster truck community. According to JConcepts, the tire combines styling elements from several of its existing models, including the Golden Years, Firestorms, and Fling Kings. The goal was to merge the best characteristics of those tires into a single design, a process that started with concept drawings and computer-aided models being overlaid and mirrored.

Waffle Tread and Hand-Cut Detailing

At first glance, the Big Cheese’s tread pattern looks like a waffle, but it’s engineered for all-terrain grip. The chevron tread is mirrored and overlapped, then back-cut to reduce weight and sharpen performance. A recessed center geometry anchors the pattern. The tire is built on a standard-sized carcass similar to the aforementioned popular tires, with hand-cutting details that replicate the look of race-ready monster truck rubber. The result is a pliable feel that should suit both competition and show use.

Sidewalls are highly detailed, with embossed logos and fine hatching inside the lettering, plus diamond-shaped icons near the top. That level of detail makes the Big Cheese a strong candidate for shelf queens or show-and-shine entries.

Two Compounds for Any Surface

JConcepts offers the Big Cheese in two rubber compounds: the “soft” blue and the “medium clay” gold. The blue compound is mushy and sticky, designed for outdoor off-road racing conditions, while the gold compound is harder and more responsive on smoother surfaces. Both versions include React open-cell foam inserts that provide the support needed for monster truck demands. The inner carcass is completely smooth with a continuous profile to allow the cushion of the rubber to grip a vast array of surfaces.

The tire measures approximately 6.40 inches in height and 4.05 inches in width, fitting the industry-standard 2.6 x 3.6-inch Tribute wheel. That wheel is sold separately in white, black, yellow, and silver. A direction arrow on the sidewall indicates the intended running direction for proper mounting.

Pricing and Availability

The Big Cheese is available now with a retail price of $55.00 and a MAP price of $41.25. The part number is 4179-05, and the UPC is 845937041197. As always, JConcepts backs the product with customer service, and the tires are developed and tested by industry professionals.

Also Rolling: The Firestorm Full Cleat

On the same day, JConcepts launched the Firestorm Full Cleat tire, a flat-bar lug design inspired by 1:1 monster trucks from the late 1980s and early 1990s. It measures approximately 6.43 x 4.05 inches and uses the same dual-bead 2.6-inch mounting fitment. The Firestorm is offered in the same soft blue and medium clay gold compounds, includes React inserts, and carries the same $55.00 retail and $41.25 MAP pricing. Both tires share the Tribute wheel compatibility.

For more information, head to JConcepts.net.

The new Pro Boat Miss Illinois U-34 34-inch Brushless Hydro Boat RTR is a fully assembled ready-to-run hydroplane aimed squarely at speed. Pro Boat’s target is more than 70 mph, and the package is designed to deliver it without a build session.

The boat takes its styling from H1 Unlimited hydroplane racing, where full-size machines run turbine engines producing up to 3,000 horsepower and push close to 200 mph. The U-34 carries that aggressive look into a 34-inch RC hull, with a hand-painted finish meant to give it the feel of a serious scale race boat rather than a plain molded shell.

Serious Power in a 34-Inch Hull

The drivetrain centers on the Spektrum 8S 160A Smart ESC and a high-output Spektrum Marine 4685 4-pole water-cooled brushless motor. Pro Boat describes the system as delivering hard acceleration and strong top-end speed, with the marketed figure sitting above 70 mph.

The hull itself is high-tolerance injection molding, with sharp lines and a flat ride plate, so owners shouldn’t need to sand or blueprint it before running. That matters for a platform that, as Pro Boat notes, is often custom-built and cost-prohibitive. The point, in Pro Boat’s telling, is getting a hydroplane-style model onto the water much faster.

Race-Ready Hardware

The running gear is heavy on machined and stainless parts. There is a pre-sharpened aluminum turn fin with adjustable depth and angle, an adjustable CNC aluminum propeller strut, a CNC aluminum two-blade propeller, and a breakaway aluminum rudder meant to protect the boat if it hits underwater debris. Stainless steel hardware throughout is aimed at rust-free, long-running performance.

The adjustable turn fin also helps counteract prop torque, which naturally pulls the boat to the right. For oval racing, an optional hooked turn fin is available to maximize side force and reduce sponson skipping in high-speed right-hand turns. The rear wing is fully adjustable, so you can add downforce for stability or reduce drag to lift the rear and chase more speed.

Mid-Run Trim and Blow-Over Protection

Hydroplanes are a constant battle between lift and drag. The U-34’s integrated front canard is tied into the included custom-programmed Spektrum DX3 Smart transmitter, letting you adjust trim in real time as water and wind conditions change. A dedicated “extra lift” button is there to break surface tension, while an emergency full-downforce button shifts the canard to its most aggressive angle and pins the nose down to help prevent blow-overs. The canard uses a full steel spar and rigid aluminum bell crank for flex-free input at speed.

Battery Trays, Telemetry, and Interior Details

Pro Boat’s SSL (Strap, Slide, Lock) battery tray system makes pack swaps quicker: you strap batteries to molded trays, slide them into the hull, and lock them in place. The system is designed to let you swap packs in seconds and keep the center of gravity consistent from run to run.

The molded interior includes organized cooling line routes, a waterproof receiver box, and a grease catch at the stuffing tube to keep excess flex-shaft grease from slinging through the hull. A dual independent water-cooling system runs separate lines to the motor and ESC, with water pickups built into the rudder to reduce drag.

Spektrum Smart telemetry sends live battery data to the included DX3 transmitter. If you bind the boat to a programmable Spektrum radio, you can unlock additional readouts such as amp draw, motor rpm, battery and ESC temperatures, and precise voltage.

What’s in the Box and What Isn’t

Pro Boat ships the U-34 fully assembled. The box includes the boat, the DX3 Smart transmitter, SSL battery trays, and a wooden boat stand. To run it, you still need two 4S 100C LiPo battery packs with IC5 plugs and a compatible LiPo charger. The ready-to-run pitch is unboxing to running in minutes.

The model number is PRB-2072T1, and the price is $699.99. More information is listed at ProBoatModels.com, with Horizon Hobby named as a further info destination.

A Champion Returns to 1:18 Scale

French diecast manufacturer Norev is closing out 2026 with a sprawling new lineup, and the headliner is a car that motorsport fans will instantly recognize: the Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3 16V (W201) that Ayrton Senna drove to victory at the 1984 Nürburgring Race of Champions. The 1:18 scale model, finished in grey with the #11 livery, is highlighted in a feature video from the company and sits alongside 34 other new releases spanning three scales.

First production models from this batch are scheduled to arrive in late Q4 2026, giving collectors a few months to plan their preorders.

1:12 Scale – French Elegance and a Silver Arrow

Norev’s largest scale offering this time around is a small but choice pair. The Citroën DS 23 Pallas 1973 appears in green metallic (ref. 121732), while the Mercedes-Benz 300SL Coupe (W198) 1954 is rendered in classic silver (ref. 123854). Both are detailed in the brand’s signature resin-and-diecast style.

1:18 Scale – The Heavy Hitters

The 1:18 category is where Norev really flexes, with 20 new models covering everything from a 1965 Ford Mustang Coupe in white to a 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class AMG Line in black or white. The Senna tribute car sits alongside a raft of Mercedes-Benz releases: the 200 Sedan (W115) in dark green, the 280CE (C123) coupe in petrol, the E-Class 230E (W124) in silver, the E-Class 300D (S124) station wagon in green, the S-Class 350SEL (W116) in red, and the 190SL Spider Cabriolet (ref. 183406) in green. Notably, no 300SL appears in 1:18 scale – that model is reserved for the 1:12 lineup.

Alfa Romeo fans get the Junior Zagato 1969 in yellow gold, and BMW is represented by the 507 Cabriolet 1957 in white. Citroën appears again with the Xsara VTS 1998 in gold. Peugeot offers the 504 1970 in beige or blue. Volkswagen dominates the remainder of the 1:18 list with the Beetle 1303 in green, black, and a Walt Disney Herbie variant (ref. 188680), plus the Golf I Cabriolet in red and the Scirocco II GTX 16v in black.

1:43 Scale – Compact but Curated

Norev’s smallest scale in this announcement features 13 models, including a pink Ferrari F40, a yellow Audi RS3 Sportback, and two Shelby Cobra 427/SC spiders in blue and red. The Land Rover Defender 1995 in olive green is a welcome off-road addition. Porsche fans get a Panamera 4 E-Hybrid, a Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, a Taycan 4S Cross Turismo, and a Taycan S Turbo, each in a distinct color. The 1:43 lineup also includes three Volkswagen Coccinelle Beetles in black, green, and white.

A Busy Back Half for Norev

Norev, a French company founded in 1945, has built a reputation for offering diecast models at approachable price points without sacrificing detail. Beyond the models listed in this announcement, the brand’s official “Coming Soon” web page reveals additional products expected in the same period. Those upcoming items include a Porsche 911 GT3 RS Tribute to Carrera RS in 1:12 scale, a Chevrolet Corvette Coupe 1969 in Le Mans Blue (1:18), an MGA 1955 in British Racing Green (1:18), and several other 1:18 Porsches such as the 911 GT3 with Weissach Package and the Taycan Turbo S. The site also lists a Simca 1000 Rallye 2 in 1:87 and Renault 5 E-Tech variants in 1:64, showing Norev’s range across even smaller scales.

For now, collectors can pore over the full list of 35 announced models – two in 1:12, twenty in 1:18, and thirteen in 1:43 – and start planning their shelves. The first shipments are expected to reach retailers in late Q4 2026.

XRAY has released a pair of new front anti-roll bars for its GT on-road platform, giving racers more options to dial in front roll control and steering response. The Slovakian manufacturer announced the option parts for the XRAY GTX8 car, with two thicknesses: 2.6mm and 3.0mm.

Precision Spring Steel Construction

Both bars are made from precision spring steel and laser-engraved for easy identification at the track. According to the manufacturer, the parts offer “fine tuning possibilities for all track conditions,” along with “optimized steering response & handling consistency.” The part numbers are #352496-G for the 2.6mm bar and #352499-G for the 3.0mm bar.

Compatibility

The new anti-roll bars are designed to fit the GTX8’27 and GTXE’27 vehicles. That means owners of both the nitro GTX8 and the electric GTXE variants can use these parts. XRAY notes that the GTX and GTXE platforms share a majority of parts, and the front and rear aluminum suspensions are fully compatible between the two platforms.

A Deep Look at the GTX8 Platform

The GTX8 is no ordinary kit. The official XRAY features page for the GTX8’24 model reveals a car packed with high-end engineering. The kit includes a complete aluminum front and rear suspension set worth €330 / $363 USD at no additional charge, machined from premium Swiss 7075 T6 aluminum. The front aluminum suspension includes steering blocks, caster blocks, graphite steering plates, steel pivot joints, and pivot balls. The rear aluminum uprights increase stability both on and off power.

The chassis itself is CNC-machined from 3mm high-quality Swiss 7075 T6 aluminum, strategically machined in low-stress areas and anodized to reduce weight without sacrificing strength. Aluminum bulkheads increase reliability and allow more airflow for drivetrain cooling. The car also features super-lightweight ventilated brake disks that improve cooling and reduce rotating mass.

Anti-Roll Bar System Details

The GTX8’s anti-roll bar system is already engineered for precision. The front and rear anti-roll bar systems use ball bearings and mount via aluminum collars, providing easy and precise adjustment while eliminating excessive play. The bars themselves are manufactured from spring steel, with different thicknesses available for fine-tuning. The new 2.6mm and 3.0mm bars add to the existing range of options.

Designed and Built in Europe

XRAY designs, develops, and fully manufactures the GTX8 in-house at its factory in Slovakia, using high-tech German and Swiss machines and premium European materials. The design team includes Martin Hudy (GTX8 Designer), Martin Bayer (GTX8 Designer), and Dipl. Eng. Juraj Hudy, XRAY Chief Designer. The car is built with “XRAY’s legendary attention to detail,” according to the company.

Adjustment Possibilities

The GTX8 features fully adjustable front and rear suspension geometry, including caster, camber, toe, kick-up, anti-dive, anti-squat, ride height, downstops, track width, roll center, bump steer, wheelbase, Ackermann, and adjustable differentials. The new anti-roll bars are another tool for racers to fine-tune chassis roll and corner entry characteristics.

Availability

The new front anti-roll bars are available now from XRAY and its dealer network. Racers looking to adjust their GTX8 or GTXE’27 for specific track conditions can choose between the 2.6mm and 3.0mm bars. For more details, XRAY directs customers to visit the official TeamXRAY website.

Exotek Racing has released a new tuning part for its F1Ultra R5 1/10-scale Formula car, giving drivers a wider front end to tame aggressive handling. The newly available +3mm front suspension arms (part #2370) aim to solve a common complaint among racers using narrow offset wheels.

The core idea is simple: by widening the front track, the car becomes more stable, reducing the tendency to tip and calming overly sharp steering response. According to the manufacturer, the upgrade is particularly effective when using narrower wheels like Team Powers F1 tires and wheels, and it shows its biggest benefit on carpet surfaces.

How It Fits into the F1Ultra Lineup

Exotek already offered wider arms as standard on other versions of the car. The company notes that the standard F1Ultra R5 ships with +1mm arms (no identifying dots), while the F1Ultra R5 PRO comes with +2mm arms (marked with two dots). The new +3mm part is the widest option yet, designed for drivers who want maximum stability or need to run off-specification front wheels.

The part is priced at $13.95 and is available directly from Exotek Racing’s website.

A Trail of Upgrades

This release follows a steady stream of F1Ultra updates from Exotek. When the F1Ultra R5 was first announced in March 2024, the kit included a raft of new features: heavy-duty one-piece extra-long side links for reduced rear bump steer, a new motor mount with upper and lower attachment points to minimize motor flex, custom E-clips for easy front-suspension pin removal, and a new one-piece front suspension pin for less play.

Other R5 updates included a direct servo horn and alloy servo mounts, a wider and lighter rear pod set for extra motor sensor wire clearance, extra-stiff alloy caster posts, a high-tolerance front axle, a double-bolt front wing mount, a lightweight one-piece carbon chassis, and pinned nylon side-link mounts. The new +3mm arms slot into this evolving platform as a targeted geometry fix.

A Deeper Parts Catalog

For those looking to push the F1Ultra even further, the Exotek catalog includes a wide range of hop-ups. The shop page for the F1 Ultra R4 (a closely related model) lists items such as a brass rear wing mount that adds 10g of weight at the back for low-speed grip on low-traction tracks, a steel one-piece HD diff outdrive weighing 26g that shifts weight to the rear axle for more traction, and a 2.5mm extra-stiff carbon chassis for high-grip tracks.

Drivers can also choose from a front stabilizer set with three different bars (soft, medium, hard), lightweight front shock absorbers designed for bumpy asphalt, an ultra-light 21g Formula rear wing, and a variety of tire compounds including a hyper-soft 22X compound specifically for carpet. The parts ecosystem is extensive, giving F1Ultra owners plenty of tuning options for track conditions ranging from low-grip asphalt to high-bite carpet.

The new +3mm front arms are available now at ExotekRacing.com for $13.95.

Yokomo has released a new optional hop-up for builders running its RD and SD series chassis. The Yokomo Blue Rear ESC Mount Set, part number Y2-REM-BL, is priced at ¥4,600 and is described by the company as a perfect fit for that chassis family.

What’s in the Kit

The mount consists of two main components: a stay made of aluminum in a vibrant blue color and a carbon plate. According to an announcement from Team Yokomo, the combination of the colored aluminum stay with the carbon plate gives the part a “high-quality finish.”

This is a straightforward parts release—no complex electronics, no moving parts, just a dedicated mounting solution for relocating the electronic speed controller to the rear of the chassis.

Purpose and Fitment

The product listing from specialist retailer Plaza Japan notes that the mount positions the ESC at the rear of the specified RD or SD chassis. It describes the utility as helping to organize wiring and maintain the intended chassis balance around the electronics area, adding that users should pair it with compatible mounting hardware and ESC dimensions.

Yokomo’s own announcement directs interested builders to TeamYokomo.com for more details. The mount is listed as compatible with the RD and SD series.

Limited Specs, Clear Application

The source materials do not include information about weight, anodizing process, adjustability, radio interference reduction, battery swap ease, or effects on vehicle handling. The available details are limited to the materials (blue aluminum stay, carbon plate), the fitment (RD/SD series), the price (¥4,600), and the part number (Y2-REM-BL).

This is typical for a single-component parts announcement from a Japanese RC manufacturer: a concise product drop with a focus on materials, finish, and intended chassis compatibility, rather than a deep technical breakdown. For existing RD and SD series owners looking to tidy up their electronics layout with a matching blue part, this mount offers a direct solution.

Where to Find It

Yokomo’s official announcement points to TeamYokomo.com as the primary source for purchasing and more information. The part carries the model number Y2-REM-BL and carries a retail price of ¥4,600. As with many Japanese RC option parts, availability will depend on regional distribution and retailer stock levels.

For builders who want to keep their RD or SD chassis looking cohesive while adding a functional piece of hardware, the Blue Rear ESC Mount Set is now available.

Related Options

Several retailers also list other components that share compatibility with the RD and SD series. Super G Drift, for instance, offers a line of rear magnetic body mounts for the Yokomo YD-2, RD, and SD series in multiple colors including black, blue, purple, and red. Yokomo’s own product lineup includes the MD3.0 competition machine, which features a graphite rear ESC mount as standard equipment, along with multiple limited color-anodized versions including blue, purple, and red. MIBOSPORT, an exclusive distributor for Yokomo alongside brands such as Sanwa, Awesomatix, Muchmore, and Schumacher, also stocks spare and option parts for the Yokomo SD 3.0, a newer iteration of the SD series. These related products help illustrate the broader ecosystem of hop-up parts available for this chassis platform.

XRAY has released a dedicated tuning part for its X4F ’27 1:10 Front Wheel Drive Touring Car, and the focus is squarely on chassis flex. The 2.0mm Carbon Upper Deck is a one-piece replacement designed to soften the car and improve cornering speed, particularly on low-traction tracks.

Designed for Low-Grip Conditions

The Slovakian manufacturer says the one-piece Multi-Flex™ top deck increases overall chassis flex compared to a standard two-piece design. This makes the car softer, which XRAY recommends for low-traction surfaces. According to the company, this setup removes a bit of initial steering but generates more mechanical traction in return. The part is CNC-machined from premium high-grade carbon fiber material made in the USA. XRAY notes the option part is also suitable for the T4F car lineup.

Multiple Adjustment Options Out of the Box

A key feature of this release is its built-in adjustability. The top deck comes with multiple flex adjustment alternatives, and tuners can take customization further. XRAY states the top deck can be modified by making additional cuts to provide more flex setup options. The company says the deck’s shape was engineered to balance maximum traction with strong steering response. The part is listed under #301095 and fits the X4F ’27 model specifically.

Tweak-Free Mounting and Installation

XRAY has focused on the mounting system as well. The company includes precisely machined top deck screws designed to create a completely tweak-free mount, improving flex characteristics. The narrow shape of the one-piece deck is intended for easier installation. The company emphasizes that the one-piece top deck offers increased flex, which makes the car softer, suggesting it especially for low traction conditions. Red RC also reported on the release, noting the part comes from Xray and is CNC-machined from premium USA-made high-grade carbon fiber material.

Pricing and Availability Details

The new upper deck carries a list price of $58.00, according to distributor RC America. As of the announcement, the part was listed as out of stock on that distributor’s site, with an option for customers to sign up for back-in-stock notifications. The product page from RC America, a distributor, offers the same 2.0mm carbon upper deck for sale under the product listing. XRAY presents the part as authentic option parts for XRAY T4F and X4F cars, as noted in their official announcement.

A Focused Tuning Tool

This release is a specific answer for racers dealing with low-traction tracks who want to adjust their car’s handling. By replacing a standard two-piece top deck with a one-piece carbon unit that can be further modified, XRAY gives drivers a direct path to more mechanical grip. The top deck can be modified by making additional cuts to provide more flex setup options, according to the company. The precisely machined top deck screws are intended to contribute to a tweak-free mount that improves flex characteristics. The deck’s shape was designed to target both maximum traction and steering performance, according to the manufacturer. The part allows competition drivers to fine-tune chassis flex without replacing major components, offering another layer of setup flexibility for varying track conditions. For touring car racers pushing for the perfect setup on slippery surfaces, the new 2.0mm Carbon Upper Deck is now available as a focused tuning solution from XRAY.

R1 Wurks is pushing the performance envelope for R1B owners with a new set of ultra-lightweight titanium rear CVA axles. The company says swapping out the kit steel units for these new shafts can deliver a meaningful boost in handling and response.

Lighter by Nearly Half

The headline number here is weight. R1 Wurks claims the pair of titanium axles tips the scales at just 4.85g, which is a 47.4% reduction compared to the standard steel parts. That’s a significant drop in both rotational mass and unsprung weight, which the company says helps minimize inertial forces for snappier behavior on track.

According to R1 Wurks, the lighter setup translates into:

• Quicker throttle response
• Improved acceleration
• Better braking response
• Enhanced handling
• Increased power transfer

The axles are machined in-house using what the company describes as ultra-high precision, tight tolerance Swiss machining. They’re made from Ti 6Al-4V grade 5 Titanium, a material choice that balances strength with the low weight racers are after.

Fitment and What’s in the Box

This is a direct replacement part, designed to swap in for the existing #920093 R1WURKS R1B Rear CVA Axle. The package includes two CVA axles, ready to install. Fitment is confirmed for the R1B model.

The product announcement comes straight from R1 Wurks, and the parts are available through the company’s website.

A Broader Titanium Push

The new R1B rear axles aren’t an isolated release. R1 Wurks has been rolling out similar titanium drivetrain parts across its lineup, including options for other popular race platforms. The company offers an ultra-lightweight front CVA axle for the B74 and B84 series, which shares the same 4.85g pair weight claim but is listed at 40% lighter than the factory steel units, and is available in silver, blue, and bronze finishes.

There’s also a B7-series set of titanium HD CVA bones. Those come in at 6.4g for the pair, a 41.82% weight saving over stock, and are tuned for stock racing classes from 21.5 to 17.5. That set is designed to pair with the company’s B7-series titanium rear axle and titanium CVA barrel for a full lightweight drivetrain package.

Context from the Track

The timing of the release aligns with R1 Wurks having a strong presence in competitive off-road racing. The company recently highlighted driver Dominic Paccione, who scored a double victory at the ROAR Off-Road Nationals, taking titles in both the 17.5 2WD and 13.5 4WD classes. A separate run at the 2026 ROAR Carpet Off-Road Nationals saw Paccione dominate 4WD and podium in 2WD. R1 Wurks backs its products with a 90-day warranty covering defects from the time of purchase, though the warranty doesn’t transfer if the item is bought second-hand and is void on products found to be abused or misused.

For R1B racers looking to shave weight and sharpen response, these titanium axles offer a direct, bolt-on upgrade path. The parts are available now, and with the reduced unsprung weight, the claimed gains in acceleration and braking are the kind of incremental advantages that matter on race day.

Shark RC Bodies has brought back a familiar shape for the drag strip, announcing the release of The Terminator clear polycarbonate body for 1/10-scale RC drag cars. The move revives a classic truck body originally produced by Drag Race Concepts, now under new ownership.

The Terminator is a narrow-body truck shell offered in two thickness options: .040 and .060. The .040 version returns to the original spec, while the thicker .060 option leans into the durability Shark RC is known for. The body comes clear with window paint masks included.

Fitment and Setup Notes

This is not a universal fit. Shark RC explicitly notes the body is a narrow design, and builders will need to add internal bracing to prevent tire rub. The body measures 10.5 inches wide at both the front and rear.

Reference photos show the Terminator mounted on a Supa chassis, and the company confirms it also fits the Maverick chassis by Drag Race Concepts. If your car uses a similar platform, this body may work. The design is described as a fairly stock body suited for bumpered-type classes, though it has also seen use in outlaw-style racing.

Wing and Pricing Details

Shark RC is not producing its Shark Bullet wings for this body, but notes that at least three separate manufacturers offer compatible wings. The body is sold unpainted and clear; the glamour shots in the announcement are painted examples shown for inspiration only.

Pricing for The Terminator starts at $52.99.

A Growing Drag Body Lineup

The Terminator is the latest in a string of new drag-focused releases from Shark RC Bodies. The company has been actively expanding its catalog, introducing shapes ranging from vintage to outlaw. Recent additions include the Outlaw Black Widow 2, the Lunatic based on a 1964 Impala, the 1/10 Rat Rod with 1930s styling, and the Thunderstruck modeled after the 1964 Thunderbolt. The company also offers the Drag’n Wag’n, a 1970s Malibu wagon-inspired body measuring 24 inches long and 11 inches wide.

On the larger end, Shark recently launched its first 7th-scale body, the Killer Caddy, designed for 1/7-scale drag, limitless, and speed-run cars. That body starts at $69.99 and is available in clear, black, or white molded lexan.

Drag Racing as a Growing RC Segment

RC drag racing continues to draw interest from both manufacturers and hobbyists. The broader market has seen a steady stream of purpose-built chassis, motors, and bodies. Recent product drops include the Team GFRP 2025 Apollo Drag Car Kit, the R1 Wurks DC1.2 updated chassis, and Hobbywing’s XeRun DRX line of drag-specific brushless motors. Tire makers like SpeedTek RC are also serving the segment with foam drag tires rated for speeds up to 160 mph.

For builders looking to update an existing platform, aftermarket parts such as Exotek’s Version 3 Front Bumper Set for the Traxxas Drag Slash have also hit the market. International designers like Italy’s Bittydesign are in the mix too, with bodies like the 1/10 Ekanus no-prep drag body and a teased new design.

Getting The Terminator

The Terminator clear body is available now directly from Shark RC Bodies. The company’s website lists the body at $52.99, and it ships with window masks for painting. As with any narrow body, builders should plan for bracing mods to get the fit dialed in on their chosen chassis.

The latest LEGO Technic take on the iconic Batmobile Tumbler from Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy is getting a rough ride from early reviewers, who are calling it a miss on nearly every front.

Set 42239, which packs 719 pieces and retails for US$189.99, £169.99, or €189.99, is the ninth LEGO Tumbler since 2008 and the first Technic version of the vehicle. But according to a detailed review by The Rambling Brick, it fails to deliver on its three main promises: looking like the movie vehicle, working well as an RC car, and offering a satisfying LEGO build.

An Angular Design That Looks Too Round

A central complaint is that the model doesn’t capture the Tumbler’s signature aggressive, straight-lined silhouette. The film vehicle is defined by sharp angles, but the review notes that the Technic panels and beams are inherently curved, giving the model a shape that feels too rounded. Large holes in the Technic frame detract from the “bulletproof” appearance, and the structure is stiff with no adjustable features. The reviewer states the design “does not accurately capture the angular look of the film vehicle.”

Remote Control Troubles and a Buggy App

The most significant frustration involves the remote control system, which relies on the LEGO Control+ app. At the time of the review, the app did not yet have a configuration profile for set 42239. The app lacks a generic control panel or custom control creation, leaving early adopters unable to drive the vehicle as intended.

Workarounds proved difficult. Profiles from other recent sets like the Porsche GT4 or Lamborghini Revuelto don’t work because the Batmobile’s two motors are connected via a central gear to the rear differential and must spin in the same direction. Using the wrong profile could cause the motors to fight each other and risk damage. The reviewer had to disconnect one motor just to get movement.

An app update arrived two days before the set’s release. Upon connecting, a warning appeared about the risk of using the wrong configuration. The reviewer called this a missed opportunity, arguing the system could easily run a self-test to detect such a conflict.

When it does work, the driving experience is described as basic. It’s not particularly fast, has a decent turning circle, and struggles with obstacles like a door threshold. Controls offer slow and fast modes, plus a boost that triggers a rear “flame” effect. Green lights at the front and rear rarely activate during normal driving — they only flickered during a scripted “Joker attack” game mode. The reviewer expressed frustration at not being able to control those lights manually.

For the asking price, the reviewer notes that a much higher-quality RC car could be purchased, capable of higher speeds, ramps, and off-road driving. The set is considered poor value as an RC vehicle.

Build Experience vs. Price

With 719 parts, the set is surprisingly small for its price, containing fewer pieces than some AU$99 sets. The build itself is described as surprisingly satisfying, featuring clever “off-grid” techniques to capture the vehicle’s odd angles. A fiber optic cable is used, and the reviewer noted advanced building methods that would make disassembly difficult. However, the overall experience doesn’t feel commensurate with the high price tag.

The reviewer concludes that the set offers a little bit of each attribute — a Tumbler look, RC capability, and LEGO building — but none are executed well enough to justify the cost. The overall rating is 2 out of 5 stars, with the recommendation to look elsewhere for a Tumbler, a good RC car, or a satisfying LEGO build.