This kit is due Autumn 2024, possibly late October and is open for pre-order now. We do not at this time have any sort of firm date. Limited numbers may come in the first batch - pre-ordering is recommended to improve your chance. Note: When you pre-order, you do not pay until release (unless you want to) but you must supply a valid card during checkout so that we can charge you when the model arrives.
As with all Tamiya kits, supply cannot be guaranteed as deliveries are often cut short by the manufacturer due to worldwide demand, please use the PRE-ORDER payment system with your credit or debit card, rather than paying by Paypal or Credit Card (Pay Now) options for this. Note also, Tamiya kits do not come shrink wrapped in the UK or Japan.
This NEW kit is an evolution of the 1984 Tamiya Hornet. It uses the same chassis but has independent rear suspension similar to that on the DT02/DT03 series, and all round CVA oil filled shock absorbers. The front suspension now has top links meaning the tyres stay in better contact with the roadway over bumpy surfaces and during cornering. The kit is said to include full ball bearings as standard.
The body is the same basic shape as before but with a different "fire" style of stickers.
Requires: 2-channel radio with receiver, servo, ESC, 7.2 volt battery & compatible battery charger, and Tamiya PS polycarbonate paint.
Pricing Note: We have priced this kit above, as we do the whole range, assuming that you will not require the standard ESC unit. If you would like the kit with the ESC included, simply add the Carson Dragster or Tamiya Hobbywing ESC from the drop down below - which adds £15-£18 to the total. Note also, Tamiya kits do not come shrink wrapped in the UK or Japan. The box sticker may state "ESC Included" whether you order it with or without this unit.
Options Explained
Bearing Upgrade: These make the car run more smoothly and are easily installed during assembly. If there is no option for these shown, then the kit already includes the bearing upgrade as standard. These are entirely optional.
Radio System: There is a choice of a TWIN STICK (Traditional) radio or a Steering Wheel (Modern) radios. All operate on 2.4Ghz and use the new Crystal-Free technology, so you can run multiple cars at the same time without any interference. All radios chosen from this page will include a steering servo as these are not included in the kit itself.
ESC: This is the connection between the radio system and the motor. You have several choices. Tamiya no longer make their own ESC, instead they supply from their facilities Hobbywing or Mstyle units. Where a model number is shown (e.g. 20 or 15) that is the motor capacity of the unit - the lower the number, the more powerful a motor you can install later. All work with the motor in the kit.
Battery: The higher the number, the longer the run time.
Charger: Charge time is proportional to the battery you choose. Some examples - for the 1800 battery (others will take longer) - USB charger takes around 4 hours, Mid Speed around 2 to 3 hours, Etronix Fast Charger can be as quick as 60 minutes in the house or 30 minutes in the car and Ansmann Delta also around 30 minutes (and also works in the car).
Available Options and Upgrades:
Battery: None 1800Mah 7.2v (+£8.25) 2000Mah 7.2v (+£9.99) 2400Mah 7.2v (Punchy Performance) (+£13.99) 3000Mah 7.2v (+£15.75) 4600Mah 7.2v (+£24.50) 5000+Mah 7.2v (Longest Run Time) (+£28.75)
Charger: None USB 500ma Slow Charger (Suits up to 3000Mah) (+£7.00) Mains Mid Speed 0.8 Amp Mini Peak (Suits up to 3000Mah) (+£12.50) Ansmann AC3001 3 Amp AC/DC Fast Charger (Suits all, Automatic) *PROMO PRICE* (+£14.99) Etronix Fast Charger (1A-2A Mains, 1A-4A 12v, selectable) Automatic ET0208 (+£24.75)
ESC: None Mstyle (Tamiya Denmark) 60A ESC Waterproof, NIMH/LIPO 12 Turn / 30000 RPM Limit (+£15.00) Tamiya Hobbywing 1060 RTR Quicrun 60A Brushed ESC NIMH/LIPO 8T Limit (+£15.00) Mtroniks Auto Sport Tuned 20 ESC (Waterproof) (+£18.75)
Radio System: None MStyle Radio/Receiver/Servo System (Includes 7.2v Bat + USB Charger) (+£35.99) Etronix 2.4Ghz STEERING WHEEL Radio (1 Servo) (+£36.50) Ikonnik ET3 2.4Ghz STEERING WHEEL Radio (1 Servo) (+£39.99) Absima SR4S 2.4Ghz TWIN STICK Radio (1 Servo) (+£40.99) Etronix ET1132 6ch EX6G High End 2.4Ghz WHEEL Radio (1 Servo) (+£45.50) Carson 2.4Ghz TWIN STICK Radio (1 Servo) 707131 (+£51.00)