New Products from the Tokyo Hobby Show!

Here's where you can learn everything you want to know (and everything we can tell you) about the new kits HPI plans to introduce in the next several months. These kits were first made public during the 2000 Tokyo Hobby Show, which was held during the weekend of September 23-24. North American hobbyists saw these in person at the RCHTA (Radio Control Hobby Trade Association) show in Chicago, during October 21-22!

The Micro RS4

One of the big hits at the HPI booth was the introduction of the new Micro RS4 kits! These are 1/18 scale cars, the same size as the large die-cast metal models you can find in toy stores, hobby shops, sports memorabilia stores and many other places. We thought it would be great to introduce a detailed, four-wheel drive, well-handling car that can accept any radio gear you can fit into it, and the result is the Micro RS4!

The pictures below that feature the chassis are of a very early prototype, yet is representative of what the final chassis will look like. Note that ANY standard electronics can be used in the Micro RS4 - a micro-ESC is used only because of the Dodge Viper body, which limits the size of the ESC that can be used. A sedan body will be able to fit nearly any standard ESC.

	The clear Dodge Viper GTS-R body shows how the electronics will fit in the car. The micro-size speed controller is used on this Micro RS4 only because the body has a smaller cockpit area and therefore requires a small ESC.
A single belt will drive front and rear differentials. A rear ball diff and front one-way will be optional. The Micro RS4 tires will be available in at least 2 compounds to for tuning purposes. Wheelbase can be changed out of the box between two lengths.
	Note the standard receiver, servo and AA batteries. The Micro RS4 will also be able to fit AAA batteries with an adapter. Easily available 380-size motors provide the power.
The Micro RS4 can have 3 different widths to fit different car bodies and enhance handling. Nickel-metal hydride batteries can provide up to 30-40 minutes of runtime!

The Micro RS4 will be able to take advantage of its size and large tires to run on nearly any hard surface - wood floors, concrete, clean asphalt, low-pile carpet, tile and more! The 4WD system will make the cars easy to handle, while the suspension will make it easy to tune in for any situation. The front end will use pan car style springs (very small springs) and the rear will use a modified T-bar setup for extra grip.

We will have a wide selection of bodies available, of course (we are HPI Racing!), and two have been on display already: a BMW M3 sedan and a Dodge Viper GTS-R!

The BMW body in 2 different paint schemes	The Viper in black with the huge driving lights!	Mesh and other styles of wheels will come with each kit
Dual stripes - must be a Viper!	A cool low-angle shot of the Dodge Viper GTS-R	Check out the M3!