It was inevitable that after the success of the electric drift scene that a nitro contender would eventually step forward. It’s no surprise that this challenge would come from HPI who have a large stake in the e-drift category and continue to back the class with new cars and drifting products and accessories.
Available in 2 different colour schemes we plumped for the Vertex Toyota Soarer which comes with a powerful Nitro Star G3.0 engine, a HPI TF-1 Transmitter, ball bearings, and a painted & finished body. Even the packaging of this products sets the heart racing.
The tranny is a basic 27MHz model and all the necessary electrics are fitted to the fully bilt chassis. The Vertex Toyota Soarer is HPI’s latest 200mm bodyshell which is bound to popular with the drifters as it looks fantastic.
The new Nitro RS4 RTR 3 Drift chassis is a further eolution of the original RTR 3 Evo incoporating the Stage D drift conversion kit. The new car’s layout sees the heavy motor mounted more forward than the TC kit to give a better balance more suited for drifting. It gives a boost to the handling which is always a plus in drifting.
Power comes from the potent HPI Nitro Star G3.0 nitro engine (.18 Cu. In.), with more than 2 horsepower and 32,000 RPM on tap for tyre-smoking drift action! A large diameter aluminium tube manifold and an all-new rear exhaust muffler system routes the engine smoke out the back of the car for scale realism and clean operation. The G3.0 is also equipped with a pullstarter for quick and easy starting.
A sturdy pull starter system, oiled air filter, 2-needle carburettor, aluminium flywheel, strong steel clutchbell and aluminium tube manifold complete the power delivery package, making the G3.0 easy to start, run and maintain!
HPI Nitro RS4 RTR 3 Drift Car: What you get for your money.
- Length: 365mm (14.37 inches)
- Width: 190mm (7.48 inches)
- Wheelbase: 256 to 259mm (10.08 to 10.20 inches)
- Weight: Bare chassis 1870g, with body 2000g (weights are approximate, and w/o fuel)
- Chassis: Dual-deck design with 2.5mm aluminium lower chassis and composite plastic upper deck with removable radio tray
- Suspension: Four-wheel independent, double wishbone
- Turnbuckles: Fully equipped, steel
- Drive Train: 4WD, front & rear sealed gear diffs
- Tyre Type: treaded hard drift compound, HPI Type A
- Gear Pitch: 1M (1 Module)
- Wheel Hubs: 12mm hex w/ capture pins
- Kit/RTR: RTR (Ready To Run)
- Shock Type: Composite plastic, oil-filled, with coil-over spring
- Shock Towers: Composite plastic with strengthening ribs
- Bodyshell: Painted and decaled HPI officially licensed polycarbonate bodyshell included (varies with kit choice)
- Ball Bearings: 18 throughout drivetrain
The RTR Nitro RS4 3 Drift is ideal for the beginner to intermediate RC hobbyist because it is fully assembled right out of the box, with pre-glued tyres and pre-painted bodyshell. All that’s required to get rolling is fuel, AA batteries and a glow plug igniter.
It may be weird to those used to electric cars but you will soon pick up all the main technical differences when you read the manual and watch the DVD that’s supplied with the drift kit. It will still take you a few good test runs to master the power control when drifting but if you have prior electric drift experience the skill transfer is simple enough.
For more info visit the HPI Europe website.
Novak’s SLYDR is a sensor-based system that is always aware of the rotor position. That knowledge provides the motor with superior starting torque and continuous synchronization for smooth, controlled low-speed driveability and consistent brakes – a must for drifting and racing! The Drift-Spec series of motors also features a shielded sensor cable and a completely rebuildable design. In addition, Novak’sDrift-Spec Brushless Motor includes a 13mm Neodymium sintered rotor, which has a slightly larger diameter and improved magnetic material. The rotor can withstand a higher temperature threshold, improving its durability. It also increases the natural drag brake and opens up the motor’s gearing window to improve drivability.
Though the SLYDR Brushless Drift ESC has one throttle profile, the versatile ESC is completely programmable and packed with nine customizable parameters. Novak’s Throttle Curve gives drivers the ability to experiment with three throttle responses – Linear, Expo-1 and Expo-2 – which range between a quick burst of power to a smoother, more controlled low-end power delivery. In addition, the SLYDR’s Brake Frequency adjustment contains seven degrees of adjustability from a smooth and controllable brake to a more abrupt and grabbier feel. The dozens of adjustments allow drivers to fine-tune their vehicle’s throttle braking for better control and advanced drifting and racing.
