Sweet New On-Road Options From Tamiya

Paul Onorato May 31, 2024 Stories

Toyota Supra JZA80—#58733

ABOUT THE BT-01 CHASSIS

Kicking off the sweet new on-road options from Tamiya is the Toyota Supra JZA80 which is paired with the newest chassis in this list, the Tamiya BT-01. This chassis has been specially designed to have the capability to choose between two types of wheelbases and front- or rear-wheel drive system. By simply changing the attachment directions of the final gears and steering linkage, without removing the battery pack, motor and RC gear setups from the center chassis frame, you can switch it between front- and rear-wheel drive. Additionally, Tamiya gives you the option of running front (FR) or midship rear (MR) motor position when the chassis is setup for rear-wheel-drive. In order to make maintenance and assembly easier, unitized sections such as the motor mount, suspension and final gears were developed. Easy-to-build and affordable friction shocks sit at each corner with a 4-wheel double wishbones suspension that features symmetrical structure.

The unitized motor mount is affixed to the chassis with 2 screws.

The double-wishbone suspension uses symmetrical arms.

The servo is housed in the right rear, with a long link rod used in the 3-piece setup.

While coil-sprung dampers are fitted as standard, the BT-01 can be used with separately sold TRF Special Dampers (Hard Black Coating).

Power goes from the midship rear motor to the rear wheels via propeller shaft.

Here is the rear double-wishbone suspension. As the car corners, rear wheels gain toe-in for better stability.

Suspension components are also unitized for smoother pit work.

Flip-up battery holders let you change the battery quickly.

The BT-01 uses a plastic 4-bevel differential gear, and is compatible with TT-02 Hop-Up Options such as ball differentials and oil-filled differentials.

As illustrated here, the BT-01 can be assembled in 3 different setups, each offering 2 wheelbases: 251mm and 257mm.

ABOUT THE BODY

The first Tamiya body being offered with the BT-01 is accurately modeled after the iconic Toyota Supra JZA80. It is the fourth generation Supra which was announced as the Toyota flagship sports car in 1993. At motorsports races it achieved unparalleled success thanks to its high-spec performance and its muscular form helped to make it a fan favorite. The top grade RZ model was spec’d with a 3-liter inline 6 twin turbo engine capable of 280-horsepower. Bolted onto it is a 6-speed tranny while a 4-wheel double wishbone suspension and ventilated disc brakes for the front and rear nicely compliment it. The RC version comes as a one-piece polycarbonate shell that is further detailed with ABS plastic side mirrors and its telltale rear wing.

SPECS

Chassis designation: BT-01
Scale: 1/10
Type: Build-up kit
Chassis: Molded bathtub-type ABS plastic frame
Drive Type: 2WD
Drivetrain: Enclosed gearbox, shaft-driven RWD
Differential: 4 bevel gear rear diff
Bearings: Metal and plastic bushings
Suspension (F/R): Upper and lower symmetrical A-arms
Shocks: Molded plastic, friction type
Steering: 3-piece steering tie rod
Motor: 540-brushed type
Speed control: Tamiya ESC (electronic speed control)
Wheels: Silver 10-spoke plastic
Tires: Treaded semi-pneumatic tires
Body: Polycarbonate
Length: 457mm
Width: 186mm
Height: 125mm
Wheelbase: 257mm

REQUIRED TO COMPLETE

2-channel radio system
Steering servo
Battery pack
Battery charger
Paint for polycarbonate

Citroen DS—#58734

ABOUT THE MB-01 CHASSIS

Next up is the Tamiya Citroen which is the newest of the five on-road cars featured in this article and comes equipped with the MB-01 chassis. The 2WD MB-01 chassis shares many of the innovations found on the BT-01 chassis that comes with the aforementioned Supra. It gives the choice of three wheelbase options and front- or rear-wheel-drive system. Specific to the Citroen, the chassis is built with the front-wheel-drive setup and the long wheelbase (239mm). The 4-wheel double wishbone suspension features symmetrical structure and friction dampers that are quick to build and super simple to maintain. Just like the BT-01, you can change between front and rear-wheel-drive without touching the electronics, motor or battery pack.

A 3-piece steering tie-rod is combined with a front-left servo.

The four-wheel double-wishbone suspension uses symmetrical arms.

The 4-bevel gear differential is the same as that on the TT-02; this chassis is compatible with TT-02 Hop-Up Option differentials.

Wide front tread is achieved with long wheel hubs and axles.

The motor sits in the front right, and provides power via a short propeller shaft.

The motor mount is assembled as a unit, and secured to the chassis using two screws.

The flip-up battery holder gives quick access.

With spacer attached to the sub deck, the wheelbase is set to Long (239mm).

A close-up on the rear double wishbone suspension, which uses friction dampers.

This versatile chassis can be assembled into three wheelbases and two drivetrain layouts.