Tamiya’s Evo Gets The X-Factor

Tamiya’s TT01 chassis has been their entry-level touring car chassis for some years now. Recently it was refreshed to give us the TT01E which had the same basic design but altered a few bits to improve on the original car’s already impressive strength and reliability. Tamiya make virtually all of their kit versions of the TT01E in XB Pro Ready-To-Run format and it is one of these in the shape of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X we are taking a closer look at here.

As you can see, the Evo X comes with a really nicely finished bodyshell and as an added bonus, this comes fitted with high-intensity LED lights. Tamiya are famed for their realistic shells and this red Evo shows why. Add in the lights and this really does look a trick package. But does the chassis measure up? Lets take a closer look…

The TT01E chassis is a simple plastic bathtub moulding in which all the running gear sits and the suspension is hung off. A four wheel drive system lurks inside using a plastic propeller shaft which runs front to rear, two geared differentials and four short moulded driveshafts that take the power to the wheels. All the radio system is installed at the factory and the wiring is all nice and neat.

Although things are kept simple, the TT01E chassis is strong too making it ideal for a beginner into the world of RC fun. A big foam bumper lives at the front of the chassis which helps absorb inevitable impacts and prolongs the life of the bodyshell. Looking at the steering and suspension, Tamiya have elected to make this car as easy to use as possible. The double wishbone suspension has no adjustment, nor does the steering hardware, only the trim on the transmitter. Everything is factory set and spot on. Four simple friction type coil over shocks keep the chassis off the deck providing adequate performance on the road.

This however is the first XB Pro we have seen with Tamiya’s new Finespec FM radio included. This looks a bit classier than the AM type but still operates on 27mHz and has the usual throttle and steering trims, battery indicator and servo reverser switches although you should not need to touch the latter. Installation of the radio and electronic speed controller in the car is neat and tidy and the components specified are perfect for the job.

The high intensity LED lights make a difference to this car though, they are actually strong enough to drive the car in the dark, not just for show! There are two headlight LED’s and two taillights, all controlled by the light unit taped to the inside of the roof of the bodyshell. This is simply plugged into the connector on the chassis to alight the lights. It is also expandable, the lighting controller can also power additional LED’s which are available from Tamiya as part of their extensive Hop-Up Options range.

Getting the Evo X running was simple. After cracking it out of the box, all that was needed was the choice of drive battery clipped in (7.2 Volt stick pack), eight AA sized batteries inserted into the radio and the aerial pushed into the chassis mounting. It is truly Ready-To-Run out of the box. None of the required batteries are supplied though so you’ll have to source these when you buy your car.

We tested our Evo out on the road, probably where most of these will see homes for fun and recreational running. The Evo is not fast by racing standards but to a beginner will be plenty quick enough. Handling is predictable and there is enough power to slide the car around nicely. The suspension is a little bouncy due to the friction dampers but none of this detracts from the fun that can be had. Tamiya say the car is on-road only but we ventured onto some loose dirt and although the limited ground clearance is an issue at times, the Evo X coped, Mitsubishi did build their heritage in rallying after all! Running off-road did fill the chassis with dirt and debris though which is why we would recommend that, if you are not too handy with maintenance of RC cars, you stick to Tamiya’s on-road recommendations.

The Evo X ticks all the right boxes for those looking for a first proper RC car. In XB Pro form, you can be up and running in less than an hour, most of that time being charging the main drive battery. If you don’t fancy the Evo X in RTR format, Tamiya also offer the car in a kit format, check one out at your local hobby store.

 

Specification

Car:	Tamiya XB Pro Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X
Scale:	1:10
Class:	On-Road Fun
Format:	Ready-To-Run
Power:	Electric
Chassis:	Moulded Plastic
Drivetrain:	4WD
Transmission:	Shaft Drive
Differentials:	Geared
Shocks:	Plastic/Friction
Bearings:	Bushes
Availability:	Good Tamiya Stockists Worldwide