HPI R40 Competition Nitro Touring Car (pictures)

[StevePond]

HPI's new R40 Competition Nitro Touring Car appears to be a reality. These pictures of what appears to be a production version all new R40 is the first touring car, expose the details of the car that HPI nitro touring fans have been wanting for some time.

http://www.rccaraction.com/pics/r40/r40.jpg

The design objectives according to HPI, are a very low center of gravity, ease of maintenance, and maximum adjustability.

To acheive the lowest possible center of gravity, the R40 is designed for use with a readily available 5-cell rechargeable receiver pack that mounts to the bottom chassis plate. This keeps the weight of this somewhat heavy component as low as possible. It also makes it easier to find a receiver pack from you local dealer because it's standard configuration, not a specialized pack that must be special ordered or hand assembled.


Side View

http://www.rccaraction.com/pics/r40/r40Side.jpg


Low CG Battery Mount

http://www.rccaraction.com/pics/r40/r40battery.jpg

The steering servo is mounted between the upper and lower deck of the R40 instead of being mounted upside down in the upper chassis plate. This too lowers the center of gravity and maximizes handling. Also note the woven graphite upper deck.

Horizontal servo mounting position

http://www.rccaraction.com/pics/r40/r40servo.jpg


The R40 employs an "upper bulkhead" design for ease of maintenance. This apparently means diff and belt maintenance can be performed by removing this upper bulkhead, which likely means you won't have to remove half the suspension to perform routine maintenance. Both the front and rear reportedly use this design.

Upper bulkhead design for ease of maintenance

http://www.rccaraction.com/pics/r40/r40frontend.jpg


Front upper bulkhead removed

http://www.rccaraction.com/pics/r40/r40frontdiff.jpg

The fuel tank can be removed from the chassis in a matter of seconds by removing two clips. The tank's narrow design also prevents fuel from sloshing to the sides and away from the fuel pick-up during long, high-speed corners. Additionally, the fuel pick-up is located in a narrow but deep section at the very rear of the tank, ensuring you'll burn every last drop of fuel before the engine stalls.

Fuel tank

http://www.rccaraction.com/pics/r40/r40tank.jpg

The lower chassis plate features HPI's signature purple anodizing. It also features countersunk screw holes to maximize ground clearance, and a narrow profile to prevent the sides of the chassis from scraping the ground and slowing the car during hard cornering.


Bottom view of chassis

http://www.rccaraction.com/pics/r40/r40bottom.jpg


The rear view of the chassis reveals suspension mounts that are independent of the bulkheads, making them easy to change. Different suspension mounts can be used for modifying raising or lowering chassis without disturbing the suspension geometry.
Molded shocks with threaded pre-load adjusters also appear to be standard on the R40.


Rear end

http://www.rccaraction.com/pics/r40/r40rear.jpg


The two-speed transmission features threaded clutch bell gears, which allows changing the gear ratio without having to remove the clutch bell. The spur gears can also be easily detached by removing a single E-clip.

http://www.rccaraction.com/pics/r40/r40tranny.jpg


The Centax-type "Center Force" clutch is fully adjustable without any disassembly or engine removal. This type of clutch is a distinct advantage over standard clutches because it allows the engagement point to be matched to the engine performance characteristics as well as track conditions.

Center Force clutch

http://www.rccaraction.com/pics/r40/r40clutch.jpg


This transmission design produces smooth shifts even when running the 1.5+ horsepower small-block engines (even a big block if you wanted to try stuffing one in there). The shift points are easily adjusted and remain much more stable than HPI's previous cam-type 2-speed.

Clutch-type 2-speed transmission

http://www.rccaraction.com/pics/r40/r402speed.jpg

Specifications:

• Chassis length: 370mm
• Width: F/R 196/198mm
• Tread: F/R 170/168mm (adjustable)
• Wheelbase: 255-260mm (adjustable)
• Suspension: F/R double wishbone
• Drive system: 3 belt drive 4WD
• Tires: F/R 26/30mm HPI PRO foam tires
• Engine, manifold, muffler, and body are not included.

[puribong]

looks nicely designed... how is it going be released??

[hpijoepro2]

yo guys, go to the hpi europe website, there are computer pictures of the pro4

[StevePond]

Thanks for the tip. I just posted them here :D

http://www.radiocontrolzone.com/forums/showthread.php?&threadid=126517

[Pro3/nmt105]

edit: pictures came up...

[Pro3/nmt105]

why the aluminum shock towers? Itll just add weight, I think graphite would be a better choice...

[hpijoepro2]

your welcome, i do my best to be part of the community;)

[Possumbot]

a return to belt driven, did the rs4 3 not do too good that they decided not to try to make the shaft system better?

[FSU427P]

I think they went back to belts to keep the CG as low as possible. It's harder to get a shaft to sit low in a chassis, and you can't have the fuel tank in the center, so when fuel runs low, you run into a weight distribution problem. I think HPI did it right on this one. It really looks like a race-worth machine.

[Nightz]

Looks like there's no adjustable turnbuckles in the rear huh? :(

[fastharry]

its also a prototype..the car will be going through testing..and some chages will be made..

[me43]

Originally posted by Nightz
Looks like there's no adjustable turnbuckles in the rear huh? :(

have you looked at the front ones?

they look almost impossible to adjust without taking off something

[fastharry]

the front turnbuckles are only for toein/out......and they can be accessed through the bottom arm..same as the impulse...no biggie.....

[TexRacer]

Possumbot-Said

a return to belt driven, did the rs4 3 not do too good that they decided not to try to make the shaft system better?
Well the Shaft is Nice but the Rs4 3 was never meant to be a Pro Racing sedan.Like stated the fuel tank in the middle is better than choosing between shaft or belt.I think did a great job with this one.Good Choice to keep the CG down.


Pro3/nmt105 Asked:

why the aluminum shock towers? Itll just add weight, I think graphite would be a better choice...

Well due to alot of the guys running the Kyosho Car,trinity,and the serpent upgrading to aluminum plus that im guessing weight isnt much of an issue in Nitro and as a 7 yr racer it isnt like electric.We can save weight other places to have something more durable and less flex.
Plus like stated this is a 1st release of Pics.Im sure some changes will be made.

[Nofri]

Wow nice car! :cool: So when can we see and buy it in the shops?

I'm thinking to getting into rc heli's but maybe I'l go for this beatifull car :)

[TexRacer]

Nofri I would think August at the earliest.
Les

[fastharry]

HPI staff,is that music to the ears,or what?...http://www.projecttwin.com/smilies/rockon.gif

[fastharry]

Originally posted by TexRacer
Nofri I would think August at the earliest.
Les

on hpi's site it says October ...

[Nofri]

Too bad ill have to wait so long :'(

[atm92484_3]

It looks like it'll be well worth the wait. HPI really did their homework on this one. Heck if I'm in the market for a new nitro touring car, this would defiently be one car I'd consider.

[Demetree]

Although this car is targeted mainly for racers on prepared tracks using foam tires, I am wondering how it will feel with normal rubber tires on parking lots, since the suspension is optimized for foam tires.


I don't do much foam tired racing, but this seems like a cool car to add to my collection, to race my friends with.

[fastharry]

its going to have adjustable rool centers,so you should be able to get a decent set up for parking lot use..

[kart38]

October release date huh? Cool, I can get myself a nice birthday present :D

Makes me wish I hadn't just bought a GT-4 Pro though.

Jason

[Frank McKinney]

Originally posted by Possumbot
a return to belt driven, did the rs4 3 not do too good that they decided not to try to make the shaft system better? The Nitro 3 (the shaft drive Nitro car) is not meant to be a pro-level competitive racer. It's more for the parking lot racer or "basher". The R40 and Nitro 3 will probably exist side-by-side and racers will be able to choose what car works best for them depending on the type of track they race at.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Originally posted by Nightz
Looks like there's no adjustable turnbuckles in the rear huh?


Originally posted by me43
have you looked at the front ones?

they look almost impossible to adjust without taking off something
If you look in the first picture of the car at the top of the page you can see the thick 4mm turnbuckles that adjust the rear camber. Also, if you are used to looking at the Nitro 3, you may not see the adjustment possibilities of the pivot ball type front suspension. Racers who are familiar with pivot ball type cars will know that the front end of the R40 is similar to other top-level racing cars, and is extremely adjustable.

[InspGadgt]

Hey Frank,

From what I see in the pictures it sure looks like you guys hit a winner with this one. The side profile showing how low everything is is impressive. I really like what's been done to make the car easier to work on. That's always been a problem with racers in the past...ease of repair is often sacrificed for performance or ease of production.

[fastharry]

little birdie told me that this car runs REAL well...with a ton of cornering speed..


I KNOW this car is gonna be a BIG hit.....and I'm gonna hit the racetrack circuit with it..(ROAR REGION 2)..

[Frank McKinney]

InspGadgt - yes I hope the R40 helps start a new trend of easy to work on Nitro pro cars, just like Serpent started the trend of touring cars with 1/8-style suspension.

Fastharry - the birdies are right, I was waiting for news to hit the 'net somewhere. See my post on RC Tech.

[TeeGeeRacer]

This isn't about the R40 (which is damn awesome by the way!) But since this thread has Frank McKinney's attn., when can we expect an update/replacement for the Super Nitro?

[Godspeed]

I am currently on a lookout for a 1/10 nitro touring car. Someone please tell me that the R40 is a car that needs minimal hopups to race out of the box. Dun wish to spend tons of money hopping up a car to race competitively. I am still deciding which car to get cos there are just too many choices out there in the market. :confused:

[rs4-3]

Originally posted by Godspeed
I am currently on a lookout for a 1/10 nitro touring car. Someone please tell me that the R40 is a car that needs minimal hopups to race out of the box. Dun wish to spend tons of money hopping up a car to race competitively. I am still deciding which car to get cos there are just too many choices out there in the market. :confused:

WHAT I CAN TELL THE CAR WILL BE A VERY GOOD CAR
AND THE BEST HPI HAS EVER MADE.

it should not need hopups but as you no hpi likes to make
there cars where they need a lot of hopups to be even close
to being competitive.

[fastharry]

I can tell you the car will be a pure racing machine...and won't need a laundry list of hop ups....the options will adapt the car (or driver) to different racing conditions..thats it..

[Frank McKinney]

Originally posted by TeeGeeRacer
This isn't about the R40 (which is damn awesome by the way!) But since this thread has Frank McKinney's attn., when can we expect an update/replacement for the Super Nitro? I don't know - I'm not in R&D nor do I make product/kit decisions. Why do you ask? The Super doesn't have much competition in its class (2 other kits, compared to a dozen or so different 1/10 Nitro racing cars) and isn't a big racing class unfortunately.

[G87z]

hummm car looks very nice. reminds me of my mugen MTX 3.
its about time HPI got on the right track. im sure next year ill see many of them at my local track.



George

[shoe]

if hpi sells tons of their rs4 3's, (including me...), which has almost no race potential in it, imagine how many r40's theyll sell... genius.

[Digit]

i like the reciever box, the ONE thing on my mtx3 i hate is how like the only reciever that fits perfect is the m8 mini reciever, and others like my JR synthesized kinda hang out and u have to mickey mouse it for it not to get close to dragging. nice job hpi, who is the main designer, was it from hpi japan or usa?

[fastharry]

teh car was designed in Japan...and its going to be made on Japan also,not taiwan..

[tekrsq]

Originally posted by Digit
i like the reciever box, the ONE thing on my mtx3 i hate is how like the only reciever that fits perfect is the m8 mini reciever, and others like my JR synthesized kinda hang out and u have to mickey mouse it for it not to get close to dragging. nice job hpi, who is the main designer, was it from hpi japan or usa?

You've got something set up wrong. I run the Novak XXtra or a Hitec DCX rx without any issues. Another guy runs a standard Airtronics FM rx without issues.

[tekrsq]

The more I look at the R40, the more I want one!!!! My son has a Nitro Racer 2, this could be my excuse to get him into a real car.

[fastharry]

me too.....I hope they can get the car out before october....Give me a chance to run the car before it gets cold in NJ..

[codeman]

the clip adjustable suspension is a GREAT idea. Not to mention the easy access diffs, and the ability to use a standard flat pack while being mounted down the centerline of the chassis.

Looks like a winner ... even using a Hudy board tends to not give 100% accurate setups as I'm sure some of you have noticed. You adjust the one side perfectly, then go to adjust the other .. by the time you're done, the other side is out of whack a little so you go back and adjust that ... and on and on until its 'good enough' and you've pushed down on the darn chassis a million times to 'settle' it, only finding it again is slightly different that the last time you checked :) Clips/spacers will bring the setup geometry as close to perfectly symmetrical as it gets! :) Such a simple idea, almost too simple like it would appeal to beginners (which it does) .. and I'm sure this is why the other companies producing race kits havn't done it .... afraid it might take away their "pro kit" image.

[DOOD]

If this car handles like a Mugen with it's awesome front/rear balance and stability(credit to their rear suspension-HPI has a VERY similiar design) and at the same time very durable with no custom fitting of parts, I'd most likely get one. I really like the easy to access diffs, just hope it doesn't compromise the rigidity of the car.

Things I hope HPI addresses with the car:

1. Awesome handling(great steering with rear stability and balance)
2. Parts durability and fitment- longevity, NO SLOP, maintains shape and doesn't alter settings after most impacts.
3. Easy to work on and rebuild
4. Use of Hex screws(personal preference :) )
5. Consistent clutch(like a Mugen)
6. Gearing for big tracks(noticed the prototype lacked the gears for Crystal Park's 210+ ft straight)
7. Very responsive to setup changes.
8. Durable belts- but at the same time, smooth and efficient
9. Make the car as light as possible.

Am I leaving anything out? I know this would make the car close to perfect, but nothing is impossible.

Just my $0.02

[wilson_bryant]

i now want to sell my super to save for this. how much do you think it will cost???

[shoe]

i was lookin at the japan site, and it looks like there are two versions of the r40. one for 39,800 yen and another for 32000 yen, but im not sure if thats retail or street price.

[codeman]

noticed that too .. wonder what the difference is; I noticed one version has the pink aluminum shock stays, and another with carbon fiber/graphite

either way, sweet looking kit :)

[tl01boi]

any word on the price of the car yet? i want another nitro for my b day and this one might be it, hopefully it's out before august:rolleyes:

[superspeed]

That could well be the street price, roughly between $270 to $350 (U.S. dollars). I recall Mugen had 2 versions, one came with set of racing foam tires and body.

Frank, it's too bad the release date is October. Racing season would be over in northwest region. Pivot ball type suspension is the best, the placement of receiver pack is very clever. Are most of the parts made of FRP? Finally, the fuel tank is secured by body clip (same idea found on Savage), is it reliable?

Thanks

SuperSpeed

[Frank McKinney]

No one has has a problem with the fuel tank clips on the Proceed and to my knowledge the Savage either, so I'm sure that's okay.

[RC10T3]

frank, the r40 and pro 4 look amazing. I am very happy that HPI is actually using the racing part of the company name, and these look like awesome awesome cars. Just one thing. Why plastic on the bottom? It would be just as easy to use graphite, and that would increase the awesome looks that the car already has.

[Frank McKinney]

Why make it cost more, I suppose. The plastic will weigh as much as the graphite, and I'm sure we or someone else will release a graphite battery holder/retainer.

[theShark]

car looks great...might be susceptible to side impacts tho, servos on one side and pipe and belt on the other.

maybe a strong brace to keep the pipe out of the belt and something to guard the servos especially the steering servo that looks like it will take the blow.

[fastharry]

Just thought Id bring this thread back up...

Maybe Frank or Kent can give us an update as to whats going on...I heard they are releasing the car in Japan this week..

Any idea of when here?


How are preparations going for the ROAR race in Aug?..

I'm in that HPI mode,getting ready for NJ's HPI Challenge....


Parking the Tc3's for a few weeks...

C'mon HPI,any news for us?>...

[Frank McKinney]

Start saving your lunch money I guess :)

I guess prep for the ROAR race is going okay, we'll have a couple of cars there.

[fastharry]

Frank,is that all you have for me?.....How about an approx release date?



Coming to the HPI Challenge in NJ Frank?...

[mugenseike]

look's very menacing and dangerous.
-mugen

[liquidforrest]

HPI's Japan website has a video of the R40

[NMT_RACER_BOY]

HPI's USA site does too

[Frank McKinney]

Originally posted by fastharry
Frank,is that all you have for me?.....How about an approx release date?



Coming to the HPI Challenge in NJ Frank?... Yes, soon, yes. ;)

[fastharry]

good to see you're coming..

My reservations are all made..

Most of the guys are staying at teh fairfield inn...

Right next door is the residence inn.....(both are Marriot hotels)..

its 15 more a night but has a full kitchen,and larger rooms(suites also)....

thats where I'm staying...4 nights..

by teh way,just entered my 2nd ROAR regional race in Edison,NJ...Fished second A main with the Tc3..Big track,also..250 x225 ft..its 1/8th scale size..

I told Thad,if the R40s are here soon enough,I'm going to run the r40 in the NJ Championship...Thats in Sept...the sixth and seventh..


So Bring one for me so I can put it in the winners circle....(if they are not out yet;) )

[Frank McKinney]

Originally posted by fastharry
How about an approx release date? Is August soon enough? (http://www.hpiracing.com/index2.htm)









:p

[fastharry]

is running it at the Challenge OK?....

[liquidforrest]

NICE that means i'll be able to get it on the track the season!:D

[Frank McKinney]

Originally posted by fastharry
is running it at the Challenge OK?.... We might have to outlaw it for the NJ Challenge (it'll dominate the Nitro Mod class) however it will be legal for the World Final in October.

[liquidforrest]

Frank,

early august? late august? im really getting ready to drop kick my RS4 3 to the next state soon. i need a "real" car

[Frank McKinney]

It depends on how early your shop and their distributor gets their orders in. I believe we'll be shipping them to our distributors by the end of this month.

[fastharry]

Can't wait....

and I'm bringing it to the challenge.....

If I can't run it,I'll show it around,take a few laps,build interest...

OK,Frank?

[Frank McKinney]

Yes Harry! :)

Thought I would bump this topic with the news that the R40 kits have already shipped! If you're well-connected or lucky you'll be able to get your hands on them next week.

[fastharry]

Originally posted by Frank McKinney
Yes Harry! :)

Thought I would bump this topic with the news that the R40 kits have already shipped! If you're well-connected or lucky you'll be able to get your hands on them next week.

Frank baby,I'm on it!.......

[fastharry]

well,I got mine today...and let me tell you..this is one nice kit..the parts look great...everything is real beefy(the diff gears are twice the sixe of the racer2's)......the pillow balls are thick...an dthe plastic looks great...

I'll keep you posted..

[atm92484_3]

Have you picked an engine yet? Keep us updated on what you think of the car.

[808 nitro tc3]

that car looks pretty nuts... well see how it stands next to the ntc3

[fastharry]

Originally posted by 808 nitro tc3
that car looks pretty nuts... well see how it stands next to the ntc3

well,since I own 2 tc3's,you'll get a honest opinion..

I've been leaning to an OS turbo TR..think that engine has enough guts for the r40..btw,the car is 25 grams heavier than a Serpnet 705..its a big car..

[sradbike]

I have noticed that HPI have adopted this type of transmission " Center Force clutch " that the other big name brand car maker like Mugen and Serpent have used ( I maybe wrong ).
But my question is this , can these setup be interchangeble, meaning can I use the transmision from mugen on the R40?

thanks for any input!