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StevePond
04-17-2005, 03:13 PM
http://www.rccaraction.com/pics/hpi/30220_main.jpg

http://www.rccaraction.com/pics/hpi/30220_2.jpg

http://www.rccaraction.com/pics/hpi/30220_details.jpg

HPI Japan announced the release of a new 2005 Edition of the popular Pro 4 shaft-driven electric touring car. According to HPI, this new model is optimized for asphalt racing based on information gained during countless hours of racing and testing. It appears the emphasis is on increased efficiency and traction.

http://www.rccaraction.com/pics/hpi/30220_pinion.jpg

http://www.rccaraction.com/pics/hpi/30220_diffnut.jpg

New lightweight aluminum pinion gears drive the differentials. The aluminum pinions are machined for smooth, precise operation, and the lightweight material reduces rotating mass for quicker acceleration. Lightweight Delrin outdrives also appear to be included on the rear diff for the same purpose. A new, stronger metal insert is installed in the diff nut for more durability.

http://www.rccaraction.com/pics/hpi/30220_chassis.jpg

The lower chassis plate is reduced to 2.0mm, which is thinner than the 2.5mm lower plate originally included with the car. This allows a little more flex to create more grip for racing on asphalt (an optional 3mm lower plate is available as an option for running on carpet). A slightly thicker 2.25mm upper deck is standard on the 2005 spec machine, but it appears to be thinner in the mid section and it has larger cutouts in its center, which ostensibly should allow more torsional flexing for better traction in low-site conditions, while reducing front-to-rear chassis flex.

http://www.rccaraction.com/pics/hpi/30220_shock.jpg

New fluorine-coated threaded shocks are included. The slippery coating prevents and binding for smoother operation. A low-friction O-ring is installed in each shock. Last but not least, a three-hole piston and volume-compensating bladder are also included.

http://www.rccaraction.com/pics/hpi/30220_motormount.jpg

A new motor mount is part of the 2005 Spec package. According to HPI, the new motor mount is thicker - partly for more durability but mostly to reposition the motor for better overall chassis balance. An added bonus to the new motor plate design is the open screw slots. By leaving the ends of the screw slots open, the motor is easily removed without having to completely remove the motor screws from the motor - simply loosen the screws by about 1/2 turn and the motor will easily slide out of the motor mount for easily repair and maintenance.

http://www.rccaraction.com/pics/hpi/30220_alumparts.jpg

Additional aluminum parts are included to beef up the 2005 Pro 4. Aluminum steering bellcranks replace the stock molded parts. The bellcrank features a built-in adjustable servo saver that can be tailored to protect basic, standard servos right up to the quickest and most powerful competition servos. The aluminum construction is more durable and doesn't flex as much as plastic, which means quicker steering response. A 0-degree pivot block spacer is included to flatten the front arms for improved anti-dive characteristics, which make improve initial steering response at corner entry, but also improves rear bite mid corner to keep the car more planted all the way through corner exit. Lastly, the included aluminum upper arm mount is much stronger than the original stock molded plastic mount, plus it has five mounting options for the inside of the upper like, instead of the two available with the stock mount.

Pro 4 2005 Specs
• Overall length: 365mm
• Width: 190mm
• Track front/rear: 166/165mm
• Wheelbase: 256 - 259mm
• Weight: Approximately 1430g (without body)
• Drivetrain ratio 2.4375:1
• Shaft drive 4WD
• Graphite main chassis, upper deck and shock tower
• Front one way/rear ball diff.

Features:
• 75194 Special fluorine-coated threaded shocks with low-friction O-rings
• 73824 New 2.0mm woven graphite lower chassis plate
• 73109 2.25mm woven graphite upper deck
• 75126 1.4mm anti-roll bars
• 75192 Thicker aluminum motor mount
• 75156 0-degree pivot block
• 31422 Aluminum 16T one-piece bevel gear (front)
• 31423 Aluminum 16T one-piece bevel gear (rear)
• 75169 Lightweight Delrin outdrives
• 31419 Aluminum upper arm support
• 31401 Aluminum servo & transponder mount set

HPI USA has not formally announced the release of this car in the states, so it can't be certain that this kit will be available here. The parts to convert the original Pro 4 are mostly available as options, so the current cars can be converted. We will post any updates when we get more info about the availability of this machine in the states.

For more information about this and other HPI Racing products, visit the HPI Racing (http://www.hpiracing.com) website.

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This material may not be reproduced in any manner for any reason without the expressed written consent of Air Age Media.

metalry101
04-17-2005, 05:36 PM
Wow. Nice.

The motor mount is pure genious. Other manufacturers need to catch onto that design and use it. Scratch that...not other manufacturers, EVERY manufacturer.

tcr
04-17-2005, 07:35 PM
wow, it is just perfect. Will they make one as 1/18 scale too?

Mr. Schumacher
04-17-2005, 07:44 PM
Nice package!!! But I think it will just like the R40 2004 Version which did not appear in US market.

NitroBoy24
04-17-2005, 09:32 PM
Wholy...

:eek:

Wow, that gets my vote for pimpest 1/10 TC ever. That is the stuff wet dreams are made of ;) *Mind you that last satement was sarcasm :p*

^j!nx^
04-19-2005, 03:19 PM
Very nice TC

more and more HPI Pro kits are starting to look like and have same features as TRF kits

Cain
04-20-2005, 09:00 AM
Nice touch on the motor mount though i Think being able to remove the motor with the screws still on was done on the BMI TC3 conversion as well.

Nice vehicle though.

BrushlessHawaii
04-20-2005, 09:37 AM
Nice touch on the motor mount though i Think being able to remove the motor with the screws still on was done on the BMI TC3 conversion as well.

Nice vehicle though.
My PRO 4 motor mounts have been cut to allow the motor to be removed - it's basically the same just not as pretty. LOL

desfjr1300
04-20-2005, 10:44 PM
Anyone notice the motor matches the chassis? (I know, it's an Hpi motor, so....duh)
Still, nice touch. I agree with jinx that this looks alot like a TRF kit, but then again all these cf and aluminum cars look alike to me!

Funny that they'd go with a thinner chassis for an "asphalt" racer-you'd think the 2.5mm would stand up to the abuse better. Ah well, it's only half a millimeter.

BTW Steve, I really like your "new stuff" posts-they must eat alot of your time but the layout and pics are always very well done. Much appreciated!

SpeedballTrix
04-21-2005, 08:03 PM
Wow... I like niether onroad nor electric... but that things hot =D

Kudos to HPI on this one.

Ed237
04-21-2005, 09:49 PM
Some guys ripped the TC4 when it came out because they claimed its chasis was flexing too much. I find it interesting that HPI is increasing chasis flex intentionally.

gizmoguy303
04-21-2005, 09:57 PM
With the Pro4, you can run a 2mm chassis for asphalt racing (more flex = little more traction), or install a 2.5mm or 3mm chassis for optimal carpet/high-bite handling. The majority of the complaints against the TC4 was its lack of stiffness for carpet racing. I don't think any asphalt racers were complaining.

The new Pro4 looks good! The aluminum inner camber link mounts are on my "must have" list now...:D

TRF Drive Hard
04-21-2005, 11:28 PM
Thats why i got Square's aluminum camber links :D

novakman5800
04-22-2005, 12:58 PM
Thats one sweet TC

gizmoguy303
04-22-2005, 04:38 PM
Thats why i got Square's aluminum camber links :D

Hehe...if they were $10-$15 each I would be all over that...

But not $40. :(