Tamiya Announces New TRF503 4WD Buggy

Tamiya Announces New TRF503 4WD Buggy

Tamiya has just announced their newest 4WD buggy, the TRF503. The belt drive buggy is built off of the successful TRF511 and is the result of countless hours of research and development by Tamiya’s international racing team to produce a car with more overall traction and improved cornering stabiliy. We think the buggy looks great and we can’t wait to check it out in closer detail but for now here are a few preliminary pictures and details.

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The buggy is once again belt drive but from the looks of the new shock towers, the suspension geometry looks slightly narrower. New shock towers front and rear look more solid and raise the upper mounts up to provide longer travel. The chassis has been stretched an additional 7.5mm over the 511 and increased the front kickup by 14 degrees; both to improve handling on rough tracks and the motor has been moved forward a massive 10.5mm and closer to the center of the car to improve steering and balance.

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Taking some design cues from touring cars. The TRF503 features a floating steering servo mount that allows the chassis to be isolated and work as its own part of the suspension independent of other components that are otherwise bolted to it and therefor effect how it flexes.

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The buggy also features a laterally mounted adjustable slipper clutch that runs both front and rear belts over a new single pulley that is stronger to handle higher power motors used in 4wd racing. This reduces driveline drag and improves efficiency. The 503 also features sealed oil filled differentials with steel outdrives.

Here are a few more details about the TRF503. Stay tuned as we get more information.

  • Scale: 1/10
  • Drivetrain: 4WD Belt driven with universal joint axles and sealed oil-filled gear differentials
  • Suspension: Fully independent double wishbone
  • Shocks: Oil-filled, aluminum bodies
  • Chassis: Carbon fiber plate
  • Price: TBD

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Updated: February 7, 2014 — 5:30 PM
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