It’s an exciting time whenever Tamiya releases a new vehicle, even if it’s a classic re-release. There’s even more excitement among enthusiasts if it’s an all-new release, such as the company’s latest BT-01 chassis Toyota Supra JZA80. This new RC car is more than just a pretty face (with the fourth-gen Supra body on it, it is really pretty). It’s also one of the more innovative chassis we’ve encountered in recent memory.
The 2WD BT-01 chassis offers unprecedented adaptability for on-road RC enthusiasts. This innovative chassis can be configured to meet a wide range of goals and needs, making it a versatile platform for radio control hobbyists.
Tamiya did the iconic fourth-gen Supra justice. It looks incredible thanks to an accurate body sculpt and separate parts such as headlight buckets, side mirrors and wing.
The all-new BT-01 chassis is well-balanced no matter which configuration you assemble it in. Here, it is seen in MR mode.
Tamiya radial street tires are paired with 10-spoke wheels that are reminiscent of tuner wheels of the JZA80’s era.
ACCURACY DRIVEN
For under-the-skin realism, the BT-01 chassis offers choices of FF/MR/FR drive systems based on the drive system of the actual car your body re-creates. FF being front motor/front-wheel-drive; MR being mid-motor/rear-wheel-drive; and, in the case of this first release, whose real-life counterpart is driven in the rear by a potent 3-liter inline-six twin-turbo engine producing 280 hp up front, is configured to run its rear wheels in rear-wheel-drive mode, just like the real thing.
JZA80
This first BT-01 release includes a body that faithfully depicts the fourth-generation Toyota Supra JZA80, which was unveiled in 1993 as Toyota’s flagship sports car. The top-grade RZ model featured a six-speed transmission and four-wheel double wishbone suspension with ventilated disc brakes for both the front and rear wheels.
Its muscular form and high-performance specs captivated fans worldwide and it achieved great success in motorsports races. It was also catapulted to superstar status as one of the hero cars from the original “The Fast and the Furious” movie. Who else is tempted to build a replica of Brian’s Supra? We sure are.
Many Choices
The BT-01 chassis offers a choice of two wheelbases and front- or rear-wheel-drive systems. Switching between front- and rear-wheel drive is as simple as changing the attachment directions of the final gears and steering linkage, without removing the battery pack, motor, or R/C equipment setups from the center frame.
For rear-wheel-drive cars, you can choose between front (FR) or midship rear (MR) motor positions. The chassis’ four-wheel double wishbone suspension features a symmetrical structure and friction dampers, while unitized sections like the motor mount, final gears and suspension make assembly and maintenance a breeze.
Unitized sections such as the motor mount and final gears allow for easy assembly and maintenance.
The BT-01’s four-wheel double-wishbone suspension features a symmetrical structure and friction dampers.
Separate molded plastic parts such as mirrors, light cases and this wing add to the Supra’s realism.
The BT-01 chassis is highly adaptable and can be configured in as many as six drive configurations. Its wheelbase can be lengthened or shortened as well.
Scale Details
The JZA80 Supra body is crafted from lightweight polycarbonate and includes separately molded plastic parts for the mirrors, wing and light cases, ensuring the ultimate level of detail. The kit also includes silver-colored, 10-spoke, one-piece wheels paired with racing radial tires, adding to the model’s overall realism.
As with most of Tamiya’s recent releases, this kit comes with a Hobbywing THW 1060 brushed ESC and a Tamiya silver-can 540 brushed motor. To complete this build you’ll need a 2-channel radio, a steering servo, a 7.2-7.4-volt battery with a compatible charger, and paint for the body. Even though this is a new kit, the assembly is classic Tamiya—meaning it’s a fantastic kit to build, even for first-timers.
Tamiya BT-01 Toyota Supra JZA80
Vehicle Specs
P/N: 58733-A
MSRP: $198
URL: tamiyausa.com
Scale: 1/10
Chassis: ABS plastic
Shocks: Friction-type
Suspension: Fully independent double wishbone
Drive System: 2WD
Body: Polycarbonate
Wheels: Plastic
Tires: Racing radial
Motor: 540 brushed
ESC: Hobbywing THW 1060 brushed, waterproof
Details such as molded side mirrors add to the Supra’s realistic look.
There’s no mistaking it; Tamiya’s rendition of the JZA80 Supra is a certified JDM classic in RC form.
Final Word
The Tamiya BT-01 chassis Toyota Supra JZA80 reflects Tamiya’s commitment to innovation and quality, offering RC enthusiasts a highly adaptable platform to re-create and enjoy the thrill of driving iconic cars like the Toyota Supra… or any other cars you want to mate to the ever-configurable chassis.
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