New Axial Yeti Score and Yeti Jr. 1/18 Rock Racer RTR [VIDEO]

New Axial Yeti Score and Yeti Jr. 1/18 Rock Racer RTR [VIDEO]

The Yeti lineup from Axial has been a huge hit, and now they are releasing something we didn’t expect, the Yeti Jr., a 1/18-scale electric 4WD Rock Racer, and Yeti Score, a 1/10-scale electric 4WD Trophy Truck. Both are nicely outfitted right out of the box (RTR), and feature durable construction, desert styling, solid rear axle, and independent front suspension (IFS). So whether you want to go with something that’s more traditional at 1/10-scale, or something you can use in smaller areas with the Yeti Jr. at 1/18-scale, both give you a serious option for fun on rough terrain. See below for official Axial hype, more photos and video.

From Axial:

Yeti Jr. 1/18 Rock Racer RTR

With the introduction of the Yeti line back in 2014, the bar was set. Axial introduced a vehicle that featured independent front suspension(IFS) with a floating solid rear axle, something commonly reserved only for the full size off-road realm. This time around, the decision was made to make things a wee bit smaller, while still providing a high level of performance. Enter, Yeti Jr.™ Rock Racer 1/18th Scale Electric 4WD – RTR. We’ve taken all that you’ve come to love and appreciate in the Yeti chassis, but shrunk it down to 1/18th scale. It’s powered by a 380 sized brushed motor which provides the perfect amount of torque and speed for this tiny rock racing monster. Also featuring a bespoke all-in-one programmable Tactic ESC and receiver, paired with a 3-wire micro high torque steering servo. At the end of the day, the goal was to build a simple, fun, and easy to drive Yeti that anyone can handle. The hardest part about the Yeti Jr.™ Rock Racer is making sure you have enough battery packs charged in order to keep the adventure alive!

ax90054_action_02_950

FEATURES

READY-TO-RUN COMPLETE – EVERYTHING YOU NEED IS INCLUDED!
In a fast paced world where space is limited and ease of use is paramount, charging the supplied Onyx 6-cell NiMH battery needs to be simple and convenient. This is where the Onyx USB NiMH Charger comes into play. It’s small, compact, and easy to operate. That’s all that’s required. Simply plug into a USB power source and plug the NiMH battery into the charger and you’re charging.

DURATRAX ONYX 7.2V NiMH BATTERY
Other batteries make claims to charge / discharge rates that can’t be substantiated, but Onyx packs are “true” rated, so they deliver on their performance promises. Now there are more capacity and configuration options to choose from, and all are priced to fit within a sport modeler’s budget!

AA BATTERIES
The radio is powered by four AA alkaline batteries (included).

 ax90054_side_950px
ar18_axle_950
rear_suspension_axle_trailing_arm_950

AR18 SOLID REAR AXLE
To help keep the scale premise in check, simply shrinking down an existing axle was just not an option. In keeping the proportions correct along with yielding ample terrain clearance a new axle was designed, the AR18. Features include a compact two-piece design, captured pinion gear, and three-linked rear suspension with integrated sway-bar like support design for improved handling.

Rear suspension features:
• 8mm axle with 12mm hex adapter
• Open diff
• 61mm-90mm 7mm diameter shocks with 3mm shocks shafts
• Multiple shock mounting positions

ADJUSTABLE COILOVER SHOCKS
The threaded shock bodies hold a single coilover spring. They are oil filled and allow you to tune the dampening rate.
• 61mm-90mm 7mm diameter shocks
• 3mm shock shafts

INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION
The Yeti™ Jr. is equipped with an Independent Front Suspension (IFS) system to help maintain high-speed stability when running through a diverse range of terrain. The IFS system allows you to better control the intended direction of travel at high speeds when one side is adjusting to overcome road obstructions. This stability that the IFS front end provides is paramount when rock racing.

Front suspension features:
• Machined aluminum CVD’s
• 8mm axle with 12mm hex adapter
• Open diff
• 2.50mm hingepins
• 45mm-62mm 7mm diameter shocks with 3mm shocks shafts
• Multiple shock mounting positions

chassis_v2_950

EASY CHASSIS ACCESS
Pull two pins and pop the hood for complete access to chassis components.

drivetrain_1_950

Our universals provide smoother action for a higher performing, efficient drivetrain. The universal is made of machined aluminum for durability.

ax90054_yeti_rock_racer_wheel_950px
1.55 METHOD BEADLOCK STYLE WHEELS
Based off the popular Method 105 machined wheels, these officially licensed wheels are dressed in an aggressive all black style and they feature a standard sized 12mm hex for a strong, durable fit.
Yeti Score 1/10 Trophy Truck RTR
The Yeti™ SCORE® Trophy Truck® RTR is THE ONE that Axial has been working towards for a long time! We’ve always wanted to build a Trophy Truck®, but we first had to build a successful platform. For authenticity, it had to be solid rear axle versus the commonly accepted independent suspension all the way around. Some would consider this “going backwards.” But Axial didn’t just accept what the establishment said was the only way, we wanted true scale looks with the functionality to match. When we delivered the Yeti™ Rock Racer with its IFS front end and solid rear axle, we knew then we had the key ingredients to deliver the vehicle of our dreams – our very own solid rear axle trophy truck! And to top it off we went straight to Roger Norman, CEO/President of SCORE® International, for his blessing and for official licensing.
ax90050_yeti_tt_04b_950
ax90050_yeti_tt_01b_950

SCORE® International, the premier world championship desert racing association, was founded in 1973 by the legendary Mickey Thompson. This race organization is home to the world famous Baja 1000 and Baja 500 events. If you live in Southern California, chances are you have seen the iconic red, white and blue SCORE® decals adorning off road vehicles all over the place. This desert racing series was the early inspiration for short course racing events, as organizers tried to bring desert racing to the masses in confined spaces. That’s right, short course off road racing was born in the desert. In true Axial style, we brought you a new R/C vehicle replicating desert racing’s top level competition vehicles, the SCORE® Trophy Truck®.

Axial didn’t stop there. We partnered with the top companies actively developing their products through desert racing to take authenticity to the next level. The Axial SCORE® Trophy Truck® is suspended by a set of aluminum King Shocks rocking the iconic blue shock caps, rod ends, ride height adjusters and springs. King Shocks is a company who has all but dominated the sport through the years providing the latest technology known to man to conquer the harsh terrain of Baja.

Axial also partnered with BFGoodrich® to bring you accurate replicas of the latest spec desert racing tire, the Baja T/A® KR2. This tire has already produced wins at both the Baja 1000 and the grueling King of the Hammers events. A set of five functional BFGoodrich® tires mounted to the extremely strong 105 Method Race wheels provide the connection to dirt. The fifth wheel and tire being a functional spare accessed quickly from the rear of the Trophy Truck® cage.

The other partners on this vehicle are names synonymous with success in the desert:

Rigid Industries – The best lighting available for pitch black night racing in Baja
Lowrance – GPS units to help keep you on course in extremely dusty conditions
Fuel Safe – Custom fuel bladders for the aluminum fuel cells on board.
Pro Am Racing products – Spindles, hubs, brakes and power steering racks
Magnaflow – Exhaust systems for maximum performance and mean sound
PCI Race Radios – Communication between driver, co-driver, chase vehicles and pits
Rancho Drivetrain Engineering – Bullet proof transmissions
Sparco – Safety equipment, and the best molded seats in the business

ax90050_yeti_tt_05b_950Features

3150KV BRUSHLESS MOTOR, WATER RESISTANT
The included 3150KV 4-pole brushless motor provides the perfect amount of torque and speed for this Baja conquering beast. The long can design provides a massive amount of power, especially when powered by 3S. Whether ripping through the fields or negotiating technical terrain, this power plant has you covered.

ADJUSTABLE ALUMINUM SHOCKS
The included aluminum King Shocks feature precision machined pistons which offer smooth performance throughout the range of travel. Made to tight tolerances, these aluminum shocks feature clear coated polished aluminum bodies and are threaded for quick ride height adjustments and pre-load tuning ability.

2.2/3.0 BFGOODRICH® BAJA T/A® KR2 TIRES (SB40 COMPOUND)
In the full-size off-road world of Trophy Truck® racing, BFGoodrich® Baja T/A® KR2 tires are the obligatory ‘go-to’ tire and responsible for winning numerous Baja championships, including the 2014 SCORE Baja 500 and 1000. The Axial version of this tire captures the same aggressive look and provides awesome performance on a wide variety of surfaces. This is the perfect tire for this style of vehicle due to its high level of performance and diversity.

BFGoodrich® Tires and Baja T/A® KR2 Trademarks are used under License from Michelin

AR60 OCP-AXLE™, SOLID REAR AXLE, 4-LINKED
The AR60 OCP-Axle™ is constructed from high strength composite material which has a low flex rate but is not as brittle as standard glass filled nylon. The combination of our axles and a true 4-link suspension gives you optimal performance for any terrain with the look of a real 1:1 vehicle.

• Off-center pumpkin design
• Axle tubes are reinforced with a boxed-in axle truss
• High strength composite material

2.2/3.0 METHOD 105 REPLICA WHEELS
Based off the popular Method 105 machined wheels, these officially licensed wheels are dressed in an aggressive all black style and compatible with most 2.2/3.0 short course tires. The hub design allows this wheel to mount to any YETI™, Wraith™, AX10™ or SCX10™
INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION
The Yeti™ Trophy Truck® is equipped with an Independent Front Suspension [IFS] system to help maintain high-speed stability when running through a diverse range of terrain. The IFS system allows you to better control the intended direction of travel at high speeds when one side is adjusting to overcome road obstructions. This stability that the IFS front end provides is paramount when blasting through the desert. Backing up the front suspension is the AR60 rear axle with a true 4-link design that cycles nearly 3” of wheel travel.
WB8 HD WILDBOAR™ REAR DRIVESHAFT
The Yeti™ features the proven AR60 rear axle with a completely new 4-linked rear suspension. The Yeti™ chassis offers 3 upper link positions to adjust the anti-squat. The lower link mounts can be flipped to change the roll center. These advanced tuning options will help you get the most performance from your rig. The WB8 HD rear driveshaft features an updated design with a larger diameter cross pin (2x11mm) along with an M4 Screw Shaft (2mm hex drive) for added strength. A center splined slider floats between each end and features added material which reduces flex and fatigue.
• 3-piece driveshaft with strengthened slider-floater tube.
• Increased surface at the connection between the ball joints and output shaft tubes.
• 2x11mm cross pin adds 25% more surface area providing more strength for the ball joint.
• Captured cross pin design eliminates older set screw design for more durability and easy maintenance.
LONG TRAVEL REAR SWAY BAR
The pursuit of horsepower and the ability to put the power to the ground is one of the main aspects of offroad racing. This unique torsion bar design with long pivot arms used in conjunction with the long travel suspension is designed to help control the torque twist associated with massive power. This system also helps reduce body roll and adds stability at high speeds. The rear sway bar is standard equipment, offering a tremendous amount of high speed stability. Because our customers are known for modifying their vehicles provisions were made to offer three more mounting positions for custom builds with different wheelbases. Axial will have several different sway bar options available in the future to adjust firmness.
yeti_transmission_950x300
HI-LO TRANSMISSION
The Axial Hi-Lo transmission was specifically designed for the Yeti chassis. With all metal internal gears, this full ball bearing transmission has the strength to endure the harshest rock racing environment and brushless power. The factory gearbox comes as a single speed with the high gear installed for high speed fun. The integrated motor mount features a wide range of movement for endless gearing options.NOTE: optional two-speed transmission component sold separately (AX31181).

DUAL SLIPPER CLUTCH
Our dual slipper design uses a pad on each side of the spur gear for added surface area. This allows for more precise tuning and holding power. The spur gear features strong, 32 pitch gearing for high torque applications.
WB8 HD CENTER CVD JOINT – FRONT
The WB8 HD Wildboar™ Driveshaft Joint is employed from the transmission to the front bulkhead. It features an updated design with a larger diameter cross pin (2x11mm) along with an M4 Screw Shaft (2mm hex drive) for added strength.
EASY ACCESS BATTERY TRAY
The integrated battery tray can be easily accessed by removing the two front body pins and pivoting up the entire body. Gain full access to the battery trap door by removing the remaining body pin. The battery tray is fully height adjustable with four button head screws, making room for most standard sized 2s and 3s LiPo battery packs.
RECEIVER BOX, WATERPROOF
The new waterproof receiver box is integrated into the bottom of the Yeti™ chassis. Three different silicone seals are included, one for the antenna, one for the servo wires (includes three slots for three channels), and one acts as a gasket for the receiver box cover. No more stress when running in mud, water, or snow!
MAIN CHASSIS
• Added ribs for strength, reducing flex, deflecting debris
• Tapered shape to reduce catch points under compression
• Minimal hardware exposed
• Separate bolt on 4-link mounts, these can be swapped left to right to change link geometry. This increases the YETI’s versatility by giving you more tuning options
• Chassis length has been minimized to maximize the lower control arms for added travel and stability at high speeds
scale_details_950x300_v2
REALISTIC SCALE DETAILS
Realistic scale details include: polycarbonate interior tray with molded driver figures and dashboard, three pairs of black styrene helmets (Sparco™, Moto-X, Skully), molded exhaust outlets, molded grill, and molded hood vents. We’ve also included molded plastic light buckets at all 4 corners. Simply add our LED lights and controller for a street legal pre-runner.

Never miss an issue of RC Car Action!

Subscribe today with a Digital Edition subscription or Print + Digital combo!

 

Updated: December 9, 2016 — 5:19 PM
Air Age Media ©