Race-Ready – Arrma’s TLR Tuned Typhon 6S 4WD BLX Is Built For High-Performance Racing & Extreme Bashing

Arrma’s Typhon 6S 4WD BLX buggy has long been a favorite among RC enthusiasts for its power and high-performance capabilities. Some drivers have gone beyond the realm of casual bashing and modified the Typhon for competitive off-road racing. Understanding the need for a high-performance platform for racing enthusiasts, Arrma teamed up with RC racing experts TLR to collaborate on this latest release, the TLR Tuned Typhon 6S 4WD BLX.

Before we take a deeper dive and see how the TLR team upgraded this ready-to-run (RTR) buggy to go up against some of the world’s best competition buggies, let’s learn a bit more about TLR. For more than three decades, TLR, which stands for Team Losi Racing, has been dedicated to crafting cutting-edge RC racing products that meet the demands of discerning racers. Renowned worldwide for its innovative designs and engineering prowess, TLR has a proven track record of producing championship-winning vehicles. With this latest release, TLR lends its racing expertise to tune up the Typhon 6S to run on the racetrack.

DUAL-PURPOSE

Take the top-of-the-line Arrma off-road buggy bash platform, give it to TLR, and what might you expect the results are? The TLR program adds chassis tuning and racing capabilities to the Typhon, as well as RTR convenience along with proven Spektrum electronics and brushless power system. With upgrades to improve durability and handling, the giant 1/8-scale TLR Tuned Typhon provides bashers with the perfect platform for entering competitive racing. If you’re a basher that hasn’t taken on the challenge of RC competition yet, this buggy will help you take your first steps into the racing world.

Think of this buggy as a dual-purpose RC off-road speeder. The TLR Tuned Typhon is prepared to hit the racetrack or the bash spot with ease, thanks to its powerful 4S and 6S LiPo dual-capable Spektrum brushless power system. Choose how much power you put down by selecting the right battery for the occasion. It can compete at local racetracks on 4S, while the additional power of a 6S LiPo allows the Typhon to perform outrageous stunts and tackle big jumps for off-road bashing.

THE TLR DIFFERENCE

Typhon’s inherent robustness remains. It just gets a shot in the arm in terms of competition-spec upgrades thanks to the addition of TLR Tuned 7075-T6 aluminum upgrades to the chassis plate, steering rack, adjustable upper and lower suspension hangers, shock bodies, and front and rear shock towers. All of these parts are laser-etched with the TLR Tuned logo. Included with the vehicle are TLR Tuned aluminum upper and lower suspension hanger inserts that can be interchanged to optimize the buggy’s performance in different driving situations.

TLR Tuned 7075-T6 aluminum shock towers accommodate flexible oil-filled shocks that incorporate TLR Tuned aluminum shock bodies, machined tapered shock pistons, and EXB (Extreme Bash) shock stand-offs. This suspension upgrade is highly beneficial for its smooth ride over rough terrain, including dirt, asphalt and grass. The adjustable oil-filled shocks effectively absorb shocks and impacts, minimizing jolts and bumps that could damage the vehicle or disrupt handling. This results in a superior driving experience and extended vehicle lifespan, making it a worthwhile investment for those looking to maximize performance and longevity.

PERFORMANCE & DURABILITY

The buggy also features a heavy-duty drivetrain that holds up to extreme bashing and high-speed racing, with all-metal diff outdrives and gearbox internals, as well as durable steel driveshafts throughout. Its high-quality dBoots EXABYTE tires are constructed using race compound rubber to ensure lasting durability. Their multi-surface tread design delivers exceptional grip on any terrain. With foam inserts included, the tires come pre-glued to low-drag 1/8 buggy nylon wheels. The wheels’ 17mm hex fitting, which is a standard in the industry, not only provides extra strength during high-intensity activities but also enables easy maintenance and a diverse range of wheel fitment and tuning possibilities.

Not only does driving the Typhon promise to be a breeze, apparently maintenance of the racing buggy is too. The efficient, driver-friendly design of the TLR Tuned Typhon minimizes maintenance downtime with features like an aluminum sliding mount for fast, hassle-free access to the factory-installed Spektrum Firma 4074 2050kV brushless motor.

Typhon’s body comes pre-painted and decorated in an Arrma-exclusive paint scheme that the company calls Race Spec. It’s an attractive red, white and blue livery that stands out at the racetrack. What’s more, an Arrma Race Spec tunable rear wing helps keep the tires and buggy grounded, contributing to confident control and responsive handling at high speeds. We found the wing to be made of durable plastic that can take a few rollovers without any noteworthy damage to speak of.

ON THE TRACK

We took the TLR Tuned Typhon to a local racetrack to see how it performs with the big boys. We didn’t race it per se, but we did run it against other competition buggies and that allowed us to roughly gauge how it would fare against the off-road racers. All in all, we’d say the TLR Tuned Typhon held its own. The buggy is heavier than some other racing buggies, but we figure it is more robust as well. It’s powerful and handles predictably, which fits its dual-purpose race and bash role quite nicely.

After a half day at the dirt track, dialing it in for the race course’s layout, we left with the feeling that the TLR Tuned Typhon is the perfect stepping stone for bashers who want to do some part-time racing. With some more work, it has the promise of being even more competitive. If we had one upgrade we’d make to it, it may be the steering servo, but that’s true of most RTR vehicles.

Arrma TLR Tuned Typhon 6S 4WD BLX 1/8 Scale Buggy VEHICLE SPECS

P/N: ARA8406
MSRP: $629.99
arrma-rc.com

Height: 7.44 in. (189 mm)
Length: 20.27 in. (515 mm)
Width: 12.28 in. (312mm)
Wheelbase: 12.91 in. (328 mm)
Weight: 8.0 lbs. (3.63 kg)

Scale: 1/8
Chassis: 3mm plate, 7075-T6 aluminum
Body: Pre-painted polycarbonate
Suspension: 4-wheel independent
Shocks: Aluminum, oil-filled, coilover springs
Differentials: 3 gear diffs
Ball Bearings: Rubber shielded bearings throughout
Wheels and Tires: Low-drag nylon wheels, dBoots EXABYTE tires
Transmitter: Spektrum SLT3
Receiver: SR315 3-channel
ESC: Spektrum Firma 150A Smart ESC
Motor: Spektrum Firma 2050kV brushless

FINAL WORD

Overall, Arrma’s TLR Tuned Typhon 6S 4WD BLX buggy is a fantastic platform for intermediate-level bashers who have an eye towards racing. Its high-performance capabilities and durable upgrades make it a standout

in both the worlds of RC bashing and racing. If you’re looking for a large-scale, quick and powerful buggy that can handle rough bash sessions as well as precision racing, you’ll want to look into the TLR Tuned Typhon.

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Text by James York
Images by Jerry Tsai