New Kyosho Mini Inferno

[StevePond]

http://www.rccaraction.com/pics/Kyosho/MInferno1.jpg

http://www.rccaraction.com/pics/Kyosho/MInferno4.jpg


We got a chance recently to check out a pre-production version of the new Kyosho Mini Inferno when a few Kyosho hot shots brought it into town for a little testing. Jason Sams, one of our West Coast Editors, sat down with the Kyosho gang and got the scoop on this hottest new mini. Among other features, this machine runs on six alkaline cells or up to eight of the 2/3A-size Ni-MH cells. Additionally, it has a big 380-size motor, not the typical 280-size motor found in most other minis. The present schedule calls for a release date in February 2005, so it's not going to be here for Christmas, but it won't be much longer. Stay tuned for more info.


-Adjustable rear toe (comes with three different rear toe blocks)
- Adjustable front caster (20 and 22 degree front hubs provided)
- Several shock mounting positions in the both front and rear towers.
- Friction shocks (optional oil-filled with be available)
- Powered by 6 Alkaline dry cells or 8-cell NiMh GP 1100 cells
- Easily adjustable servo saver in right side bellcrank
- Full-time 4WD
- Slotted dish wheels with Mini-pin style tires (comes with foam inserts)
-380-sized motor
- Micro-sized servo (different servo mounts provided for the bigger "Mini" sized servos)
-Plenty of chassis space for upgrading to 1/10-scale electronics
- Receiver and speedo combo unit
- Adjustable slipper clutch
- Droop screws in the suspension arms
- Mounts for optional front and rear sway bars
- Adjustable motor mount
- Most parts (suspension arms, chassis, towers etc...) closely resemble 1/8-scale Inferno
- Faux engine cooling head can easily be removed with a single body clip

QUICK SPECS
Wheelbase: 176mm
Track F/R: 148mm
Weight: 800g
Motor: 380-sized
Wheel Size: 64mmX25mm
Length: 270mm
Final drive ratio: 10.8:1

http://www.rccaraction.com/pics/Kyosho/MInferno5.jpg

http://www.rccaraction.com/pics/Kyosho/MInferno7.jpg
http://www.rccaraction.com/pics/Kyosho/MInferno8.jpg

[ggfx-mikey]

thats neat

[shadmaster4]

Is that a 2-3 speed? Look at the motor shaft!

[rckid11]

Sweet!!!!!!!

[fanke19]

It's the start of a whole new mini class...watch!

[Saboteur]

Awesome. :)

[shibby6]

nice, 2-speed..... too bad my heart is set to a minizilla....

[Combatcm]

It's not 2 speed, one gear is the spur and the spur is connected through the slipper to the idler, which is connected to the center diff. I think it looks a little cheap and cluttered around the gears.

I don't like the saddle packs

you probably can't change the gear ratio.

I think kyosho rushed it. I want to get it, but I don't really like how its made. I know some guy in the conference room was really egging the idea of the saddles against the RC18T style chassis with the pack on the side. But you have to seal the gears somehow. Looks like its going to take a long time to take out the gears for maintenance.

I would also put my money on it being RTR as the battery in it looks as if its kit specific.

[NitroBoy24]

That thing looks good. But, they REALLY need to drop the cooling head and fake stinger :rolleyes:

[rcboy201]

that it the coolest thing i've ever laid my eyes on........i am going to have to get one

[sugs]

I didn't see it at first, but there is a clear cover over the gears which probably means a sealed transmission.

[T/Losi]

That is awesome :)

Cheers

[minimole]

Nice, but its got friction shocks!!! :eek: :eek: :eek:

[losiguy1090]

Pretty sweet looking car.

But I bet 10 bucks that this will turn into the next 1/8 buggy class, and before you know it, your paying 500 bucks for a mini :D :rolleyes:

[bobf24]

i think that looks absolutly too cool, and for how small it is, its amazingly adjustable, different rear toe, caster, and droop screws? i'm goign to have to put one of them on back order for sure,

[Cain]

Friction shocks, I sure hope that doesn't stay in the design. If anything really sucked on the stock Mini-T, friction shocks were at the top.

I am very interested in this vehicle, wonder when we can get some video of it and see how fast it goes on those 8 cells.

[MTkid7]

Any word on price?

[CooLJoE8]

Well, I'm a bit disappointed, but I'm still going to preorder one.

First and foremost, Friction Shocks need to go. Listen up Kyosho, we don't care how friggin cheap they are, get rid of them ASAP. I'd gladly pay an extra $20 if I got good oil shocks with it instead.

Also, the combo RX/ESC is another thing that needs to go. Didn't they learn from the Mini-T debacle? No one likes propretary electronics. And even worse, that thing looks IDENTICAL to the one that the Mini-T came with. I sure hope the servo is better.

Oh well, it holds a 380 motor, so I'll be throwing in my brushless setup right away. Just gotta figure out what pitch it uses for gearing.


Also, am I the only one that thinks the knuckles look rather large? And those shocks are definetely too big. Don't look very scale to me.

[Freak e-maxx1]

so much plastic on all the new mini's damn stop being cheap ae losi.......

[FantomTC3]

That little truck is sweet.

[Freedom]

so much plastic on all the new mini's damn stop being cheap ae losi.......


I have only one thing to say Tamiya TLT-1 Rockbuster :eek:

And it's a kit!!!

[k_bojar]

Also, am I the only one that thinks the knuckles look rather large? And those shocks are definetely too big. Don't look very scale to me.

You obvisiously don't own a 8th buggy...the shocks on the "real" buggies are pretty large - so the scaled down version would look just as large...

[zakerid]

It's not 2 speed, one gear is the spur and the spur is connected through the slipper to the idler, which is connected to the center diff. I think it looks a little cheap and cluttered around the gears.

I don't like the saddle packs

you probably can't change the gear ratio.

I think kyosho rushed it. I want to get it, but I don't really like how its made. I know some guy in the conference room was really egging the idea of the saddles against the RC18T style chassis with the pack on the side. But you have to seal the gears somehow. Looks like its going to take a long time to take out the gears for maintenance.

I would also put my money on it being RTR as the battery in it looks as if its kit specific.
did you see the pinion o the motor. I can see how someone may think it is a 2 speed. that is very odd.

[sosidge]

Already people are complaining about the car!

It looks just fine to me.

Plastic a problem? What else are you going to make it of? MP777's have lots of plastic too...

These cars sell as RTR's to people looking for compact electric fun - so friction shocks don't matter.

I don't know how you can make statements like the ESCeiver looks the same as the Mini-T one - you can hardly see it in these pics. Anyway, the problem with the Mini-T electronics was the special servo, the ESCeiver isn't so bad.

It'll go well on 8 cells and a 380 motor - but it seems a fair bit heavier than an RC18T without being much bigger, so I think it will be a more specialised interest than the 1/18th trucks - probably won't match them on the racetracks.

[Combatcm]

I guess I see how one might think its 2 speed. But I think its simply a gear reduction and slipper clutch. The pinion is really long though.

Maybe you can swap those 2 gears around? So the bigger gear is on the end of the motor pinion meshing to the center "diff" or whatever its going to be.

[thefasttrack]

its the same f***** servo i hate that

[CooLJoE8]

You obvisiously don't own a 8th buggy...the shocks on the "real" buggies are pretty large - so the scaled down version would look just as large...

You obviously are wrong.

I've owned 2 1/8th buggies and a Monster Pirate (which shared alot of buggy parts including the shocks). Those knuckles are not scaled down from 1/8th, nor are the shocks. I'm not saying they are overly huge, just that they don't look like scale versions.

[docman2]

But by being larger they should hold up to more abuse. If they were small then they would break easier and then people would complain about that.

[CooLJoE8]

I don't know about that.

If they were scaled down properly, they'd still be bigger than the ones available for the Mini-T, RC18T, and MiniQuake, and all of those ones hold up quite well to bashing. Even for friction shocks, the Mini-T ones hold up well. I did so much abuse to my Mini-T (full aluminum Mini-T with 8000kv brushless), that I bent turnbuckles left and right and never broke/bent a friction shock (yeah I know, its sad I still kept the friction shocks with all that aluminum. frictions are gone now though...got some oil shocks).

Probably one of the first things I'll do for my Mini Inferno is to replace the shocks with aluminum MiniQuake or Mini-T rears, since those are the longest mini/micro aluminum shocks out there.

[bobf24]

- Friction shocks (optional oil-filled with be available)

why not jsut use the kit kysoho is making for the car?

[CooLJoE8]

If they come out at the same time as the buggy itself.....sure. But that hasn't happened for any of the Micros yet.

[ducati777]

I think its funny you guys are talking about scale... Its a scaled down verson of a car that is a scaled down version of nothing....

[sugs]

My thoughts exactly...

[Freak e-maxx1]

NEW ERA should make a nitro conversion for this i would buy it then it would have a .11 or summin and it would be the next new thing

[delphidude]

/\ no minis are fine being electric. kyosho had a good idea just bad execution.

like stated before

i don't want those ****** electronics.
i don't want those ****** shocks.

[rckid11]

Yeh. The electronics are really going to keep it down. Why didn't they learn from the mini-t? Hopefully they will release a "team" kit that does not include electronics, and has more aluminum/cf parts, and NO FRICTION SHOCKS! And I bet the price will be VERY high knowing kyosho... I think I will wait for a kit....

[CooLJoE8]

/\ no minis are fine being electric. kyosho had a good idea just bad execution.

like stated before

i don't want those ****** electronics.
i don't want those ****** shocks.

You are using those statements incorrectly.

We hate the electronics and shocks because they used the cheap versions. Not because we want Nitro. Sorry, I'd rather NOT have nitro at this size. The market for small nitro engines, is crap. They aren't built for powering little cars at high speeds. Take the nitro Mini-T for example. It used a cox .06 or .049 nitro engine and reached 30mph at best. Not bad, but you can do better with brushless setup, that cost alot less than the nitro conversion for the Mini-T. Its just not worth it to go Nitro in the Mini/Micro car/truck/buggy world yet. Maybe if Kyosho teamed up with another engine manufacturer and created a tuned engine specifically for these, then I could see it being worthwhile.

[rckid11]

Also the point of mini's is using them indoors. Nitro leaves oil, smoke, and fumes. Also small nitro engines are really loud (i think). And I already have enough trouble starting my 1/8 scale nitro, its just nice to be able to plug a battery in and drive around.

[Saboteur]

Also the point of mini's is using them indoors. Nitro leaves oil, smoke, and fumes. Also small nitro engines are really loud (i think). And I already have enough trouble starting my 1/8 scale nitro, its just nice to be able to plug a battery in and drive around.

Complaints like sounds like you haven't mastered engine tuning. 8th scales in general are louder than 10th scales. They aren't many pipes for reducing noise and some that do reduce performance. Not flaming you or anything here, but it seems as if you just given up on your 8th scale. Which one are you running btw? If you ask around and give it a little while, you may be able to get the car running properly. Plug and play is great for electrics. IMO a nice BL setup is great for running around. It seems to cost a bit at first, but in the long run (and I mean long run) it pays off. I don't really spend much on my nitro vehicles nor have many upgrades on them. It's great in stock form. I do think about a BL system for my TL-01 and all, but I'm not to sure. I'd rather go monster truckin' this time and leave my 8th scale on the side for when I get bored with the MT.

Anyway, this is kyosho's first mini vehicle and a resemblence of an 8th scale. Something no other company did before. It's a start and they may offer upgrades for it later on. Other companies also started out with sport electronics and friction shocks. Could atleast give them credit.

[rckid11]

I also have a 1/10... Its a savage 25, and its tuned fine. Just with nitro's you have to deal with starting them.

[CooLJoE8]

Other companies also started out with sport electronics and friction shocks. Could atleast give them credit.

Credit for making a Mini 1/8th buggy? Yes.

Only 1 other company used those crappy all-in-one electronics. Losi Mini-T. And that was over a year ago, and people complained about it big time. I consider Kyosho morons for even thinking of using those electronics after all the crap Losi got for using them. The Trinity IB Spider has an all-in-one electronics package in their RTR version, but the servo is 3-wire, so standard servos should work just fine. The big flaw of the Mini-T electronics was that you were stuck with the 4-wire servo they used.

Yes, most of them came with friction shocks to start; Losi Mini-T, Trinity IB Spider, M18, MicroRS4. But then there are some that went past that and included oil shocks right away; RC18T, MiniQuake, MiniZilla. Even Losi learned form that and came out with the Mini-T Pro which has the better turnbuckles, oil shocks, no electronics, ball diff, etc. I'm sure Kyosho will release a special version of the Mini-777 at some point, but I think the electronics and friction shocks are a joke, and a stupid move on Kyosho's part. They could have atleast skipped the all-in-one electronics. I could deal with friction shocks out of the box, but those electronics are junk. Servo brakes, tough luck. You gotta send it back to Kyosho or hope the LHS has some spares from the Losi debacle or that Kyosho has spares for sale.




I think my only other complaint, which is quite specific so its not really a fault of Kyosho....just like a downside of the design, is that its going to be tough fitting in some of the 380 size BL motors. The 380 size BL motors are longer than a 380 brushed motor. And that spot is already kind of tight. But we'll see when they come out. I already have the 380 BL motor (for my MiniQuake).

[Saboteur]

rckid- I hardly have a problem starting any of my nitros. Just that I need xtra equipment to bring out on the field, which is no problem for me though. I went from pullstarts to starter boxes and won't go back...unless the vehicle only works with a P/S. Anyway electrics are cool for the start and go. Thinking of a T4 RTR. Not really sure what I'll buy with my X-mas money and $$$ I saved up.

[winning edge designs]

>sigh<........Racers, dudes, man, the thing is sweet.....it's geared towards the majority of the intended market, not for us racers. We will buy it and mod it up to multi hundo dollar spec ourselves, the average RTR buyer will never see a track!

If you owned a company in the R/C market and could sell 3000 units to racers for $220, or 28,000 units to the RTR market for $169, which would you do?....Here's the math, if you would profit the same $50 per unit let's say(easy math), $150,000 profit if you cater to us, or $1,400,000 if you cater to the RTR crowd..........no contest.

We can hope that they will eventually get to a race spec car, but it may take a little while like it usually does. I'm thinking they will have a truck version, or conversion as well before to long also! :)............Jim

[winning edge designs]

Note that the only people ever complaining about the Mini-T were the smaller "racing" crowd.....See math portion above, :).......Jim

[rckid11]

Nitro is just more maintence.... Now back to the topic...

[dirtbike]

That looks sweet, but i bet its not cheep like the other Mini's.

[CooLJoE8]

Note that the only people ever complaining about the Mini-T were the smaller "racing" crowd.....See math portion above, :).......Jim

Wrong.

I don't race my Mini-T, yet I complained about the combo ESC/receiver problem. And I remember others complaining, including non-racers.



And the comparison about selling X amount for $230 and X amount for $170.....tell that to Asssociated. The RC18T doesn't have those crappy electronics yet they sell like hotcakes. Heck, they even have oil shocks.

A properly made RTR Mini Inferno shouldn't need to cost over $200. With those crappy electronics and friction shocks, that thing better cost $150 or less. Above that and it better have seperate electronics and/or oil shocks. All the mini/micro R/Cs above $150 include both mentioned items (seperate ESC/receiver and oil shocks).



Anyways, lets just focus on the good points on this thing. I think the topic of crappy ESC/Receiver and friction shocks has been exhausted before by the Mini-T owners.

[Figit090]

I didn't read evey post, but i'll state my opinion on the buggy so far;

IT sucks!

lol....why?


The friction shocks - that's just plain skimping and they know it...they want more $$ so they'll make you want to upgrade the thing right off, bringing in more money, so you're paying for 2 sets of shocks. (UNLESS they perfected the friction design and made it worth using...doubt it though)

The imitation "nitro" heat sink - that is UBER-lame!! they could have made it some other shape but instead they choose to trick nitro finatics into thinking there is an awsome little nitro sitting one pit table over, or in the hobby shop display case...so they get us interested, and then we get dissapointed.....

The fake stinger?? - that's just stupid!! another sign they just want $$ so they make the thing look like something it's not... they know nitro has more "cool" factor so for more publicity they tack on a piece of plastic? that's silly.... I would appriciate it more if the heat sink and fake stinger were omitted...most ESC's don't need heat sinks anyhow....

IT COSTS OVER 200 BUX??? what the heck do they want from us!? I wish they'd just engineer it right and do it honest... instead of all these stupid bling-bling fakes...

Their new monster with a hood scoop and 2 engines?? A mini with imitation parts?? That monster's gotta be hell to get it runnin right...can you imagine what would happen if it flipped and slid a few feet on dirt or sand? that hood scoop would be like a shovel into whatever you're running on....

Now with duratrax, and losi...what stunts have they pulled? traxxas? AE?

I can't wait to see what the ads for this buggy look like....

[ncrego]

What I like is that Figit090 not only posted in both threads on this vehicle that he thinks it's Uber-Lame, but that he uses the term Uber-lame. Now that kid's one cool mofo.

That being said, I think it looks like a fun little car. I doubt I'll buy one, as I already bought an RC-18T, and never really run it, but it does look pretty good to me. I really couldn't care less if they put a fake stinger and heat sink on it. These things are basically toys to play with, and chase the cat around the house. I'm sure it'll be good for that, as well as racing on small tracks.

[winning edge designs]

Cooljoe8, some good points, but unfortunatly, I think the A/E RC18T's plastic oil shocks will quickly be replaced by people who like to have bling bling. As will the radio gear, tires, body, etc..............Every racer always and some RTR bashers will complain about the radio gear, then swap in a high end receiver, speedo and radio. Next they will buy $200 worth of aluminum and high power motors, etc., or more.

The majority of people WANT to customize, or modify thier cars, no matter what.

I have seen posts from people asking about reservoir shocks for the LST for goodnes sake! LOL...............They don't hold enough oil, hahaha?

I once had a Micro RS4, until guys started showing up at the track with $600 micro RS4's. Now it's $600 Mini-T's, soon $600 RC18T's......People can't get enough of the bling bling. The manufacturers are trying to meet the demand, until the market is saturated..........I can't really blame em', when people keep buying it......Jim

[Freak e-maxx1]

any one know when its comin out or who is going to sell it?

[CooLJoE8]

Cooljoe8, some good points, but unfortunatly, I think the A/E RC18T's plastic oil shocks will quickly be replaced by people who like to have bling bling. As will the radio gear, tires, body, etc..............Every racer always and some RTR bashers will complain about the radio gear, then swap in a high end receiver, speedo and radio. Next they will buy $200 worth of aluminum and high power motors, etc., or more.

The majority of people WANT to customize, or modify thier cars, no matter what.

I have seen posts from people asking about reservoir shocks for the LST for goodnes sake! LOL...............They don't hold enough oil, hahaha?

I once had a Micro RS4, until guys started showing up at the track with $600 micro RS4's. Now it's $600 Mini-T's, soon $600 RC18T's......People can't get enough of the bling bling. The manufacturers are trying to meet the demand, until the market is saturated..........I can't really blame em', when people keep buying it......Jim

True, people upgrade for the bling bling factor. Let them. I didn't say there was a problem with that. However, FORCING people to upgrade by using cheap parts is crap, and thats what Kyosho is doing with the Mini Inferno; by using friction shocks and all-in-one ESC/RXs that are known to be junk.

[winning edge designs]

I get what your saying, i'm just saying it's a little harsh to call it junk. I think the gear they install in cars of this nature is acceptable and economical, keeping costs down for the majority of buyers who will never notice.

Trust me, being in the industry for almost 20 years, I know how it works. If they spend $20 more on better radios or electroinics, the RTR's will sell for $20 more. You'll never get the better equipment and the same price.

When someone has seen a Ferrari, then they buy a Taurus and call it junk.....I'd say each suits an ideal audience or has it's purpose.

I think the little car is pretty cool and no matter what gear it came with, if it wasn't running on an XS3 Pro radio, with one of the $100 micro speedo's, or maybe a brushless set-up, it would come out anyway.........jmho, Jim

[CooLJoE8]

I know, I understand that.

But I'm saying I'd rather they put in better electronics and shocks and up the price of the thing. I'd pay the extra.

Those electronics ARE junk. Well, the ESC and receiver part work, but forcing you to use a specific servo is crap. And worse off, the servo is complete junk. I wouldn't have minded if they used the same stuff Trinity used in the IB Spider. Their all-in-one electronics allow the use of any 3-wire servo.

[Cain]

My thing is seeing how AE did it with there vehicle, and the price is not that much more than say the Losi, It is possible to put better stuff in there than just that. Heck, I can get a 1/10 size Evader ST RTR for around the price this will sell for.

[1822]

I'm with Winning Edge - they simply made a business decision to equip a car in manner that would make it affordable for most customers. When you start realizing that the world doesn't spin on an axis underneath your feet, you might realize that it's a complex decision that isn't always going to result in exactly what YOU want. I don't understand why you need to trash talk because it isn't featured exactly as you would like it. There's nothing wrong with saying "I would prefer it if it came with this and this and that," but to call it crap?! I'm trying to see things from your point of view, but I can't get my head that far up my ass. ;)

[CooLJoE8]

I'm with Winning Edge - they simply made a business decision to equip a car in manner that would make it affordable for most customers. When you start realizing that the world doesn't spin on and axis underneath your feet, you might realize that it's a complex decision that isn't always going to result in exactly what YOU want. I doubly don't understand why you need to trash talk because it isn't featured exactly as you would like it. There's nothing wrong with saying "I would prefer it if it came with this and this and that," but to call it crap?! I'm trying to see things from your point of view, but I can't get my head that far up my ass. ;)

Can't have a civil discussion can you? Have to throw nasty words around a call names to get a point across?

thats sad....

Oh well, if winning edge designs wants to discuss it with me further, I will. But I won't even bother with you. You don't seem to care to have a nice discussion, like him and I were already having. Come back when you can act like an adult. Til then, Good day sir.

[1822]

LMAO... You still think it's all about you. You need to work on that. ;) Although you were also one that was jumping all over Kyosho's junk for not making the exact car you would want, your comments were only a part of what I was referring to as excessive and immature. Now, let's have a look at the key words used by Joe:
Cheap (2 times)
Crap (3 times)
Crappy
Morons
Junk (3 times)
This is a product that you've never even put your hands on, driven, or even seen from a distance. Still you manage to insult the product and the people who make it at least ten times. Now, what's so hard about saying, "I would prefer that it came with oil shocks and separate electronic components."? The irony is that I agree with you and would also prefer separate, standardized electronics so I can mix things up a bit, I would also like it to come with oil shocks (which I understand should be available right away). But I also "get it" when Kyosho doesn't spec it that way because it would raise the price too much and put it out of reach for a lot of people. Its economics 101 - raise the price and you WILL lose customers. So, while I would prefer a better equipped car, I know why it doesn't come that way and will either upgrade it to my satisfaction, or chose not to buy it. What's so hard about understanding that?

[1822]

Here are some quotes that got my attention, some of which should have resulted in bans:

Listen up Kyosho, we don't care how friggin cheap they are, get rid of them ASAP.

its the same f***** servo i hate that

/\ no minis are fine being electric. kyosho had a good idea just bad execution.

i don't want those ****** electronics.
i don't want those ****** shocks.

Only 1 other company used those crappy all-in-one electronics... I consider Kyosho morons for even thinking of using those electronics...

The RC18T doesn't have those crappy electronics... I think the topic of crappy ESC/Receiver and friction shocks has been exhausted...


IT sucks!

The friction shocks - that's just plain skimping and they know it...they want more $$... The imitation "nitro" heat sink - that is UBER-lame!!.. they choose to trick nitro finatics into thinking there is an awsome little nitro...

The fake stinger?? - that's just stupid!! another sign they just want $$... I wish they'd just engineer it right and do it honest... instead of all these stupid bling-bling fakes...

FORCING people to upgrade by using cheap parts is crap, and thats what Kyosho is doing with the Mini Inferno; by using friction shocks and all-in-one ESC/RXs that are known to be junk.

Those electronics ARE junk... forcing you to use a specific servo is crap. And worse off, the servo is complete junk.

[Jason C]

I'm seriously interested in this little buggy. Yes, having proprietary electronics isn't the ideal way to do it IMHO, but that's the way it goes. I hope Kyosho releases a kit version to satisfy the more serious drivers. I'd definately buy a kit since I've got enough RTR radios to build a NASA satellite.

[Rookie Solara]

The problem I see on this buggy is......a little OVER for a mini/micro.....OVER = a little over engineered (really dont' want to use that term cause that belongs to Serpent Veteq...) But look at RC18T and the upcoming M18T Xray (the simple and fast drivetrain design).....I do not see those mini are any slower or worst then this Kyosho....then the first thing owner of this buggy will do is remove all the electronics and drop in the Memba and micro metal gear servos....then 8 cells Gp 1100.

[ElectricThunder]

Personally, I think it's a great idea to have an 18th scale buggy, but I believe Kyosho went about it in a somewhat funky way. Now, only reviews will tell just how good it is, and it does look good, I mean, 9.6 volts on a 380 motor will probably make it SCREAM, but it's not perfect, and no car/truck/etc is perfect. I just think the drive train could be simpler (like Rookie Solara said). All in all, friction shocks are OK, but then again, when it's 200 bucks you'd think you'd get some nice oilys on it or a seperate receiver/ESC combo and not an ESCeiver or whatever.

1822- I only see two real problematic quotes you put out there ( the ones that set off the potty mouth filter ). Don't worry about it. The mods around here are good, they'll do what they have to do to keep RCZ a clean place. ;)

[winning edge designs]

:)....I'm not gonna do anything to get 1822 mad at me....he's on the ball pretty well, haha.

I will say that "I" would like the car to have less fake gadgets and more good equipment.....but, being a "racer" you would expect me to say that.

For the father and son cruising the Hobby shop or looking in an R/C magazine while mom shops in Wal Mart, that Kyosho Mini 1/18th scale may get Big K a sale!.....................Jim

[Freak e-maxx1]

do u think this will fit a mamba system?

[C.J.OO]

I like it dont get me wrong But whats the deal with the Fake stinger.???.
:confused: :confused: :confused: :rolleyes:

[RespirologyRC]

CJoo, it's all about the look. There's nothing real about mini's anyways. Look at all the bodies that are produced by anyone (proline, bolink, hpi, etc) and you will see that all these bodies have fake exhaust stickers. So why is it a big deal if it has a fake stinger? Personally I like the fake stinger and the fake engine cooling head. Works for me:)

Can't wait to buy one

[ElectricThunder]

Ya know, when I think about it, the fake cooling head is a good thing seeing as how it looks like it's mounted on top of the ESC for LOTS of cooling. If they could just keep that same cooling idea and execute it differently so it doesn't look as hammie, it'd be cool. And the fake stinger can easily be chopped off if ya don't like it I'm sure, or just use another aftermarket body (i'm sure they'll be plenty in due time) that doesn't have the fake stinger thing.:D

[Figit090]

What I like is that Figit090 not only posted in both threads on this vehicle that he thinks it's Uber-Lame, but that he uses the term Uber-lame. Now that kid's one cool mofo.

That being said, I think it looks like a fun little car. I doubt I'll buy one, as I already bought an RC-18T, and never really run it, but it does look pretty good to me. I really couldn't care less if they put a fake stinger and heat sink on it. These things are basically toys to play with, and chase the cat around the house. I'm sure it'll be good for that, as well as racing on small tracks.

You know what I'd like to apologse for being an ass... I posted some real crap and when i go back and read it it suprises me :( . So again i'm sorry for jumping to conclusions, it isn't a stupid buggy... There are some things i don't care for but there isn't anything really to put it down for... Again I'm sorry, I must have had a bad day. :confused: :(

Looks like it'd be fun to have, especially cool to be the first to show up at the track with one...hehe... might get smashed by the other buggies but it would cause some second glances.... :o

[CooLJoE8]

do u think this will fit a mamba system?

Fit? Yes. Work? No.

Take note from the MiniQuake owners on what BL to use. We are already running into the issue of what BL will work and what won't.

Remember, the motor in the Kyosho Mini Inferno is a 380 size motor. The Mamba is a 200 size motor that is designed to replace 180/280/300 size motors....not 380s.

[CooLJoE8]

1822 - If you want to continue this discussion, PM me. Lets not waste space in this thread with offtopic discussions.

[TMaxxBenny25]

I think that this will be yet another fine Kyosho vehicle. I believe that then again I will still purchase myself a Team Associated RC18T. Does anyone know if the body will fit from the Mini Inferno to RC19T??? Thanks GOD BLESS!!!!!

[4DMNYC]

I don't care what any of you say..this little buggy is a great addition the the family of mini's that are out right now..regardless of friction shocks or all in one electronics. In most cases, no matter what it comes with most of us will be hopping it up anyway.
I know I will be getting one the second it's available and having a blast with it.

[Jackyl]

I just want the body and wing :D Who is with me ?!

VIVA AE-RC18B!! :)

[dgrobe2112]

I tell ya.. i am not a big fan of electric, and when i saw the pics of this thing the first time, i had to take a second look. That car looks awesome, the whole fake head, and stinger, i think looks cool too.. who cares about that, not a big deal.

I personally, run a Kyosho 777, and this little thing would be neat to have, the LHS owners, kids have some RC18t trucks, and i cant beleive how fast those things are. There is tons of stuff you can put in them. I might get one, just to have one, also, they are building a mini track at our track for these RC18t, and mini T's, So it would be cool to have one of these to rip up the mini track with.

It will be interesting to see how much it will cost, and the non oil shocks, well, i dont see that being a big deal, im sure they will have some oil shocks for it. And the electronics, well, hopefully you will be able to do something, like put another ESC and steering servo and stuff.. and i can put another receiver in it.. to work with my KO Helios.. haha..

all in all, i think its a great idea, cuz i am not a mini fan, and like WED said.. they are trying to get a bigger scope of buyers, and i for one, am not interested in the RC18 or the Mini t, am definitly interested in this buggy, so i guess it worked.. hahah

[fanke19]

As soon as I find one available for sale, I'm going to buy one of the buggy bodies and wings...and fit it on my RC18T. I love it! :D

Now...will they have mini 1/8 style tires and wheels appropriately sized available for it...and will the aftermarket support it? Or will these things be rolling on Mini-T size tires and AE RC18T size tires?

[ducati777]

If they're smart, they'll use the same mount, that way us RC18T guys could buy their wheels and tires.

[4DMNYC]

You guys have a great point here...I too have an 18t (Brushless) It would be pretty sick to fit the tires wing and body on it and tear it up like that.

[CooLJoE8]

I could be wrong, but I'm thinking the body and wing won't fit on the RC18T. Remember, this thing is 1/16th scale, not 1/18th. Might work, but I'm just saying not to get your hopes too high.

I do like the idea about the wheels and tires though.

[andersun16]

I know after the MiniT came out some cat plugged in a nitro motor and made it work. I'm sure somebody will get one in this minibuggy before long - heck the body's already cut for it! Now that would get some attention - I look at it as it stands now and yes, I want one, but I know it will end up on the shelf with my MiniT. Too many cars not enought time!

[shibby6]

if you want a rc18t with a wing mike at one18th.com is prolly going to make a buggy body for it complete with wing

[mistachubs]

The Release date is it April 1st!!

HMMM could be a joke? :)

[Akura2]

I don't know how you can make statements like the ESCeiver looks the same as the Mini-T one - you can hardly see it in these pics. Anyway, the problem with the Mini-T electronics was the special servo, the ESCeiver isn't so bad.

well I DO see that there is a four-wire servo in there... I HOPE it's not like the Mini-T's :(

[t9dragon]

When will Kyosho put it on their web site?

[TMaxxBenny25]

i dunno...

[Scooby_WRX]

It's been on the Kyosho site. http://www.kyosho.co.jp/

[elcid4300]

I might be wrong, but I am pretty sure you can replace the ESC/RX unit and still keep the stock servo as long as the new ESC has an FET wire (long blue wire that comes with Qunatum ESCs etc). Again, don't quote me, but I am pretty sure it would work :)

[TMaxxBenny25]

It does. I like that!

[TMaxxBenny25]

L cant wait to get my hands on this thing!

[elcid4300]

I was actually eyeing the RCCA first look article today and thinking the same thing myself benny!

[StevePond]

There's a video on the kyosho site - you can find it here --> http://www.kyosho.co.jp/web/download/movie/mini_inferno/wmp/miniinferno_j.wmv Right-click and select "save target as"

It's a 30 meg video, so it's going to take a while if you're on dial up.

[Kmot]

Now that is a fantastic promo video! All the other manufacturers could well take a lesson from Kyosho on this!

[elcid4300]

Now that is a fantastic promo video! All the other manufacturers could well take a lesson from Kyosho on this!

It was pretty cool...HPI also has ome really cool vids too

[metalry101]

All I have to say after watching that vid is SOLD. I can't wait for that thing to be released. Kyosho can definately count on me buying the first one that comes into my shop.

[tadium54]

Looks like a interesting design and competion for trucks like the Mini-t and RC18T

[Legend_Car]

you guys who say this little buggy sucks complain too much. As it has been said kyosho knows that the people who buy this that race will rip out all the electronics and the friction shocks and put in all oil filled and brushless. Any ways a lot of people in rc are bashers and are just in for fun and dont want to buy a 600 mini car with all aluminum and brushless and Xs3 radio. So stop complaining and give Kyosho a break they know what they are doing. I cant wait to buy one of these and give my mini-t a run for its money

[robert L.]

All I have to say after watching that vid is SOLD. I can't wait for that thing to be released. Kyosho can definately count on me buying the first one that comes into my shop.


Ohhhh mann.....im sold too!!! that thing looks awesome!!!!

[TMaxxBenny25]

Im downloading the vid as we speak! I cant wait for this...

[TMaxxBenny25]

Just watced the vid..AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! any one know how fast 21 km/h is in MPH???? thanks'

[elcid4300]

Pretty sure it's just about 13mph

[metalry101]

AKA, slow. Like Mini-T slow. That's dissapointing, but if standard hop-up motors bolt right in then it's all good, cuz it will be easily remedied. I don't need 40 mph, but 20-25 mph would be nice.

[rckid11]

Its all about the batteries. A 8 cell battery pack would make the half 8 cruise at around 25-30 mph.....

[TMaxxBenny25]

YEah. On rchall.com they show the rechargable pack and the aluminum and carbon fiber hop ups!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[rckid11]

Also if nobody noticed, the electronics are made by Ko Propo, which is a plus...

[RC18T]

D'oh! I just got my RC18T! This sucks. I would maybe have gotten this too LOL! :rolleyes:

[rckid11]

Oh and btw did you guys see these pics? http://www.rchall.com/viewtopic.php?t=69

[TMaxxBenny25]

i saw those last week.

[foampervert]

Salutations!
this certainly is interesting...
has anyone thought of converting it into a +cough+ +cough+ gas buggy yet?
it looks like its gagging to be converted, if anyone is crazy enough to do so, please post many pics and viddies.
cheerio!
-alexander

[TMaxxBenny25]

You should try that pervert.

[rckid11]

To tell you the truth its not even worth to convert a mini to nitro. They are underpowered and slow. The only thing it is good for is saying "I have a nitro mini", thats about it. Trust me its electric for a reason.

[TMaxxBenny25]

It would not be good to go that fast in this small of a car. Too unstable.

[CRSMP5]

needs to be brushless, but the question is, will a li-po batt fit?

[TMaxxBenny25]

I dont know if there is a 380 size BL system.

[racinlosi]

There is. http://www.starluckrc.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=21_28_29

400 should work for 380 motors if 550 can work on 540.

[ncrego]

380 and 400 are the same motors. Graupner started calling 380s 400s years ago and it caught on.

[RCMadMatt]

That little buggy will fly with a BL/Lipo setup in it. Someone will make it fit even if it doesn't look like it will!!

Matt

[fanke19]

So, the bummer is that I had to refinance my mortgage to get another $150 for this thing, and now that nitro season is upon us, it will be next fall before I can afford to break, um, I mean drive this thing. Just joking about the refinance, but seriously, this is the most I've spent on something that I have no idea when it will show up. I was a bit apprehensive about pre-ordering my buggy body for my rc18t just a month ago...and that was only $17! My how times have changed!

[Mr. Schumacher]

There's a video on the kyosho site - you can find it here --> http://www.kyosho.co.jp/web/download/movie/mini_inferno/wmp/miniinferno_j.wmv Right-click and select "save target as"

It's a 30 meg video, so it's going to take a while if you're on dial up.

Time to sell my 1/8 buggy and get a Mini Inferno. :D Just can't resist to buy one after watching this awesome video. Same excitement as 1/8 buggy!!! :eek:

[TMaxxBenny25]

Yeah. IS IT OUT YET!!!!!!!!!!!?????

[mccrash59]

I´m sure the Mamba 8000 is strong enough to move fast this thing. It´s looks like the upper deck could hold the steering servo verticaly instead of the lay down stock form. Then would be possible to fit the LiPo battery in the right side and the electronics in the motor side.