HPI's new R40 Competition Nitro Touring Car appears to be a reality. These pictures of what appears to be a production version all new R40 is the first touring car, expose the details of the car that HPI nitro touring fans have been wanting for some time.
The design objectives according to HPI, are a very low center of gravity, ease of maintenance, and maximum adjustability.
To acheive the lowest possible center of gravity, the R40 is designed for use with a readily available 5-cell rechargeable receiver pack that mounts to the bottom chassis plate. This keeps the weight of this somewhat heavy component as low as possible. It also makes it easier to find a receiver pack from you local dealer because it's standard configuration, not a specialized pack that must be special ordered or hand assembled.
Side View
Low CG Battery Mount
The steering servo is mounted between the upper and lower deck of the R40 instead of being mounted upside down in the upper chassis plate. This too lowers the center of gravity and maximizes handling. Also note the woven graphite upper deck.
Horizontal servo mounting position
The R40 employs an "upper bulkhead" design for ease of maintenance. This apparently means diff and belt maintenance can be performed by removing this upper bulkhead, which likely means you won't have to remove half the suspension to perform routine maintenance. Both the front and rear reportedly use this design.
Upper bulkhead design for ease of maintenance
Front upper bulkhead removed
The fuel tank can be removed from the chassis in a matter of seconds by removing two clips. The tank's narrow design also prevents fuel from sloshing to the sides and away from the fuel pick-up during long, high-speed corners. Additionally, the fuel pick-up is located in a narrow but deep section at the very rear of the tank, ensuring you'll burn every last drop of fuel before the engine stalls.
Fuel tank
The lower chassis plate features HPI's signature purple anodizing. It also features countersunk screw holes to maximize ground clearance, and a narrow profile to prevent the sides of the chassis from scraping the ground and slowing the car during hard cornering.
Bottom view of chassis
The rear view of the chassis reveals suspension mounts that are independent of the bulkheads, making them easy to change. Different suspension mounts can be used for modifying raising or lowering chassis without disturbing the suspension geometry.
Molded shocks with threaded pre-load adjusters also appear to be standard on the R40.
Rear end
The two-speed transmission features threaded clutch bell gears, which allows changing the gear ratio without having to remove the clutch bell. The spur gears can also be easily detached by removing a single E-clip.
The Centax-type "Center Force" clutch is fully adjustable without any disassembly or engine removal. This type of clutch is a distinct advantage over standard clutches because it allows the engagement point to be matched to the engine performance characteristics as well as track conditions.
Center Force clutch
This transmission design produces smooth shifts even when running the 1.5+ horsepower small-block engines (even a big block if you wanted to try stuffing one in there). The shift points are easily adjusted and remain much more stable than HPI's previous cam-type 2-speed.
Clutch-type 2-speed transmission
Specifications:
• Chassis length: 370mm
• Width: F/R 196/198mm
• Tread: F/R 170/168mm (adjustable)
• Wheelbase: 255-260mm (adjustable)
• Suspension: F/R double wishbone
• Drive system: 3 belt drive 4WD
• Tires: F/R 26/30mm HPI PRO foam tires
• Engine, manifold, muffler, and body are not included.
So when can we see and buy it in the shops?
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