Dune Destroyer: Traxxas 8S Pro Scale Sand Car
For the longest time, scale detail in R/C models seemed reserved for slower-moving trail trucks and rock crawlers. Thankfully, fans of go-fast radio-controlled machines have been able to enjoy realistic details as well, and the list of detailed, ready-to-run models keeps growing.
Traxxas is expanding its line of "Pro Scale" offerings with the introduction of the Pro Scale Sand Car. This 8S-capable off-road buggy/rail is a replica of Funco Motorsports 1:1 GTU sand rail, bringing the sand-slinging fun of a dune buggy to the R/C world.
Featuring a scale-accurate overall design, the Pro Scale Sand Car includes a detailed interior compartment, engine, and functioning front disc brakes. Based on their X-series models, this vehicle is larger than standard radio-controlled models, allowing it to accommodate all of its visual features easily.
But this is Traxxas, after all, which means this machine is more than just a pretty face. All of the visual detail surrounds a VXL-8S ESC and 1200XL motor, capable of propelling the Pro Scale Sand Car to speeds in excess of 55 mph.
Capping off the highlights of this model is a rugged internal tube frame, LED whip lights for easy-to-spot visibility, and rear paddle tires for traction on loose, grainy terrain.
Four color options are available to choose from (red, blue, green, and orange), so you can easily spot yours in a group.
Specs:
- Length: 32 inches (812 mm)
- Width: 21.7 inches (551 mm)
- Ground Clearance: 1.98 inches (50 mm)
- Weight: 22.06 pounds (10 kg)
- Height: 11.1 inches (283 mm) - body, 19.6 inches (498 mm) - with whip lights
- Wheelbase: 21.4 inches (543 mm)
- Shock Length: 5.08 inches (129 mm) (front), 7.13 inches (181 mm) (rear)
- Tires (Arrow Pattern, Front): 6.8″ x 2.3″ (173 mm x 58 mm)
- Tires (Paddle, Rear): 7.5″ x 4.0″ (191 mm x 102 mm)
- Wheels (Front): 3.2″ (82 mm, inner) x 4.9″ (125 mm, outer)
- Wheels (Rear): 3.6″ (91 mm, inner) x 4.7″ (120 mm, outer)
- Speed Control: Velineon® VXL-8s
- Motor (electric): Velineon® 1200XL Brushless with heat sink and dual fan shrouds
- Overall Drive Ratio: 16.4:1 (21/50 motor pinion and spur gear)
- Differential Type: Sealed, four-gear, limited-slip
- Gear Pitch: Module 1.5 (transmission), Module 1.0 (pinion & spur)
- Chassis Structure/Material: Reinforced Nylon Tub
- Brake Type: Electronic (rear), Dual slotted & drilled discs (front)
- Drive System: Direct-drive, RWD
- Steering: Bellcrank
- Radio System: TQi™ 2.4 GHz Transmitter with TSM® receiver
- Steering Servo: 2085XL metal gear (450 oz-in.)
- Top Speed: 55+ mph with two 4s LiPo batteries and included speed gearing
- Skill Level: 5
- Battery Tray: 186 mm x 51 mm x 44 mm
- Required Batteries: 4 "AA" (transmitter) and 4-cell LiPo battery with iD® (x2)
The Pro Scale Sand Car is priced at $1,299.99 and will be available in early-April (2025). Learn more about this sand-scorching R/C buggy at traxxas.com.
Image credit: Traxxas
