Kyosho Re-releases the Optima 4WD Off-road Buggy Kit

When I think back to my time in my school’s library, flipping through the pages of radio-controlled car magazines, pouring over the details on each model that was presented, and wishing that I could one-day buy one of these machines for myself, a number of vehicles come to mind. Tamiya’s Lunchbox, Blackfoot, and Grasshopper all leap to mind instantly as vehicles that I’ve long-considered to be my personal favorites (even though I’ve never held a controller for any of them). Another vehicle that sits atop that mantle of R/C classics is the Kyosho Optima. Oh, what would it be like to own one of these old-school vehicles, but give it the benefits of today’s technology? For those who share that dream, it has just become a reality.

Kyosho is re-releasing their Optima 4WD Buggy kit as part of their Vintage Series. This slightly updated version has the same body style and general chassis configuration as the original, but steps up the performance game by adding components that you’d find in most modern radio-controlled machines. From the use of ball bearings throughout the chassis to the use of a slipper clutch, your choice of belt or chain drive, oil-filled shocks, and more. With this being a kit, you’ll need to supply your own electronics, which gives you the freedom to build out the Optima buggy in a configuration that’s custom to your liking.

What’s included in the kit

•Pre-assembled kit (gearbox and oil shocks are pre-assembled)
•Clear polycarbonate body
•Decals
•L-shape hex wrench
•Cross wrench
•Shock wrench
•Shock oil
•Grease
•Threadlock glue

Required components

•2-channel R/C system (servo x 1, ESC x 1)
•540 Size Motor
•7.2V NiMH battery or 7.4V Li-PO battery
•Charger for motor battery (For DC: Regulated 12V power supply)
•Tools for body painting
•Batteries for transmitter
•Tools (phillips head screw driver large, small. Needle Nose Pliers, Scissors, Sharp Hobby Knife)

Specifications

• Length - 395mm
• Width - 240mm
• Height - 120mm
• Ground Clearance - 36mm
• Wheelbase - 260mm - Tread (F/R) -204mm / 204mm
• Tire(F/R) - 86f x 40mm / 86f x 40mm
• Gear Ratio - 9.24:1
• Weight - approx. 1,600g
• Motor - 540 class size
• Battery - Ni-MH / Li-PO ?Li-PO: Standard Size / short size
• Electronics System - 2 channel, 1-servo, ESC

This re-released classic has a price of $299.99 and will be available for order/purchase in March. Visit kyoshoamerica.com to learn more about the Optima 4WD Off-road Buggy kit.

Image credit: Kyosho