Live Out Your Supercar Dreams with the Traxxas Ford GT
Traxxas has rejuvenated the 4-Tec and bolted a beautiful body onto it. What's not to love?
One of the main reasons I am drawn to the R/C hobby stems from my love of cars. I've always been passionate about automobiles. Staring at them, driving them, racing them, you name it. I love cars. Sadly, my income doesn't allow for the accumulation of many of my "dream machines". Thankfully, their radio-controlled counterparts are much more in-line with my budget.
Related: Check out the Traxxas NOS Deegan 38 1/10 Rally Car
One vehicle that is, has been, and (probably) always will be on my wish list of dream cars is the Ford GT. With a storied past (through multiple interactions) this car has an eye-gripping design, pulse-pounding performance, and did I mention it's a gorgeous piece of automotive art?
Now that you know one of the many vehicles that resides on my vehicle wish list, how does this tie into R/C machines? Because this.
Traxxas, who had been teasing hobbyists with a potential new release, has rolled out a beautiful, 1/10-scale replica of the Ford GT. The lines, the contours, the details...they're stunning. Once the shock of the visual design wears off (but let's face it, it never does), one has to wonder, "what's under the hood?".
Performance and Handling Features
The inner workings of the Traxxas Ford GT are built on a revised version of the 4-Tech chassis design. The original 4-Tec was introduced as a nitro model, however this time around, the 2.0 version uses a electric motor (Titan 12-turn, brushed) to get this machine moving.
While the street version of the GT is a 2-wheel drive supercar, Traxxas has given their variant a 4-wheel drive, shaft-driven system, allowing for maximum grip and traction on takeoff, cornering, and just about everywhere else.
The updated 4-Tec 2.0 chassis brings with it new adjustment points as well. There are “high angle” steering adjustments within the steering linkage, giving greater turning control for drifting and similar activities.
Outside of the handling and performance aspects, the Traxxas Ford GT utilizes an adjustable battery hold-down strap that’s perfect for swapping out both similar and different battery packs, depending on your thirst for power.
A unique, adjustable body mount system is also in place for this model, allowing you to easily transform the mounting posts to suit other on-road style R/C car bodies without major modification.
Striking Scale Details
Now let’s get back to the body. The lid on the Traxxas Ford GT is an amazing piece of art. A scaled-down replica of Ford’s 1:1 GT, it features all of the sexy curves, swoops, and lines that you’ll find on the road car, but in a much more affordable package.
Injection molded design details are used throughout this car to accentuate the realistic nature of this car. The front lower grille, rear exhaust tips, and other sections of the car are given this treatment so they stand out (while blending in at the same time).
Behind the replica Ford GT wheels and wheels, you’ll find detailed brake rotors and calipers, a nice, subtle visual touch that not all on-road “scale” radio-controlled cars include.
Ready for the Road
As with similar RTR models in the Traxxas lineup, the Ford GT features waterproof/water resistant electronics, a 2.4GHz radio system (Traxxas TQi), and includes a 7-cell NiMh battery (with Traxxas iD). Additionally, this model also gains the Traxxas Stability Management (TSM) system providing smooth handling and control whenever things may "get out of hand".
Traxxas Ford GT Specifications
- Length: 17.6 inches (448mm)
- Front Track: 7.7 inches (195.6mm)
- Rear Track: 7.9 inches (200.1mm)
- Ground Clearance: 0.3 inches (8.7mm)
- Weight: 3.2lbs (1.45kg) with body (no battery)
- Height (ride): 4.2 inches (106mm)
- Wheelbase: 10.1 inches (256mm)
- Shock Length: Short (front and rear)
- Tire Diameter: 2.6 inches (65.5mm)
- Tire Width (front): 1.0 inches (26mm)
- Tire Width (rear): 1.2 inches (30mm)
- Wheel Diameter: 2.1 inches (52.6mm)
- Speed Control: XL-5™ Electronic Speed Control
- Motor (electric): Titan® 12T 550 (12-Turn)
- Transmission: Single Speed Direct Drive
- Overall Drive Ratio: 9.49
- Differential Type: Sealed, Hardened Steel Bevel, Limited Slip
- Gear Pitch: 48
- Chassis Structure/Material: Molded Tub / Nylon Composite
- Brake Type: Electronic
The Traxxas Ford GT carries a price tag of “around $300”. While slightly higher than the “high scale” on-road vehicles offered by Vaterra, this is an attractive on-road option featuring plenty of unique external and internal features.
Image credit: Traxxas
