If you are a fan of RC cars, you might have wondered who has the fastest RC car in the world.
How fast can these miniature machines go, and what does it take to break the speed barrier?
In this article, we will explore the history and evolution of the fastest RC cars in the world, and introduce you to the people and vehicles that have made their mark in this thrilling hobby.
PHOTO Courtesy | engadget
The Early Days of RC Cars
RC cars, or radio-controlled cars, have been around since the 1960s, when the first commercially available models were powered by nitro engines.
These engines used a special mixture of methanol and oil to ignite inside a small combustion chamber, producing power and noise.
PHOTO Courtesy | Traxxas
Nitro-powered RC cars were fast and exciting, but they also required a lot of maintenance and tuning.
In the 1970s, electric RC cars emerged as a quieter and easier alternative to nitro-powered models.
Electric RC cars used rechargeable batteries and electric motors to propel themselves, which made them more convenient and affordable.
However, electric RC cars also had their limitations, such as low runtimes, slow speeds, and limited performance.
Top 10 Fastest RC Cars
- XRAY NT1: A 1/10 scale nitro-powered touring car that can reach 141 mph (227 km/h).
- XRAY XB8E: A 1/8 scale electric-powered buggy that can reach 135 mph (218 km/h).
- Kyosho Inferno MP9: A 1/8 scale nitro-powered buggy that can reach 133 mph (215 km/h).
- Traxxas XO-1: A 1/7 scale electric-powered supercar that can reach 100 mph (160 km/h) with the optional high-speed gear set and a 3-cell LiPo battery.
- Arrma Felony: A 1/7 scale electric-powered street basher that can reach 80 mph (129 km/h) with the optional pinion gear and a 6-cell LiPo battery.
- Arrma Infraction: A 1/7 scale electric-powered street basher that can reach 80 mph (129 km/h) with the optional pinion gear and a 6-cell LiPo battery.
- Arrma Limitless: A 1/7 scale electric-powered speed basher that can reach 80 mph (129 km/h) with the optional pinion gear and a 6-cell LiPo battery.
- Kyosho Inferno GT2: A 1/8 scale nitro-powered on-road car that can reach 80 mph (129 km/h).
- HPI E-Firestorm Flux: A 1/10 scale electric-powered stadium truck that can reach 77 mph (123 km/h) with the optional high-speed pinion gear and a 3-cell LiPo battery.
- Traxxas 4-Tec VXL: A 1/10 scale electric-powered on-road car that can reach 72 mph (115 km/h) with the optional high-speed pinion gear and a 3-cell LiPo battery.
The Rise of Off-Road Racing
In the 1980s, off-road RC cars became popular, as hobbyists sought new challenges and terrains to test their skills.
Off-road RC cars were designed to handle rough surfaces, such as dirt, gravel, grass, or sand.
They had durable tires with deep treads, long-travel suspension systems, high ground clearance, and powerful motors.
Off-road RC cars also spawned a competitive racing scene, with various leagues, championships, and classes emerging.
One of the most influential off-road RC cars was the Team Associated RC10, released in 1984.
The RC10 was a 1/10-scale electric buggy that revolutionized the off-road racing scene with its innovative design, performance, and durability.
The RC10 won numerous national and world titles and inspired many other off-road models.
The Advent of Brushless Motors and LiPo Batteries
In the 1990s and 2000s, electric RC cars underwent a major transformation with the introduction of brushless motors and lithium polymer (LiPo) batteries.
Brushless motors were more efficient, powerful, and reliable than brushed motors, which used carbon brushes that wore out over time.
LiPo batteries were lighter, smaller, and had higher capacities than previous battery types, such as nickel-cadmium (NiCd) or nickel-metal hydride (NiMH).
These technological advancements enabled electric RC cars to achieve higher speeds, longer runtimes, and better performance than ever before.
Electric RC cars also became more accessible to beginners, as ready-to-run (RTR) models offered a convenient option for those who did not want to build their own vehicles from scratch.
The World’s Fastest RC Car: The RC Bullet
The current world record for the fastest RC car is held by Nic Case, an American engineer and hobbyist who has been obsessed with speed since he was a child.
His creation, the RC Bullet, is a custom-built electric car that has been clocked at an astonishing 202 mph (325 km/h) in 2014.
This feat earned him a Guinness World Record and worldwide recognition.
The RC Bullet is not your typical RC car.
It is a sleek and aerodynamic machine that resembles a bullet train or a jet fighter.
It is powered by six LiPo batteries that deliver 22.2 volts of power to a brushless motor that spins at 50,000 rpm.
The car weighs about 10 pounds (4.5 kg) and measures about 3 feet (0.9 m) long.
The car also has a sophisticated radio system that allows Case to control it from up to half a mile (0.8 km) away.
Case has spent years designing, building, testing, and improving his RC car.
He has faced many challenges and setbacks along the way, such as crashes, malfunctions, weather conditions, and safety regulations.
He has also invested thousands of dollars into his project.
However, he is not satisfied with his current record.
He is determined to break the 300 mph (483 km/h) barrier someday.
Conclusion
RC cars are more than just toys.
They are miniature marvels of engineering that can reach incredible speeds and offer endless fun and excitement for hobbyists of all ages and skill levels.
Whether you are interested in on-road or off-road racing or just want to cruise around your backyard or neighborhood park there is an RC car out there for you.
