Looks like the motor mount plate slides looking a the top cap screw above the motor? Maybe to alter the f/r setting or the mesh the motor.
also new seperate rear suspension mounts on the front of the rear bulk head

Its a shame its not more lipo friendly but it does look more Brushless friendly. I suppose it shows that the 501 was a well designed car to start with. I dont think i'll be upgrading my 501WE, I'll probably just skip this new generation and hope the 3rd gen will be lipo specific like the CAT.

I wonder if the belts and pulleys will fit the 501

Pulleys hopefully, think they still use 36t/37t in touring, and the look the same in the pics!

Belts guess it depends on if everything is repositioned!?

Yeh it agree with some about Lipo compatibility. I would have happily bought the car if it took a stick pack. For now, I will stick with the 501.

More pics here - http://www.redrc.net/2009/02/toy-fair-2009-tamiya-2/

There are already 5 liPO Saddle pack that follow EFRA or BRCA dimensionnal spec :

Corrally 4200mAh 30C 2S ref 48243 weight 278g

GM-Vmax 4200mAh 30C 2S ref 98994 weight 235g
GM-Vmax 4200mAh 35C 2S2P ref 98988 weight 285g

Speed Power 4200 30C ref SLR423HS weight 232g

Trinity IP4200 30C ref TRI20807 or TP2S4200V1 weight 233g


There are all legal in France and follow EFRA rules : max dimension, max capacity, undimountable hardcase

More Lipo Saddle will come after the nuremberg toy fair like LRP or Reedy

But Lipo Saddle pack exist and are viable (at my first 2009 race, a lot of people already user saddle Lipo)

Yep, just waiting for the uk list then we'll be out getting some!

For the other guys though, is it that you think stick pack weight distribution will be better?

Anyone noticed the new suspension arms?

I gotta say I like the looks of this car :drool:

From the TRF site:

-New suspension arms (high traction) #54141 & #54142
-New Belts #54140
-New battery position
-New Bulkheads for easy maintenance

-New Body and Under Cowl #54133
-New Low Mounted Wing #54134

Hadn't noticed new suspension arms, what's changed?

Does look good, hope the shell has changed as well, this is definitely my car for this year, unfortunately with a likely pay cut looming it may mean losing either the Cat or Bmax at some point :cry:

New Belt (TRF501X, DB01, TRF511)
http://www.tamiyausa.com/images/prod...ader_54140.jpg

New Suspensions Arm Front (TRF501X, DB01, TRF511)
http://www.tamiyausa.com/images/prod...ader_54141.jpg

New Suspensions Arm Rear (TRF501X, DB01, TRF511)
http://www.tamiyausa.com/images/prod...ader_54142.jpg

Cool, "high traction" arms, wonder if they have more flex, wasn't hupo running filed down arms at the euro's to make them flex?

Belt answers Bmags Q from earlier, presumably means the drivetrain is all the same!!

Yeah I always meant to try try filing down the arms to see if it made a different but never got around to doing it.

Can you post a link, or did you translate it, I can only find Japanese!!

I assume the new shell and undercowl come with the kit, its shown as a hopup for it on Tamusa!

Maybe they will go the touring route and not supply shells?

Yes, battery, motor, tire, wheel, body and wing sold separately

Really? Cheers for saying, would have been a nasty surprise when opening the box!! Where's the info, trf japan (in Japanese) or trf America?