
RC Car Action
April 2025RC Car Action is the model motorsports authority and the world’s best-selling RC car magazine. In print and online, Car Action delivers the power, speed, and passion of the RC car scene. Car Action is written for the full spectrum of RC enthusiasts—from beginners to seasoned pros.
Starting Line
Thanks for joining us for another action-packed issue of RC Car Action! Whether you’re tearing up the track, hitting the trails, customizing your rigs, or hunting for the latest RC gear, we’ve got something for every enthusiast in this issue. Leading the charge this month is the Tekno ET48 2.2, a truggy that’s redefining the category with cutting-edge performance. We also dive into a highly customized Traxxas Slash 2WD Basher that’s decked-out with upgrades from ChuckworksRC and Pro-Line Racing to take this backyard beast to the next level. On the scale scene, we check out Tamiya’s TT-02-based Motul Autech Z, a stunningly detailed racecar that brings realism and performance together. Rally fans will appreciate our indepth look at the Carisma 1/24 Subaru Impreza GT24 Spec 2.0, a small-scale dynamo ready…
GEARBOX
1. Traxxas - TRX-4 Stainless Bearing Kit Enhance performance and reduce maintenance with this stainless-steel bearing kit. Durable black seals provide superior protection in harsh conditions. Ideal for wet and dirty environments, these premium bearings ensure longevity. Organized compartments and labeled sections make identification easy, keeping everything neatly stored for hassle-free maintenance and upgrades. P/N: 8214 MSRP: $99.95 URL: traxxas.com 2. Pro-Line Racing - 1/10 Pro-Spec (70mm-75mm) Scaler Shocks Pro-Line’s Pro-Spec Scaler Shocks offer nextgen RC shock technology with CNC-machined aluminum components and hard chromecoated steel shafts. X-Ring seals ensure smooth, leak-free performance. Featuring chrome and blue anodizing, they measure 70mm extended, 54mm collapsed, and include longer shock ends. Perfect for scale crawlers, they come pre-built—just add oil. P/N: PRO631600 MSRP: $57.99 URL: prolineracing.com 3. RPM R/C Products - Tail…
READERS RIDES
SWEET TJ PEDARSTALEY « CHESAPEAKE, VA We love a good TJ build, and Pedar’s “Sweet TJ” is a solid example of a well-thought-out scale crawler. Starting with an RC4WD SWB chassis, he went with an Injora 275-inch Jeep TJ body, giving it a rugged yet realistic look. The body was first primed white before getting its tan finish, while the interior received some extra attention with clothwrapped seats, painted dash details, and even felt sticker sheets for carpet. The roll cage, originally made for a fourdoor Jeep, was cut down to fit and painted blue to match the deep-dish wheels. Under the hood, a Hobbywing Fusion 1800 provides smooth, reliable power, while 1.9 Mud Slingers, cut for extra bite, keep it planted on the rocks. With a Harrison Ford driver…
SPECIAL PROJECT: MID MOTOR MACHINE
Competitive racing is fun, but I prefer casual RC bashing at the park or around the neighborhood. Like many other RC enthusiasts, my go-to ride is the Traxxas Slash 2WD—it’s quick, reliable, and fun. After a few months I decided on a complete overhaul—not out of necessity but because I love modifying my RCs. For this build, I went looking for ChuckworksRC, a chassis maker specializing in transforming Traxxas RC vehicles. Their key innovation is converting rear-motor layouts to mid-motor configurations for better balance. The company’s founder, Chuck, developed his designs after struggling with his Slash 2WD’s tendency to roll over and struggle on jumps. His mid-motor design solved those issues, leading to a line of custom chassis. SLICE SCT4 CHASSIS ChuckworksRC offers chassis for different applications, from racing to…
SUPER Z
Tamiya has once again delivered a stunning RC kit with their latest release, the Motul Autech Z, a 1/10-scale replica of the Nismorun racecar that competes in the 2023 Super GT series. This high-performance machine takes its inspiration from the Nissan Z road car but is a beast all its own, sporting a carbon fiber body and a turbocharged, 2.0-liter fourcylinder engine pushing more than 550 horsepower. It made an immediate impact in real-world racing, winning the opening round at Okayama—and now, you can bring that speed and precision to your RC collection. THE VERSATILE TT-02 CHASSIS Tamiya’s TT-02 chassis is a great platform for both beginners and seasoned RC hobbyists. As a shaftdriven 4WD system, it offers a well-balanced layout, with the battery positioned on the left and the…
FIRST LOOK: CHECK OUT THAT 4X4
Pro-Line Racing has brought back one of the most iconic pickup trucks of the 1980s in 1/24 scale for the Axial SCX24. The 1985 Toyota HiLux SR5 Clear Body is an officially licensed replica, capturing the legendary look of Marty McFly’s dream truck from “Back to the Future.” Whether you’re a fan of the movie, a Toyota enthusiast, or just looking for a realistic retro body for your SCX24, this release is packed with scale details and vintage styling. Molded in durable, crystal-clear polycarbonate, the HiLux SR5 maintains all the classic design cues from its full-size counterpart, from the distinctive front grille to the flared fenders. Pro-Line has ensured that even in miniature scale, the truck retains the aggressive off-road stance that made it an icon. The included detailed decal…