VIDEO: Tamiya shows 1/1 “Giant Mini 4WD” single-seater with 1.6 litre engine, 180 km/h top speed

Posted in Cars, International News / By /

Now, here’s a walk down memory lane: Tamiya, manufacturer of plastic model kits and radio controlled cars, presented a life-sized version of one of its world-famous mini 4WD models in Tokyo recently, in conjunction with the 2015 Japan Cup mini 4WD competition.

The “1/1 Giant Mini 4WD Project” is a fully-functional version of the brand’s “Aero Avante” Mini 4WD toy racer, and is currently on display at the Toyota-owned Mega Web centre in Odaiba, Tokyo.

This isn’t of course Tamiya’s first attempt at a life-sized model, having produced several other 1/1 models in the past, including the Wild Willy Jeep and the Beetle-based Sand Scorcher. But for a fully-drivable Mini 4wd model, there has never been anything like this.

The 1/1 Aero Avante won’t need a set of rollers to go around corners though – it will have a proper steering system and a fully-functioning suspension. Other diversions from the original battery-powered toy car concept include the lack of actual AA batteries, electric motor and plastic gears.

As reported by hobbymedia.it, the life-sized Tamiya model will be powered by a 1.6 litre air-cooled four-cylinder petrol powered engine, which gets paired with a four-speed manual transmission. Performance figures for the car haven’t been disclosed, apart from the fact that it has a top speed of 180 km/h.

The car itself measures in at 4,650 mm long, 2,800 mm wide, and 1,440 mm tall.



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Chris Aaron

With an equal passion for fast cars and everyday workhorses, Chris Aaron maintains a passion for European makes, Formula 1, playing the electric guitar and spending endless hours on the PlayStation - first-person shooters and the Gran Turismo franchise are his favourites. He also finds it strange to have written this in the third person.

 

Comments

  • Facepalm on Oct 19, 2015 at 1:36 pm

    Better use batteries instead of engine.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
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  • mr jem on Oct 19, 2015 at 2:13 pm

    Dash Yankuro Reloaded!!! Only those from mid 30s will know!!! Hahahaha

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 24 Thumb down 0
    Reply
  • maplestreet on Oct 19, 2015 at 3:08 pm

    Will TAMIYA sell that here? Complete CKD. Buy parts when you have money to build your car. Interesting.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
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  • past&curious7 on Oct 19, 2015 at 3:38 pm

    Look like a Quadcopter. To me…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
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  • albag on Oct 19, 2015 at 5:18 pm

    so damn cool.. the japs are real genius

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
    Reply
  • Nan-DASH-kak?? on Oct 19, 2015 at 9:47 pm

    DASH – O – HORIZONNN!!!…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
    Reply
  • ST on Oct 20, 2015 at 10:45 am

    In Japan, a TOY manufacturer can built a great car. In Rotten Gabbage Land, not even the largest conglomerate can built a car that you can remember after a year.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
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  • superdriver on Oct 21, 2015 at 10:39 am

    really damn cool man

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  • Mamanz on Oct 21, 2015 at 7:03 pm

    I have one custom paint Avante. There are also another two chassis, MA and Super 2.

    Checkout mine here
    https://youtu.be/D_0sCy3G_F4

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
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