Category: news
[Sneak Peek] Tamiya 1/35 German Panther Tank G Late Version
Here’s your first look at Tamiya’s upcoming 1/35 R/C German Panther (Panther) Tank G Late Version (with control unit)! The last time this model was released was back in 2010 under product number 48209, a 1/35 scale R/C Panther G Late Version equipped with a 2.4GHz control unit. Now, Tamiya is bringing this tank back to the 1/35 R/C Tank Series, this time featuring updated radio gear (TTU-10 transmitter and MC-07 receiver).
The Panther tank debuted in mid-1943 and remained one of the mainstays of the German armored forces through the end of WWII. The Ausf. G variant entered service in 1944 and was upgraded later that year with improvements such as a redesigned lower gun mantlet to prevent direct hits from penetrating the crew compartment, a more protruding mantlet shape for better protection, damped exhausts for enhanced nighttime stealth, and intake vents on the engine grilles to provide warm air to the crew in cold conditions. Known for its balance of mobility, firepower, and protection, the Panther earned its reputation as one of the giants of WWII armor.
About the Model
• 1/35 scale R/C assembly kit
• Length: 257 mm, Height: 85 mm, Width: 94 mm (excluding figures and machine gun)
• Faithfully recreates the German Panther G Late Version’s iconic shape
• Uses assembly-type tracks just like the real vehicle for realistic movement
• Full range of functions — forward, reverse, turns, pivot turns, turret rotation, and gun elevation/depression — all controlled via the 4-channel TTU-10 transmitter and MC-07 control unit
• Includes two drive motors and two turret control motors, with four selectable driving speeds via the transmitter
• Comes with two full figures and pre-assembled twin gearboxes
• Product No.: 48219
• Scheduled Release: January 2026
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Sony Acquires Stake in Bandai Namco to Expand Cross-Media IP
Sony Group Corp. (TYO: 6758) announced that it will invest approximately ¥68 billion (around USD 464 million) to acquire about 2.5% (16 million shares) of Japanese gaming and entertainment giant Bandai Namco Holdings (TYO: 7832), becoming one of its major minority shareholders and establishing a strategic partnership.
Bandai Namco is the owner of globally renowned IPs such as Gundam, Pac-Man, Tekken, and Elden Ring, and is also involved in arcade gaming, anime production, and film making. In recent years, global demand for Japanese anime has surged, becoming a key growth driver for Sony. In 2021, Sony acquired leading online anime streaming platform Crunchyroll and integrated it with Funimation, further expanding its global anime influence.
In a joint statement, Sony and Bandai Namco said they will work together to expand their fan base and strengthen engagement, especially in the rapidly growing anime market. The two companies plan to co-develop new animations, manga, and cross-media projects based on multiple IPs, aiming to deliver fresh and emotionally resonant (“Kando”) entertainment experiences to fans worldwide.
Industry analysts noted that Sony’s competitor Nintendo currently holds around 1.8% of Bandai Namco’s shares, while Sony has previously collaborated with Bandai Namco on popular works such as Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM and Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. This new stake acquisition is expected to strengthen Sony’s upstream IP portfolio and support Bandai Namco’s global expansion.
Beyond this deal, Sony already holds significant investments in major Japanese media and gaming companies, including 12% of Kadokawa, 14.09% of FromSoftware, 4.9% of Epic Games, 5% of Devolver Digital, and 4.98% of Bilibili. While Bandai Namco continues to grow its gaming business, it is also actively expanding into film production — most recently partnering with A24 and director Alex Garland to develop an Elden Ring movie. With this collaboration now in place, industry watchers expect deeper cooperation between the two companies across anime, gaming, and film, bringing fans more innovative and highly anticipated cross-media works.
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[Preview] A Legend Returns – Tamiya Mercedes-Benz 190 E 1991
The Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16 EVO II is more than just a touring car – it’s a motorsport icon. First released by Tamiya in 1992 on the TA-01 chassis (Item No. 58108), this classic touring machine captured the hearts of R/C and DTM fans alike. It made a celebrated comeback in 2004 on the TT-01 chassis (Item No. 58327) before retiring in 2007.
Now, nearly two decades later, Tamiya revives this legend with a brand-new TT-02 1/10 electric touring car (Item No. 58752), bringing back the unmistakable silhouette of the 1991 EVO II in stunning detail:
TT-02 1/10 Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16 EVO II 1991
• 1/10 scale R/C assembly kit
• Length: 445mm, width: 184mm, height: 137mm, wheelbase: 257mm
• Uses an existing body mold (believed to be from the 1990s)
• Lightweight yet rigid 1.0mm polycarbonate body faithfully recreates the EVO II’s aggressive lines
• Separate black ABS plastic parts for side mirrors, rear wing, front grille, and emblems
• Shaft-driven 4WD TT-02 chassis delivers excellent adaptability and stability
• Silver dish wheels paired with racing slick tires
• Includes stickers and masking stickers for painting
• Item No.: 58752
• Scheduled for release in January 2026
(Photo courtesy of RC MAN)
(Photo courtesy of TAMIYACLUB)
New Portal RTR! – VS4-10 Phoenix Portal RTR – Vanquish Products
Tamiya 1/10 Mini Cooper Racing – MB-01 Chassis
Tamiya introduces the 1/10 Mini Cooper Racing RC car, built on the versatile MB-01 chassis. The original Mini debuted in 1959 and remained largely unchanged until 2000, with over 5.3 million units produced and crowned the #2 “Car of the Century.” Its pioneering front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout was revolutionary at the time, combining a compact footprint, spacious interior, and nimble handling. The 1961 Mini Cooper performance variant went on to dominate motorsports and win the hearts of enthusiasts worldwide.
This new kit faithfully replicates the Mini Cooper Racing model, with the MINI trademark used under license from BMW AG. It includes a pre-cut polycarbonate body shell, hood stripes, side decals, and race number stickers. Classic eight-spoke wheels shod with 60D radial tires let you experience genuine Mini charisma on the track.
The car rides on Tamiya’s MB-01 compact 2WD chassis, switchable between front-drive and rear-drive, and offers three wheelbase options. The Mini Cooper Racing kit ships in its default front-wheel-drive, short-wheelbase configuration (210 mm), matching the real car’s layout. The chassis features independent double-wishbone suspension with friction dampers on all four corners, and fully modular components (motor mount assembly, gearbox housing, suspension units, etc.) for easy assembly and maintenance. Simply swap the gearbox and steering link orientation to toggle between FWD and RWD modes; in RWD you can choose high or low motor-mount positions for different handling characteristics.
- Item No. 58747
- Estimated Release Date: September 20, 2025
Specifications
- Length / Width / Height: 315 mm / 167 mm / 140 mm
- Wheelbase: 210 mm (short)
- Track (F/R): 140 mm / 140 mm
- Tire Size: 25 mm × 59 mm (front/rear)
- Drive: Front-wheel-drive (convertible to rear-wheel-drive)
- Differential: Resin 4-gear bevel diff
- Steering: 3-link tie-rod setup
- Suspension: Double-wishbone, 4-corner
- Dampers: Friction type, front and rear
- Final Drive Ratio: 5.83:1 (29T pinion / 65T spur)
- Motor: 540-size
- Electronic Speed Controller: ESC (sold separately)
Highlights
- Pre-cut polycarbonate shell precisely captures the Mini Cooper’s compact, muscular lines, with widened front and rear fenders for a performance look
- Signature hexagonal “Mk-II” grille and round headlights
- Includes hood stripes, race number “32 (Mini),” hood pins, and other decals
- Race-inspired details: no bumpers, square tail lamps, large rear window
- Classic eight-spoke wheels with 60D treaded radials for authentic style and grip
- MB-01 chassis in default FWD + short wheelbase delivers agile handling
- Three-link steering linkage, servo mounted on the front left
- Symmetrical double-wishbone suspension for balanced turn-in
- Motor sits on the front right, driving the front diff via a short shaft
- Modular motor mount can be removed with just two screws for easy maintenance
- Resin 4-gear bevel diff (same as TT-02) upgradeable to ball-diff or oil-filled diff (sold separately)
- Flip-style battery holder for quick pack changes
- Adjustable top deck and bottom deck positions, plus shims, allow three wheelbase settings; 210 mm short setup is standard
- Rear suspension also uses double-wishbone with friction dampers
- MB-01 chassis offers FWD/RWD conversion and three wheelbase options in each mode for versatile setups
Hongyu·GDC Season Opener | Sneak Peek at the FIRC International Invitation
The FIRC Foshan International Scale Model Invitation and the Hongyu·GDC International Science, Education & Sports Racing Center Road Season Opener (collectively “FIRC”) marks the inaugural major event at the Hongyu·GDC Center. From China to Asia and beyond, top RC racers and enthusiasts around the world are already watching closely.
Hongyu·GDC is equipped with the world’s most precise and reliable MYLAPS timing system and professional track lighting, ensuring RC engines roar around the clock and showcasing elite international RC road-racing action. Every driver will push the limits to conquer each inch of tarmac!
Event Overview
Dates: September 12–14, 2025
Venue: Hongyu·GDC International Science, Education & Sports Racing Center, Foshan
Over 40 countries and regions will be represented, including multiple world champions on site. Expected to set new records for China’s RC road-racing scene in both scale and excitement!
I. Racing Classes
- 1/10 Modified Electric Touring Car (40 entries)
- 1/10 13.5T Blinky Stock Electric Touring Car (40 entries)
- 1/8 Nitro On-Road Buggy (40 entries)
- 1/8 Nitro GT Touring Car (30 entries)
- 1/10 Electric GT Touring Car (10 entries)
II. Schedule
- September 12, 2025 (Fri): Opening Ceremony
- September 13, 2025 (Sat): Qualifying Rounds
- September 14, 2025 (Sun): Finals
We look forward to uniting the global RC community at Hongyu·GDC—where racers forge friendships, display their skills, and foster exchange. China’s rising talents will compete alongside world-class drivers, setting a fresh standard for on-road RC competition. Let speed and passion ignite a new chapter in international scale-model racing!
Registration & Accommodation
Registration and hotel bookings open via our mini-program on August 23, 2025. Please await our official announcement for detailed entry procedures, lodging options, competition rules, and sponsorship packages. For commercial cooperation inquiries, contact Mr. Guo at +86 198 7639 8191.
About Hongyu·GDC International Science, Education & Sports Racing Center
A joint venture between Hongyu Group and GDC RC Club, Hongyu·GDC is dedicated to advancing RC racing culture and breaking new ground in sports and technology. Leveraging sports technology, it brings world-class RC events to Foshan and forges new pathways between tech, sports, and creative industries.
About Hongyu Longyu Center
Located in Foshan’s Nanhai District, Qian Deng Lake Core Area, this 230,000 m² urban complex combines business offices, social streets, and outdoor parks—supported by over 1,300 parking spaces. Its flagship “Joypark” concept integrates a 50,000 m² retail street with a 10,000 m² leisure eco-park, creating a future-oriented, park-style social lifestyle.
Joypark will host the world’s largest RC racing circuit and a world-class “Larva” IP theme park, alongside an innovative retail cluster. It connects to the Qian Deng Lake Children’s Park, Qian Deng Lake Park, and Nanhai Fitness & Sports Park for a seamless blend of recreation, education, and community.
Longyu Commercial Center pioneers a new model of urban education, research, and park-based social life, fusing retail, science, education, sports, and family-oriented programs.
FR-D7 | The Evolution of WRAP-UP NEXT Drift Cars
WRAP-UP NEXT is set to introduce its all-new drift model, the FR-D7. Back in 2012, the world’s first chassis designed exclusively for RWD drifting—the “FR-D”—made its debut. At a time when 4WD drift platforms dominated, the front-motor/rear-wheel-drive (FR layout) configuration was extremely rare and immediately captured widespread attention. Since then, the FR-D has earned lasting acclaim from countless enthusiasts, becoming a timeless classic. Over the past 13 years, six different FR-D variants have been released, each refined through ongoing improvements.
Today, WRAP-UP NEXT announces the successor: the FR-D7. This new model not only carries forward the original FR-D’s design philosophy but also incorporates 13 years of accumulated know-how and user feedback to create a modernized platform. Approximately 80% of its core components are newly engineered, significantly enhancing expandability, serviceability, and tuning flexibility. While preserving the advantages of a front-motor layout, the FR-D7 delivers even greater handling precision and drivability.
Furthermore, the FR-D7 redefines the concept of a “Conversion Kit.” WRAP-UP NEXT is launching the FR-D7 Core Kit, which, though not a full kit, covers all the essential components needed to build an FR-D7. Excluding only the dampers, rear suspension, and a handful of universal parts, every other critical component is included.
This approach isn’t just a “conversion”—it’s a complete, from-scratch FR-D7 build solution. Whether you’re an existing FR-D owner or a newcomer to the series, you’ll find it thoroughly satisfying.
WRAP-UP NEXT is actively preparing for a launch within 2025. Further details on specifications and release dates will be announced in due course.