[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

The king of ’90s touring cars is back – ready to hit the track once again.
1992 – TA-01 chassis, Item No. 58108
(Photo courtesy of RC MAN)
2004 – TT-01 chassis, Item No. 58327
(Photo courtesy of TAMIYACLUB)

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. 1/10 Modified Electric Touring Car (40 entries)
  2. 1/10 13.5T Blinky Stock Electric Touring Car (40 entries)
  3. 1/8 Nitro On-Road Buggy (40 entries)
  4. 1/8 Nitro GT Touring Car (30 entries)
  5. 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.

Exclusive Reveal! Tamiya’s All-New DB01SR Chassis Coming Soon

Tamiya is planning to launch a new chassis, the DB01SR. The currently available DB01 is a 4WD electric off-road chassis with a dual-belt drive system, featuring a centrally positioned spur gear paired with front and rear two-part belts. This design not only improves serviceability and structural reliability but also delivers outstanding performance. The first model to use the DB01SR chassis, item number 58753, is expected to hit the market in mid-December 2025. The image below shows the DB01 R version for reference only.

Obituary Announcement – Chairman Shunsaku Tamiya

Tamiya Corporation

July 22, 2025

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Mr. Shunsaku Tamiya, Chairman and Representative Director of Tamiya Corporation, who departed this life on July 18, 2025, at the age of 90. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for the kindness and support he received during his lifetime.

In accordance with his wishes, a private farewell ceremony was held by his family.

A memorial service will be arranged at a later date. Details will be announced separately.

We respectfully ask for your understanding in refraining from sending floral tributes, incense offerings, or condolence messages.

Biography of Mr. Shunsaku Tamiya

  • Born on December 19, 1934, in Japan
  • Graduated from Shizuoka High School in March 1953
  • Graduated from the School of Law, Waseda University in March 1958
  • Joined Tamiya Shoji Co., Ltd. in April 1958
  • Appointed Head of Planning Department, Tamiya Model Co., Ltd. in April 1960
  • Appointed Managing Director, Tamiya Model Co., Ltd. on August 1, 1969
  • Appointed President and Representative Director, Tamiya Seisakusho on May 31, 1977
  • Appointed Representative Director, Tamiya Plastic Co., Ltd. on October 17, 1978
  • Appointed President and Representative Director, Tamiya Corporation on March 24, 1984
  • Appointed Representative Partner, Tamiya Shoji Co., Ltd. on October 23, 1988
  • Appointed Chairman, Shizuoka Model and Material Industry Association on June 1, 1994
  • Appointed Chairman, Tamiya Scholarship Foundation on June 21, 1995
  • Reappointed Chairman, Tamiya Scholarship Foundation and concurrently Chairman, Tamiya Seisakusho on June 1, 2008
  • Appointed Chairman and President, Tamiya Seisakusho in 2009
  • Appointed Chairman, Tamiya Seisakusho on July 1, 2024

Other Positions Held:

  • Chairman, Shizuoka Model Resources Association
  • Chairman, Tamiya Scholarship Foundation
  • Chairman, Shizuoka Industry and Tourism Strategy Promotion Organization

Awards and Honors:

  • Shizuoka City Meritorious Service Award
  • Commendation by the Governor of Shizuoka Prefecture
  • Achievement Award, Japan Media Arts Festival
Shunsaku Tamiya