Depending on what you are looking for, there could be three different answers to what is the fastest RC car in the world.
If you are after an RTR car, then it would Traxxass XO-1 that can reach speeds of 100+ mph, if you are looking to get the chassis only and source other components yourself – Arrma Limitless confidently manages around 120 miles per hour. If you are looking at a custom built RC car that only exists in a single quantity and is not really for sale, then RC Bullet tops the charts with 202 miles per hour.
Fastest Ready-To-Run Production RC Car – Traxxas XO-1
The Traxxas XO-1 is a cutting-edge remote-controlled (RC) car that has gained a reputation for its unparalleled speed and advanced features. Designed for racing, this 1/7 scale on-road car is capable of reaching speeds well over 100 miles per hour, making it one of the fastest RC cars available in the market.
The XO-1 boasts a sleek and aerodynamic design with a low-slung body and a streamlined profile, carefully crafted for optimal high-speed performance. Constructed with premium materials, including a robust composite chassis, precision-engineered aluminum and steel components, and a durable polycarbonate body, the XO-1 ensures exceptional durability and resilience during high-speed runs.
One of the standout features of the XO-1 is its high-powered brushless electric motor system. Equipped with a top-of-the-line Traxxas Big Block brushless motor, the XO-1 delivers breathtaking power and torque, propelling the car to breathtaking speeds in a matter of seconds. The motor is paired with a sophisticated electronic speed control (ESC) system that delivers smooth and precise throttle control, allowing drivers to harness the immense power of the car with precision.
In addition to its unparalleled speed, the XO-1 also features advanced suspension and handling capabilities. The car is equipped with a fully adjustable suspension system with oil-filled shocks that provide exceptional damping and stability at high speeds. Its low center of gravity and wide stance further enhance its stability and handling, enabling it to take corners at high speeds with precision and control.
The XO-1 also boasts advanced electronic features, including a TQi 2.4GHz radio system with wireless telemetry capabilities. This allows drivers to monitor and fine-tune various parameters of the car in real-time, such as speed, temperature, and battery voltage, providing valuable feedback for optimizing performance and ensuring safe operation.
Powered by dual 3S LiPo batteries, the XO-1 has ample power to achieve its top speeds. The batteries are housed in a sealed and waterproof compartment, protecting them against the elements, and enabling quick battery changes during racing.
Fastest Production RC Car – Arrma Limitless V2
The Arrma LIMITLESS V2 is a high-performance remote-controlled (RC) car in 1/7 scale. It ahs been designed for speed enthusiasts and racers looking for an adrenaline-pumping racing experience.
Designed to harness the power of 8S, the upgraded version of the ARRMA® LIMITLESS™ 1/7 Scale Speed Bash Roller pushes the boundaries of speed to new heights. Experience unparalleled velocity as you own the RC super car that outpaced a championship Formula One vehicle, completing a quarter-mile in a mere 8.6 seconds and reaching the speeds of 120 miles per hour!
The car comes only with chassis and the body, which all the below equipment will need to be sourced separately tailored to your liking:
- 2+ Channel Transmitter and Receiver
- Metal Gear, Hi-Torque Steering Servo (23T Spline, Standard Size)
- Electronic Speed Control (8S recommended)
- Motor (50 Series – Max dimensions 4.33 in L x 1.97 in Dia., 0.98 in (25mm) screw pitch
- 4S LiPo Battery
- Compatible LiPo Battery Charger
- Mod 1 Pinion Gear (to suit chosen motor)
The latest enhancements to the LIMITLESS platform compared to the earlier version include a robust 3mm anodized aluminum chassis plate that repositions the motor mount to accommodate longer motors. The Easy Access Sliding Motor Mount can now fit larger diameter motors with the optional motor mounting plate, and the electronics module is designed to accept larger ESCs while incorporating a waterproof receiver box for added convenience.
To further enhance stability and control at high speeds, several changes have been implemented. These include the use of a 39T Mod 1.0 spool with long rear outdrive, along with a shorter rear center driveshaft for equal length center driveshafts and reduced drivetrain vibration. Lower ratio GP5 gears help to reduce centerline drivetrain speed and vibration, while stiffer front springs and sway bar improve high-speed handling. Additionally, a wider rear track has been introduced to increase overall stability.
Continuing from the original LIMITLESS, the vehicle retains the big bore oil-filled shocks on black-anodized front and rear shock towers, which provide excellent damping characteristics and keep the dBoots® Hoons™ all-road tires firmly planted for maximum traction on a variety of surfaces including on-road, light off-road, loose gravel, short grass, dirt, and oval tracks.
In addition to its impressive performance capabilities, the ARRMA LIMITLESS 1/7 Scale All-Road Speed Bash Roller also offers customization options. It is the first ARRMA “Rattle Can Roller,” featuring a low-drag body that comes unpainted, allowing you to personalize it with your own unique paint scheme. Window masks and decals are included for added convenience, and trim lines on the front and rear wings make it easy to tune the downforce and drag according to your preferences.
Fastest Custom Made RC Car – RC Bullet
History
Nic Case is making history with his creation – the world’s fastest RC car, the 202mph RC Bullet. Not only does he have the Guinness Book of World Records certification to prove it, Nic is pushing boundaries and challenging himself to build a faster machine capable of reaching greater speeds than ever thought possible. As the record-breaking driver behind this supercar on 12 cells, Nic is delighted to show off what he can achieve, taking excitement and adrenaline to a new level.
To many enthusiasts watching on, words alone are simply not enough when it comes to understanding how fast this vehicle truly goes – until they see it in action. “How fast does it go?” It’s a question fascinated onlookers continuously ask as they witness all that Nic has accomplished and marvel at the capabilities of his creation. Most importantly though, Nic continues to develop and refine his model day by day in order to exceed expectations and reach ever-increasing accomplishments. Ultimately, his work will be remembered for years to come as an impressive representation of what can be achieved with effort and dedication.
Car Design
The design of the RC Bullet was largely derived from multiple brainstorming sessions with a close friend of Nic – John Trino. They both agreed to retain the streamliner design layout while completely removing the suspension system.
This decision was made to prevent rear squatting during acceleration and minimize the risk of a blow-over. Additionally, eliminating the suspension also addressed the weakness in the constant velocity driveshaft (CVD) that was present in previous versions. After careful consideration, they opted for a belt-driven system instead of a shaft-drive because it was easier to find a reduction ratio close to 1.5 : 1. Using CAD software, they designed the RC Bullet’s chassis, drivetrain, and various body options during the spare time.
Drive Belts for Industrial Use
The Bullet utilizes 6mm and 8mm drive belts that are commonly used in small machinery. However, it was decided to opt for slightly wider belts to ensure durability, even if it meant a bit of overkill on width. These belts come in various lengths, providing flexibility in design.
Custom Carbon-Fiber Wheels
A significant effort has been invested into the tires and wheels of the Bullet, as they need to withstand speeds of over 23,000 RPM during a 200+mph run. Experiments with different combinations of materials, adhesives, and processes were conducted. The tires are made of a high-quality purple foam from John’s BSR tires, expertly glued by John Foister himself. These tires are mounted on custom-made carbon wheels fabricated one at a time. The carbon-fiber wheels offer a superior weight-to-strength ratio and do not suffer from the drawbacks of aluminum wheels.
Dinogy Lithium Batteries
After conducting research, it was discovered that Dinogy batteries deliver higher wattage compared to other batteries. Switching to Dinogy packs resulted in a speed increase from 171mph to 184mph! As a result, twelve 5000mAh cells were connected in series to provide the necessary horsepower.
Neu Motor
Although originally designed for RC planes and helicopters, it was decided to adapt Neu motors. These motors are known for their power and efficiency, with temperatures never exceeding 150°F. Many records have been set with Neu motors.
Carbon-Fiber Chassis
To ensure the Bullet’s chassis is rigid enough, a high-quality 3mm carbon fiber for all the components was used. Kinetic Composites cut the carbon fiber pieces, Team Tamale cut the aluminum parts, and John Foister at BSR machined the front axle and hubs.
Castle Creations Power System
The Bullet’s Electronic Speed Control features a Castle Hydra HV 240 with a Phoenix HV 110 Control board, although it’s an older version without a data logger. A large capacitor bank to protect it from current ripple was added.
Futaba 4PK Transmitter and FASST R614FF Receiver to maximize signal strength with an added 400mm boat antenna that threads up the back of the tail fin on the receiver. This ensures that the antenna is positioned as far from the ground as possible, utilizing a Futaba 4PK Transmitter and FASST R614FF Receiver.
Carbon Body
The original carbon fiber body for the Bullet was hand-carved from modeling clay. Only two versions of the body, Version 26 and Version 19, were ever used on the Bullet. To refine the design, CD Adapco’s virtual wind tunnel was utilized, providing valuable insights into the relationship between drag and downforce. This scientific tool helped confirm if the visualized design was aligned with the desired direction. Multiple iterations were made, as some designs exhibited excessive drag or inadequate downforce.
