Description
Overview
The Tamiya Hornet by Jun Watanabe is a stunning limited-edition reimagining of one of RC history's most iconic buggies. Originally released in 2012 and now re-released in 2025, this special collaboration with renowned Japanese creative director Jun Watanabe transforms the legendary 1984 Hornet with a bold artistic color scheme that's impossible to ignore. The white body with distinctive black polka dots, paired with pink tires, purple chassis components, and white damper springs, creates a visual statement that celebrates both RC heritage and contemporary design.
Beneath the eye-catching exterior lies the same proven engineering that made the original Hornet a worldwide phenomenon. The durable ABS bathtub frame chassis, sealed differential gearbox, oil-filled rear dampers, and independent suspension system deliver excellent performance on both dirt and paved surfaces. This limited single-production-run release includes unique details like pink wheel nuts, black spare tires, and numbered certificates for select markets—making it a must-have for collectors and fans of creative RC styling.
Key Features
- 1/10 scale R/C off-road buggy assembly kit with 400mm length, 230mm width, 150mm height
- Limited edition Jun Watanabe artistic color scheme
- White polycarbonate body with black polka dot graphics
- Pink elastomer tires (front grooved, rear pin spike)
- Purple ABS chassis, bumper, and side guards
- White coil damper springs for visual contrast
- Pink 4mm wheel nuts included
- Black three-piece wheels
- Second set of black tires included
- Pre-cut wheel arches on body
- Grasshopper-based chassis platform
- 540-Type brushed motor included
- Single production run limited edition
- Originally released 2012, re-released August 2025
Historical Significance
- Based on the revolutionary 1984 Hornet that launched the 2WD buggy boom
- One of Tamiya's most popular RC cars ever released
- Collaboration with Jun Watanabe, creative director of ZOZOTOWN
- Jun Watanabe known for distinctive color use in fashion and media
- Original 2012 UK release limited to 240 numbered units with certificates
- Celebrates the Hornet's enduring place in RC history
Chassis Features
- Durable ABS resin bathtub frame construction
- Rear-wheel drive (RWD) layout
- Sealed gearbox protects differential from dirt and debris
- 3-bevel differential gear for smooth cornering
- 2-piece steering tie-rod system
- Independent swing axle front suspension with friction dampers
- Rolling rigid axle rear suspension with oil-filled dampers
- 251mm wheelbase with 172mm front / 185mm rear tread
- 16mm ground clearance
- 8.2:1 gear ratio
- Compatible with optional ball bearings
Performance Benefits
- Excellent performance on both dirt and on-road surfaces
- Oil-filled rear dampers absorb bumps and jumps smoothly
- Sealed gearbox maintains reliability in dusty conditions
- Simple yet robust chassis design
- Front grooved tires provide directional control
- Rear pin spike tires deliver maximum traction
- Lightweight 874g assembled weight for agile handling
- 2S LiPo compatible for enhanced performance
Usage Notes
The Hornet excels on dirt, gravel, grass, and paved surfaces—a true all-terrain performer. The 2WD rear-wheel-drive layout rewards smooth throttle control and allows exciting drift-style driving. The kit includes both pink display tires and black performance tires for versatility. Body comes with pre-cut wheel arches. Recommended for builders ages 14 and up. Body requires painting with Tamiya PS polycarbonate spray paints if you want to customize beyond the included stickers.
Technical Specs
| Scale: | 1/10 |
| Length: | 400mm |
| Width: | 230mm |
| Height: | 150mm |
| Wheelbase: | 251mm |
| Tread (Front): | 172mm |
| Tread (Rear): | 185mm |
| Ground Clearance: | 16mm |
| Weight: | 874g (assembled without battery) |
| Drive: | 2WD Rear-wheel drive |
| Chassis: | Grasshopper-based bathtub |
| Body Material: | Polycarbonate |
| Chassis Material: | Purple ABS Plastic |
| Motor: | 540-Type Brushed (RS-540) |
| Front Suspension: | Independent swing axle with friction dampers |
| Rear Suspension: | Rolling rigid axle with oil dampers |
| Differential: | 3-bevel gear (sealed) |
| Gear Ratio: | 8.2:1 |
| Tire Size (Front): | 21mm x 73mm |
| Tire Size (Rear): | 51mm x 88mm |
| Power Source: | 7.2-7.4V (2S LiPo compatible) |
| Manufacturer: | Tamiya |
| Item Number: | 58527 |
What's Included
- Complete unassembled Grasshopper-based chassis kit
- Polycarbonate body (clear) with pre-cut wheel arches
- Purple ABS chassis, bumper, and side guards
- Black three-piece wheels (4)
- Pink front grooved tires (2)
- Pink rear pin spike tires (2)
- Black front and rear tires (spare set)
- White coil damper springs
- Pink 4mm wheel nuts
- Oil-filled rear shock dampers
- Polka dot and gradient sticker sheets
- 540-Type brushed motor
- Comprehensive instruction manual
Needed to Complete
- Electronic speed controller (ESC)
- 2-channel radio system (transmitter and receiver)
- Standard-size steering servo
- 7.2V-7.4V battery pack (NiMH or 2S LiPo)
- Compatible battery charger
- AA batteries for transmitter
- Tamiya PS polycarbonate spray paints (optional for customization)
- Basic assembly tools
Summary
The Tamiya Hornet by Jun Watanabe Limited Edition transforms an RC legend into a bold work of automotive art. This single-production-run release combines the proven performance of the classic Hornet platform with Jun Watanabe's distinctive artistic vision, featuring purple chassis components, pink tires, and the iconic polka dot body design. Perfect for collectors, design enthusiasts, and anyone who wants a unique RC buggy that performs as good as it looks on any terrain.