Description
Overview
The Tamiya Subaru Impreza Monte-Carlo '99 brings one of the most celebrated World Rally Championship cars to 1/10 scale RC form. The 1999 version of the two-door Subaru Impreza rally car was a highly balanced machine that represented the pinnacle of Group A rally technology. Featuring a 4-cylinder turbocharged all-aluminum boxer engine, drive-by-wire throttle system, and semi-automatic 6-speed transmission, this was the car that carried Subaru's legendary blue and gold livery to rally stages around the world.
This R/C model assembly kit recreates the Impreza from the year's opening rally at Monte-Carlo, capturing the distinctive form in durable polycarbonate. Separate parts for the rear wing and side mirrors add to the authentic appearance, while included stickers allow you to recreate the multitude of team and sponsor logos that adorned the championship-contending car. Built on Tamiya's versatile TT-02 chassis with gold fin-spoke wheels and rally block tires, this model is equally at home on road and flat dirt surfaces, just like its full-size inspiration.
Key Features
- Authentic 1/10 scale recreation of the 1999 WRC Subaru Impreza
- Durable polycarbonate body with accurate rally car proportions
- Separately molded rear wing for distinctive rally appearance
- Separate side mirror parts for enhanced detail
- Complete sponsor and team logo sticker sheet
- Gold-colored fin-spoke wheels capturing Subaru's signature look
- Rally block tires for multi-surface performance
- Includes 540-Type brushed motor
- Hobbywing THW 1060 ESC included
Historical Significance
- Monte-Carlo Rally 1999 season-opener specification
- Part of Subaru's dominant WRC era in the late 1990s
- Featured advanced drive-by-wire throttle technology
- Legendary symmetrical AWD boxer engine layout
- Iconic blue and gold World Rally Team livery
- Successor to multiple WRC championship-winning Imprezas
Chassis Features
- Versatile TT-02 shaft-driven 4WD chassis platform
- Longitudinal layout with optimal weight distribution
- Battery positioned on left, motor on right for balance
- Identical left/right suspension arms for easy assembly
- Easy-to-maintain front and rear gearboxes
- 4-wheel double wishbone independent suspension
- Friction dampers front and rear
- Front/rear 4-bevel resin differentials
- 3-piece steering tie-rod for precise control
- Brake disc-shaped wheel hubs
- Bathtub-type frame for durability
Chassis Adjustability
- 2 wheelbase options (257mm for this model)
- 2 ground clearance settings for different surfaces
- 2 tread setup options
- 10 possible gear ratios (9.58:1 standard)
Performance Benefits
- Shaft-driven 4WD mirrors the full-size Impreza's AWD system
- Rally block tires provide grip on both paved and loose surfaces
- Balanced chassis performs well on road and flat dirt
- Gold fin-spoke wheels add authentic Subaru styling
- Extensive TT-02 hop-up parts available for upgrades
- Multiple gear ratios allow optimization for different conditions
Usage Notes
- Excellent for paved surfaces, parking lots, and packed dirt
- Rally block tires handle light gravel and mixed surfaces
- Body requires painting with Tamiya PS polycarbonate paints
- Recommend the iconic Subaru blue (PS-30) and gold combination
- Ball bearings upgrade recommended for improved performance
- CVA oil dampers available as hop-up for better handling
Technical Specs
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Scale | 1/10 |
| Length | 442mm |
| Width | 186mm |
| Height | 140mm |
| Wheelbase | 257mm |
| Tire Width/Diameter | 27mm / 69mm |
| Chassis | TT-02 |
| Drivetrain | 4WD Shaft-Driven |
| Differential | Front/Rear 4-bevel resin |
| Suspension | 4-wheel double wishbone |
| Dampers | Friction dampers (front/rear) |
| Gear Ratio | 9.58:1 (9 additional ratios available) |
| Motor | 540-Type |
| ESC | Hobbywing THW 1060 |
| Frame Type | Bathtub |
What's Included
- TT-02 chassis kit with all hardware
- Polycarbonate Subaru Impreza WRC body shell
- Separate rear wing assembly
- Separate side mirrors
- Gold fin-spoke wheels (4)
- Rally block tires (4)
- 540-Type brushed motor
- Hobbywing THW 1060 electronic speed controller
- Complete sponsor/team logo sticker sheet
- Window masking tape
- Assembly instruction manual
Needed to Complete
- 2-channel radio system (transmitter and receiver)
- Steering servo (standard size)
- 7.2V battery pack (NiMH recommended) or 7.4V LiPo
- Battery charger compatible with your battery type
- AA batteries for transmitter
- Tamiya PS polycarbonate spray paints
- Basic hobby tools for assembly
Summary
The Tamiya Subaru Impreza Monte-Carlo '99 on the TT-02 chassis is a tribute to one of rally racing's most iconic machines. This kit captures the essence of Subaru's WRC dominance with its authentic body lines, signature gold wheels, and rally-ready block tires. The versatile TT-02 platform provides excellent all-surface performance that mirrors the full-size Impreza's legendary versatility. Whether you're a rally fan building a collection of WRC legends or an RC enthusiast seeking a capable multi-terrain performer, this kit delivers the perfect combination of scale authenticity and driving excitement. The included electronics make it ready to build and drive right out of the box.