Description
Overview
The Tamiya 1998 Honda NSX Racing brings Japanese GT racing heritage to stunning 1/10 scale life. The original Honda NSX—a midship-engined sports car released in 1990—achieved remarkable success in races around the world and began competing in Japan's premier GT car series starting in 1996. The 1998 version represented a significant evolution, employing a larger 3.5-liter V6 engine with improved aerodynamics, a lower center of gravity, enhanced brake system, and easier maintenance access. Four cars competed that year and achieved an impressive five victories, cementing the NSX's status as a dominant force in Japanese motorsport.
This assembly kit recreates that championship-winning machine with an aerodynamically efficient polycarbonate body capturing the NSX's flowing lines, aggressive front canards, distinctive side mirrors, and signature two-layer rear wing. The version in this release is minus any sponsorship livery, giving you complete freedom to create your own racing livery or paint the car as you wish. Built on Tamiya's versatile and beginner-friendly TT-02 shaft-driven 4WD chassis with included motor and ESC, this kit delivers authentic GT racing style with reliable on-road performance.
Key Features
- 1/10 scale R/C model assembly kit with 435mm length, 194mm width, 121mm height
- Authentic 1998 Honda NSX Racing GT-spec body design
- Durable 1.0mm thick polycarbonate body shell
- Separately molded ABS plastic front bumper canards
- Separately molded ABS plastic side mirrors with sticker surfaces
- Two-layer rear wing recreated as single part
- TT-02 shaft-driven 4WD chassis with excellent stability
- Dark gun metal 6-spoke wheels with racing slick tires
- 540-Type brushed motor included
- HobbyWing THW 1060 ESC (2-3S compatible) included
- Trim stickers and window masking stickers included
- Blank livery allows custom paint schemes
Historical Significance
- Honda NSX introduced 1990 as world's first all-aluminum monocoque sports car
- Began JGTC (Japanese GT Championship) competition in 1996
- 1998 version featured upgraded 3.5-liter V6 engine
- Improved aerodynamics and lower center of gravity for 1998 season
- Enhanced brake system and maintenance accessibility
- Four NSX Racing entries achieved five victories in 1998
- Developed with input from Formula 1 legend Ayrton Senna
Chassis Features
- Shaft-driven 4WD with longitudinal layout
- Battery on left, motor on right for balanced weight distribution
- Identical left and right suspension arms for easy assembly
- Easy-to-maintain sealed gearboxes
- Bathtub-type frame construction
- 2 wheelbase options, 2 ground clearance settings, 2 tread setups
- 10 possible gear ratios (8.27:1 standard)
- Brake disc-shaped wheel hubs for scale detail
- Resin ball links for smooth steering motion
- Motor cover with removable cooling duct
Performance Benefits
- Excellent stability from balanced shaft-driven 4WD layout
- 4-wheel independent double wishbone suspension
- Front and rear 4-bevel plastic differentials
- 3-piece steering tie-rod for smooth action
- Friction dampers for predictable handling
- Racing slick tires optimized for on-road grip
- Highly adaptable chassis with extensive tuning options
- Low-profile GT body for realistic racing appearance
Usage Notes
The TT-02 chassis is optimized for on-road driving on smooth paved surfaces including parking lots, driveways, and RC tracks. The racing slick tires provide excellent grip on tarmac. Standard plastic bushings can be upgraded to ball bearings for improved performance. The blank livery allows you to create your own custom racing scheme or replicate any of the 1998 NSX Racing team liveries. Body requires painting with Tamiya PS polycarbonate spray paints. Recommended for builders ages 14 and up.
Technical Specs
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scale | 1/10 |
| Length | 435mm |
| Width | 194mm |
| Height | 121mm |
| Wheelbase | 257mm |
| Tire Size | 27mm width / 67mm diameter |
| Drive | Shaft-driven 4WD |
| Chassis | TT-02 |
| Frame | Bathtub type (ABS Plastic) |
| Body Material | 1.0mm Polycarbonate |
| Motor | 540-Type brushed |
| ESC | HobbyWing THW 1060 (2-3S compatible) |
| Suspension | 4-wheel independent double wishbone |
| Dampers | Friction type |
| Differentials | 4-bevel plastic (front and rear) |
| Gear Ratio | 8.27:1 (9 additional ratios available) |
| Bearings | Plastic bushing (upgradeable) |
| Manufacturer | Tamiya |
| Item Number | 58739 |
What's Included
- Complete unassembled TT-02 chassis kit
- 1.0mm polycarbonate 1998 Honda NSX Racing body (clear)
- ABS plastic front canards
- ABS plastic side mirrors
- Two-layer rear wing
- Dark gun metal 6-spoke wheels (4)
- Racing slick tires (4)
- Trim sticker sheet
- Window masking stickers
- 540-Type brushed motor
- HobbyWing THW 1060 electronic speed controller
- Comprehensive instruction manual
Needed to Complete
- 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
- Basic assembly tools
Summary
The Tamiya 1998 Honda NSX Racing TT-02 celebrates one of Japan's most successful GT racing programs with an authentic recreation of the five-time race winner. The detailed polycarbonate body with separate canards, mirrors, and two-layer wing captures the NSX's aerodynamic excellence, while the proven TT-02 4WD platform with included motor and ESC delivers reliable on-road performance. With its blank livery allowing unlimited customization, this kit is perfect for Honda enthusiasts, GT racing fans, and RC hobbyists seeking a championship-winning design on a versatile, upgradeable chassis.