Kyosho Turbo Optima Mid Special 1/10 4WD Electric Off-Road Buggy Racer Kit
About this part
Iconic High-Performance Buggy with Modern Features
The Turbo Optima Mid Special 1/10 4WD Electric Off-Road Buggy Racer Kit by Kyosho marks the triumphant return of a legendary 1988 model. Originally celebrated for its dominance in the racing world, this high-performance buggy has been faithfully reproduced with modern upgrades for today's RC enthusiasts. It features refined engineering, added durability, and enhanced adaptability while preserving the iconic look and feel of the original.
About the Turbo Optima Mid Special Buggy
Extended Wheelbase & Chassis Design
The Turbo Optima Mid Special boasts an eighteen-millimeter longer wheelbase than the standard Optima Mid, improving high-speed stability and cornering performance. Its carbon layered chassis balances flexibility and rigidity, ideal for absorbing off-road terrain while maintaining precise control. Thoughtfully designed slots were taken from the original design, allowing for split battery configurations to support various battery types and weight distributions.
Modern Enhancements
Featuring a belt-driven 4WD system and full ball bearings, the drivetrain ensures smooth power delivery and high rotational efficiency. Universal swing shafts reduce drivetrain loss, especially during tight cornering. The anodized oil shocks with medium-hard springs provide consistent damping across varied track conditions, while the adjustable slipper clutch ensures compatibility with high-power setups.
Vintage Appeal
This updated version supports contemporary RC electronics while retaining its nostalgic design cues. The updated molded body fits modern battery sizes and includes a dustproof underbody for improved aerodynamics. Finished with blister-style packaging and a matching decal sheet, it delivers both functional upgrades and vintage authenticity in equal measure.
Features:
- 18mm longer wheelbase for better high-speed stability
- Hybrid FRP and carbon chassis for exceptional rigidity
- Redesigned body for modern electronics and battery compatibility
- Fully ball-bearing supported drivetrain
- Belt-driven 4WD system
- Anodized oil shocks with medium-hard springs for smooth suspension performance
- Reinforced adjustable slipper clutch
- Adjustable rear toe angles of 0°, 1°, and 2°
- Precision aluminum hubs ensure a secure and wobble-free fit for the wheels
- Blister-style nostalgic packaging
Includes:
- (1) Turbo Optima Mid Special 1/10 4WD Electric Off-Road Buggy Racer Kit
- (1) Clear Turbo Optima Mid Special Body
- (4) Block-Pattern Tires
- (4) Wheels
- (4) Anodized Shocks with Medium-Hard Springs
- (1) Rear Wing
- (1) Cross Wrench
- (1) Shock Wrench
- (1) Bottle of #200 Shock Oil
- (1) Decal Sheet
- Ball Differential Grease
- Product Manual
Needed To Complete:
- (1) 2-Channel Transmitter & Receiver
- (1) Servo
- (1) 540 Motor
- (1) ESC
- (1) 6-Cell NiMH or 2S LiPo Battery
- Compatible Battery Charger
- Paint for Body
- Assembly Tools
Specifications:
| Scale | 1:10 |
|---|---|
| Drive | 4WD |
| Power Source | 6-Cell NiMH or 2S LiPo (7.4V) |
| Length | 15.63in (397mm) |
| Wheelbase | 10.75in (273mm) |
| Width | 9.84in (250mm) |
| Height | 5.31in (135mm) |
| Weight | 57.14oz (1620g) |
| Assembly Level | Kit* |
*Tech Note: RC Kits are an unassembled Remote Control Model that require assembly, racer selected electronics, and other racer provided items. Photos of assembled kit are for illustrative purposes only. For a complete list of needed items to drive this kit please see the list above.
Manuals:
User Manual
Reviews4.7 · 3 reviews
Built the kit and it was a lot of fun. Directions could have been better but got it done. Overall, I’m pleased with the kit. Went together well and drives silky smooth. My only cons I have is the shock towers. This is one of the most expensive kits available and it came with cheap towers. My rear tower snapped landing off a jump. I still would recommend this kit, but I would build it with the aftermarket carbon fiber towers. I believe Kyosho is the way to go for re-releases.
This buggy is incredible from the second you open the box. The inside of the box is very attractive with the way some of the components are laid out for you. The quality of EVERYTHING is second to none and the parts fit together beautifully. I have been building Tamiya kits since the Hornet was released in the mid 80s. i’ve built at least 50 tamiya kits between the kits i built/build for myself, friends and customers. In all those years i NEVER built a Kyosho buggy. I had only worked on their nitro powered go-kart and a 4WD buggy that needed a new chain. I saw a video about vintage Tamiya and Kyosho buggies and the guy said the quality of the Kyosho kits was a bit better. The Tirbo optima mid special truly is a work of art and you can help but notice the quality of every single part. The hardware is also VERY high quality. I’m not ready to say Kyosho kits are better than Tamiya, but anyone that love the vintage electric buggies of the 1980s and enjoys a very nice and enjoyable build project, you’ve got to grab one of these Kiits The only thing i will say that some may find to be a negative is that the Kyosho manual, although very well written and illustrated, it is not quite as clear and precise as all the Tamiya manuals i’ve worked with. This buggy is fast and nimble and VERY impressive on a dirt track or just “bash racing” with friends. I have a Hobby wing 1060 esc and Tamiya brushed Super stock BZ motor installed and it is a perfect match. The buggy is fast and fun. Very reminiscent of the fastest Brushed buggies of the past. Buy this buggy, you will not be sorry. If 2WD is more for you, the Ultima is also an excellent buggy in their rerelease lineup. It also received great reviews. Thanks Kyosho, i’ll definitely be adding more of your kits to my collection amd shelves.
Everyone knows it is a great kit. Amain hobbies like always pack it fast and send tracking. One reason I really like Amain they pack it very well with bubble wrap in a nice shipping box. They understand the hobby. They know a customer that orders this type of kit that the box is very important. I had another hobby company use the kit box as the shipping box. Needless to say never ordered from them again.
Reviewers generally rate the Kyosho Turbo Optima Mid Special kit highly, praising its build experience, fit of parts, and smooth driving once assembled. One verified owner reported that the included shock towers were the weak point, with the rear tower snapping after a jump, and suggested aftermarket carbon fiber towers instead. Another found the instructions could be clearer. A third reviewer focused mainly on the retailer's careful packing and shipping rather than the kit itself. Overall, reviews are positive, though the sample is small and includes one review centred on delivery.
- + Good parts fit and quality
- + Smooth driving once built
- + Enjoyable build experience
- + Careful retailer packing
- − Included shock towers feel weak
- − Rear tower broke after a jump
- − Instructions could be clearer