[Bicester, UK and Shizuoka, Japan] The Little Car Company has provided further details about the upcoming Tamiya Wild One MAX Launch Edition, a full-scale electric vehicle based on the original Tamiya Wild One radio-controlled car released in 1985. The Launch Edition will be limited to 100 units, with additional versions planned for the future.
The development of the Wild One MAX Launch Edition experienced delays due to industry-wide supply issues. However, The Little Car Company utilized this time to engage with deposit holders and gather feedback. Incorporating this input, they have made enhancements to improve performance and usability.
The Tamiya Wild One MAX Launch Edition boasts a high specification, including Cobra bucket seats with 4-point harnesses, a 5" IP-rated digital screen with marine specification switches, Brembo disc brakes on all wheels, and Bilstein dampers paired with Eibach springs. The car is equipped with 14" Maxxis off-road tires both at the front and rear.
To enhance safety and comfort, The Little Car Company made some adjustments to the original R/C car design. The cockpit has been widened to accommodate two occupants comfortably, a feature requested by deposit holders. Additionally, the front suspension turrets have been smoothed to improve visibility and pedestrian safety, and the front suspension has been upgraded to a double wishbone design. As a result, the car's dimensions have increased from 3.5m long and 1.8m wide to 3.6m long and 1.9m wide.
For off-road enthusiasts, the Wild One MAX Launch Edition offers a ground clearance of 270mm, an approach angle of 34.1 degrees, a breakover angle of 28.4 degrees, and a departure angle of 50.8 degrees. The Little Car Company has also developed an optional windscreen and wiper mechanism to enhance the car's practicality.
The Launch Edition will be powered by eight removable battery packs, providing a total capacity of 14.4kWh and a top speed of approximately 60 mph (96.5 km/h). The vehicle's estimated weight is around 500kg. In response to a survey, 95% of existing deposit holders expressed interest in a road-legal version of the car. As a result, The Little Car Company has developed the Launch Edition to include a road legal pack, conforming to L7e quadricycle regulations in the UK and EU.
Ben Hedley, CEO of The Little Car Company, expressed excitement about the upcoming Tamiya Wild One MAX Launch Edition and acknowledged the invaluable contributions and suggestions from the Tamiya deposit holder community. Hedley highlighted that the team has incorporated the feedback into the vehicle's development, emphasizing the car's fun factor without relying on excessive acceleration. He expressed anticipation for the public unveiling and the opportunity for people to experience the finished car firsthand.
Production of the Launch Edition will begin in early 2024, with The Little Car Company delivering fully assembled vehicles to customers. Offering improved size, usability, and performance, the Launch Edition will elevate the Wild One MAX to new heights. Other versions with varying performance levels are planned for future stages of product development. Performance testing and durability evaluations will be conducted throughout the spring and summer, with finalized performance figures, range, and pricing to be announced closer to the public unveiling.
