But we decided to go forward anyway – we thought we had an edge on the competition after so many years of producing quality upgrades.  The result was the highly acclaimed EB48 1/8th Electric Buggy.  Within a mere 5 months, we followed that release with the impeccable SCT410 1/10th Short Course Truck.  Both vehicles have quickly become the go-to platforms in their respective classes with unmatched durability, tunability, and handling.

So now we are very excited to introduce the NB48, a completely new 1/8th Nitro Buggy.  Built on the hot-selling EB48 and SCT410 platform, it shares many parts already available around the world.  But the real fun begins when you start to notice the details and optimizations we put into the vehicle.  Like its electric counterpart, the EB48, this is not a conversion – it’s a ground up nitro design.

We started with the chassis and weight distribution.  After computer analyzing dozens of different layouts it became clear that a lot of the current vehicles on the market are not optimized.  Some are too heavy on the right side (rear diff output is offset too far).  Others are more balanced but the engine and weight distribution aren’t as centralized (rear diff output is not offset enough), producing slower steering response in ‘U’ and ‘S’ sections.

We achieved ideal side-to-side weight by creating an all new mid-offset rear bulkhead and ring gear.  It moves the engine closer to the center without overloading the right side.  It also minimizes drive angles and wear on the center dog bones.  The drivetrain is as free as can be without sacrificing chassis layout and weight balance on the very narrow 4mm 7075 CNC hard anodized aluminum chassis.

The next question was, “do we put the weight forward or back?”  How about both?  The engine can be mounted in two positions, a front position and an 18mm offset rear position.  Under most conditions, the motor forward produces the fastest cornering and subsequent lap times.  In very bumpy or very loose conditions testing shows the rear engine position can be easier to drive.

The last challenge with weight distribution is how low you can place it.  Following a design cue from the EB48, we created the radio tray and the right mudguard as one piece.  This allowed the RX battery to essentially sit on the chassis producing the lowest CG possible.  The RX sits right behind the battery and the throttle servo is mounted behind the RX.  Wiring is clean and easy with almost no exposed wires.  Finishing off the radio tray are integrated transponder, switch, and antenna mounts.  The entire radio tray/mud guard can be removed with only 6 screws making cleaning your new nitro ride an easy task.

The throttle and brake linkage setups were approached with precision and consistency in mind.  The throttle is pulled by a CNC machined assembly riding on ball bearings.  Yes, it costs more to produce, but we thought a system so critical to the performance of a nitro vehicle should be perfect.

The brakes were designed to be simple and effective.  They are side-mounted on the center differential assembly and brake bias adjustments are a simple turn of the connecting turnbuckle.  After testing various disc and brake pad material combinations, it was abundantly clear that a steel disc with semi-metallic brake pads is the best setup.  Again, it costs more to produce, but how lame are brakes that are inconsistent and fade on the 3rd lap of your main event?

A new 4 shoe clutch and clutch bell transmit power smoothly and efficiently.  Access to the clutch shoes and springs are simple with no special tools required other than a hex driver.  Large diameter inner and outer bearings means more time in between rebuilds and less bearing failure.  The clutch bells are also compatible with most other 4 shoe clutch systems.

The fuel tank is a typical clunk style tank, but with some additional features to keep things running well and running clean.  Raised sides on the outside of the tank help keep fuel off the chassis.  There is also an overflow fuel outlet that drains through the bottom of the chassis.  We spent a lot of time choosing the right spring and seal for the tank.  The result is a tank that runs virtually the same from fuel fill up to pit stop.

The steering and suspension are direct carryovers from the EB48.  Bulletproof suspension arms, silky smooth 16mm bore shocks, precision steering, and a ton of adjustments will keep you headed in the right direction.  The differentials are light and extremely durable.  They will provide consistent leak-free performance tank after tank.

We also decided to include a host of performance parts that are usually options on most other cars.  These include lightened aluminum pivot balls, steering posts, lightened gears and outdrives throughout, CNC tapered pistons, and super lightened offset wheel hubs.  Dry weight is roughly 3260g depending on equipment installed.

When you back all of this up with Tekno RC’s unparalleled customer service and community interaction, you have yourself one of the most competitive and innovative buggies available.  The NB48 should be available in Fall 2013 and will be competitively priced with other top quality buggies on the market.