Serpent designer Billy Easton, former 1/10 scale 2wd World Champion, and the designer of the successful Cobra 1/8 series of cars, has created this next masterpiece, the MID motor version of the very popular Spyder RM. The Spyder MM will perform best at high grip tracks like clay and astro turf.
Serpent decided to create 1st a purpose built rear motor version and then create a mid motor version right after. The mid-motor version is also purpose built sharing many parts with its rear motor sister. The idea was to build two condition specific designs, with the highest level of performance possible. Drivers per race will be able to choose either version, and will not have to make any changes on the spot. Front end on both types is same, but chassis and all rear end differs a lot.
Key features of the SPYDER 2wd buggy MID-MM:
- High performance race geometry
- Mid motor design
- Unique steering block design
- Big bore 12mm RCM type shocks with dual system
- Innovative shocktower design
- Highly Efficient Steering ackermann
- Adjustable rear differential height
- 3 pad slipper clutch
- Narrow composite chassis design
- Low, cab forward body
Features
Chassis
Composite chassis plate with a layout allowing for a perfect weight balance, and optimal space for the electronics, battery and servo. The front Kick-up angle in the Chassis incorporates more clearance for racing and allow for more nose landings.
Carbon fiber front and rear shock towers. The 4mm thick carbon fiber shock towers have multiple shock angle positions allowing customers to fine tune for varying track conditions.
Shock absorbers
Dual system 12mm big bore shocks with hard coated threaded bodies, a unique cap design, a superbly sealing o-ring and spacer package. The Shocks can be used in Bladder or Emulsion setups. The shock-set comes with a set of moulded pistons to choose from. A selection of 5 springs-sets is available to fine-tune the suspension settings. Shock Collars with inner o-rings are used on the threaded bodies to set-ride height.
Front upper bulkhead
The front upper bulkhead is and supports the upper links and shock tower in the best possible way. The front section offers the option to mount a front wing and sway bar unit
Front wishbones
The front Wishbones are made from a super strong composite material. The arms are angled to optimize the CG and pivot on 3mm captured pins on the inside and out. The arms have 2 mounting positions for shock angle and are prepared to use an optional anti-roll bar if needed.
Front and Rear Track Rods
Spring steel front and rear track rods are mounted to durable composite captured ball joints. The track Rods have L/R threading for easy adjustments.
Castor blocks and settings
Caster block inserts come as 0, 2.5 and 5 degree version all of which are included. The caster blocks are very compact and strong units made from a special composite material.
Steering Block and Rear Upright
The steering blocks fit 5x10x4 mm bearings. The rear hub uprights use a larger 5x14x4 outer bearing and 10x15x4 mm inner for ultimate lasting performance. The steering blocks and rear uprights utilize some of the best high strength materials on the market today.
Upright Settings
The rear uprights allow you to adjust, the toe in from -2 to + 2 degrees by use of various inserts also included in the kit.
Steering system and Ackermann
The steering system has a reverse swinging pivot system that optimizes the efficiency through all different types of corners. You have 3 Ackerman choices to choose from.
Wheel-axles and wheel hex
The spring steel wheel-axles utilized 12mm hex adapter to follow current market standards. The front springs steel axle is fixed, while the rear wheel-hex is a clamping aluminum version.
Battery space mount and weight balance
The battery is mounted perfectly in the center line of the car. Its an exact fit for saddle packs. In case of using a Shorty-pack, it can be moved to front or back to play with weight balance. Pieces of hard foam are supplied to do so and secure the battery in position. The carbon fibre battery-top-brace has a secure quick release system with handy twist nuts
Differential
The limited slip ball differential is a super compact, effective and durable unit. Utilizing 1.8th inch diff balls for ultimate durability. The structure and assembly is common type in this class, but the high quality parts and well functioning will make it stand out. The height of the diff can be changed with inserts.
Motor plate and motor guard
The motor plate is a machined aluminum; it is then anodized and machined for weight reduction.
Anti-roll bars
Anti-roll bars can be fitted on the front and rear of the car, but are optional. They can be used on high grip surfaces to further adjust the cars performance
Rear Transmission case
The composite rear transmission case is light and durable. It allows the customer to adjust the differential height to each specific condition. It also securely holds the motor plate, differential as well as supports the rear wing mount and rear carbon fiber shock tower.
Rear driveshaft system, wheel-axles
The spring steel drive shafts are thin and light, yet durable. The spring steel wheel-axles are 5mm, light and durable, guided by the 2 different size of bearings, inner 10x14x4 mm and outer 5x13x4 mm. The driveshaft pin is fully captured to prevent any failure. These bearings are for sure to stand up the rigors of any track condition.
Rear suspension brackets and toe in
The 3mm spring steel pivot pins are held in place by the suspension bracket made from aluminum. Inside the bracket you use inserts to set toe-in and roll center. You can adjust the toe-in from 2 to 4 degrees and adjust the anti squat from 0 to 4 degrees.
Rear suspension arms
The Mid Motor specific long and durable angled rear suspension arms are very tough units to withstand the rigors of the track and the hard landings. The rear arm offers 2 options for shock position and two mounting locations for the rear anti-roll bar if needed.
Rear Chassis skid plate
The composite rear skid plate connects to the chassis plate. This connection allows you to unclip the rear end in one piece, but helps reduce the total cost of maintenance. It is also made from extremely high strength composite material.
Body shell and rear wing
The light and low cab-forward style body, made in top quality clear polycarbonate, has a nice flowing line, steep front windscreen for down force with indents in the section in front of the windscreen. The shark fin on the roof of the cabin offers not only style but stability. The smooth body lines enhance the cars appearance and do so in style
The polycarbonate rear wing utilizes raised cuts in the sides to improve wheel clearance.
Rear wing holder
The composite rear wing holder is connected to the rear bulkhead and shock tower. It is fully adjustable from 0,2,4,6 and 8 degrees. Its fixed into place by a washers and screws.
Ballbearings
High speed sealed stainless steel ballbearings with aeroshell oil
Fasteners
Hard steel , mostly allen screws, roundhead and countersunk. Minimized number of different allen heads to make working on the car easier.
Wheels
Durable white nylon flat faced wheels, specifically designed to utilize the advancements in the front and rear suspension geometry.
The kit comes complete with body and wheels, full color manual and exploded views, a blank and standard set-up sheet and Serpent decals.
Set-up possibilities
- Wheelbase
- Caster
- Ackerman
- Axle height Front
- Front and rear camber
- Front Toe-in and toe-out
- Rear Inboard toe-in angle
- Rear Outboard toe-in angle
- Antisquat
- Roll-centers
- Ride height
- Weight balance
- Shocks for dampening and springs, shock angle
- Gear ratios
- Anti-roll bar thickness (option)
- Electronic placement
Kit includes
- Racing chassis
- Clear body and rear wing
- Front and rear wheels with 12mm hex
- Full color manual and decals
- Not included: tires/inserts/electronics
Tech-specs
Length: 385mm
Width: varies with set-up
Wheelbase: 281mm
Gear Ratio: 2.43:1
Weight: varies with electronics used
Designed by Billy Easton, USA
The Spyder MM is planned to ship right around January 24, 2014