Tamiya is delighted to announce a re-released and upgraded version of the kit which recreates a Cheetah prototype; a military vehicle announced at the 1977 Geneva Motor Show. Originally born from a collaboration with the American company MTI (Mobility Technology International), the Cheetah project aimed to create an all-terrain military vehicle for the U.S. market. The prototype was initially assembled in the United States and later finished at Lamborghini’s facilities in Italy. In what was for an off-road car an unusual mount over the rear axle, its engine was a waterproofed 5.9-litre Chrysler V8 offering 180 hp that sent power to a limited slip differential via a 3-speed automatic transmission. While the Cheetah prototype never entered production, it was still a testament to Lamborghini’s innovation and significantly enriched their technical expertise, representing an important experimental phase that would later lead to modern military vehicles such as the Humvee. Indeed, it served as fundamental testing ground for the subsequent evolution of the brand’s high-performance off-road vehicles, anticipating concepts later successfully implemented in the famous Lamborghini LM002, the first modern sports SUV.
About the Model
- This R/C model assembly kit is a re-released and upgraded version of the kit which recreates a Cheetah prototype; a military vehicle announced at the 1977 Geneva Motor Show
- Length: 400mm, width: 174mm, height: 140mm
- The durable styrene plastic body (moulded in PS Desert Yellow) realistically depicts the angular, doorless form
- Interior features such as meter panel, seats and fire extinguisher, and rear plate mesh are authentically depicted
- The body is mounted inside front and rear for a more realistic look
- Front and rear double wishbone suspension features upper and lower H-arms and adjustable flat-mounted, longitudinal metal torsion bar springs
- A driver figure is also included
- The instruction manual includes a 4-language background story text of the actual car
About the Chassis
- Based on the same chassis as Item 58004 1/12 XR311 Combat Support Vehicle, but with a 10mm shorter wheelbase
- The 2WD chassis has a lightweight, rigid duralumin U-shaped plate, and utilizes a lengthwise battery pack in the centre and a rear-mounted motor
- The receiver and ESC are positioned on either side in duralumin rear R/C equipment trays for optimum balance
- Sealed gearbox helps prevent dust and small stones from entering the model
- 4-wheel independent double wishbone suspension employs 4 adjustable flat-mounted, longitudinal metal torsion bar springs
- Updated semi-pneumatic tyres – which feature flat chevron tread pattern – are paired with durable threepiece wheels which have five screws to attach them to wheel hubs
- A duralumin front underguard protects the model in crashes
PRE-ORDER KIT: This model has yet to be released. We have attempted to include an approximate release date in the title above, although this may change in either direction before release.
PRICE: The price makes certain assumptions about exchange rates and model content, so may be subject to change. If this happens we will always inform you and give the option to cancel.
PAYMENT: When you place a pre-order you have two choices for payment - you can pay immediately (in advance) by Paypal or by using our Nochex Card Services credit/debit card payment option. The advantage of this is that your order will be at the front of the queue if there is a shortage, but the disadvantage is that you may be paying months in advance. Note that if you cancel a pre-paid pre-order, we do not refund the processing charges if you have paid by Paypal (this is approx 2.5%). Alternatively, and recommended, you can select our PRE-ORDER PAYMENT option where we will collect card details from you and charge them when the model is released, if not supplied online we will call you for these and put the order in queue once we have them on file for you.
Photographs may show assembled model with electronics fitted which are not included in the above price.
Pricing Note: We have priced this kit above, as we do the whole range, assuming that you will not require the standard ESC unit. If you would like the kit with the ESC included, simply add the Carson Dragster or Tamiya Hobbywing ESC from the drop down below - which adds £15-£18 to the total. Note also, Tamiya kits do not come shrink wrapped in the UK or Japan. The box sticker may state "ESC Included" whether you order it with or without this unit.
Options Explained
Bearing Upgrade: We assume that like the XR311, this model uses non standard sized brass bearings, therefore we do not offer a roller bearing set for it.
Radio System: There is a choice of a TWIN STICK (Traditional) radio or a Steering Wheel (Modern) radios. All operate on 2.4Ghz and use the new Crystal-Free technology, so you can run multiple cars at the same time without any interference. All radios chosen from this page will include a steering servo as these are not included in the kit itself.
ESC: This is the connection between the radio system and the motor. You have several choices. Tamiya no longer make their own ESC, instead they supply from their facilities Hobbywing or Mstyle units. Where a model number is shown (e.g. 20 or 15) that is the motor capacity of the unit - the lower the number, the more powerful a motor you can install later. All work with the motor in the kit.
Battery: The higher the number, the longer the run time.
Charger: Charge time is proportional to the battery you choose. Some examples - for the 1800 battery (others will take longer) - USB charger takes around 4 hours, Mid Speed around 2 to 3 hours, Etronix Fast Charger ET0208 can be as quick as 60 minutes in the house or 30 minutes in the car and Etronix ET0209 is even faster but mains only.
Available Options and Upgrades:
Battery:
Charger:
ESC:
Radio System:
