XRAY RX8'26: The Most Advanced 1/8 Nitro On-Road Competition Car
The XRAY RX8'26 is the ultimate evolution of XRAY's 1/8 nitro on-road competition car. Designed using the world's most sophisticated CAD tools and fully manufactured at the XRAY factory in Slovakia with the best machining and molding technology available, the RX8 achieves a level of perfection in every detail that is second to none in the category.
RX8'26 New Features
- All-new chassis with new flex characteristics and M4 screws throughout for quick and reliable assembly
- Chassis sides and engine position milled down for laydown servo configuration and lower CG
- Rear solid axle and front one-way axle outdrives lightened to reduce drivetrain rotating mass
- Front one-way axle now hard-coated for improved durability and reliability
- 2nd speed shaft strategically lightened and heat-treated for maximum lifespan
- 3 new ball-bearing belt tensioners to increase reliability and prevent belt skipping
- New piston brake system with aluminum stand and special brake pad lining glued in-house
- New lightweight hard-coated aluminum 7075 T6 brake disc and pulley adapter
- New carbon radio plate with two-setting Multi-Flex system
- New laydown servo configuration with one-piece aluminum servo holders for reduced CG
- New Centax BBB clutch with larger ball bearings for increased reliability and longevity
- Redesigned rear shock geometry with shorter shock bodies mounted further outside the wheel
- New carbon shock mounting extensions to reduce unsprung weight
Chassis
The all-new chassis design features new flex characteristics and uses M4 screws throughout for quick and reliable assembly. The milled-out sides allow for a laydown servo mounting configuration for the lowest possible CG. Thanks to the significantly lowered overall CG of the electronics, the car is more dynamic with improved cornering speed.
The chassis includes precision cut-outs for the bulkheads, arm mounts, radio plate mounts, and front layshaft holder, ensuring these parts always mount into the same precise position. Beveled outer edges and countersunk screw holes provide a smooth lower surface for maximum clearance during cornering.
The lightweight chassis is CNC-machined from 5mm premium Swiss 7075 T6 aluminum, strategically machined in low-stress areas to be as light as possible without affecting strength or rigidity.
Drivetrain
The front and rear CVD aluminum wheel axles are machined from hard-coated 7075 T6 aluminum to reduce drivetrain rotating mass and improve efficiency and acceleration. The front one-way axle is hard-coated for enhanced durability and reliability.
The rear solid axle and front one-way axle outdrives are lightened to reduce total rotating mass. All outdrives are manufactured from HUDY Spring Steel™ and specially ground for maximum precision. All pulleys feature self-cleaning holes to reduce buildup.
The tiny drive shafts are manufactured from HUDY Spring Steel™ — the most effective driveshaft material in the industry — hardened with a proprietary process to deliver unbeatable longevity, maximum strength, and minimum weight.
Steering Blocks
Steering block extensions are machined from super-lightweight carbon fiber to reduce unsprung weight and improve reliability. The steering blocks are molded from a hard composite mixture to keep suspension geometry consistent and deliver stability and accuracy. Thanks to perfect molding, bearings fit without any extra play for maximum stability and steering precision.
The included 0° kingpin steering blocks allow installation of optional carbon aerodynamic disks to improve both low and high-speed steering and stability in high-speed corners. The extension features 3 Ackermann positions, and the kit includes 2mm bump steer shims for optimized characteristics.
2-Speed Gearbox
The 2-speed features an updated aluminum carrier, additionally machined for reduced weight and manufactured from harder Swiss 7075 T6 aluminum for increased lifespan. The 2nd speed shaft is strategically lightened to reduce rotating mass and heat-treated for maximum durability. The compact 2-speed allows the use of the smaller NT1-compatible spur gears for fast acceleration and low rotating mass.
Redesigned Rear Shock Geometry
The rear shock geometry has been completely redesigned with shorter shock bodies mounted further outside the wheel for increased stability. The uprights were redesigned and machined to accommodate new carbon shock mounting extensions that significantly reduce unsprung weight. The carbon rear shock absorber holder features a new shock position to accommodate the shortened shocks and improve vehicle stability.
Front Suspension
The front suspension features new shock mount extensions that position the shock absorber further out on the arm for enhanced stability. One-piece carbon downstop limiters mount directly on the front arm for more precise adjustment while also reducing unsprung weight. All shock mount extensions are machined from carbon instead of aluminum to minimize unsprung mass.
The redesigned front anti-roll bars have a new shape for improved operation. A tighter fitment of the aluminum collars in the ball-bearings ensures more precise function, while the aluminum D-shaped clamp allows interference-free movement of the anti-roll bar.
Rear Upper Suspension
The redesigned upper arm holder features a guide for the ball-bearing equipped body holder. The rear upper arms are extended to improve outer ball joint control, and the rear body holder is now ball-bearing equipped for near frictionless operation.
Centax BBB Clutch
The all-new Centax BBB clutch features larger ball bearings with improved reliability and longevity. The improved mounting of the ball bearings inside the clutch bell increases axial bearing mounting precision, improving clutch consistency.
The clutch uses a super-lightweight hard nickel-coated aluminum clutch bell specifically designed for the larger ball bearings, along with redesigned hard-coated aluminum gears that fit the new clutch bell dimensions. A new clutch spring improves stability and stiffness without deforming during operation, with a ground inner hole for smooth spring action.
Belt Tensioners and Engine Mounts
All-new ball-bearing belt tensioners — three in total — have been added to the platform to increase reliability and prevent belt skipping. The front tensioner ensures correct front belt tension, and two side tensioners ensure maximum free belt operation with minimum resistance.
The front layshaft stand features an integrated ball-bearing front belt tensioner and a carbon plate for the side belt. The redesigned aluminum 2nd speed shaft stand includes an attachment for the middle belt tensioner carbon plate. The new aluminum engine mounts are strengthened for more reliable engine mounting to the chassis plate.
Piston Brake System
The new piston brake system features an aluminum stand in which pistons are pushed through the hard-coated aluminum 7075 T6 brake cam — mounted on ball-bearings — applying pressure to the aluminum hard-coated brake pads against the ventilated, lightweight steel brake disc. Brake pads are guided on hardened steel pins for perfectly smooth operation.
The pad lining is made from a special material that delivers a very smooth brake feel, glued in-house using a special bonding method for maximum reliability. The new lightweight aluminum adapter for the brake disc and pulley is lock-washer secured.
Multi-Flex System
The carbon radio plate features a new flex system for quick and easy changes between soft and stiff settings:
- Stiff flex: all rear screws installed.
- Soft flex: two screws behind the fuel tank removed.
The radio plate also allows changing the bushings above the servo saver to alternate between a fixed or flexible front attachment, adjusting the overall flex level of the car. New aluminum radio plate stands are designed to work in conjunction with the radio plate as part of the improved multi-flex system.
Servo Holders and Laydown Servo Configuration
The new radio plate and one-piece aluminum servo holders allow for a laydown throttle servo configuration for a lowered CG. A new linkage system mounted on top of the radio plate controls the throttle and brake linkages, allowing the servo to be installed super low on the chassis. The system includes an aluminum cam holder and uses steel bushings for play-free operation.
Servo Saver
The servo saver features a key-lock system that ensures it stays secured even during chassis flex in extreme conditions. The centralized servo saver is ball-raced for super-precise and smooth operation, with an adjustable spring collar for fine-tuning of the preload. It also features easily adjustable Ackermann positions that greatly influence the steering characteristics, allowing the RX8 to be tuned for all driving styles and track conditions.
Bumper
The front lower bumper features extra body mount positions to fit all popular racing bodies. Aluminum front body posts use eccentric mounting for front/rear positioning. The front carbon upper brace is mounted to the center stand, allowing the bumper holder to move independently and not deform in crashes.
Bulkheads
The front left aluminum bulkhead features a stronger M4 set screw mount for the muffler, providing more secure and reliable mounting. The aluminum 2nd speed shaft stand is redesigned to include an attachment for the middle belt tensioner carbon plate. The rear suspension holder is also redesigned and mounted with an M4 set screw for secure installation.
Front and Rear Anti-Roll Bars
To improve out-of-the-box performance in standard racing conditions, the anti-roll bar selection has been revised with 2.4mm front and 2.6mm rear anti-roll bars and appropriate bushing sizes. The anti-roll bars are shaped to match the bearing bushings, and mounting the fixed front holders without the eccentric bushing makes downstop adjustment easier.
Shock Springs
To provide the best out-of-the-box feel for most standard track conditions, the included springs are C7.5 front and C5.6 rear. The C7.5 delivers maximum stability while also providing more steering into the corner. RX8 springs, like all XRAY springs, are manually measured, selected, and matched into pairs to guarantee precisely equal length and tension characteristics.
Wheelbase
The rear aluminum bulkheads feature a 2mm wheelbase adjustment for both upper and lower arms for easy traction tuning. Wheelbase can also be easily adjusted using clips on the front suspension — moving the arms forward or rearward also fine-tunes weight balance.
Suspension Arm Holders
The front and rear lower suspension arm holders are fully independent from the bulkheads, mounting directly to the chassis to maximize traction and make the car easier to drive. All holders are CNC-machined from premium Swiss 7075 T6 aluminum for the lightest and strongest framework. Rear holders are mounted with 2 large screws instead of 4 small ones for maximum reliability.
Front Upper Arm Holders
The lightweight front upper arm holder features an additional flex setting by connecting it to the front bulkhead from the side to reinforce the assembly. It uses the smaller NT1-platform eccentric bushings and spacing shims for a more compact design that creates the space to lower the radio plate height and reduce overall CG.
Fuel Tank
The 125cc fuel tank with hypertonic lid and internal stone-type filter is positioned at the center of the car as low as possible, using the well-proven leak-free cap from the NT1. Internal baffles ensure fuel is always available around the intake, providing a constant supply to the engine even in long, fast corners.
PUR® Drive Belts
The rear drivetrain features a wide 9mm PUR belt for increased reliability and strength. The PUR®-reinforced high-efficiency, low-friction drive belts ensure power is transferred properly and efficiently to all drivetrain components.
Rear Uprights
The rear uprights are molded from a hard composite mixture to maintain proper suspension geometry and deliver maximum stability and accuracy — even in the harsh track conditions of 1/8 racing. Thanks to perfect molding, bearings fit without any extra play. The rear uprights feature 2 easily adjustable upper roll center positions for traction tuning, 2 body mount adjustment positions, and include both short and long pivot ball joints for optimum setup adjustment.
Pivot Balls
The RX8 pivot ball suspension features precision pivot balls specially hardened to better withstand harsh crashes and extend lifespan. A total of 8 pivot balls are included, captured by strong M10 composite nuts for smooth suspension movement. Standard pivot balls are steel for maximum durability; optional lightweight aluminum and titanium pivot balls are available for those focused on reducing unsprung weight.
Receiver Box
The ultra-compact receiver box can be positioned as low as possible and close to the chassis centerline for the best possible weight distribution.
Shock Absorbers
Shock bodies are CNC-machined from premium Swiss 7075 T6 aluminum and hardened for maximum lifespan. External fine threading allows quick and easy ride height adjustment, and the shocks feature low-profile membranes for super-smooth, precise damping.
The piston set includes 2- and 3-hole options with 1.0, 1.1, and 1.2mm diameters, precision-molded from special Delrin™ material for perfect roundness and extra-smooth damping with maximum stiffness and durability.
Pivot Pins and Turnbuckles
Pivot pins for the rear upper and lower suspension arms and front lower suspension arm are designed to fit the aluminum suspension arm holders. Rear upper pivot pins feature a machined groove for better set-screw fixing, preventing the pins from coming out during operation. All turnbuckles are manufactured from special HUDY Spring Steel™ for maximum core strength.
Spur Gears and Pinions
Spur gears are made from graphite material for improved durability and reduced weight, improving acceleration by reducing the rotational mass. They are molded with a special technique that ensures perfect concentricity, improving drivetrain efficiency. Pinions are machined from tough 7075 T6 aluminum and hard-coated for superior strength, light weight, and high durability, with ultra-precise tooth shaping created on a special gear machine.
Suspension Geometry and ISS (Integrated Suspension Settings™)
The RX8 features the most advanced race-engineered suspension geometry for nitro on-road racing. The ISS system uses the smaller, lighter NT1 eccentric bushings in the front upper arm holders. Square eccentric bushings in the front and rear bulkheads allow complete geometry adjustment including roll centers in standard, inner, and outer positions. High-tensile steel suspension pivot pins are polished for smooth suspension action.
Adjustable Axle Height and Wheel Offset
Front and rear axle height can be easily adjusted using eccentric bushings. Wheel offset is adjustable by 0.5 to 2.5mm using the included shims:
- Less offset front: more in-corner steering and improved response. Recommended for small technical tracks.
- More offset front: greater stability for large tracks or high-grip conditions.
- Less offset rear: more in-corner steering but less rear traction. Best for technical tracks or high-traction conditions.
- More offset rear: greater stability and improved cornering speed.
Receiver Battery Holder
The receiver battery pack can be easily removed from below the fuel tank via a quick-access composite cover at the bottom of the chassis. The optional graphite cover features a CNC-machined pocket to place the batteries as low as possible, and integrates Multi-Flex Technology™ to additionally reinforce the chassis in the vertical plane. An optional brass battery holder adds weight to the bottom of the car for further balance tuning.
Adjustment Possibilities
The RX8 features fully adjustable front and rear suspension geometry: caster, camber, toe, ride height, droop, track width, Ackermann, roll centers, and weight balance. The extensive range of setup options allows the car to be configured for every driving style and track condition.
Made in Europe
Every RX8 is designed using the world's most sophisticated CAD tools and manufactured with the best machining and molding technology available. The result is a level of perfection in every detail that is second to none in 1/8 nitro on-road racing. Made in Europe. Made by XRAY.
