HPI Savage
HPI Savage is a line of 1/8th scale radio controlled monster trucks manufactured in Taiwan by Hobby Products International of Foothill Ranch, California USA.
Contents |
25/21 Platform
Savage 21 RTR
The original version was the now-discontinued and ready-to-run Savage 21 RTR which served as the basis for the vehicles that came after. It featured a unique boxed chassis with parallel aluminum panels, otherwise known as TVPs, surrounding the transmission and drive axles, two-speed transmission, heavy-duty slipper clutch, eight oil-filled coilover shock absorbers, four-wheel-drive, Nitro Star 21BB .21ci (3.4cc) pull-start engine with rear exhaust and a HPI 27 MHz three-channel pistol grip radio. A "reverse module," sold separately, mounts inside the transmission where it replaces an idler gear assembly. It utilizes the factory-installed radio's non-proportional third channel and an additional servo to add the convenience and fun of reverse when the model is first brought to a complete stop.
|
Savage 21 RTR |
Savage SS
Shortly after the Savage 21 was released, the Savage SS was released. It was an unassembled version of the Savage with a larger Nitro Star S-25 engine. This included no radio or electronics.
|
Savage SS |
Savage 25 RTR
The Savage 21 was replaced by the updated Savage 25 RTR. This version added both the larger Nitro Star S-25 .25ci (4.1cc) engine for additional power and torque as well as HPI's unique "Roto-Start" electric starter system. The Roto-Start kept the weight-saving advantages of the pull start with the extra added convenience of electric starting via an external electric starter. This starter, standard on most new HPI models, incorporates a gear-driven one-way bearing mounted on the engine in lieu of the pull starter. The external starter is a motor-driven gearbox which spins a hexagonal steel shaft and is powered by a standard 7.2v nickel cadmium battery pack. A pinned ball joint at the end of the shaft mates with a socket on the rear of the engine-mounted one-way bearing assembly. The system has proven to be a popular one, with third-party engine manufacturers such as O.S. Engines and Team Orion designing their replacement engines to accept the assembly.
|
Savage 25 RTR |
Savage KFX
A mechanically identical variation of the Savage 25 replaces that model's lexan pickup truck body with that of a Kawasaki KFX700 all-terrain vehicle with rider figure.
|
Savage KFX |
Savage 4.6 SS
The Savage SS kit was updated to include the more powerful K4.6 engine, improved differentials and other upgrades.
|
Savage 4.6 SS |
Savage 25 LE
The Savage 25 LE included the three speed transmission, Dual Disk Brake Set, polished pipe and a unique paint job to the 25 RTR.
|
Savage 25 LE |
X Platform
Savage X
The Savage platform was given an overhaul in 2006. The first truck to utilise the new platform was the Savage X. Most plastic parts were updated to make them stronger. New TVPs were created to lower the transmission and engine by 5mm, improving handling. The bulkheads, transmission case and radio box were all updated to enable easier access to internals. The engine was updated to a Force 4.1, otherwise known as the F4.1.
X Platform major updates are listed below:
- Easy access bulkheads
- Easy access transmission case (later updated to second generation design with more structural support)
- LCG TVPs
- Stronger steering blocks
- Easy access radio box with integrated charge port
- All plastic parts redesigned for improved strength
|
Savage X |
Savage X SS
The Savage X SS was the Savage X in kit form, with a K4.6 and some added hop-up parts such as heavy duty dog bones and Dirt Bonz tires.
|
Savage X SS |
Savage X 4.6 RTR
The 4.6 RTR is an almost identical version of the original Savage X, equipped with a Force 4.6 (F4.6) engine. The 4.6 RTR included some upgrades in the form of red fiberglass disk brakes and alloy differential cases.
|
Savage 4.6 RTR |
Savage XL
The Savage XL took the Savage platform to a larger size by using extended TVPs and axle extenders. The XL includes:
- Extended TVPs
- Axle extenders
- HPI Terrapin tires
- HPI Gigante body
- Three speed transmission with pre-installed high speed third gear
- K5.9 engine
- Heavy duty machined differential ring and pinion gears
- Redesigned thicker dog bones and drive cups
- 1200mAh Hump pack
- 52T Steel spur gear
- SF-5 Metal Gear servo
- Alloy clutch
|
Savage XL |
Savage Flux HP
In 2009 HPI took the savage platform to the brushless electric world. The Flux HP is powered by a Castle Creations Mamba Monster ESC, referred to as "BLUR" and a Castle Creations 2200KV Motor, referred to as "TORK". The Flux is intended to be powered by 12-18 NiMH or 4-6S LiPo batteries. The extreme torque of the Flux's power system resulted in a major redesign of the differential ring and pinion gears, nicknamed the "Bulletproof gear set" which were released after launch as an update and is now standard equipment on Flux trucks.
|
Savage Flux HP |
Other Savage Trucks
E-Savage
The E-Savage is an 1/10th scale electric truck based on a different platform from the Savage, though branded under the same name. The platform is that of the E-Zilla, a Hotbodies truck. It is powered by two HPI "GT550" 14.4v electric motors.
Savage Nano
In 2010 HPI announced a 1/18th scale addition to the savage line up. The Savage Nano is based on the Hotbodies Minzilla monster truck.
