Mechanic AH 581 Posted June 25, 2021 Sorry if there is already a thread on the TD4 chassis. But thought it might be good to have a "Super Avante" thread now that it's officially out. Would be cool to consolidate pertinent information. Added some screenshots below and lightened the main pic to see the suspension arms better. So are you planning on getting one? And what are you most excited about? Seems like there are some people torn about the new SA. I'll hold off on any negative criticism I may have as I'm curious to see it in person—and once I can get my hands on it. This release reminds me of the feeling when the original Avante came out. It was quite different, unique, and probably shocked some people. Some folks I knew didn't like the original at all, but decades later, it ended up an icon regardless of what it is/was. And those friends of mind ended up having a kit or two. So I think the new SA will have its own sort of history or place. In terms of dimensions, looks like the SA is wider, lower, longer wheelbase, but shorter overall. Tamiya Super Avante #58696 Length: 338mm Height: 124mm Width: 246mm Wheelbase: 283mm 1st Gen Tamiya Avante Length: 420mm Height: 140mm Width: 240mm Wheelbase: 260mm ++++++ Specs: Newly designed shaft-driven 4WD chassis based on the one-piece monocoque frame features the same ball differentials for front and rear, and features a longitudinal battery pack position in the center and a midship transverse motor for optimum balance and improved performance. The TD4 chassis also employs a front inboard suspension layout which eliminates the need for a front damper stay and offers slim, low-profile form. The four wheel double wishbone suspension system uses CVA oil dampers for superlative performance. Features full ball bearings. Steering is a three-piece steering arm in which two link rods and a crank arm transmit the movement of the servo. Turnbuckle shafts for use with upper arms facilitate camber angle adjustment. Star dish wheels are paired with square spike tires which offer grip off-superlative road. Choose between high and low type wing stays to adjust the downforce depending on the road surface. Comes with a driver figure for extra realism, and high-torque servo saver. The camber angle can be easily adjusted by the upper arm that uses a turnbuckle shaft. Body is clear and not painted Motor not included ESC not included ++++++ Hop-up Parts List (will keep updating): 22028 TD4 Assembly Universal Shafts ( 2) 22029 TD4 Differential Nut and Screw Set 22030 TD4 Aluminum Servo Stays 22031 TD4 Slipper Clutch Set 47464 TD4 Titanium Screw Set 51674 TD4 C-Parts (Uprights) (2) 51675 TD4 D-Parts (Suspension Arms) (2) ++++++ Release Date (Tentative): TBD but maybe 4th quarter/late 2021 ++++++ Price: MSRP (Tamiya USA): $449.00 Selling price: TBD MSRP Price Comparison (on Tamiya USA): Egress (2013): $822 Avante (2011): $692 Top Force Evo: $570 Sand Scorcher: $534 Super Shot: $482 VQS (Vanquish Re-re): $482 Fighting Buggy 2014: $462 Landfreeder Quadtrack: $457 TD4 Super Avante: $449 TA08 Pro Chassis: $445 Super Astute 2018: $389 The Landfreeder selling price at Amain USA is $319 US. So I think the TD4 SA will be low $300 US. ++++++ I'm curious about the design concept. Hopefully, we'll hear more about it. The lead designer is Kota Nezu. I believe his recent work was on the JR Eleglitter. He also designed the Raikiri bodies and Mini 4WD Astralster, to name a few. Here is his website with older work, I would assume. From what I've gathered, some don't like the SA look or even hate it. I don't mind it at all. I do like that it has character and that bit of Japanese peculiarity. I would be more worried if it looked like the typical race spec buggies from TLR, TA, Yokomo, Kyosho, Schumacher, etc. with forward cabins. I would assume the SA speaks more to the Japanese mainstream. I'm very excited about this chassis and hope it won't be difficult to procure one, especially parts, as I would rather make this a runner. As for parts, it makes me wonder if this new version of Avante is meant to be more accessible, hence the plastic dampers, reinforced plastics for durability (especially those thick arms), and shared components--I think such as the front inboard suspension à la TC-01 and monocoque frame. I also wonder if the price will be reasonable. Any other official info and constructive thoughts from others would be great. Thanks. 9 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TWINSET 1793 Posted June 25, 2021 Just in case you missed the week-old thread already running; Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mechanic AH 581 Posted June 25, 2021 Thanks. I didn’t miss it. Actually posted there but I thought it would be cool to have a topic that says Tamiya Super Avante with lots of photos and information. Instead of things being scattered and posts on speculation stuff. But if this is too much please delete. Thanks 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
matisse 1581 Posted June 25, 2021 Totally into the idea of a random thread and one for serious chassis and spec discussion 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mechanic AH 581 Posted June 26, 2021 No disrespect to @toyolien by having this thread but if it annoys most I'll have admin delete. Just let me know. On the first video they mostly talk about the top level stuff and a bit of the Avante history. I believe the second one later will be more about the chassis. But here are some interesting screenshots. 3 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Big Jon 684 Posted June 26, 2021 The more I see of this thing, the more excited I get. Man, I hope that Tamiya can keep up with demand. Look at what's selling in Mini4WD. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Blista 1519 Posted June 26, 2021 One of your photos is from the TC01. The shot of the inboard shocks. Unless you're using it as an example in which case never mind. I'm hoping that the inboard suspension means they can adapt bodies from the Mini4WD series. There's some really neat ones that would make great buggies. Putting the suspension inboard makes it so much easier to create them without the front suspension tower getting in the way. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
matisse 1581 Posted June 26, 2021 Some very interesting features there, hex head screws, lots of reinforced plastic and very sturdy looking arms…. The rear gear box looks especially interesting, that cover over the inner ball link is a new one on me. looking forward to the second livestream Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
toyolien 4681 Posted June 26, 2021 4 hours ago, Mechanic AH said: No disrespect to @toyolien by having this thread but if it annoys most I'll have admin delete. Just let me know. No probs from me. Good idea to have a 'tech' thread. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fuijo 880 Posted June 26, 2021 Well, I thought I didn't like modern buggies full stop. But it looks like I'll have to revise that statement. I have far too many kits already, but I'd like one of these. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Busdriver 6209 Posted June 26, 2021 The more I se this the more I like it!!! Just hope the body is clear from the get go. The real decider will be the £€$¥? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
matisse 1581 Posted June 26, 2021 Just seen I the chassis on the live stream, it’s ridiculous, I love it Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
silvertriple 3557 Posted June 26, 2021 I prefer the chassis without the body... I repeat myself but this chassis with a Javelin like roll cage within the proportion of an Ariel Atom would probably make a hit... 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Blista 1519 Posted June 26, 2021 Here's how you get to the battery. Two screws attach to the bridge across the chassis and two body clips are part of the steering links. Looks like a low profile servo is necessary. It goes across the battery into an arm attached to the damper bridge mount, then down to the steering. I can see those two screws holding the bridge becoming a weak spot from taking it off to replace the battery plus the constant damper forces acting on it. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Badcrumble 4204 Posted June 26, 2021 And unscrewed for access Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
matisse 1581 Posted June 26, 2021 5 hours ago, Badcrumble said: And unscrewed for access Yeah, I wonder if that cross brace for the driver is strictly needed and maybe a shorty lipo can slide in that way? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
matisse 1581 Posted June 26, 2021 First thoughts: it’s super interesting and like all intersecting Tamiya designs is going to be tight on space for esc/rx installation. There seems to be more than a few chassis parts that are extraneous and might be removed with out losing structural integrity, those exhaust pipes and fender mounts to start with. Same for the body, I think there will be more than a few who don’t mount the cabin or the body wing, that will change the look significantly. the drive train looks to be DF03 inspired, so it should be solid, will need a slipper though and I hope the diff out drives are metal. They looked it on the stream. a real lack of fine tuning setup options mark this as a good intro club racer imo. Modern buggies have a silly amount of options, most of which will make zero difference to a less experienced driver, and likey to most experienced ones too. This is a plus in my book. Keep it simple and focus on driving skill. there is room for a lot of shiney hop ups, which will keep the blue crowd happy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
matisse 1581 Posted June 26, 2021 On second look and with a zoom in, it’s the driver and the side braces that get in the way of the battery it seems, get them out and access might be easier. Also plenty of weight balance potential with a shorty lipo. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Howards 457 Posted June 26, 2021 I like the way they made access to the battery a massive ballache - like father like son. 2 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MontyMole 81 Posted June 26, 2021 At first, I thought it would be "TC-01, but longer suspensions and different rear shock mount", but apart from the similar front shocks setup, it's kind of it's own beast. Wonder if they kinda solved the space issues of that chassis, like how changing the pinion means disassembling half of the car. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mechanic AH 581 Posted June 26, 2021 I think it would be interesting to really see how to remove/install that battery. Interesting how body pins keep the adjusters in place. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gazzalene 171 Posted June 26, 2021 Sorry guys BUT what a lot of plastic parts and budget look for a Avante! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
matisse 1581 Posted June 26, 2021 14 minutes ago, Gazzalene said: Sorry guys BUT what a lot of plastic parts and budget look for a Avante! Feel like you might be missing the point of the Avante. it was never about expensive materials or being expensive, it was a showcase of Tamiya’s tech. That looked shiney in the 80’s but ultimately all of that tech was mostly useless. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rwordenjr 1890 Posted June 26, 2021 The name and colors are trash but we’ll see what the price is. It’s not gonna be priced as “mid” range that’s for sure. It’ll be $400 USD + pretty much guaranteed. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites