Based on their existing 4-Tec 2.0 chassis layout Traxxas has adapted their “grip” driving 200mm touring car for drift duty, halving the number of drive wheels while doubling the fun factor. Not since the Street Sport and Spirit has Traxxas made a 2wd on-road vehicle but don’t let its predecessors fool you; this car is light years more advanced than any other RTR drift car on the market.
The chassis tub will look familiar to anyone familiar with Traxxas 4-Tec 2.0 or 3.0; its layout is much the same as those two models, minus the center driveshaft. The motor, ESC, radio box and servo find their home on the passenger side while the driver’s side is home to the battery (which itself is a simple click-to-secure unit). Suspension wise the 4TD makes use of Traxxas’ buttery smooth Ultra Shocks attached to lower a-arms at all four corners. Adjustable camber links are found at the rear while the front makes use of fixed links. The front suspension has been optimized for drift duty with new hub carriers, steering bellcranks and a new drag link that combine to give the 4TD over 60 degrees of steering angle. Two different sets of tires are included in the package as well. The car arrives fitted with the hardest compound tire, designed for outdoor, textured surface use, while a second set of soft compound tires are in the box for use on polished concrete, tire, hardwood or carpet surfaces.
For drive the 4TD is nearly direct drive with its pinion and spur directly driving the ring and pinion of the rear differential. A solid spool ensure equal power delivery between both wheels. A fixed mesh motor mount ensure perfect mesh every time without the hassle of trying to fine-tune it yourself. The ring and pinion are 48 pitch units with a 5 degree spiral cut for reduced backlash and quieter power transfer. Steel one-piece driveshafts transfer power from the spool to the wheels via extended drive cups, maintaining maximum suspension travel and control. Twelve millimeter hexes drive the wheels and feature brake rotor detail to boot.
Traxxas major R&D investment with this car was in the electronics department and it shows with the introduction of new TSM drive modes. Four modes are pre-programmed into the TQi radio system including TSM Drift Mode, TSM Mode, Gyro Mode and finally the electronic handbrake. TSM Drift Mode takes information from the gyro to measure the intended drift angle and applies the correct amount of steering and throttle input to maintain that drift. As drivers gain familiarity with the chassis this can be an excellent tuning tool that allows the car to adapt to nearly any surface. TSM Mode maintains the steering settings from TSM Drift Mode but eschews any throttle assistance. Gyro Mode mimics the driving assistance felt by a traditional gyro-equipped drift car for those who are more comfortable with that style of driving. Again no throttle assistance is available in this mode. Finally there is the electronic handbrake. When it is time to initiate the drift (and assuming you’re not initiating with a Scandinavian Flick or a faint) tap the handbrake switch to momentarily lock the rear wheels. Each setting can be adjusted through the Traxxas Link App as the TQi transmitter is equipped with a wireless module. Other electronics include an XL-5 waterproof electronic speed control, a Titan Drift 21 turn brushed motor, a 2075 waterproof servo and a 5-channel receiver with built-in failsafe as well as telemetry expansion.
Finally to preserve the timeless lines of the Ford Mustang S650 body shell (available in either black, white, red or blue) Traxxas utilizes clipless body mounts front and rear. Molded detail pieces set off the metallic paint and further enhance the stunning good looks of the latest-gen Mustang.
