The 1/5th scale Baja 5B RWD desert racing buggy has been a huge success with RC fans, racers and journalists, and Baja owners have been extremely happy with the racing prowess, durability and qualities of the Baja 5B buggy. Now, HPI is proud to announce the Baja SS, a full-option Baja kit that you assemble yourself, loaded with tons of hop-ups that enhance the speed and power of the Baja 5B buggy, improve its durability even further, and provide totally sweet custom looks! The Baja SS follows the HPI innovation of upgraded ‘Super Sport’ models that feature kit versions of popular HPI RTR models, with additional option parts added to enhance the enjoyment of your kit. A long list of option parts is included with the SS version of the Baja 5B. As you build the kit, you add in the options that come in the box, and add your own radio gear (receiver, throttle servo, and receiver battery).

At the heart of the Baja SS is the #15403 Fuelie 26S 26cc engine, a tougher, stronger and more powerful engine than the standard 23cc Fuelie engine in the Baja 5B RTR buggy. With more displacement you get increased low-end grunt, more acceleration and huge top-end speed! The Fuelie 26S is a 2-stroke engine powered by regular pump petrol that is mixed with 2-stroke engine oil, so the running cost of the engine is extremely low when compared to any normal nitromethane-powered glow engine. You’ll spend just pennies per tank on fuel!

To handle the extra horsepower of the Fuelie 26S, the drivetrain of the Baja SS is boosted with specially designed option parts that can handle the power increase. Providing a boost of extra power is the #86690 Aluminium Tuned Pipe, which is designed just for the 26cc engine and gives even more acceleration power to the Baja SS. The #15448 8000 RPM Clutch lets the engine rev up to a high RPM before engaging the drivetrain, giving you lightning-fast acceleration off the starting line and out of every corner. Protecting the differential is the #87568 Aluminium Alloy Diff Case, giving protection from the extreme strength of the engine. Finally, the #86610 Heavy Duty Rear Dogbones get the power from the diff to the rear wheels with chunky steel driveshafts and jointed rubber boots for minimal loss of power.

To improve the handling of the Baja even further, a full set of new #87561 and #87562 VVC/HD Baja shocks are included that improve handling on all types of terrain and are also heavy-duty to keep things secure on the track. A complete set of #86618 sway bars are included to keep your Baja SS planted in the curves and aid traction. To get more rear suspension travel at the rear, our designers have modified the rear shock tower brace – this gives you better rear traction and increased braking for lower lap times!

The Baja SS carries over the robust, efficient and highly detailed double-wishbone suspension from the standard Baja 5B, giving you amazing control and precision over any type of terrain. The suspension doesn't just look like the real deal, it's built to last! The rugged upper and lower arms will soak up the bumps and rough landings of fast off-road driving and racing, plus it's super-strong to hold up in those inevitable crashes and rollovers!

The front and rear suspension hubs are also extremely durable and made from tough nylon composite material, so it will go the distance and absorb any bumps from crashes. Thick steel turnbuckles connected with strong composites provide a full range of movement while providing protection, plus they allow you a good range of adjustments so you can fine-tune your settings to get past the pack on the racetrack!

In addition to all the heavy duty options included with the kit, you get a tough, super-strong steering servo that is already equipped with the #80584 Metal Gear Steering upgrade. This allows you to have the security of reliable, quick steering in all conditions. With a powerful servo controlling the steering, the Baja SS will track straight and true when you want it to, no matter how bumpy the running surface it. The front wheels will also stay pointed in the right direction as you power through the turns! This is a great standard feature of the Baja SS, putting you well on your way to a solid electronics package.

To protect the tyre sidewalls the kit also includes #3272 Heavy Duty Bead Locks in the Baja silver. The Heavy Duty Bead Locks feature a wide rim that extend further over the sidewall of the rear tyres to protect the tyres in all conditions, and especially as the Baja slides through corners and across rough ground. They are a great way to extend the life of the tyres, and are available in a variety of colours to enable you to match any custom colour scheme!

Finally, we can’t let the awesome good looks of the Baja SS go unannounced. Not only do you get the option #87477 Gunmetal Anodized Main Chassis, you get a full range of bright orange anodized aluminium 6061 T6 that are specific to the Baja SS. To top everything off, you get a clear bodyshell set that is totally ready for your custom paint scheme! Go for a cool subdued ‘urban camo’ paint job, a nice flame colour scheme or throw your own custom racing paint scheme on the Baja SS to show off just a bit!

Length: 817mm Width (front): 460mm Width (rear): 480mm Height: 255mm Track (front): 395mm Track (rear): 400mm Wheelbase: 570mm Weight: 9.6kg (without fuel) Camber: adjustable front & rear Caster: adjustable front Toe-In: adjustable front & rear Drive System: 2WD viscous diff Tyres (front & rear): HPI Dirt Busters