1/10 RC10 Graphite Kit

RC10 Graphite Introduction

Without altering any of the RC10’s legendary competition features, like the custom, coil-over shocks and high-torque gearbox; the RC10 GRAPHITE incorporates a wealth of subtle changes designed specifically for championship caliber drivers. This eliminates the need to purchase aftermarket components of questionable reliability and availability to modify an RC10.

The chassis of the RC10 GRAPHITE is carbon fiber graphite, which reduces weight without sacrificing rigidity. Team Associated’s graphite is the lightest and strongest available, specially laminated using 100% woven graphite cloth. All mounting holes have been drilled and countersunk using precision, CNC equipment to ensure perfect alignment.

The redesigned front suspension of the RC10 GRAPHITE features a wider front track, made possible with the development of longer lower arms. Combined with zero-offset steering blocks, the RC10 GRAPHITE is more stable at speed and offers improved turn-in for faster cornering. Also up front, new shock towers give you a wider selection of shock mounting positions to adjust spring rate to individual tracks and driving styles. In addition, turnbuckles are used throughout to make suspension changes easier and more precise.

Competition-proven wheels are also part of the RC10 GRAPHITE package. With low mass and minimal flex, these wheels provide stable predictable handling and reduce unsprung weight. Low profile, special compound racing rubber is another important addition. Team Associated hightraction TQ tires are used on all four corners for balanced handling and grip that hooks up on any track. The rear suspension mounts also allow you to setup rear toe-in at 0 or 3 degrees. And to get every bit of power to the wheels, the RC10 GRAPHITE uses hardened universal drive shafts.

The Technology

In the late 80s, the introduction of graphite materials helped set a new standard for high-end competitive RC models. Team Associated first used carbon fiber a few years prior to the release of the RC10 Graphite on the RC12L, so it was a natural progression that the RC10 would adopt the use of a carbon fiber chassis.

The first example of a carbon fiber chassis used on the RC10 buggy was the TQ10, an RC10 kit made exclusively and distributed by Horizon Hobby. Eventually, Team Associated decided to produce and sell an updated version and called it the RC10 Graphite. Later, an RC10 Graphite Team Car would be released.

During this era, prototypes of the next evolution of the RC10 were being designed and built. These cars were known as RC10 Stealth cars, but they never made it to production. The first was raced at the 1989 IFMAR Worlds in St. Ives New South Wales, Australia and the second at the 1991 IFMAR Worlds in Sterling Heights, Michigan. Both prototypes claimed victory with Team driver Masami Hirosaka at the wheel. The somewhat enigmatic RC10 Graphite, and its variants, have been pursued by racers and collectors ever since this small window of product.

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