Team Associated | RC10 Graphite Kit

20 May

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Team Associated | RC10 Graphite Kit

A classic legend is reborn! Team Associated continues to revive its iconic full-car kits with the official re-release of the RC10 Graphite 2WD off-road buggy!

This 2WD off-road buggy originally debuted in 1989, and the new version perfectly replicates the configuration of that era, incorporating numerous subtle changes. It is specifically designed for championship-level drivers, featuring a 2.5mm carbon fiber chassis—marking AE's first use of a graphite chassis in off-road racing. At the time, it received widespread acclaim for its custom design, perfectly complementing its fully independent suspension system. The chassis is made from 100% pure carbon fiber, laminated with unidirectional graphite cloth and precision-drilled using CNC machining.

Whether you're looking for a retro racing machine or aiming to expand your collection, the RC10 Graphite is a masterpiece you simply cannot miss!

Official Video

Team Associated Legendary Team

Team Associated drivers – Cliff Lett, Jay Halsey, and Masami Hirosaka, three IFMAR World Champions, form the legendary team that continues Team Associated's tradition of developing race cars for world-class competition. Their recent efforts have resulted in victories in various national and international races, culminating in the RC10 GRAPHITE.

High-End 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.

THE 1ST CHASSIS

Team Associated's 1st graphite off-road chassis is unique, specially fabricated to our specifications to perfectly suit the RC10 GRAPHITE’s fully independent suspension. 100% carbon fiber, the RC10 GRAPHITE chassis is laminated with unidirectional graphite cloth and then precision drilled on CNC equipment.

The RC10 GRAPHITE’s carbon fiber is even lighter and stiffer than the more common fiberglass/graphite composites, and it won’t tweak and is perfectly flat as well.

THE FRONT SUSPENSION

Many of the RC10’s racing refinements can be found up front. A wider, more aggressive stance is made possible with longer front suspension arms. The wider track, combined with zero offset steering blocks give the RC10 more high-speed stability and better tracking. Other advantages are quicker steering response and faster turn-in to cut tighter lines through sharp corners.

Because no two drivers or tracks are alike, the RC10 front suspension uses front shock towers with additional mounting points for extended travel and progressive spring rate adjustment, quick release spring retainers and turnbuckles to make dialing-in the right settings a simple and rapid process.

WHEELS & TIRES

Lighter, stronger wheels were made possible by using a webbed, one-piece design. The RC10 GRAPHITE’s racing wheels are larger in diameter (2 1/8” front, 2” rear) to reduce sidewall flex and are precision molded in virgin nylon for optimum strength and concentricity. The deep-dish styling of the wheels is also functional in reducing dirt build-up. Low-profile Team Associated racing tires were specially developed for the new wheels. Soft ribbed compound fronts and the medium compound knobby rears keep the RC10 GRAPHITE hooked up to most off-road racing surfaces. Team Associated tires are molded from special long-wear, high-traction formulas to suit varying track conditions and surfaces.

REAR SUSPENSION & GEARBOX

Team Associated even improved the World and National Championship-winning low CG gearbox of the RC10. The transmission has been strengthened with heavy duty idler gears developed to handle the additional loads of RC10 truck conversions.

For that extra added stability under power, the RC10 GRAPHITE also incorporates adjustable rear toe-in. Using rugged suspension mount blocks, you can select 0- or 3.0-degree toe-in. Optional 1.5-degree blocks are available. Universal drive shafts, another very popular item with team drivers, are standard with the RC10 GRAPHITE. Heat-treated steel alloys, universals reduce power loss and eliminate lost dog bones.