Turbo Optima Mid Special: A Deep Dive into the Iconic RC Car's Evolution

Get ready, RC fans! The Turbo Optima Mid Special is back, and it’s better than ever. This isn't just any re-release; it's a carefully crafted tribute to a legend. Many of you have waited for this moment. In this article we will share all the details about this amazing machine. It blends vintage style with modern performance in a way that’s truly special.

What Makes the Mid Special Stand Out?

The Turbo Optima Mid Special comes with some key upgrades. The most noticeable is its extended wheelbase. This simple change significantly improves stability and handling. It’s built with a mix of classic design cues and performance enhancements. This makes it a joy to drive and admire. Let's dive into what makes this RC car a standout.

Unpacking the Design - Chassis and Construction

The main chassis of the Turbo Optima Mid Special is crafted from carbon fiber plates. This gives it strength and a premium feel. It uses a hybrid construction, with carbon fiber on both sides and FRP in the middle. This mirrors the original design, offering a balance of rigidity and flex. For better performance, the front end features universal joints.

A major update is the 18mm longer wheelbase. To make this work, the belt covers are also extended. You get both an upper and a lower belt cover, each 18mm longer. This change is crucial for the car's stability. It handles much better with this adjustment.

The upper deck is made from FRP, a tough plastic material. The shock towers, front and rear, are also black FRP. Unlike older models, this design is cleaner. It doesn't have the cutouts for speed controllers. This gives it a sleek, modern look.

Body and Mounts - A Refined Attachment System

The Turbo Optima Mid Special comes with its famous "special body." It looks fantastic and captures the classic vibe. The car also includes a built-in underguard. This protects the chassis from damage on rough terrain.

Gone are the old body pins that could be tricky. Now, a Velcro system is used. This makes attaching and removing the body much easier. To keep the body secure, a specially designed mechanism was added. You just turn it to lock the body in place. This stops it from flapping around.

The front bumper also got a small tweak. The tip of the bumper now slots into a specific spot. This makes it fit more securely. You turn a part to lock it in. The rear bumper attachment stays the same as before.

Performance Enhancements - Tires and Wheels

Let's talk about the tires. The front tires are a bit wider than usual. This is a deliberate choice. While very narrow tires can look cool, they can make the car too sensitive to drive. Wider front tires offer a better balance. They improve handling without making it twitchy.

The kit includes medium compound tires. But you can also get softer or harder compounds as options. This lets you fine-tune the grip for different conditions.

A big announcement is the new 2.2-inch wheel option. These wheels are designed specifically for the Optima. They have the perfect offset for this car. Older dish wheels might not fit right. They can make the car too wide. These new wheels ensure the correct stance. They also work great on the Ultima's rear end.

The tire pattern is based on the old "Low Hard" design with an increased number of smaller  blocks, which improves grip on today's high-traction tracks. The rubber compounds are also better now. The original tire was a proven winner. It helped five cars reach the Top Ten at a World Championship. This successful design was adapted for modern racing.

Manufacturing Insights and Kit Evolution

Making these cars involves some clever engineering. Take the belt covers, for example. A single  mold is used for both standard and special versions. By changing how the plastic flows, that's how the 18mm longer covers are made . This saves costs compared to making two separate molds. It’s a smart way to produce parts efficiently.

The body mounts are also integrated right into the bumper mold. This means they are part of the car from the start. It's a cleaner design than adding them later. New tooling was created for the updated body mounting system. This ensures a perfect fit and secure attachment.

You might notice different part numbers. The main number is OT268. Later versions might be OT268B or OT268C. The "B" version means it includes the new body mounting parts. Always check for the "B" version to get the latest features.

The "Special" Origin Story and Handling Philosophy

The Turbo Optima Mid Special has a rich history. It evolved from a prototype raced in 1987. That car did very well at the World Championships. It achieved a TQ position and several top finishes. Kyosho initially made the Optima Mid. They wanted a 4WD car that handled better than previous 2WD models.

Early 4WD cars sometimes had understeer issues. Shorter wheelbases could make this worse. So, they developed the Mid with a focus on balanced handling. Battery technology also advanced. Cars moved from stick packs to sub-C cells. This led to new chassis designs.

The 18mm longer wheelbase was a key development. It improved stability, especially with the new, lower-profile body. This body was aerodynamic and looked great. It was designed to hug the chassis closely. The original Mid Special came out around 1988 or 1989.

When choosing front tires, consider handling. Narrow front tires can make steering very sharp. But for most drivers, this can be too much. It makes the car harder to control. Using the same size tires front and rear often provides more predictable handling. We encourage you to try different options. See what feels best for you.

Modern Compatibility and Setup Tips

Using 2.2-inch wheels is a modern upgrade. It lets you use current RC tires. Many new tires are this size. Be careful with other aftermarket wheels. Their offsets might be wrong for vintage cars. This can make your car too wide. The new 2.2-inch wheels are made for the Optima. They keep the car at the correct width.

We know some people prefer the look of smaller wheels. Vintage cars often look best with smaller wheels. That's why both the 2.2-inch and 50mm wheel options are offered. You can choose based on looks or performance.

The longer wheelbase is great for stability. It also helps fit the sub-C battery packs. This setup provides more predictable steering. You can corner with more confidence.

If you're using the new Le Mans 240S motor, use a 23T pinion. The standard 25T won't work correctly. Always use the recommended parts for best results.

Here's a tip for installing the belt cover screws. The new kits have O-rings to stop screws from falling out. When you screw them in, turn them backward slightly first. You'll feel a small click. Then, turn them forward to tighten. This prevents stripping the threads. It's a small detail that helps a lot.

For the suspension, be gentle. The plastic suspension mounts can be tricky. Don't overtighten the top parts. They should be loose enough to let the suspension move freely. If they are too tight, the suspension won't work right. This affects how the car handles. Make sure they can drop down easily.

Conclusion: A Classic Reimagined for Today's RC Enthusiast

The Turbo Optima Mid Special is a fantastic blend of old and new with improvements through the wheelbase and body mounts. New wheel options are available too. The tires have been updated for modern tracks. It keeps the classic look you love. It also offers great performance for today's RC hobbyist.

Whether you're a long-time fan or new to Kyosho, this car is special. It represents Kyosho's dedication to quality. Experience this legend for yourself. You'll see why it's still so popular.