This is Tamiya 1/32 Mini 4WD Hyundai IONIQ 5N AR Chassis Kit EP. Hyundai N is Hyundai’s high-performance division, responsible for motorsports and high-performance vehicles. IONIQ 5 N is Hyundai N’s first electric vehicle, providing a total output of 650PS from two motors with an AWD system. As of 2024, it is the fastest electrified SUV recorded at Germany’s Nürburgring Nordschleife. This IONIQ 5 N was created as a mini car through collaboration between Tamiya Korea and Hyundai Motor Company.

The AR chassis is designed to offer its driver durability, customizability and ease of maintenance, all of which are vital ingredients for a successful Mini 4WD racer. Its aerodynamic form smoothly allows air to pass through the chassis interior as the machine runs, performing the vital function of cooling the batteries and motor and extending their effectiveness. The air intakes on the chassis and body are integrated for optimal performance. This high-speed racing chassis also features low-friction plastic bearings to ensure that any loss of power from the engine to the wheels is minimal in nature. The underpanel and diffuser can be removed from the model without taking off the body, while a low-friction rear skid bar is fitted to slash time loss experienced on tricky slope sections, and keep the racer on the track where it belongs. Features a 3.5:1 gear ratio.

Aerodynamic Excellence
This high performance plastic Mini 4WD assembly kit is the third model launched in the aerodynamically-superior Mini 4WD REV Series, the Aero Manta Ray. The model’s unique flowing form owes much to the fin-like shapes on both of the rear sides, and it features a small front wing. Large side air intakes and an air outlet on the rear of course lead to excellent aerodynamics, but here is the clever part: as the air flows through, it is also used to cool easy-to-overheat parts such as the battery and motor. The aerodynamic performance is further bolstered by the rear wing’s “swan neck” design, in common use on many Japanese Super GT Series machines. The final touch of class is provided by metallic stickers included in the kit.

The Aero Manta Ray: a new evolution of a rich history
The Manta Ray has a rich history, including the popular 4WD R/C racing buggy and the Manta Ray Jr. (Racing Mini 4WD) and Manta Ray Mk. II (Mini 4WD PRO) models it spawned. A common theme among all the models are the fin-like body sides inspired by the form of the manta ray which swims the seas. The Aero Manta Ray’s “swan neck” is the first example of such a rear wing in the Manta Ray series, as are the large air intakes and superior aerodynamics. It truly is a new evolution for the Manta Ray series.

Ground-hugging body with large diameter wheels
The curved body runs low to the ground, minimalizing air resistance. The gold-colored narrow 5-spoke wheels are lightweight and fitted with arched tires that in conjunction with the wheel’s large diameter make it well-suited to tracks with longer straight sections.