Overview

Since its release over six years ago, the FTX Carnage has become a huge favourite with beginners looking for an affordable entry into the world of RC. Well, we thought it was about time this fan favourite had a facelift with the Carnage 2.0. This ready to run RC truck arrives fully assembled and ready for immediate action, making it the perfect choice for newcomers to the RC hobby who want a quality vehicle without the complexity of building from scratch. Whether you're exploring RC cars for the first time or looking for an affordable second vehicle, the Carnage 2.0 delivers genuine performance and reliability at an unbeatable price point.

The Carnage 2.0 represents a significant evolution from its predecessor, featuring two new bodyshell designs with striking colour schemes, chrome-plated wheels, a new 60-amp rated brushed ESC, and the Etronix 2.4GHz steerwheel radio system. This comprehensive upgrade package means the Carnage legacy is set to continue for a long time to come, offering outstanding value for money combined with the extensive parts availability and upgrade options that make FTX vehicles so popular in the UK RC community. The red graphic bodyshell design is bold and eye-catching, whilst the robust engineering ensures this 1/10 scale 4WD off-road truck can handle serious bashing and terrain challenges.

What makes the Carnage 2.0 particularly special is its perfect balance of affordability, performance and tunability. You get a fully featured RC truck with adjustable suspension, waterproof electronics, a decent battery and charger included in the box, plus access to hundreds of affordable upgrade and spare parts. Many experienced RC enthusiasts choose the Carnage 2.0 as a platform for learning tuning and modification skills, upgrading components as their skills develop. It's the sort of vehicle that can grow with your hobby experience, from basic bashing through to semi-competitive off-road driving.

Key Features

• NEW Red Graphic Truck Bodyshell — The striking new red design with bold graphics makes this ready to run RC truck stand out visually, whilst the durable plastic construction provides good durability for everyday bashing and off-road use without excessive weight penalty.
• NEW 60A Waterproof ESC for NiMh/LiPo — This upgraded electronic speed controller is rated for 60 amps and features waterproof construction, protecting your investment from water splash and wet conditions. The versatility to accept both NiMH and LiPo batteries means you can start with the included NiMH pack and upgrade to higher performance LiPo batteries as your experience grows.
• NEW Chrome-Plated Wheels — The polished chrome wheels are not just for looks; they add a premium appearance to the truck whilst the included block tread tyres provide reliable grip across varied terrain from grass to dirt tracks.
• Etronix 2.4GHz Steerwheel Radio System — This modern 2.4GHz radio operates on the licence-free frequency used throughout Europe, providing interference-free operation in crowded RC environments. The steerwheel design offers natural, intuitive control for drivers of all skill levels, and the ergonomic layout makes extended driving sessions comfortable.
• 550 Brushed Motor — The reliable 550 brushed motor delivers consistent torque suitable for off-road driving, offering a good balance between speed and controllability for beginner and intermediate drivers. Brushed motors are simpler to maintain and repair than brushless alternatives, making them ideal for learning basic RC mechanics.
• Waterproof 3kg Steering Servo — This servo provides adequate steering torque whilst its waterproof rating protects against water splash and wet conditions, essential for off-road trucks that encounter muddy and damp environments.
• Voltz 1800mAh 7.2V NiMH Battery — The included rechargeable NiMH battery pack provides decent runtime for typical driving sessions. NiMH batteries are robust, forgiving for new users, and can handle multiple charge cycles without the special care required by LiPo batteries.
• Wall Charger Included — The supplied trickle charger means you can recharge the battery without purchasing additional equipment, getting you on the track quickly after your first run.
• Moulded Tub Chassis — The one-piece moulded tub chassis provides excellent structural rigidity whilst keeping weight low, creating a stable platform that resists twisting under load and improves handling characteristics across varied terrain.
• 4WD Shaft Drive with Slipper System — True four-wheel drive means power reaches all four wheels for superior traction and climbing ability, whilst the slipper clutch protects the drivetrain from damage when the wheels lock up or catch on obstacles, extending component lifespan.
• Unique Gearbox Design for Low Centre of Gravity — The thoughtful gearbox layout maintains a low centre of gravity, which improves stability and handling, reduces roll tendency during cornering, and enhances the overall driving experience across rough terrain.
• Lightweight High-Impact Arms — Suspension arms are manufactured from tough plastic that resists breakage during hard impacts whilst keeping unsprung weight minimal, improving suspension response and handling precision.
• Big Bore Oil-Filled Adjustable Shocks — These substantial dampers feature sealed oil-filled chambers with adjustable compression and rebound, allowing you to fine-tune the suspension for different driving styles and terrain types. The larger bore diameter absorbs impacts better than smaller shocks, improving ride quality and traction.
• Gearbox Metal Crown and Pinion Gear — The use of metal gears in the most stressed areas of the gearbox ensures longevity and reliable power transmission, with less backlash and wear compared to plastic alternatives.
• Front Universal Driveshafts — These flexible driveshafts allow the front wheels to move through suspension travel without binding, essential for maintaining traction over uneven terrain and rocks.
• Adjustable Wheelbase — The wheelbase can be adjusted between 290mm and 295mm, allowing you to tune the truck's handling characteristics for different driving styles and terrain conditions, with shorter wheelbase giving quicker response and longer wheelbase providing stability.
• Adjustable Turnbuckles — Suspension geometry can be precisely adjusted using turnbuckles, allowing experienced users to dial in perfect tuning for their preferred driving conditions.
• Fully Adjustable Suspension — Complete control over droop, camber, toe-in and wheelbase means this truck grows with your skill level; as you develop your tuning knowledge, endless suspension adjustment options remain available to extract maximum performance.
• Slipper Clutch for Drivetrain Protection — The slipper protects expensive internal components by allowing the wheels to spin independently when they encounter resistance, preventing transmission of shock loads that could cause breakage.
• NiMh or LiPo Battery Compatibility — The flexible chassis accepts either NiMH or LiPo battery packs, giving you the freedom to choose your preferred power source and upgrade as your experience develops.
• Chrome-Plated Wheels with Block Tyres — The gleaming chrome wheels provide visual appeal whilst the block tread pattern delivers grip across grass, dirt, sand and mixed terrain without clogging up in muddy conditions.

Technical Performance

The FTX Carnage 2.0 is engineered as a genuine four-wheel drive off-road platform capable of handling serious terrain. At 415mm in length, 328mm in width and 156mm in height, the truck presents a compact footprint with an adjustable wheelbase of 290-295mm that allows tuning for different terrain and driving preferences. The 550 brushed motor is paired with a new 60-amp waterproof ESC that handles both NiMH and LiPo batteries with equal capability, providing protection against water splash and damp conditions. The 11.2:1 gear ratio balances speed with torque delivery, creating accessible performance for learners whilst remaining engaging for experienced drivers. The suspension architecture employs big bore oil-filled shocks front and rear with full adjustability of compression, rebound, droop, camber and toe-in settings, allowing suspension geometry to be optimised for different surfaces and driving styles. Wheel and tyre combination features 120mm diameter block tread tyres mounted on chrome-plated wheels, providing reliable grip and traction across grass, dirt tracks, rocks and mixed terrain. The moulded tub chassis construction keeps the centre of gravity low whilst maintaining structural rigidity, and the four-wheel shaft drive system with slipper clutch ensures maximum traction without risking drivetrain damage. All electronic components including the servo and ESC carry waterproof ratings, making this an excellent choice for outdoor RC adventures in variable weather conditions. The 1800mAh 7.2V NiMH battery provides satisfactory runtime for typical driving sessions, and the included wall charger allows convenient home charging.

What's in the Box

• FTX Carnage 2.0 fully assembled 1/10 scale 4WD off-road truck
• New red graphic plastic bodyshell
• Etronix 2.4GHz steerwheel radio system
• 550 brushed motor pre-installed
• 60A waterproof brushed ESC pre-installed
• Waterproof 3kg steering servo
• Voltz 1800mAh 7.2V NiMH rechargeable battery pack
• Wall charger (trickle charger type)
• Chrome-plated wheels with block tread tyres mounted and balanced

What You Need to Complete

• Eight AA alkaline or rechargeable batteries for the radio transmitter (NOT included)

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the FTX Carnage 2.0 Red good for beginners to RC? — Yes, absolutely. The Carnage 2.0 is specifically designed as a beginner-friendly ready to run RC truck that arrives fully assembled and ready to drive immediately. The included radio system, motor, ESC and battery mean no additional equipment purchases are needed beyond AA batteries for the transmitter. The brushed motor system is simpler to understand and maintain than brushless alternatives, making it ideal for learning basic RC operation and maintenance. However, as one verified reviewer noted, if you enjoy tinkering and tuning, the Carnage 2.0 becomes even more rewarding as its fully adjustable suspension allows endless customisation. The truck's robust design can handle enthusiast-level upgrades, allowing it to grow with your developing skills.
• What battery does the FTX Carnage 2.0 need? — The truck comes with a Voltz 1800mAh 7.2V NiMH battery pack, and the 60A waterproof ESC accepts both NiMH and LiPo batteries. The included battery provides adequate runtime for typical driving sessions. However, many users report the truck 'comes alive' when powered by a 2S LiPo battery, delivering noticeably improved performance. The ESC's LiPo compatibility means you can upgrade to higher capacity or higher discharge rate batteries as your experience grows.
• What makes the Carnage 2.0 different from the original Carnage? — The 2.0 variant includes several significant improvements: a completely new red graphic bodyshell design, new chrome-plated wheels replacing the original finish, a new 60-amp rated waterproof ESC (more powerful than the original), and the Etronix 2.4GHz steerwheel radio system. These upgrades result in a more modern appearance, better protection from water splash, and more responsive radio control.
• How much maintenance does the Carnage 2.0 require? — The Carnage 2.0 is more maintenance-intensive than ready to run trucks from some premium brands, particularly for new users. As one verified reviewer explained, out-of-the-box setup issues can include steering geometry requiring adjustment, gear mesh needing optimisation, and occasional manufacturing tolerances that need attention. However, the fully adjustable suspension (droop, camber, toe-in, wheelbase) and accessible design mean these adjustments are relatively straightforward for users willing to tinker. The advantage is that spares and upgrades are inexpensive and readily available in the UK RC community.
• What is the top speed of the Carnage 2.0? — With the standard 1800mAh NiMH battery and 550 brushed motor, the truck provides moderate speed suitable for learner and intermediate drivers. Users report a significant performance improvement when upgrading to a 2S LiPo battery, with the truck becoming much quicker and more responsive.
• Can I upgrade the motor and ESC? — Yes, the Carnage 2.0 is designed as an upgradeable platform. Hundreds of optional parts and upgrade components are available, allowing you to install brushless motor and ESC combinations, different gear ratios, carbon fibre chassis plates, aluminium suspension components, and much more. This makes the Carnage 2.0 an excellent long-term investment that can be continuously improved as your skills and budget allow.
• Is the Carnage 2.0 waterproof? — The truck is water-resistant rather than fully waterproof. The ESC, servo and motor all carry waterproof ratings suitable for water splash and damp conditions, making it safe to drive after rain or on wet grass. However, it is not designed for water submersion or creek crossings. The waterproof ESC and servo protect against typical wet weather off-road use.
• What is the turning radius of the Carnage 2.0? — One verified reviewer noted that the truck has a super slow steering response and large turning circle. The waterproof 3kg servo provides adequate torque but has relatively slow response speed. This is actually beneficial for beginners as it prevents over-steering, though experienced drivers may find it less agile than some competing designs. Servo upgrades are available if you want quicker steering response.

Why Buy from RC Model Shop?

RC Model Shop is a trusted UK RC retailer and authorised dealer for all the brands we stock, including Traxxas, ARRMA, Losi, FTX, Hobbywing, Spektrum and more. Whether you are a seasoned competitor, a weekend basher, or just discovering the world of RC for the first time, our team of experienced RC enthusiasts is here to help you find the perfect setup and provide ongoing support. Order the FTX Carnage 2.0 Red 1/10 Scale 4WD Brushed RC Truck RTR – FTX5537R today with confidence, knowing you are buying from an authorised retailer with genuine products, expert knowledge and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Shop online or visit us in store — we look forward to helping you get the most out of your RC experience.