Tamiya Mitsubishi Lancer Evo V - TT-02 TAM58713

Overview

The Tamiya Mitsubishi Lancer Evo V TT-02 (Part Number 58713) is a highly detailed 1/10 scale RC car assembly kit that celebrates the legendary rally heritage of the fifth-generation Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. This iconic vehicle dominated global rally racing in 1998, securing both the Manufacturer's and Driver's Championships, and this kit faithfully recreates that golden era of motorsport in miniature form. Whether you're a seasoned RC enthusiast looking for an authentic rally replica or a newcomer to the hobby searching for a rewarding build project, the Lancer Evo V TT-02 offers an exceptional combination of realistic styling, proven engineering and straightforward assembly that makes it one of the most sought-after rally-themed RC cars available in the UK today.

Built around Tamiya's acclaimed TT-02 4WD chassis platform, this kit delivers exceptional stability and adaptability without compromising on the authentic on-road character that makes rally cars so compelling. The transparent polycarbonate bodywork captures every detail of the original Evo V's aggressive design—from the bulging fenders and bonnet louvres to the distinctive air intakes and rear wing—while remaining lightweight and durable. With separate ABS plastic components for the side mirrors and rear wing, this model achieves a level of realism that sets it apart from simpler RC kits. The inclusion of a 540-size brushed motor and electronic speed controller means you'll have genuine driving performance straight from the assembly instructions, though you'll need to source a radio system, servo and battery to complete your build.

The Lancer Evo V is ideal for RC enthusiasts in the UK who appreciate authentic vehicle representation, enjoy hands-on building, and want a reliable, easy-to-maintain platform that performs equally well on tarmac circuits, parking lot courses or club layouts. This is a genuine Skill Level 2 kit—more involved than a ready-to-run model but entirely achievable for builders with basic experience or patient newcomers willing to follow instructions carefully.

Key Features

• TT-02 Shaft-Driven 4WD Chassis — The foundation of this model is Tamiya's proven TT-02 platform, which uses a longitudinal layout with shaft-driven four-wheel drive to deliver exceptional stability and straightforward maintenance that doesn't require constant attention or specialist knowledge, making it perfect for regular weekend running and long-term enjoyment.
• Highly Adaptable Chassis Configuration — The TT-02 platform offers two different wheelbase options, two ground clearance settings, two different tread configurations and a choice of ten possible gear ratios, meaning you can fine-tune the handling characteristics to suit your driving style, local terrain and personal preferences without needing to purchase additional chassis components.
• Lightweight 1.0mm Polycarbonate Body — The transparent shell is constructed from durable, lightweight polycarbonate that's just 1.0mm thick, capturing the Evo V's muscular proportions with crisp panel lines whilst keeping overall weight low for responsive handling and extended battery runtime.
• Separate ABS Mirror and Rear Wing Components — Rather than printing details onto the body, this kit includes separate ABS plastic parts for the side mirrors and rear wing, providing three-dimensional realism and authentic rally-car aesthetics that make a genuine visual difference when displayed or photographed.
• Authentic Rally Styling Details — The bodywork faithfully depicts the original 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution V's distinctive features including protruding bumpers, bonnet louvres, air intakes on the hood and that iconic rear wing, all rendered in accurate proportions at 1/10 scale.
• Silver 12-Spoke Wheels with Treaded Radial Tyres — Classic 12-spoke wheels finished in silver are paired with tread-patterned racing radial tyres that deliver both authentic visual appeal and predictable grip on typical tarmac surfaces, contributing to the model's rally heritage whilst maintaining consistent on-road performance.
• Identical Left and Right Suspension Components — The TT-02 chassis features mirrored suspension arms and uprights, which simplifies assembly, reduces the number of different components you need to source, and makes maintenance and repairs straightforward since you don't need to track left-specific or right-specific parts.
• Easy-to-Maintain Gearboxes — The transmission design prioritises accessibility and serviceability, allowing you to perform routine maintenance, adjustments and repairs without specialist tools or advanced mechanical knowledge, keeping your RC car running reliably through many hours of driving.
• Stylish Front Bumper Supports and Brake Disc-Shaped Wheel Hubs — Beyond pure functionality, the TT-02 chassis features attractive styling details including realistic brake disc-shaped wheel hubs and refined front bumper supports that contribute to the model's overall visual appeal and collector value.
• Stickers and Window Masking Included — The kit comes complete with a comprehensive sticker sheet and window masking stickers, enabling you to finish the bodywork with sharp, professional-looking graphics and clean glazing without requiring additional accessories or masking tape.
• 540-Size Brushed Motor Included — This standard motor size provides reliable performance and is widely supported by the RC hobby community, ensuring you'll find plenty of upgrade options if you ever wish to enhance performance in future.
• Electronic Speed Controller Included — The inclusion of an ESC eliminates the need to purchase this critical component separately, reducing the overall cost of getting your model running and ensuring compatibility with the included motor.

Technical Performance

The Tamiya Lancer Evo V TT-02 is engineered around the proven TT-02 4WD platform, which combines cardan shaft drive with a longitudinal chassis layout—battery positioned on the left, motor on the right—to achieve excellent weight distribution and predictable handling characteristics. The brushed 540-size motor delivers dependable performance across a wide range of driving conditions, whilst the included electronic speed controller manages power delivery with reliability and precision. This is an un-assembled kit, meaning you'll invest time in construction, but the reward is a deeper understanding of how your RC car works and a genuine sense of accomplishment when it first hits the track. The transparent 1.0mm polycarbonate bodywork weighs very little, contributing to responsive acceleration and extended runtime from your battery pack. At 1/10 scale with dimensions of 445mm length, 185mm width, 145mm height and a 257mm wheelbase, the model strikes an excellent balance between presence and practicality—large enough to look impressive and deliver engaging driving dynamics, yet compact enough to transport easily and operate in confined spaces. The independent suspension with low-friction dampers provides composed handling over varied surfaces, whether you're navigating tight slalom courses or powering through open sections. The shaft-driven 4WD system is fundamentally more robust than some alternative drive systems and requires less maintenance than belt-driven alternatives, making it an intelligent choice for builders who want genuine performance without endless tuning demands. The ten available gear ratios allow you to optimise for speed or torque depending on your local terrain—choose higher ratios for maximum velocity on smooth surfaces, or lower ratios for better acceleration and hill-climbing ability on more challenging ground.

What's in the Box

• TT-02 4WD Chassis (un-assembled)
• Transparent polycarbonate body shell (1.0mm thick)
• Separate ABS plastic side mirrors
• Separate ABS plastic rear wing
• 540-size brushed motor
• Electronic speed controller (ESC)
• Silver 12-spoke wheels (pair)
• Treaded radial racing tyres (set)
• Suspension arms and uprights (left and right)
• Gearbox components
• Bumper supports and wheel hubs
• Comprehensive sticker sheet
• Window masking stickers
• Assembly instructions and manual

What You Need to Complete

• 2-Channel radio system (transmitter and receiver)
• Steering servo (compatible with your chosen radio)
• 7.2 to 7.4 volt battery pack with compatible charger
• Tamiya PS polycarbonate spray paints (for bodywork finishing)

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the Tamiya Lancer Evo V TT-02 suitable for RC beginners? — Yes, this is designated as a Skill Level 2 kit, which means it requires some experience and patience but is entirely achievable for enthusiastic newcomers. If you've built an RC kit before or are willing to follow the comprehensive Tamiya instructions carefully, you'll successfully complete this model. The TT-02 chassis is renowned for straightforward assembly and easy maintenance, which keeps frustration levels low and enjoyment high. Many UK hobby shops and online forums offer support if you encounter any questions during building.
• What battery does the Tamiya Lancer Evo V TT-02 require? — The model requires a 7.2 to 7.4 volt battery pack with a compatible charger. This typically means either a 2S LiPo battery (2 cells = 7.4V) or a traditional NiMH stick pack (six cells = 7.2V). You'll need to source this separately, as it's not included in the kit. Many UK RC retailers offer starter bundles that include batteries and chargers at discounted prices.
• What is the difference between the Lancer Evo V and other TT-02 rally kits available? — While Tamiya produces several TT-02 rally models including the Subaru Impreza Monte Carlo '99, Audi Quattro A2 Rally, and Toyota Yaris Rally Hybrid, the Lancer Evo V is distinguished by its aggressive 1998-era styling, comprehensive ABS component parts for mirrors and wing, and iconic rally motorsport heritage. Each TT-02 rally kit shares the same reliable chassis platform but offers different visual appeal and represents different eras of rally racing history.
• Is the TT-02 chassis waterproof? — No, this model is not waterproofed and should not be driven through water, mud or wet conditions. It's designed for on-road use on tarmac surfaces, parking lots and dry club layouts. Exposure to moisture will damage the electronics and mechanical components.
• How long does the Lancer Evo V kit take to build? — Assembly time varies depending on your experience level and how carefully you approach the build. Most builders report spending between 6-10 hours on careful construction, painting and detailing. Breaking the build into sessions over several days or weeks is entirely normal and helps ensure quality workmanship.
• What paint colours are recommended for this model? — Tamiya recommend their PS polycarbonate spray paints, including PS-12 Silver, PS-31 Smoke, and PS-5 Black. The original Mitsubishi Lancer Evo V came in various colours including silver, black and red, so your choice depends on which real-world variant you'd like to recreate.
• Can I upgrade the motor or ESC on this kit in future? — Yes, the 540-size motor is a standard format with many aftermarket options available, and the ESC can be replaced with higher-capacity alternatives if you decide to boost performance later. However, the included components are perfectly adequate for enjoyable running straight out of the box.
• Is this ready-to-run or does it need assembly? — This is definitely an assembly kit—it comes completely un-assembled. However, it's not as complex as some Tamiya kits and the clear instructions make the process logical and manageable for patient builders.

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. Based in Walsall, we have a physical store where customers are welcome to come in, view products and purchase in store. 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 Tamiya Mitsubishi Lancer Evo V - TT-02 TAM58713 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 Walsall — we look forward to helping you get the most out of your RC experience.