Overview

The Tamiya 1/10 Scale Audi R8 LMS 2008 TT-02 RC Racing Car Kit is an exceptional choice for RC enthusiasts looking to build and race a stunning sports car replica. This radio-controlled model assembly kit recreates the iconic Audi R8 LMS 2008 with impressive detail and authenticity, featuring a highly detailed polycarbonate body that captures the aggressive styling of this legendary GT3 racing machine. Whether you're searching for an RC car UK that combines quality engineering with genuine motorsport heritage, or you want a versatile platform for learning advanced building techniques, this Tamiya model delivers on every front. The kit is based on the beginner-friendly and highly customizable TT-02 chassis, which allows hobbyists to grow as their driving and building skills develop, making it an ideal choice whether you're new to the hobby or an experienced builder seeking a new challenge.

Based upon the Audi sportscar R8 and conforming to GT3 regulations, the Audi R8 LMS was announced in 2008 as a track-focused variant of the road car. A powerful 5.2-litre V10 midship engine capable of producing over 500 horsepower was mounted in a lightweight aluminium space frame. To meet racing requirements, body sections were modified and the drivetrain was changed from 4WD to a rear-wheel drive system, optimising the car for circuit racing. From 2009 onwards, this car was delivered to racing teams around the world and achieved numerous racing successes, becoming a dominant force in GT3 competition globally. This RC model faithfully recreates that motorsport heritage, making it perfect for anyone interested in authentic GT3 racing machines or those wanting to experience the thrill of driving a legendary Audi competition car in miniature form.

The TT-02 chassis is a recognised platform in the RC world, trusted by hobbyists for its balanced performance and exceptional adaptability. Here it is assembled with a wide rear tread configuration, providing excellent stability and handling characteristics that reward both careful drivers and those pushing for performance. If you're looking for a ready to assemble RC touring car that offers room for growth and customisation, this kit represents outstanding value and engineering quality from one of the most respected names in RC model manufacturing.

Key Features

• Highly detailed polycarbonate body — The 1.0mm-thick polycarbonate body is lightweight yet durable, faithfully recreating the aggressive styling of the real Audi R8 LMS with precision-moulded sections. The body sections have been carefully designed to capture all the distinctive visual elements of the GT3 racer, including the sculpted bonnet lines and muscular wheel arches.
• Separately moulded rear wing and side mirrors — The rear wing and side mirrors are not integrated into the main body shell but are separately moulded components, allowing for authentic detail and easier maintenance. These parts can be adjusted or replaced independently, providing flexibility for customisation and repair.
• Sticker detailing for authentic finish — Stickers are used strategically to depict the front grille, headlights, bonnet air duct, mirror surfaces, rear window louvers, and top brake lamp, creating a comprehensive and authentic appearance without the weight penalty of moulded-in details. The kit includes comprehensive sticker sheets and window masking tape for use in the painting process, allowing you to apply Tamiya PS paint for a professional finish.
• Shaft-driven 4WD TT-02 chassis with longitudinal layout — The shaft-driven 4WD system employs a longitudinal battery placement on the left and motor on the right, delivering excellent stability and balanced weight distribution. This proven configuration has been refined through years of development and is favoured by RC enthusiasts worldwide for its reliability and performance characteristics.
• Identical left and right suspension arms and uprights — The TT-02 chassis features symmetrical suspension components for ease of assembly and maintenance, reducing the learning curve for builders and making spare parts stocking more economical. This design philosophy means less confusion during build and faster assembly times without compromising performance.
• Easy-to-maintain gearboxes — The gearboxes are designed for accessibility and serviceability, allowing you to perform routine maintenance, upgrades, and adjustments without requiring complete disassembly of the chassis. This accessibility is particularly valuable as your skills develop and you begin fine-tuning your setup.
• Multiple gear ratio options — The default gear ratio is 8.27:1, but you have access to nine further alternative ratios ranging from 11.38:1 to 7.28:1 through separately-sold pinion gears. This remarkable flexibility allows you to optimise your setup for different track conditions, driving styles, and performance preferences, whether you prefer acceleration or top speed.
• Dual wheelbases and ground clearance settings — The TT-02 platform offers two different wheelbase configurations and two ground clearance settings, plus two different tread set-ups, providing multiple setup options without requiring different chassis. This adaptability means you can experiment with handling characteristics and find the setup that suits your driving style best.
• 4-wheel double wishbone suspension — The sophisticated double wishbone suspension geometry at both front and rear provides superior handling and responsiveness compared to simpler suspension systems. This professional-grade suspension design is typically found on more expensive RC touring cars, making it exceptional value in this kit.
• Front and rear friction dampers — The friction-damper system provides adjustable compliance and ride quality, allowing you to fine-tune how the chassis responds to track surfaces and driving inputs. These dampers work in harmony with the wishbone suspension to deliver smooth, predictable handling.
• Stylish front bumper supports and brake disc-shaped wheel hubs — The aesthetic details don't sacrifice function; the brake disc-shaped wheel hubs add visual authenticity and are integrated into the wheel design, whilst the stylish front bumper supports protect the chassis from impacts. These components demonstrate Tamiya's attention to both form and function.
• Semi-pneumatic slick tyres on black fin-design wheels — The black 16-spoke fin-design wheels are paired with semi-pneumatic racing slick tyres sized at 27mm width and 67mm diameter. These slick tyres are optimised for on-road racing with excellent grip on smooth surfaces, whilst the wheel design provides an authentic motorsport appearance that matches the body styling.
• Resin ball links in steering linkage — The steering system utilises resin ball links in the steering tie-rod joints, which makes for smooth, comfortable steering feel and precise directional control. Ball links offer superior geometry control compared to simpler pivot connections, contributing to more responsive and predictable steering characteristics.
• 3-piece steering tie-rod system — The steering tie-rod is composed of three separate pieces, allowing for adjustment of toe-in and other steering geometry parameters. This modularity provides flexibility for fine-tuning your setup and learning about suspension geometry as you progress.
• Bathtub-type frame — The chassis features a bathtub-type frame design that provides excellent rigidity and protection for internal components whilst keeping weight low and maintaining a low centre of gravity for improved handling. This design has proven itself in countless RC racing applications.
• 540-Type Torque Tuned brushed motor — The included 540-Type Torque Tuned motor is a brushed electric motor designed specifically for balanced performance in touring car applications. The Torque Tuned variant prioritises mid-range torque and acceleration over peak speed, making it ideal for circuit racing where smooth power delivery matters more than raw top speed.
• Hobbywing ESC included for export — The electronic speed controller is manufactured by Hobbywing, a recognised leader in RC electronics, and is included in the box. The ESC handles power delivery from the battery to the motor with precision, providing smooth acceleration, reliable braking performance, and protection circuitry for your battery and motor.
• Motor cover with removable cooling duct — The motor is protected by a cover that includes a removable cooling duct design, allowing you to manage motor temperature during extended running sessions. The cooling duct can be removed or reinstalled depending on ambient temperature and your performance requirements.
• 434mm length, 194mm width, 120mm height — These are the official dimensions of the assembled model, making it a manageable size for transport and storage whilst remaining large enough for detailed bodywork and impressive presence on the track. The wheelbase of 257mm provides the ideal balance between manoeuvrability and stability for touring car racing.

Technical Performance

The Tamiya Audi R8 LMS 2008 TT-02 demonstrates exceptional engineering quality across every aspect of its design and construction. The shaft-driven 4WD system is a proven platform used by thousands of RC enthusiasts, offering a perfect balance between performance, reliability, and ease of maintenance. The longitudinal motor and battery layout provides inherent stability and weight distribution that makes the chassis predictable and forgiving whilst still rewarding smooth, precise driving inputs. With the stock 8.27:1 gear ratio and 540-Type Torque Tuned brushed motor, you can expect responsive acceleration and controlled power delivery suitable for circuit racing and competitive driving. The ability to swap pinions provides nine alternative gear ratios without changing the chassis, meaning you can optimise for different track conditions or driving preferences; lower ratios provide higher top speed whilst higher ratios emphasise acceleration and low-speed torque. The 4-wheel double wishbone suspension with friction dampers delivers sophisticated handling geometry typically found on much more expensive RC cars, allowing the chassis to maintain tyre contact through corners and transitions. The polycarbonate body at 1.0mm thickness provides an excellent balance between durability and weight, protecting internal components whilst maintaining light weight for responsive handling. The 27/67mm semi-pneumatic slick tyres provide excellent grip on smooth on-road surfaces, whether tarmac, concrete, or prepared RC racing circuits. The resin ball links in the steering system provide smooth, precise directional control, and the three-piece tie-rod design allows for suspension geometry adjustments as you develop your tuning knowledge. This is a comprehensive, well-engineered touring car platform that will reward careful building, thoughtful setup, and developing driving technique.

What's in the Box

• Polycarbonate body shell with 1.0mm thickness
• TT-02 chassis frame and components
• Front and rear double wishbone suspension arms and uprights
• Separately moulded rear wing
• Separately moulded side mirrors
• Bathtub-type frame
• Shaft-driven 4WD drivetrain with differentials
• Front and rear friction dampers
• 540-Type Torque Tuned brushed motor
• Hobbywing electronic speed controller (ESC)
• Motor cover with removable cooling duct
• Black 16-spoke fin-design wheels
• Semi-pneumatic slick tyres (front and rear)
• Brake disc-shaped wheel hubs
• 3-piece steering tie-rod with resin ball links
• Gearbox assemblies with easy-to-maintain design
• Comprehensive decal sheet with stickers for grille, headlights, bonnet air duct, mirror surfaces, window louvers, and brake lamp
• Window masking tape for painting process
• Assembly instructions and manual

What You Need to Complete

• 2-channel radio control system with servo receiver
• Steering servo (light-duty, 6kg torque minimum recommended)
• Battery pack (7.2-7.4 volt NiMH or LiPo equivalent) with compatible charger
• Tamiya PS polycarbonate spray paint for body finishing
• AA/R6/UM3 batteries for radio transmitter (typically 4-8 cells depending on radio type)

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the Tamiya Audi R8 LMS 2008 TT-02 suitable for beginners? — Yes, the TT-02 chassis is specifically designed with beginner-friendly assembly in mind. The identical left and right suspension components reduce confusion, and the straightforward shaft-driven 4WD system is more durable and easier to maintain than more complex alternatives. The included brushed motor and Hobbywing ESC are reliable and forgiving for learning drivers. However, you will need to assemble the kit yourself, which requires basic tools, patience, and attention to detail. If you're completely new to RC, you may want to watch assembly tutorials before starting.
• What battery type and voltage does this model require? — The model requires a 7.2-7.4 volt battery pack. This can be either a traditional NiMH (nickel-metal hydride) stick pack or a modern LiPo (lithium polymer) battery. NiMH batteries are more forgiving for beginners and safer for storage, whilst LiPo batteries offer better performance and higher discharge rates. You will also need a compatible charger; many RC retailers sell bundle packages that include battery and charger. Additionally, your transmitter requires 4-8 AA/R6/UM3 batteries depending on the radio system you choose.
• Can I upgrade or modify the TT-02 chassis after assembly? — Absolutely; the TT-02 is renowned for its adaptability and upgradeability. You can modify gear ratios by purchasing alternative pinion gears, adjust wheelbase and ground clearance with alternative parts, change the tread width, upgrade shock absorbers, add roll bars, replace suspension arms, and upgrade to bearings or precision machined components. The easy-to-maintain gearbox design makes servicing and modifications straightforward. Many aftermarket manufacturers produce TT-02-specific upgrades, giving you tremendous scope to tailor the car to your preferences.
• What is the difference between the TT-02 and other Tamiya touring car chassis? — The TT-02 is Tamiya's current-generation touring car platform, representing the latest refinement of their touring car technology. It offers superior adjustability compared to older platforms, with two wheelbases, two ground clearance settings, and two tread configurations all possible from a single chassis. The double wishbone suspension is more sophisticated than simpler designs, and the shaft-driven 4WD system provides excellent stability. The TT-02 also benefits from more modern manufacturing tolerances and material science. Compared to the earlier TT-01 platform, the TT-02 offers improved handling, easier assembly, and far greater tuning flexibility.
• How fast will this RC car go? — Top speed depends on several factors including your gear ratio choice, battery voltage, motor torque characteristics, track surface, and driving conditions. With the stock 8.27:1 gear ratio and a 7.2V NiMH battery, you can expect moderate touring car speeds suitable for circuit racing, likely in the range of 20-30 mph depending on conditions. By selecting a lower gear ratio (down to 7.28:1), you can increase top speed. Using a 7.4V LiPo battery provides more power and speed than NiMH. However, the TT-02 is designed for controlled circuit racing performance rather than maximum speed; emphasis is placed on handling, cornering grip, and smooth power delivery.
• What is the wheelbase and will it fit standard RC track barriers? — The wheelbase is 257mm. This is a standard distance for 1/10 scale touring cars and will fit any RC track designed for 1/10 touring cars. Most UK RC tracks and clubs support 1/10 touring car racing with appropriate barriers and layouts.
• How long does assembly typically take? — Assembly time varies depending on your experience level and attention to detail, but typically takes between 8-16 hours spread across multiple sessions. The instructions are clear and detailed, but assembly requires patience, proper tools, and careful following of steps. Many builders find the assembly process enjoyable and educational, teaching valuable skills about RC mechanics.
• Is the polycarbonate body durable if I crash? — Polycarbonate is flexible and impact-resistant, making it more forgiving than rigid materials when encountering bumps or light collisions. However, significant impacts can crack or break the body. The good news is that replacement bodies are inexpensive and quick to change; most builders keep spare bodies. The flexible nature of polycarbonate also means minor damage often appears less severe than with rigid materials.
• Can I use this model for offroad racing or does it need to stay on tarmac? — The TT-02 is optimised for on-road racing on smooth surfaces like tarmac or prepared RC racing circuits. The semi-pneumatic slick tyres are designed for on-road grip and will struggle on loose surfaces like dirt or gravel. The low ground clearance and bumper design also make offroad driving less practical. If you want an offroad version, Tamiya offers the TT-02D Drift Spec and other variants designed for different surfaces, but this particular Audi R8 LMS is best suited to smooth on-road racing.
• What tools do I need to assemble and maintain this kit? — You will need a small screwdriver set (Phillips and flat-head), small adjustable wrench or hex keys, possibly a soldering iron for battery connector work (if needed), and small pliers. A workbench with good lighting and organisation is helpful. Many RC hobbyists invest in a dedicated tool set, though basic tools from any hardware store will suffice for assembly and routine maintenance.

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 Tamiya, Hobbywing, and every component manufacturer represented in this kit. 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 1/10 Scale Audi R8 LMS 2008 TT-02 RC Racing Car Kit today with confidence, knowing you are buying from an authorised retailer with genuine products, expert knowledge and a commitment to customer satisfaction.