HoBao 1/7 Extreme VTE2-V2 On-Road Electric ARR HB-VTE2-V2

Overview

The HoBao 1/7 Extreme VTE2-V2 On-Road Electric ARR is a premium on-road racing platform engineered for serious enthusiasts who demand precision, speed and reliability from their ready to run RC car. At 1/7 scale, this is a formidable machine that sits between smaller 1/8 scale on-road racers and larger models, offering a sweet spot of stability, power delivery and handling characteristics that appeal to competitive drivers across the UK. Whether you are upgrading from a smaller scale RC car or stepping into dedicated on-road racing for the first time, the VTE2-V2 delivers the engineering quality and adjustability that separates genuine racing platforms from casual bashers.

Arriving 80% pre-assembled, this ARR (Almost Ready to Run) model significantly reduces build time whilst maintaining the satisfaction of completing your own setup. The emphasis throughout the design is on weight distribution, precision handling and the ability to fine-tune every aspect of your driving experience. From the relocated ESC tray that lets you balance electronics front or rear, to the three-position battery stopper that accommodates various LiPo sizes, HoBao has engineered every detail with competitive racing in mind. This is a roller specification, meaning you supply your own radio system, ESC, motor, tyres, wheels and body shell—giving you complete control over your final package and the freedom to build exactly the car you envision.

The VTE2-V2 builds on HoBao's decades of on-road racing heritage, with refinements including a new lightweight rear floating body mount set, updated splash guards, adjustable side body supports and a completely redesigned chassis in hard anodised aluminium. The 4WD drivetrain features hardened steel front universal joint driveshafts and rear dogbones, paired with lightweight steel and aluminium centre driveshafts that balance strength with minimal rotating mass. Combined with adjustable suspension geometry, bevel gear differentials with anti-leakage housings and oil-filled 17mm big bore shocks, this platform is ready to accept serious brushless power and deliver consistent lap after lap performance that will satisfy demanding on-road racers across the UK.

Key Features

• 3mm Hard Anodised Aluminium Chassis — The rigid foundation of the VTE2-V2 is constructed from 3mm thick hard anodised aluminium, providing exceptional stiffness for high-speed stability whilst maintaining a lightweight footprint that benefits acceleration and cornering response. This material choice resists corrosion and maintains its precision tolerances through extended racing sessions, crucial for repeatable handling characteristics in competitive environments.
• New Lightweight Rear Floating Body Mount Set — The redesigned body mounting system isolates the chassis from the plastic body shell, reducing vibration transfer and allowing the suspension to work more effectively without being compromised by body flex. This system is compatible with VTE and VTE2 series bodies, offering compatibility across the product line.
• Oil-Filled 17mm Big Bore Shocks with #600 Silicone Oil — The substantial shock absorbers feature 4mm diameter shafts and are pre-filled with #600 silicone oil, delivering controlled damping across acceleration, braking and cornering. The large diameter shafts resist bending under load, whilst the specific oil viscosity provides the balance between responsiveness and stability that serious on-road racing demands.
• 4WD Drivetrain with Hardened Steel Driveshafts — Full-time four-wheel-drive with hardened steel front universal joint driveshafts and rear dogbones ensures power reaches all four tyres with minimal flex or play. Optional upgraded 5.3mm universal driveshaft (#OP-0159) and 5.0mm rear dogbone (#OP-0161) are available for enhanced durability, whilst the new lightweight steel and aluminium front and rear centre driveshafts reduce unsprung mass.
• Bevel Gear Differentials with Anti-Leakage Housing — Both front and rear differentials employ bevel gear type mechanisms with new anti-leakage differential housings and hardened steel lightweight cups, preventing differential fluid loss during aggressive driving. The front differential is filled with #500K silicone oil for slightly faster locking characteristics, whilst the rear uses #50K oil for smoother power application, a distinction that significantly affects traction and predictability.
• Centre Spool with MOD 1 Spur Gear — The 34T spur gear (MOD 1) mounted on an 8mm hardened steel shaft accepts pinion gears with 8mm bore and supports up to 48T spur gears for gearing variation. The spool design allows direct drive response without differential slip in the centre, crucial for maintaining straight-line acceleration and turn-in response.
• CNC Aluminium Cam Lock Style Motor Mount — The motor mount features CNC precision engineering and cam lock design for quick tool-free pinion gear changes and absolutely secure motor seating. The standard configuration (#OP-0149) accommodates motors with maximum outer diameter of 50mm, whilst an optional mount (#OP-0150) supports motors up to 57mm OD for users wanting to experiment with larger brushless units.
• Relocatable ESC Top Tray — A major refinement in the VTE2-V2, the new ESC tray can be positioned either front or rear of the chassis, giving you complete flexibility in weight distribution tuning. This feature is particularly valuable in on-road racing where subtle shifts in balance point can dramatically affect handling characteristics across different track layouts.
• Three-Position Adjustable Battery Stopper — The battery mounting system features three adjustment positions on the chassis, accommodating different LiPo battery sizes and allowing you to fine-tune centre of gravity. Whether you run compact 2S lipos for lower mass or larger packs for extended runtime, the battery stopper keeps your pack securely positioned.
• New Front and Rear Splash Guards — Practical protection against water, dirt and debris that accumulates during outdoor racing sessions, the splash guards shield the differential housings and drivetrain components whilst adding minimal weight or drag. Essential for maintaining clean operation and reducing maintenance downtime between practice sessions.
• Adjustable Side Body Supports — The new side body support system locks your touring or GT shell securely in place with adjustable tension, preventing unwanted body movement during aggressive cornering whilst allowing quick body removal for chassis access. This system works with a wide range of on-road body designs.
• New Rear Wheel Hub with Anti-Loose Wheel Nut — The redesigned rear wheel hubs include an additional 2mm of track width, improving stance and weight distribution. The anti-loose wheel nut design prevents tyre roll-off during extended running, a critical safety and reliability feature in competitive racing environments.
• New Rear Shock Tower — The 4mm thick CNC aluminium shock tower with new rear shock tower ball bearing set provides rigid mounting for the rear shocks whilst maintaining precision alignment. The integrated ball bearing set reduces friction and ensures smooth suspension articulation.
• Adjustable Camber and Caster — Full suspension geometry adjustment allows you to dial in camber and caster angles to match your driving style, track characteristics and tyre compound. These adjustments directly influence turn-in response, mid-corner stability and tyre wear characteristics.
• Front and Rear Sway Bars with Front PBS — Anti-roll bars connected to the suspension geometry reduce body roll during cornering whilst the front Progressive Bump Stop (PBS) system adjusts the effective spring rate based on suspension travel, providing responsive handling without harsh bump compliance.
• Reinforced Composite Upper and Lower Arms — The suspension arms are constructed from reinforced composite material that balances strength with light weight, resisting flex under load whilst adding minimal unsprung mass that could compromise handling response.

Technical Performance

The HoBao 1/7 Extreme VTE2-V2 represents the pinnacle of on-road electric RC engineering, combining precision manufacturing with thoughtful engineering solutions that accumulate into genuine performance advantages. The 3mm hard anodised aluminium chassis provides the rigid foundation essential for high-speed stability, whilst the substantial 17mm oil-filled big bore shocks with hardened 4mm diameter shafts deliver controlled damping that keeps the car planted through acceleration, braking and cornering. The 4WD drivetrain with hardened steel front universal joint driveshafts and rear dogbones ensures power is delivered to all four contact patches without flex or play—critical characteristics that separate precision racing platforms from recreational bashers.

Weight distribution and adjustability define the VTE2-V2 experience. At 2540g in roller form (without motor, ESC, battery, body or tyres), the chassis provides a lightweight foundation that accepts a wide range of electronic configurations. The relocatable ESC top tray and three-position battery stopper give you complete control over centre of gravity tuning, allowing subtle balance point adjustments that dramatically influence handling across different track layouts and racing conditions. The bevel gear differentials with anti-leakage housings prevent fluid loss during aggressive driving whilst the specific silicone oil viscosities (#500K front, #50K rear) are carefully chosen to deliver the locking characteristics appropriate to front and rear axle requirements.

Suspension geometry adjustments—camber, caster, sway bar and PBS tuning—empower experienced drivers to extract every fraction of grip available from their chosen tyres. The front and rear sway bars directly control body roll rates whilst the reinforced composite upper and lower arms maintain alignment without unnecessary flex. The 34T MOD 1 spur gear centre spool accepts pinion gears with standard 8mm bore, supporting gear ratios from conservative acceleration setups through to aggressive top-speed configurations, with maximum spur gear compatibility up to 48T for experimentation. This comprehensive adjustability means the VTE2-V2 isn't simply ready to run out of the box—it's ready to be tuned, refined and developed into the exact on-road racing machine that matches your driving style and local track characteristics.

What's in the Box

• HoBao 1/7 Extreme VTE2-V2 chassis assembly (80% pre-assembled)
• 3mm hard anodised aluminium chassis
• Front and rear suspension components (arms, sway bars, PBS)
• Oil-filled 17mm big bore shocks (4 units)
• 4WD drivetrain with hardened steel front universal joint driveshafts and rear dogbones
• Lightweight steel and aluminium front and rear centre driveshafts
• Bevel gear differentials (front and rear) with anti-leakage housings
• Centre spool with 34T MOD 1 spur gear
• CNC aluminium cam lock style motor mount (standard 50mm max OD configuration)
• New lightweight rear floating body mount set
• Front and rear splash guards
• Adjustable side body supports
• Three-position adjustable battery stopper
• Relocatable ESC top tray
• New rear wheel hubs with anti-loose wheel nuts
• 4mm thick CNC aluminium shock tower with ball bearing set
• Full suspension geometry adjustment hardware
• Product manual and exploded view diagrams
• Standard optional parts list

What You Need to Complete

• 2-Channel Radio/Transmitter Set — A dedicated transmitter and receiver suitable for on-road racing. Most modern RC transmitters will work, but dedicated racing systems typically offer better control response and durability.
• ESC (Electronic Speed Controller) and Brushless Motor — You must select and purchase an appropriate brushless ESC and motor combination. The motor mount standard configuration accepts motors up to 50mm OD, with an optional mount available for motors up to 57mm OD. Motor selection dramatically affects top speed, acceleration and power characteristics.
• Pinion Gear for Motor — The motor pinion gear must match your selected motor's shaft size and the 8mm bore of the centre spool. Pinion gear selection, combined with your chosen spur gear ratio, determines your vehicle's acceleration and top speed characteristics.
• Tyres, Wheels and Tire Glue — You must choose appropriate on-road racing tyres and wheels, then glue the tyres onto the wheel rims using dedicated RC tyre adhesive. Tyre choice significantly impacts grip, handling characteristics and wear rate.
• Body Shell and RC Body Paint — Select a 1/7 scale on-road body shell (touring car, rally car or GT style) and paint or decorate it according to your preference. The new lightweight rear floating body mount set accommodates bodies from the GTLE, GTSE, VTE and VTE2 series.
• High-Torque Steering Servo — On-road racing demands responsive steering, so a quality servo with adequate torque for your chosen body and tyre setup is essential. Servo speed and torque directly influence steering feel and responsiveness.
• LiPo Batteries and Battery Charger — Modern RC racing uses LiPo (Lithium Polymer) batteries exclusively. You'll need appropriate capacity and voltage packs for your motor and ESC combination, plus a quality charger capable of managing LiPo battery specifications and safety procedures.
• Batteries for Transmitter — Standard AA or AAA batteries depending on your radio system, plus potentially a rechargeable battery pack for your transmitter if using a modern digital radio.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the HoBao VTE2-V2 suitable for beginners to on-road electric RC racing? — The VTE2-V2 is classified as Skill Level 4, indicating it requires experience with RC cars and understanding of on-road racing setup principles. Whilst the ARR format eliminates basic assembly, completing the build requires selecting appropriate motor, ESC, servo and other components, then tuning suspension geometry for your driving style and track characteristics. If you're new to on-road racing, you might be better served by a fully assembled RTR model first, then progressing to the VTE2-V2 as your knowledge develops. However, the comprehensive adjustability makes it an excellent platform for learning advanced tuning techniques.
• What size brushless motor and ESC does the HoBao VTE2-V2 need? — The standard motor mount accommodates brushless motors with maximum outer diameter of 50mm, though an optional mount (#OP-0150) supports motors up to 57mm OD. Motor and ESC selection depend entirely on your desired performance characteristics—conservative touring setup, competitive racing or high-speed drag orientations all require different specifications. There is no single correct answer; your local RC club or experienced retailer can advise based on your skill level and intended use.
• What battery specifications work with the HoBao VTE2-V2? — The three-position adjustable battery stopper accommodates various LiPo battery sizes, though your specific motor and ESC combination will determine voltage (typically 2S or 3S) and capacity requirements. The relocated ESC tray allows you to position heavier battery packs front or rear to fine-tune weight distribution, a significant advantage in on-road racing where subtle balance changes impact handling dramatically.
• How does the VTE2-V2 compare to the 1/8 scale HoBao VTE2-8 model? — The 1/7 VTE2-V2 is larger and heavier than the 1/8 VTE2-8, offering increased stability at high speeds and typically better traction due to larger tyre contact patches. The 1/7 scale generally suits drivers who prioritise straight-line speed and stability, whilst the 1/8 is more nimble in tight technical corners. Both share similar engineering philosophy with adjustable suspension and relocatable electronics, making them both competitive platforms within their respective scale categories.
• Can I upgrade the chassis to carbon fibre on the VTE2-V2? — Yes, an optional carbon fibre chassis (#OP-0171) is available as an upgrade path. Carbon fibre offers weight savings compared to the standard 3mm hard anodised aluminium, beneficial for acceleration and responsiveness, though the aluminium chassis already provides exceptional rigidity and is lighter than many competing designs.
• What driveshaft upgrades are available for the VTE2-V2? — Optional upgraded driveshafts include 5.3mm universal driveshaft (#OP-0159) for the front and 5.0mm rear dogbone (#OP-0161), providing enhanced durability for high-powered setups or aggressive driving styles. The standard hardened steel driveshafts are adequate for most applications.
• How adjustable is the suspension geometry on the VTE2-V2? — The VTE2-V2 features fully adjustable camber and caster on both front and rear, plus front and rear sway bars for anti-roll control and front progressive bump stop (PBS) adjustment. These adjustments allow experienced drivers to dial suspension characteristics to match driving style, track layout and tyre compound, a depth of adjustability that separates genuine racing platforms from recreational designs.
• What ring gear and pinion gear options are available? — Optional 40T ring gear (#OP-0146) and 15T pinion gear (#OP-0147) provide alternative gearing combinations beyond your motor pinion selection. The centre spool accepts pinion gears with 8mm bore and supports spur gears up to 48T maximum, giving broad gear ratio flexibility for different track conditions and performance priorities.
• Is the HoBao VTE2-V2 suitable for outdoor all-weather running? — Whilst not explicitly waterproof, the splash guards protect key drivetrain components, and the precision engineering can handle wet grass or light rain conditions typical of UK outdoor racing. However, this is not designed as a waterproof off-road vehicle—it's an on-road platform best suited to smooth racing surfaces. Extensive water submersion should be avoided, and the vehicle should be cleaned and dried after wet-weather running to prevent corrosion.
• How much assembly work remains after the 80% ARR package? — You must install the brushless motor into the cam lock mount, install the ESC and battery with the relocatable tray, install your chosen servo, assemble the wheels and tyres, mount your selected body shell using the floating body mount system, and calibrate the radio system. Estimated build time with all components selected is 3-5 hours for an experienced builder, longer if you're new to on-road racing and learning as you go. The most challenging aspects are selecting appropriate components rather than physical assembly.

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 HoBao 1/7 Extreme VTE2-V2 On-Road Electric ARR 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.