CARISMA M48S 1985 AUDI SPORT QUATTRO S1 SE 1/8 BRUSHLESS RTR CA91468

Overview

The Carisma M48S 1985 Audi Sport Quattro S1 SE is an exceptional 1/8 scale brushless RC rally car that brings legendary automotive engineering to life in miniature form. This ready-to-run RC car UK represents one of the most iconic vehicles in motorsport history — the Audi Quattro that revolutionised rally racing by being the first to effectively harness all-wheel drive technology. Whether you're a seasoned RC enthusiast looking for an authentic rally driving experience or someone discovering the world of precision RC models, this brushless RC car offers stunning realism, impressive performance, and meticulous attention to historical accuracy.

What sets the Carisma M48S apart from other ready to run RC cars is its commitment to authenticity. Using original design data from the legendary Group B rally car, Carisma has faithfully reproduced every detail — from the distinctive short wheelbase (SWB) dimensions and unique screen angle to the complete factory livery and downforce-generating aerodynamic package. The SE version introduces refined styling updates, iconic 5-spoke white wheels, and new dirt specification tyres that enhance both the visual appeal and handling characteristics. This isn't just a toy; it's a rolling tribute to automotive history that performs as seriously as it looks.

At 1/8 scale, this brushless RC model offers a more realistic driving experience than smaller scales, allowing you to truly appreciate the engineering that makes the Quattro special. Combined with advanced technology like the new ARC-3 brushless ESC, a powerful 550 Can brushless motor, and full-function 2.4GHz F.H.S.S radio gear, the M48S delivers a robust rally driving experience that rivals dedicated competition RC vehicles. If you're seeking a high-performance, beautifully detailed RC car UK that captures the spirit of legendary motorsport, the Carisma M48S Audi Sport Quattro is an outstanding choice.

Key Features

• Faithful 1985 Audi Sport Quattro S1 Design — The body has been meticulously reproduced using original design data to ensure accuracy at every angle, including the distinctive short wheelbase dimensions, unique windscreen angle, complete downforce-generating aero package, and authentic Group B factory livery that makes this one of the most visually striking ready to run RC cars available.
• 550 Big Can Brushless Motor — This premium motor delivers both substantial RPM and impressive torque, giving you responsive acceleration and genuine rally car performance that translates to exciting driving dynamics on any terrain, whether you're tackling dirt tracks, gravel, or mixed surfaces.
• New ARC-3 Brushless ESC with 3S Compatibility — The newly developed ARC-3 electronic speed controller has been engineered to work seamlessly with 2S or 3S LiPo batteries as standard, offering flexibility in your power choices and ensuring optimal performance characteristics regardless of which battery voltage you select for your RC model.
• Dedicated 4WD All-Metal Driveline — A fully ball-raced, precision-engineered driveline features front and rear metal gear differentials plus a centre gear differential to maximise both grip and power delivery, giving you the authentic all-wheel-drive experience that made the original Quattro legendary in rally competition.
• Oil-Filled Coil-Over Suspension with Anti-Roll Bars — Professional-grade suspension geometry featuring oil-filled coil-over shock absorbers and anti-roll bars front and rear provides excellent bump compliance, predictable handling characteristics, and the kind of fine-tuning potential that serious RC enthusiasts demand from their vehicles.
• Iconic 5-Spoke White Wheels with Dirt Spec Tyres — The SE version's signature white wheels paired with new dirt specification tyres provide authentic rally car aesthetics whilst delivering superior off-road traction and grip, allowing you to truly experience what these vehicles are capable of.
• Full-Function 2.4GHz F.H.S.S Radio System — The CTX-8000 radio transmitter provides full-sized ergonomics and full-function control with 2.4GHz frequency-hopping spread spectrum technology, ensuring reliable interference-free operation and precise command response during every driving session.
• 1/8 Scale for Realistic Driving Experience — The larger 1/8 scale format lets you truly see and feel what these vehicles are capable of, right at the heart of the action, providing more realistic proportions and a more immersive driving experience compared to smaller scales.
• Flexible Battery Compatibility — This brushless RC car accepts your choice of 7.2v NiMH, 7.4v LiPo, or 11.1v LiPo batteries, giving you the flexibility to select the power source that best suits your driving style, budget, and performance preferences.
• Lightweight G10 Chassis Construction — The long-wheelbase chassis utilises lightweight G10 composite plates that provide excellent rigidity and durability whilst keeping overall weight down, contributing to responsive handling and extended battery runtime.

Technical Performance

The Carisma M48S represents serious engineering excellence in the ready to run RC market. At its heart sits a 550 Can brushless motor paired with the newly developed ARC-3 brushless ESC — a combination specifically chosen to deliver both responsive acceleration and sustained power delivery. The motor features an efficient XT60 connector for reliable power transfer, whilst the ARC-3 ESC's 3S-friendly design means you can run 2S or 3S LiPo batteries depending on your preference for maximum speed versus driving duration. The stock gearing configuration — 44T spur gear paired with a 12T motor pinion — provides an internal ratio of 15/39, delivering a balance between acceleration and top-end speed that's ideal for varied terrain.

The fully ball-raced, dedicated 4WD driveline is engineered to handle the power delivery with precision. Front and rear metal gear differentials work in concert with a centre gear differential to distribute power intelligently across all four wheels, maximising both grip and mechanical advantage — the core principle that made the original Audi Quattro revolutionary. This three-differential setup ensures that whether you're accelerating hard, cornering aggressively, or navigating technical terrain, power is delivered exactly where it's needed. The 12mm wheel hexes accommodate the included 5-spoke white wheels, which are shod with new dirt specification tyres designed for optimal traction on loose surfaces.

Suspension geometry is equally impressive. Oil-filled coil-over shocks front and rear provide consistent damping across a wide range of driving conditions, whilst the anti-roll bars (also front and rear) help manage body roll during cornering and maintain predictable handling characteristics. The lightweight G10 chassis plates keep overall weight minimal whilst maintaining the structural rigidity necessary for sustained performance. At 285mm wheelbase and 231mm width (1/8 scale), the proportions feel substantial in hand whilst remaining nimble enough for technical courses. The brushless motor and advanced ESC combination means you'll enjoy efficient power usage, minimal maintenance compared to brushed alternatives, and the kind of reliability that lets you focus on driving rather than troubleshooting.

What's in the Box

• Carisma M48S Audi Sport Quattro S1 SE complete roller with body and wheels fitted
• 550 Can brushless motor, pre-installed
• ARC-3 brushless ESC, pre-installed
• CTX-8000 2.4GHz F.H.S.S full-function radio system (transmitter and receiver)
• Iconic 5-spoke white wheels (four)
• New dirt specification tyres (four)
• Oil-filled coil-over shock absorbers front and rear
• Front and rear anti-roll bars
• User manual and instruction documentation

What You Need to Complete

• Battery: 7.2v NiMH, 7.4v LiPo, or 11.1v LiPo battery (maximum thickness 30mm) — compatible with XT60 connector
• Charger: LiPo-compatible charger if using lithium polymer batteries
• Optional: LiPo safety bag, balance charger, and additional batteries for extended running time

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the Carisma M48S suitable for beginners? — This is rated as Skill Level 4, indicating it's best suited to experienced RC drivers rather than complete beginners. The complexity of maintaining 4WD precision, the power delivery from the brushless motor, and the technical know-how required for battery selection and charging make this model more appropriate for hobbyists who already understand RC fundamentals. However, if you're new to RC but willing to learn, the included full-function radio and robust driveline make it forgiving enough to work with under proper guidance.
• What battery does the Carisma M48S need? — The M48S is battery-agnostic within certain parameters. It accepts 7.2v NiMH, 7.4v LiPo, or 11.1v LiPo batteries, all featuring XT60 connectors. The ARC-3 ESC is 3S friendly, meaning it's optimised for 2S (7.4v) and 3S (11.1v) LiPo chemistry. Battery thickness must not exceed 30mm for proper fitment in the chassis. For best performance and modern convenience, a 2S or 3S LiPo battery is recommended over older NiMH technology.
• What makes this 1/8 scale rally car different from smaller RC models? — 1/8 scale represents a sweet spot in the RC hobby. It's significantly larger than popular 1/10 scale vehicles, which means you can see more detail, experience more realistic proportions, and feel the driving dynamics more distinctly. The Carisma M48S at 1/8 scale with its faithful Audi Quattro design allows you to truly appreciate the engineering and aesthetics of the original car, whilst the larger format translates to more responsive handling feedback and more impressive visual presence whether you're driving solo or with friends.
• How does the three-differential 4WD system work? — Unlike simpler 4WD designs, the M48S features front and rear differentials that allow wheels on each axle to rotate at different speeds (important when cornering), plus a centre differential that distributes power between front and rear axles. This tripartite design maximises grip by ensuring all four wheels maintain traction even on uneven terrain, and it allows power to shift to whichever axle has the most grip — the principle that made the original Audi Quattro legendary in rally racing. For drivers, this translates to predictable handling, excellent traction, and the ability to power through technical sections more effectively than simpler driveline designs.
• What is the wheelbase and overall dimensions? — The M48S features a 285mm wheelbase with a width of 231mm, giving it a short, nimble stance that mirrors the original SWB (short wheelbase) Audi Sport Quattro. These dimensions place it in the competitive 1/8 scale category and contribute to its responsive handling characteristics and rally car authenticity.
• Can I upgrade components on this ready to run RC car? — Yes, the M48S shares compatibility with many Carisma performance components. The specification sheet indicates it uses 12mm wheel hexes, M1 gearing, and standard driveline components, all of which have aftermarket alternatives available. However, specific upgrade recommendations should be verified with official Carisma documentation or authorised retailers to ensure compatibility.
• How does brushless power compare to brushed motors? — The 550 Can brushless motor offers significant advantages over brushed alternatives: superior efficiency (meaning longer runtime from the same battery), more consistent power delivery, virtually zero maintenance (no brush replacement), quieter operation, and better heat management. Brushless technology is the standard in competitive and serious RC circles precisely because it outperforms brushed alternatives across every meaningful metric.
• What is the ARC-3 ESC and why is it important? — The ARC-3 is Carisma's newly developed brushless electronic speed controller, specifically engineered to work optimally with 2S and 3S LiPo batteries. It controls motor speed, acceleration, and braking, and its 3S-friendly programming ensures you get maximum performance whether you choose to run a 7.4v (2S) or 11.1v (3S) battery pack. Modern ESCs like the ARC-3 include programmable parameters that allow experienced users to fine-tune throttle response, brake strength, and other characteristics.

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 CARISMA M48S 1985 AUDI SPORT QUATTRO S1 SE 1/8 BRUSHLESS RTR 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.