HOBAO EXTREME VTE2 1/8 ON ROAD EP ROLLER 80% PRE-ASSEMBLED HB-VTE2-8

Overview

The HOBAO EXTREME VTE2 1/8 ON ROAD EP ROLLER is a high-performance electric on-road RC car designed for serious enthusiasts who demand precision, speed and durability. This 80% pre-assembled roller from HOBAO represents a significant evolution in 1/8-scale on-road racing technology, engineered to deliver exceptional handling characteristics and reliability on tarmac surfaces. Whether you're an experienced RC racer looking for a competitive platform or an intermediate hobbyist ready to step up to serious on-road performance, the VTE2 provides the engineering and adjustability you need to stay competitive. As a ready-to-run RC car in the UK market, this model stands out for its innovative design, premium component quality, and the flexibility it offers builders who want to fine-tune every aspect of their setup.

This is not just another entry-level RC car—it's a purposefully engineered machine built on HOBAO's decades of racing expertise. The VTE2 combines lightweight construction with robust engineering to create a vehicle that feels planted and responsive on smooth, grippy surfaces. The innovative motor mounting system, advanced suspension geometry, and precision manufacturing make this an ideal platform for UK racers competing in local club events or simply enjoying high-speed on-road bashing with serious performance credentials.

Key Features

• Versatile Motor Mounting Options — The innovative chassis design accommodates both front and rear motor mounting, with front mounting suitable for motors up to 119mm in length and rear mounting for motors up to 140mm, ensuring you can optimise weight distribution and handling characteristics for your specific racing style and preferred motor selection.
• Lightweight Construction Throughout — Weighing just 2360g fully assembled, the VTE2 achieves exceptional power-to-weight ratio, which translates directly into responsive acceleration, improved braking performance and reduced rolling inertia—critical factors in competitive on-road racing where every gram matters.
• Hard-Anodised Aluminium Chassis — The new chassis is machined from lightweight hard-anodised aluminium and weighs just 390g, providing the rigidity needed for precision handling whilst maintaining the absolute minimum weight for superior acceleration and top-end speed performance.
• 4WD Drivetrain with Heavy-Duty Components — The complete 4WD drivetrain features hardened steel front universal joint driveshafts, a rear dogbone, and new heavy-duty lightweight steel and aluminium centre driveshafts, all working together to deliver consistent power delivery and exceptional durability even under competitive racing conditions.
• Advanced Differential System — Both front and rear differentials use precision bevel gear design with new anti-leakage differential housings and hardened steel lightweight cups, pre-filled with 500K silicone oil (front) and 50K silicone oil (rear) to provide optimal torque distribution and traction control tuning.
• Flexible Motor Mounting with CNC Precision — The CNC-machined aluminium motor mount features cam-lock style clamping, with the standard part accommodating motors up to 50mm in outer diameter and optional parts available for larger 57mm diameter motors, giving you complete flexibility in motor selection.
• Oil-Filled Big Bore Shocks — The 17mm big-bore shock absorbers are filled with 600-weight silicone oil and feature 4mm diameter shafts paired with 0.45 kgf/cm springs (35mm length, orange colour), delivering smooth, predictable damping across a wide range of track conditions and bump frequencies.
• Carbon Fibre ESC Tray with Flexible Mounting — The lightweight carbon fibre ESC top tray can be positioned on either the front or rear of the chassis according to your weight distribution preferences, allowing you to dial in the perfect balance for your specific track layout and driving style.
• 3-Position Battery Stopper System — The adjustable battery stopper on the chassis accommodates different battery pack sizes, ensuring secure mounting without the need for additional straps and maintaining a low centre of gravity for improved cornering performance.
• Adjustable Side Body Supports — The body is held securely in place with adjustable side supports and a lightweight rear floating body mount set (compatible with both VTE and VTE2 series), protecting your investment while maintaining clean aerodynamics.
• Front and Rear Splash Guards — Integrated splash guards protect the drivetrain and electronics from water, dirt and debris encountered during outdoor track sessions, extending the lifespan of critical components and reducing maintenance requirements.
• Precision Suspension Geometry — Front and rear sway bars, front PBS (progressive bump steer correction), reinforced composite upper and lower arms, plus fully adjustable caster and camber settings give you complete suspension tuning capability to match any track condition or driving preference.
• Anti-Loose Rear Wheel Hub — The rear wheel hub features a +2mm length extension with anti-loose wheel nut design, preventing accidental wheel detachment during high-speed cornering or aggressive driving whilst maintaining perfect balance.
• Full Ball Bearing Package — A complete set of ball bearings throughout the chassis ensures smooth operation, reduces friction losses, and extends component lifespan compared to cheaper bushing-based designs.
• Comprehensive Optional Parts Support — The platform supports a wide range of optional upgrades including alternative rear suspension mounts with POM pills, alternative driveshaft options (5.3mm universal, 5.0mm rear dogbone), alternative ring and pinion gears (40T/15T), bevel gears, differential housings and CNC aluminium spool mounts, allowing endless tuning possibilities as your skills and racing demands evolve.

Technical Performance

The HOBAO EXTREME VTE2 represents the pinnacle of 1/8-scale on-road electric RC engineering, combining premium materials with precision manufacturing to create a platform capable of competitive lap times and exceptional reliability. The chassis is constructed from hard-anodised aluminium, providing the perfect balance between rigidity and weight—critical for maintaining consistent handling through high-speed corners whilst accelerating quickly off the line. The 4WD drivetrain delivers power to all four wheels through precision bevel gear differentials, with the front differential filled with 500K silicone oil and the rear with 50K to provide optimal traction characteristics. The centre spool utilises a 34T MOD1 spur gear on an 8mm hardened steel shaft, with the flexibility to upgrade to a maximum 48T spur gear if required for different track conditions. The motor mounting system is exceptionally clever—depending on your selected motor, you can mount it in the front position (suitable for motors up to 119mm length) or rear position (accommodating motors up to 140mm), allowing you to optimise weight distribution for your specific track layout. The shock system employs 17mm big-bore oil-filled dampers with 4mm diameter shafts paired with 0.45 kgf/cm orange springs, providing the damping rates necessary for smooth performance across various surfaces whilst maintaining compliance over bumps. The suspension geometry includes front and rear sway bars, front PBS to eliminate bump steer, and fully adjustable caster and camber settings, giving competitive racers complete control over handling characteristics. Without an ESC and motor supplied (this is an 80% assembled roller), you'll need to source your own brushless ESC rated for 1/8-scale racing (typically 120-150A continuous for competitive performance) and a suitable brushless motor—the flexible motor mounting accommodates everything from compact mid-mounted designs to larger rear-mounted units. LiPo battery compatibility is standard for modern on-road setups, with the 3-position adjustable battery stopper accommodating a range of pack sizes and configurations. This is a serious platform for serious racers who understand the importance of component quality, precision engineering and the ability to fine-tune every aspect of their vehicle's performance.

What's in the Box

• Hard-anodised aluminium chassis (390g)
• CNC-machined aluminium motor mount with cam-lock clamping
• Front and rear differentials with bevel gears and anti-leakage housings
• Centre spool with 34T MOD1 spur gear and hardened steel cup
• 4WD drivetrain with hardened steel front universal joint driveshaft and rear dogbone
• Heavy-duty steel and aluminium centre driveshafts
• Four oil-filled 17mm big-bore shock absorbers with 4mm shafts
• Orange springs (0.45 kgf/cm, 35mm length)
• 4mm thick CNC-machined aluminium shock towers
• Front and rear sway bars with PBS (progressive bump steer correction)
• Reinforced composite upper and lower suspension arms
• Rear wheel hub with anti-loose wheel nut design (+2mm)
• Lightweight rear floating body mount set
• Front and rear splash guards
• Adjustable side body supports
• Carbon fibre ESC top tray (front or rear mountable)
• 3-position adjustable battery stopper
• Complete ball bearing package
• Rear suspension mount (+4mm)
• Adjustable caster and camber settings

What You Need to Complete

• 2-channel radio/transmitter set
• Brushless ESC (Electronic Speed Controller) — typically 120-150A continuous rating for 1/8-scale on-road racing
• Brushless motor — select front or rear mounting position based on motor length (front max 119mm, rear max 140mm)
• Pinion gear matched to your motor
• Tyres, wheels and tyre adhesive (glue)
• On-road body and RC body paint
• High-torque steering servo
• LiPo batteries (pack size depends on your driving style and track length)
• Battery charger compatible with LiPo batteries
• Batteries for radio transmitter

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the HOBAO EXTREME VTE2 suitable for beginners? — This model is best suited to intermediate and advanced builders rather than absolute beginners. The skill level rating of Level 3 reflects the fact that you'll need to source and assemble several critical components (ESC, motor, servo, body), understand electronic speed controllers, and be comfortable with suspension tuning. However, if you have prior RC experience and are ready to move into competitive on-road racing, this is an excellent platform. Beginners should consider purchasing a pre-assembled RTR (Ready to Run) model instead.
• What motor should I use in the HOBAO EXTREME VTE2? — The VTE2 accepts brushless motors up to 119mm in length for front mounting or up to 140mm for rear mounting. Most competitive racers use motors in the 10.5T to 13.5T range for on-road racing, though you should consult your local racing club rules if you plan to compete. The flexible motor mounting allows you to choose the configuration that provides the best weight distribution for your specific motor and track layout.
• What ESC rating do I need? — For a 1/8-scale on-road electric RC car, a brushless ESC rated for at least 120A continuous is recommended for casual racing, though competitive setups typically use 150A ESCs to provide headroom and ensure reliability under demanding conditions. Your choice should be based on your motor selection and local racing regulations.
• Can I run this on different surfaces? — The HOBAO EXTREME VTE2 is engineered specifically for on-road racing on smooth, grippy surfaces like asphalt and sealed concrete. Whilst it could theoretically run on dirt or other surfaces, the suspension geometry and tyre interface are optimised for on-road conditions. Off-road surfaces would quickly damage the chassis and components designed for tarmac racing.
• What's the difference between the HOBAO EXTREME VTE2 and other HOBAO on-road models? — The VTE2 is HOBAO's flagship 1/8-scale on-road platform and represents their latest engineering, featuring the new hard-anodised lightweight aluminium chassis, advanced anti-leakage differential housings, flexible motor mounting options, and carbon fibre ESC tray. It's designed for serious racers who want precision handling and competitive performance. The older HYPER VTE models are also excellent platforms but lack some of these advanced features.
• Is the roller package good value? — The 80% pre-assembled roller format offers excellent value because you receive the precision-engineered chassis, drivetrain, and suspension system whilst having the flexibility to choose your own ESC, motor, and receiver based on your budget and preferences. You save money by not paying for pre-selected electronics that might not suit your needs, whilst gaining a world-class racing platform.
• What battery type does this use? — The HOBAO EXTREME VTE2 is designed to work with LiPo (Lithium Polymer) batteries, which are standard for modern electric RC racing. Your specific battery requirements will depend on your chosen ESC and motor, but most 1/8-scale on-road setups use 2S (7.4V) LiPo packs. Always consult your ESC specifications to determine compatible battery configurations.
• Can I upgrade the suspension? — Yes, HOBAO provides a comprehensive range of optional parts for the VTE2. You can upgrade the rear suspension mounts (optional RF and RR mounts with POM pills), install alternative driveshaft options, swap gear ratios with optional 40T ring gears and 15T pinion gears, and even upgrade to optional bevel gears and differential housings. This expandability means your investment grows with your skills and racing demands.
• How much assembly is required? — As an 80% pre-assembled roller, the major chassis, drivetrain, and suspension components are factory-assembled. You'll need to install your selected motor (using the CNC cam-lock mount), fit your ESC to the carbon fibre tray, install your steering servo, mount your body, add tyres and wheels, and wire everything together. Most builders with intermediate RC experience can complete assembly in 2-4 hours.
• Is this appropriate for UK racing clubs? — The HOBAO EXTREME VTE2 is an excellent choice for UK on-road racing clubs. Its 1/8-scale class is well-established in the UK racing scene, and the VTE2's precision engineering makes it competitive across most club racing events. Verify with your local club regarding specific regulations regarding motor size, ESC ratings, and battery configurations before purchasing your components.

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 EXTREME VTE2 1/8 ON ROAD EP ROLLER 80% PRE-ASSEMBLED HB-VTE2-8 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.