TEAM ASSOCIATED ST550 SUPER TOURING APEX 2 RTR 4WD AS30127

Overview

The Team Associated ST550 Super Touring Apex 2 RTR is a highly detailed and fun-to-drive Ready-to-Run RC car that brings authentic Super Touring racing to life in 1/10 scale. Built on the budget-friendly Apex2 Sport chassis, this electric 4WD on-road racer combines period-correct styling with modern engineering to create a competitive platform perfect for UK enthusiasts of touring car racing. Whether you're exploring ready to run RC cars for the first time or returning to the hobby, the ST550 delivers impressive handling characteristics and a planted, race-inspired feel that rivals models costing considerably more.

The ST550 Super Touring class has deep roots in motorsport history, emerging in the mid-1990s when manufacturers began creating production-based race cars with extensive performance modifications. This segment quickly gained popularity among motorsport enthusiasts and RC racers alike, leading Team Associated to launch the legendary TC3 back in 1999. Today, the Super Touring class continues to thrive globally as the "New Generation V8 Supercar" series, and Team Associated has answered the call once again with the Apex2 Sport ST550. This RC touring car isn't just another 4WD electric platform — it's a purpose-built Super Touring machine that captures the authentic spirit of real-world motorsport competition.

What sets the ST550 apart from standard RC touring cars is its exceptional attention to detail combined with genuine track-capable engineering. The realistic Super Touring aesthetic features injection-moulded disc brake calipers and rotors, a race-inspired spoiler, detailed mirrors, and authentic race graphics that immediately distinguish it from typical on-road RC models. Every component has been engineered to deliver predictable, confidence-inspiring handling on uneven tarmac surfaces, making this an ideal choice for both backyard bashers and serious track competitors seeking a competitive ready to run RC car that won't break the bank.

Key Features

• Independent Front and Rear Suspension with Coil-Over Shocks — The ST550 features advanced suspension geometry with independent dampers at both ends, combined with coil-over shock technology that provides superior bump compliance and precise handling on rough tarmac surfaces. This delivers the ultimate in ride quality and cornering stability compared to simpler suspension designs.
• Active Rear Toe Adjustment — A sophisticated rear toe link system allows fine-tuning of rear wheel alignment whilst maintaining the planted feel essential for Super Touring racing, giving drivers the ability to dial in the perfect balance between stability and responsiveness for their specific track conditions.
• Sealed Front and Rear Gear Differentials — Fully sealed differential units at both axles protect internal gearing from dust and debris whilst distributing power intelligently to wheels with variable grip, enabling smooth cornering performance and predictable traction characteristics on mixed-surface tracks.
• Steel Dog Bones and Drive Axles — Heavy-duty steel components throughout the driveline ensure longevity and reliability during competitive sessions, resisting bending and failure when subjected to the demanding forces of high-speed cornering and aggressive acceleration typical of touring car racing.
• Aluminium Motor Plate — A precision-engineered aluminium motor mounting plate provides rock-solid ESC and motor installation whilst keeping weight low, ensuring optimal weight distribution and allowing straightforward motor upgrades as your driving skills and needs evolve.
• Injection-Moulded Brake Calipers and Rotors — Authentic-looking brake components provide genuine visual appeal whilst the engineering allows for proportional brake feel through your radio transmitter, creating a more immersive and realistic driving experience compared to models without working brake systems.
• Adjustable Shock Mounting Locations — Multiple shock mounting points on the suspension towers allow comprehensive suspension tuning without requiring expensive replacement parts, letting drivers optimise ride height and spring rates to match their preferred driving style and track surfaces.
• Bolt-On Steering Plates — Interchangeable steering geometry components can be swapped easily to adjust Ackermann steering characteristics, providing multiple handling configurations and allowing you to find the perfect steering response without complex modifications.
• Molded One-Piece Tie Rods and Steering Links — Rigid, durable steering linkages fabricated as single components eliminate looseness and play in the steering system, delivering crisp, responsive steering input without the dead zones common in assembled steering systems.
• Adjustable Body Post Height Locations — Multiple mounting points for the body post allow precise centre-of-gravity adjustment by repositioning the body shell, enabling you to optimise weight distribution for different track layouts and surface conditions without additional purchases.
• Plastic Tub Main Chassis — A lightweight yet rigid main chassis tub provides excellent durability for recreational bashing whilst remaining light enough for competitive racing, offering an ideal balance between robustness and performance across all driving styles.
• POM-Filled Injection-Moulded Pivot Balls — Self-lubricating polyoxymethylene (POM) injection-moulded suspension pivot balls reduce friction and wear in critical suspension joints, ensuring smooth articulation throughout the vehicle's lifespan whilst maintaining precise handling characteristics.
• Oilite Bushings — Sintered bronze oilite bushings contain integral lubrication that releases gradually during operation, reducing maintenance requirements and extending component life whilst maintaining tight tolerances essential for predictable handling.
• Adjustable Hook and Loop Battery Straps — Versatile battery mounting straps accommodate various battery sizes and types, allowing you to experiment with different battery options and weights to fine-tune weight distribution and centre-of-gravity positioning for optimal performance.
• 4WD Drive System — Four-wheel drive architecture distributes power to all four wheels, maximising traction across varied track surfaces and providing superior grip when cornering compared to 2WD platforms, essential for competitive Super Touring performance.

Technical Performance

The Team Associated ST550 Super Touring Apex 2 represents a significant leap forward in budget-friendly RC touring car engineering. With its 1/10 scale proportions, the vehicle measures 458mm in length, 190mm in width, and features a 259mm wheelbase — dimensions that position it perfectly for competitive on-road racing on standard UK hobby tracks. The 2.6:1 internal gear ratio combines with the full-time 4WD drivetrain to deliver balanced acceleration and top-speed characteristics suitable for Super Touring competition. The platform supports brushed motor configurations and is supplied without a motor, ESC (Electronic Speed Controller), or battery, allowing you to select components matching your preferred power level and driving style. This flexibility means you can start with modest Reedy brushed motor setups or upgrade to more powerful configurations as your skills develop. The vehicle is fully assembled and ready to run in terms of mechanical components — you simply need to install your chosen brushed motor, ESC, and a LiPo battery pack to begin driving. The manufacturers specifically recommend a LiPo Shorty battery with High Current T-Plug connector (such as the AS758 Reedy 7.4V 2S LiPo) for reliable power delivery, though the adjustable battery strap system accommodates various battery dimensions. You'll also require four AA batteries to power your radio transmitter. For UK buyers seeking a competitive ready to run RC car without the premium price tag of fully-featured touring cars, the ST550 delivers exceptional value without compromising on the engineering fundamentals that make a great handling platform.

What's in the Box

• Team Associated Apex2 Sport ST550 Super Touring chassis (fully assembled)
• ST550 body shell
• Wheels and tyres (mounted)
• All suspension components (shocks, arms, links)
• Steering system (rack, bellcrank, tie rods)
• Differential units (front and rear, sealed)
• Drive shafts (steel dog bones and axles)
• Body post and mounting hardware
• Battery straps (adjustable hook and loop)
• Hardware and fasteners

What You Need to Complete

• Brushed electric motor (not included in base package)
• Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) — brushed-compatible unit
• LiPo Shorty battery with High Current T-Plug (7.4V 2S recommended, such as AS758 Reedy 7.4V 2S LiPo Battery with T-plug)
• Battery charger suitable for your chosen LiPo battery
• Radio control transmitter and receiver (not included)
• Four AA batteries to power your transmitter

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the Team Associated ST550 Super Touring Apex 2 RTR suitable for RC beginners? — The ST550 is an excellent choice for beginners seeking a realistic on-road RC car, as the fully assembled chassis requires only motor, ESC, and battery installation rather than extensive building. The straightforward 4WD platform and predictable handling characteristics make it approachable for newcomers, though you'll need to have or purchase a transmitter, motor, speed controller, and battery separately. We recommend pairing it with beginner-friendly Reedy brushed motor and ESC packages available from RC Model Shop.
• What battery does the Team Associated ST550 need? — The ST550 is designed for LiPo Shorty batteries with High Current T-Plug connectors. Team Associated specifically recommends the AS758 Reedy 7.4V 2S LiPo Battery with T-plug as the ideal match for this vehicle. The adjustable battery straps accommodate various battery dimensions, allowing you to experiment with different capacity options depending on your desired runtime.
• What is the difference between the ST550 base model and the LiPo Combo version? — The base #30127 model includes only the assembled chassis and body, requiring you to source motor, ESC, receiver, battery, and charger separately. The #30127C LiPo Combo version includes a Reedy Compact Balance Charger and Reedy 7.4V 2S LiPo Battery with T-plug, eliminating the need to purchase these items separately though you still require a motor, ESC, and transmitter.
• Can I use different motors and ESCs with the ST550 Super Touring chassis? — Absolutely. The Apex2 Sport platform is engineered to accept various brushed motor configurations and compatible speed controllers. The aluminium motor plate and standard mounting points allow straightforward substitution of components, enabling you to upgrade power delivery or switch between different motor options as your performance requirements evolve.
• What makes Super Touring an important racing class for RC enthusiasts? — Super Touring represents a globally recognised racing class with deep roots in real-world motorsport, establishing a connection between your RC driving and actual competition series like the V8 Supercar championships. Choosing a Super Touring platform means joining a community of racers worldwide who enjoy this historic and competitive racing format.
• How does the independent suspension improve handling on uneven tracks? — The independent front and rear suspension with coil-over shocks allows each wheel to respond individually to track undulations, maintaining consistent tyre contact and grip as the vehicle navigates bumps and variations in surface height. This contrasts with simpler designs where all wheels move together, resulting in unpredictable handling on realistic track surfaces.
• Is the Team Associated ST550 suitable for competitive racing? — Yes, the ST550 is purpose-built for Super Touring competition. The sealed differentials, independent suspension with active rear toe adjustment, and rigid chassis geometry provide the handling platform necessary for serious racing, though success ultimately depends on your transmitter quality, component selection, and driving technique.
• What tools or assembly is required when the ST550 arrives? — The chassis arrives fully assembled and ready for mechanical operation. You'll need a suitable soldering iron or connectors to attach your motor and ESC leads, plus standard hobby-grade tools for adjusting suspension and installing your battery. The comprehensive instruction manual guides you through this process.

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 TEAM ASSOCIATED ST550 SUPER TOURING APEX 2 RTR 4WD 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.