Overview
The Hobbywing QUICRUN Combo WP 1080 G2 ESC paired with the 540 40T brushed motor represents a genuine breakthrough in RC crawler technology and real car simulation. This is the first ESC to offer genuine "Real Car Mode" — a revolutionary feature that fundamentally changes how you operate your 1/10 scale rock crawler, buggy or 2WD truck. Whether you're a seasoned RC enthusiast in the UK looking to experience something completely different, or a newcomer to the RC car hobby seeking authentic vehicle control, this combo delivers an experience unlike any other brushed motor setup on the market today. The integration of Hobbywing's legendary engineering with cutting-edge electronic switch design creates a system that simply outperforms conventional ESC and motor combinations.
What makes this combo truly special is not just one feature, but the complete ecosystem of innovation working together. You get a brushed motor with outstanding response and control characteristics, paired with an ESC that offers multiple driving modes, real-time drag brake adjustment, and full waterproofing for all-weather use. If you've been looking for a ready-to-run RC crawler solution that combines reliability, advanced features and genuine driving innovation, this Hobbywing combo should be at the top of your consideration list.
The 540 40T motor delivers impressive performance with 10,500 RPM at 7.4V, making it ideal for on-road driving, buggies, crawlers and 2WD trucks. Combined with the WP 1080 G2's sophisticated electronic control and multiple running modes, you have a system that adapts to your driving style rather than forcing you to adapt to it. This is RC engineering done right.
Key Features
- Real Car Mode Operation — For the first time in RC history, the QUICRUN WP 1080 G2 offers genuine real car mode where you can switch the motor direction in real time using a spare channel on your transmitter. Pull the trigger for forward, push it for brake, then pull again with reverse enabled to go backwards. This creates an authentic driving experience that mirrors actual vehicle operation and completely eliminates the learning curve associated with traditional RC trigger operation.
- Four Innovative Running Modes — Choose from four different operating modes to suit your driving habits and control preferences. Whether you want forward with brakes, forward and reverse with brakes, forward and reverse only, or the revolutionary real car running mode, the ESC adapts to your needs without requiring physical modifications.
- Real-Time Drag Brake Adjustment — Adjust your drag brake force on the fly using an available channel on your transmitter. This means you can fine-tune braking response instantly during driving without needing to connect the programmer, giving you unprecedented control over your vehicle's handling characteristics and allowing you to adapt to different track conditions immediately.
- Full IP67 Waterproof Protection — The QUICRUN WP 1080 G2 meets IP67 standards for waterproofing and dust-proofing, making it suitable for all weather conditions and various driving surfaces. This high level of protection means you can confidently take your RC car through wet environments, dusty conditions and challenging terrain without worrying about water or debris damaging your electronics.
- Advanced Temperature Control — The redesigned ESC reduces operating temperatures by approximately 15 degrees compared to earlier models, significantly improving reliability during extended driving sessions. An optional fan mount is available if you need additional cooling for extreme conditions or maximum performance runs.
- Enhanced BEC System — The upgraded BEC now provides maximum output of 6A with selectable voltage options of 6V, 7.4V or 8.4V, ensuring compatibility with virtually all servo designs on the modern market. This flexibility eliminates the need for separate servo power supplies in most applications.
- Outstanding Motor Response and Control — The 540 40T brushed motor features improved materials and overall design that deliver significantly better power gains and response compared to standard motors. With up to 69% maximum efficiency, this motor runs cooler under load whilst delivering more power, translating to longer runtime and better overall performance on every drive.
- Zero-Cogging Torque Design — The motor adopts a 3-slot design with virtually eliminated cogging effect, providing very small torque fluctuation and bringing a linear response at all speeds. This engineering means smoother acceleration, more predictable handling, and an improved overall drive feel that makes your RC crawler respond exactly as you expect.
- Adjustable Mechanical Timing — Fine-tune your motor's mechanical timing by up to -20 to +20 degrees to adjust RPM and feel precisely. This adjustment capability also allows the motor to be used for both clockwise and counter-clockwise applications, giving you flexibility in vehicle configuration.
- Extended-Life Carbon Brushes — Hobbywing developed custom carbon brushes specifically for these motors using a specialised blend that provides extremely long life whilst maintaining exceptional performance. The lifespan is approximately doubled under the same load conditions compared to standard brushes, and approaches that of brushless motors.
- Modular Rebuildable Design — The motor features an easy-to-service modular design that's convenient for daily cleaning and maintenance. This means you can keep your motor running at peak efficiency for years, effectively prolonging its lifespan and maintaining performance.
- Dual PCB Anti-Interference Board — Both the ESC and motor are equipped with dual PCB anti-interference boards that reduce harmful electrical spikes and noise interference. This ensures stable operation and protects your speed control from interference, guaranteeing consistent, reliable performance.
- High-Temperature Materials — The motor uses 200°C high-temperature resistant magnets and 180°C high-temperature resistant copper wire combined with 0.35mm ultra-thin silicon steel sheet. These premium materials ensure the motor can handle the demands of heavy-duty driving and abuse tolerance required in RC crawling and off-road applications.
- Electronic Switch Design — The ESC features a highly reliable electronic switch design that prevents mechanical switch failure caused by dirt, water and dust accumulation. This is especially important for off-road and wet weather use where traditional mechanical switches would quickly fail.
- Multiple Safety Protections — Comprehensive protection systems include low-voltage cutoff to protect your battery, thermal protection to prevent overheating damage, and throttle signal loss protection to safely cut power if radio signal is lost.
- Easy LED Programming — Connect the optional Hobbywing LED program card to the separate programming port for simple tuning of 15 programmable parameters. Single-button operation makes setup and factory reset straightforward, whilst the dedicated program port keeps wiring clean and simple.
Technical Performance
The QUICRUN WP 1080 G2 ESC delivers a continuous current rating of 80A with a peak rating of 400A, making it more than capable of handling the demands of 1/10 scale rock crawlers, buggies, and 2WD trucks. The motor operates across 2-3S LiPo battery systems (or 5-9S NiMH if preferred), with the included 540 40T brushed motor specifically designed for this voltage range. At 7.4V (2S LiPo nominal), the motor achieves 10,500 RPM, providing excellent torque and acceleration whilst maintaining the linear response necessary for precision crawler work. The motor itself weighs just 169 grams and measures 36mm in outer diameter with a 53.2mm length and 3.175mm shaft diameter, making it a perfect fit for standard 540-size motor bays. The ESC measures a compact 37.2 x 31.9 x 18.4mm and weighs 70.2g with wires included, fitting easily into tight spaces typical of crawler builds. Input voltage acceptance up to 12.6V allows safe operation on fully charged 3S LiPo packs, whilst the switchable BEC can supply 6V, 7.4V or 8.4V at up to 6A peak output, sufficient for multiple servos on even complex builds. The premium copper wire gauge (14AWG for both input and output) minimises voltage drop during high current draw, maintaining performance consistency across the entire battery discharge cycle. Build quality throughout reflects Hobbywing's reputation for engineering excellence, with all components selected for durability and reliability in the demanding environment of off-road RC driving.
What's in the Box
- Hobbywing QUICRUN WP 1080 G2 Brushed ESC
- Hobbywing QUICRUN 540-40T Brushed Motor
- ESC with pre-soldered connectors (XT60 input, 4mm bullet connectors for motor output)
- 14AWG gauge wiring harness (200mm lengths)
What You'll Need to Complete
- 2S or 3S LiPo battery pack (minimum 7.4V, maximum 12.6V nominal) or equivalent NiMH battery pack
- Battery charger compatible with your battery chemistry (LiPo or NiMH)
- RC transmitter and receiver system with at least 3 channels (4 channels recommended for real car mode and drag brake adjustment features)
- RC vehicle compatible with 540-size motors (1/10 crawler, buggy or 2WD truck)
- Hobbywing LED program card (model HW30501003) if you wish to programme all 15 available parameters beyond basic SET button operation
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Real Car Mode suitable for beginners learning RC crawling in the UK? — Yes, absolutely. In fact, real car mode is designed specifically to make RC driving more intuitive because it mirrors actual vehicle operation. Rather than thinking about trigger travel and reverse operations, you simply pull to go forward and push to brake, exactly like a real car. This makes the learning curve significantly gentler for newcomers to the hobby, especially those transitioning from driving full-size vehicles.
- What battery does the QUICRUN Combo 1080 G2 need? — This system requires either a 2S or 3S LiPo battery pack (7.4V or 11.1V nominal respectively) or equivalent NiMH packs of 5-9 cells. The maximum input voltage is 12.6V nominal, which means a fully charged 3S LiPo is safe to use. We recommend using quality RC-specific LiPo batteries from trusted manufacturers, always with an appropriate balance charger.
- How does this combo compare to other brushed motor setups available for RC crawlers? — The QUICRUN 540-40T motor delivers approximately 30% higher maximum output power compared to similar 540-30T motors, providing outstanding explosive force and acceleration. The 69% maximum efficiency rating is 17% higher than equivalent 555-11T motors, meaning your battery lasts longer whilst generating less heat. Combined with the WP 1080 G2's revolutionary real car mode and real-time drag brake adjustment, this combo offers features and performance simply not available in conventional ESC and motor combinations. The full IP67 waterproofing also sets this apart for all-weather driving.
- What makes the Hobbywing QUICRUN brushed motor different from standard brushed motors? — Several engineering advantages distinguish this motor. The custom carbon brushes are specifically developed for Hobbywing motors and last approximately twice as long as standard brushes under identical load conditions. The zero-cogging torque design with 3-slot configuration virtually eliminates cogging effect, providing linear response throughout the entire speed range. Temperature-resistant materials (200°C magnets and 180°C copper wire) allow sustained high-performance driving without degradation. The modular design allows for easy cleaning and maintenance, effectively extending the motor's operational lifespan.
- Can I use this combo in wet conditions and muddy terrain? — Yes, the IP67 waterproof rating specifically enables all-weather operation including wet and muddy conditions. The electronic switch design prevents water and dirt from causing mechanical failures. However, Hobbywing recommends cleaning and drying the ESC after use in wet conditions to prevent connector corrosion over time, and regular maintenance of your motor will ensure optimal performance.
- How do I programme the drag brake adjustment for my specific vehicle? — The QUICRUN WP 1080 G2 offers 15 programmable parameters accessible via the optional Hobbywing LED program card connected to the dedicated programming port. The SET button on the ESC allows basic programming, and once you connect a spare channel on your receiver to the drag brake adjustment signal, you can tune the braking force in real time during driving without needing to reprogram.
- What vehicles are compatible with this ESC and motor combo? — This combo is designed for 1/10 scale rock crawlers, on-road buggies, 2WD trucks, and similar vehicles using 540-size motors. The ESC is rated for brushed motors in the 540 and 555 size range, so it will work with various motor options should you wish to upgrade or experiment in the future.
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 HOBBYWING QUICRUN COMBO 1080 G2 ESC + 540 40T BRUSHED MOTOR HW38020350 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.
- Scale: 1/10th
- Motor Type: Brushed
- Motor Size: 540
- Motor Model: 540-40T
- Motor Turns: 40T
- Motor RPM @ 7.4V: 10,500 RPM
- Motor Input Voltage: ?12.6V
- Motor Slot Design: 3-slot
- Motor Outer Diameter: 36mm
- Motor Length: 53.2mm
- Motor Shaft Diameter: 3.175mm
- Motor Weight: 169g
- Motor Maximum Efficiency: Up to 69%
- Motor Mechanical Timing Adjustment: -20° to +20°
- ESC Type: Brushed (QUICRUN WP 1080 G2)
- ESC Continuous Current Rating: 80A
- ESC Peak Current Rating: 400A
- ESC Input Voltage: 2-3S LiPo (5-9S NiMH)
- ESC Maximum Input Voltage: 12.6V nominal
- ESC BEC Output Voltage Options: 6V / 7.4V / 8.4V switchable
- ESC BEC Maximum Output Current: 6A peak
- ESC BEC Standard Output Current: 3A
- ESC Size: 37.2 x 31.9 x 18.4mm
- ESC Weight: 70.2g (with wires)
- ESC Temperature Reduction: Approximately 15 degrees lower than previous models
- ESC Programmable Parameters: 15 items
- Waterproof Rating: IP67 (splash-resistant, water-resistant, dust-resistant)
- ESC Programming Method: SET button on ESC or LED Program Box (model HW30501003)
- ESC Programming Port: Separate dedicated program port
- ESC Input Connector Type: XT60
- ESC Output Connector Type: 4.0mm Bullet Connectors (Female)
- ESC Input Wire Gauge: 14AWG black and red, 200mm length
- ESC Output Wire Gauge: 14AWG yellow and blue, 200mm length
- Electronic Switch: Highly reliable electronic switch design preventing mechanical failure from dirt, water, dust
- Protections: Low-voltage cutoff, thermal protection, throttle signal loss protection
- Running Modes: 4 modes (forward with brake, forward/reverse with brake, forward/reverse only, real car mode)
- Real Car Mode: Motor direction switchable in real time via transmitter channel
- Drag Brake: Real-time adjustable drag brake force via AUX channel without programmer
- Adjustable PWM Frequency: Yes, for throttle linearity
- Advanced Freewheeling Technology: Integrated DEO technology
- Motor Cogging: Zero-cogging torque design with virtually eliminated cogging effect
- Motor Brushes: Custom carbon brushes with approximately 2x lifespan of standard brushes
- Motor Design: Modular rebuildable design for easy service and cleaning
- Motor Magnet Material: 200°C high-temperature resistant
- Motor Copper Wire: 180°C high-temperature resistant
- Motor Steel Sheet: 0.35mm ultra-thin silicon steel (555 only)
- Motor Anti-Interference: Dual PCB anti-interference board
- ESC Anti-Interference: Dual PCB anti-interference board
- Vehicle Applications: 1/10th rock crawlers, on-road buggies, 2WD trucks, crawlers
- Compatible Motor Sizes: 540 and 555 brushed motors
- Fan Mount: Available (optional cooling)
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