RC car manufacturer Tamiya and Little Car Company have joined efforts to build an epic replica of one of Tamiya’s most iconic and popular toys, the Wild One (see video). The unique electric ride is called Wild One Max and is suited for off-road driving. It can even be made street-legal.
The first prototype was revealed a few years ago, but the final production car ended up with a number of important structural changes that the company says it made after listening to customers who pre-ordered their units.
Compared to the initial design, the new buggy gained an extra 100 mm (3.9 inches) of width to accommodate two seats instead of one like in the original project. The suspension layout has been revised, too, and the front damper mounting points were moved to improve visibility. The result is an all-terrain vehicle with 270 mm (10.55 inches) of ground clearance, an approach angle of 28.4 degrees and a departure angle of 50.8 degrees.
The main novelty is still the powertrain. The original project assumed that the Wild One Max would hit its acceleration limit at just 50 km/h (31 mph), but the improved design can do 100 km/h (62 mph) without breaking a sweat. Unfortunately, all other specs remain a mystery.
The shipments will not begin until 2024, Little Car Company says. Back when the buggy was introduced, it was advertised as a DIY kit car; it is unclear whether that bit still applies.
The buyers will be able to order additional equipment to make their buggy drivable on public roads, in a fashion similar to that of the Citroen Ami EV. The optional bits include brake lights, turn indicators and side mirrors.