The RC Driver team reviewed the Traxxas 1/16th Mustang Boss 302 Brushless RTR for our July 2011 Issue. For the full review, including how the car performed in our test drive, what accessories and tools you’ll need (or want) to get the most out of your vehicle, detailed shots of the car’s coolest features and our reviewer’s overall impressions, click here to purchase this issue.

 
AT A GLANCE
Who Makes It: Traxxas
Who It’s For: Everyone
How Much: $299
Vehicle Type: 1/16 scale 4WD RTR Sedan
Company Link: www.traxxas.com

COOL FACTS
• The Traxxas Boss 302 rolls on double six-spoke wheels with slick type tires. The matt black finish is the perfect look to go with any of the body colors the Boss Oh-Two comes in and the tires seem to work well on most any surface we tried them on, which included a rough asphalt parking lot, a polished concrete slab, and carpet.

• Like the other Velineon based 1/16 scale Traxxas products, the Boss 302 arrives with the Traxxas 2.4 GHz TQ radio. The radio might look like your typical RTR based transmitter, but if you look closer it not only features steering and throttle expos, dual rates, and such not normally found on an RTR rig, but it has the Traxxas Link system built in, which means you can use one transmitter to control up to 20 vehicles simply by linking the radio to each car’s receiver. The brushed version of the Boss comes with the standard Traxxas Top Qualifier AM radio.

• Traxxas includes their popular Velineon 380 brushless motor and VXL-3m speed control. The VXL includes gold plated connectors and Traxxas’ patent-pending training mode, which is great for those just entering the hobby as it allows just 50 percent throttle but 100 percent braking. As your new driver gains confidence you can tap the EZ-Set button and gain back all 50,000 rpm of the Velineon brushless motor for speeds in excess of 50 mph (with extra battery and included speed pinion installed).

• The suspension is similar to other major Traxxas products by using the F1 inspired lay down coilover shock and rocker arm setup originally pioneered on the Traxxas Revo. Oil filled and threaded shocks dampen all four corners and allow quick ride height adjustments. Traxxas offers several upgrade springs and of course you can also change shock oil to compliment your suspension setup and driving surface.

• Like the other cars in the 1/16 scale line the Boss 302 rides on full set of rubber sealed ball bearings to reduce friction and increase top speed. The full time 4WD setup is similar as well and includes Traxxas’ excellent Torque Control slipper clutch system and fluid filled differential fore and aft.

• The plastic tub type chassis puts the battery holders low for best weight distribution and better handling. The Boss, like the rest of the Rally line, includes one Traxxas Series-1 NiMH battery with Traxxas high-current connector, but add a second Series-1 (or equivalent battery) connected via a Traxxas series battery connector and then bolt on the included “speed” pinion gear and get ready to hold on! With 50 mph+ top speeds you now have true Mustang power!

PERFORMANCE TEASER
Want to know more about how the Traxxas 1/16th Mustang Boss 302 Brushless RTR performs? Check out the full article in the July 2011 Issue of RC Driver.

Tools & Accessories Included
+ Box Wrench
+ T & L-type allen wrenches
+ Speed run pinion gear
+ Charger
+ Decals

Items Needed
• Four AA batteries for the transmitter; eight for brushed versions
• Quick charger (unless you like waiting all day for the wall charger

SPECS & TUNING OPTIONS
Traxxas 1/16th Mustang Boss 302 Brushless RTR

Dimensions
Length: 14.7” (373mm)
Width: 7.3” (185mm)
Wheelbase: 8.1” (206mm
Weight: 2.2lbs (964g)

Suspension
Camber: Adjustable pillow ball (front and rear)
Toe: Fixed length links
Ride height: threaded shocks

Chassis
Differential: Adjustable via diff fluid
Slipper Clutch: Adjustable tension

Drivetrain
Gear ratio: optional pinion gears
Misc: Can be built with a front diff or a front slipper spool

MAINTENANCE & TUNING TIPS
• The Boss, like many RTRs, uses fixed links for much of the suspension settings, but if you really want to fine tune your Boss for on-road racing you can find adjustable toe links in the Traxxas accessories catalog. You’ll also find an optional center differential, aluminum pushrod links, and more to make your 1/16 scale Traxxas more competitive.

• Don’t make the mistake of plugging the Series-1 battery into a sub-C style peak charger, as it will overcharge the little pack (ask us how we know). If you have a decent charger where you can set the charge voltage that’ll work, otherwise play it safe and grab the Traxxas EZ-Peak 2-amp charger like we did, which charges the Series-1 in about 35 minutes.

• Traxxas’ waterproof electronics open up a whole new world of driving in the wet, snow, mud, and so forth, but don’t forget that the rest of the car can still have issues with running in the wet, so be sure to keep the bearings clean and lubricated and use some compressed air to blow out fasteners, hinge pins, etc.

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RC Driver Magazine
Issue 91
July 2011