Look what has finally hit our workbench! The HPI Savage Octane 1/8-scale gas powered Monster Truck is hitting hobby shop shelves as you read this and of course, we’re going to take a closer look at what this highly anticipated release has to offer.
First up, the box is big, heavy and detailed with HPI’s cool graphics and features callouts all over the sides. You should have no problem hunting this down at your local hobby shop, that is, if they have any left. We popped the box top and found the truck well-packed; not like it really mattered, because it was just a few hours away from getting thrashed outdoors. Also in the box, besides the built and decaled truck, is the 2.4GHz TF-20 radio with “AA” batteries, some tools, a parts bag and 2-stroke oil. The 5-cell packs for the receiver and ignition with charger are also included. All you need to pick up, besides this kit, is a fuel container and gasoline.
The first thing that will grab your attention is the GT15C 2.7hp 15cc engine. It’s huge. No really, it looks massive even in this XL based 1/8-scale truck. It takes up a large portion of the bed of the GTXL body and the pipe on the side will make you a grin. Just sitting here, this truck is a showpiece that people will want to talk about. Other cool features are the signature HPI graphics, engine cage, forward 300cc fuel tank, Terra-Pin tires and lots of anodized aluminum. But enough with the chit-chat, lets look at some detailed photos with our thoughts.
FACTS Manufacturer: HPI Racing Product: Savage XL Octane Class: 1/8-Scale 4WD off-road monster truck Power system: Gasoline engine Kit type: RTR What’s in the box: Assembled truck with painted body, gas engine and electronics installed, 2-channel radio, four “AA” batteries, bag of spares, pre-mix oil, receiver battery, ignition battery, charger and manuals Needed to complete: Gasoline, gas can and gas transfer bottle Who it’s for: Any RC enthusiast Part Number: 109073 Price: $869.99
HPI boxes always have a great look to them. Many get thrown away, but HPI does get props for looking good.
Details on the side of the box help consumers understand all it has to offer. It’s big, it’s gas powered and it’s fun, how could you not want it?
Here it is, the Octane protected in its box. All nice and shiny before we get fuel all over it, get it dirty and beat it up. Don’t try and stop us, this truck was built to drive.
The Savage Octane has a mean look and the GTXL body is wider than the HPI GT Gigante we’ve seen before.
The truck may look tall, but the chassis drops down low. HPI kept the CG as low as possible for better handling with the extra weight of the motor even though this is a monster truck.
The cage sticking out of the bed of the truck looks cool. The Octane scores points for its overall look.
If you see this coming at you, run…run away fast. The big bumper and skid will come in handy during bash sessions and does a good job of protecting the front end from damage.
The wide body on the Octane wraps around the engine case. The engine head is huge.
HPI’s tall sidewall Terra-Pin tires are mounted on Mag-8 wheels with 17mm hexes. We love these wheels, from the looks to their performance.
That is not a stack of red poker chips, those discs are the triple brake disc system to slow down this massive monster. This view also shows you the aluminum motor plate and low mounted steering servo.
With the body off, this profile of the Octane reminds us of a more refined Mad Max vehicle. Notice the size of that pipe; the header bolts on with two screws. The pipe is secured with a spring-style hanger.
A large dual-foam air filter hangs out of the side of the truck and connects to the carb via a U-shaped tube. It kind of just hangs there in the cage. Hope those tie-wraps are secure.
The radio box grabbed our attention first, because it was huge and second, there are two switches. Two 5-cell battery packs fit in the box to power the receiver and the other to power the ignition module.
HPI’s tried and true long travel Savage suspension keeps the ride plush on the Octane. Steel dogbones and axle shaft, steel turnbuckles, thick steering knuckles and arms, the bulk is all there, ready for bashing.
The rear suspension on the Octane mimics the front like the other Savages available from HPI. The tie-rod in the rear adjusts toe. Here you can see the 17mm hex spaced out on the axle to increase the truck’s wheelbase.
Well would you look at those warning labels, big and bright. You should read those when you get your truck. Let us know what they say. Just kidding.
This huge box stores a lot…two batteries, an ignition module, switches, receiver and the throttle servo. We like that it’s large and everything fits in easily!
This big tank holds 300cc’s of 2-stroke mix fuel. The cap is a simple screw-on cap and the tank can be popped out by removing three body clips. It makes access to the servo easy.
The big wrap-back exhaust pipe has a huge expansion chamber that should give this truck a loud throaty tone. The stinger doesn’t hang below the chassis, but let’s just hope it doesn’t flex too much on a hard landing.
That there, friends, is a trusty Walbro carb fitted with an air-filter cap and extension tube. The carb has a primer bulb and choke for easy starts.
Remove just four body clips and you can pull the protective engine cage off of the chassis. The rear body mounts come off with it. Makes maintenance access easy…nice touch!
A closer look at the GT15C engine; yep, still big. Check out the compact starter stuffed in the back. It has a thick cord to hold up to lots of starts.
Lots going on here with the engine shroud that deflects air from the flywheel fan, back over the engine. Under the clutchbell is a 4-shoe aluminum clutch and there is a heavy duty slipper pad on the spur to protect the tranny. Among all the cool stuff, we wonder what maintenance will be like for any of these items. A power driver may be necessary for workbench tasks.
I have an salvage xl nitro that needs work done on it put a new motor in it and does not seem to want to work I would love to have da new salvage xl octane don’t have funds for it
I have an salvage xl nitro that needs work done on it put a new motor in it and does not seem to want to work I would love to have da new salvage xl octane don’t have funds for it