With my long-time experiences with 1/8 off-road racing, combined with the expertise I have gained from the R&D process at my previous projects at XRAY with XB2 and XB4 platforms, I have incorporated all the improvements & refinements to the XB8 platform to make it better, easier to work on, and more reliable. The all-new XB8E is based on the XB8 platform sharing all the finest features and specs you will really love.

Martin Bayer
XRAY XB8 Designer

The craftsmanship, durability, and performance of XRAY kits have become legendary. Be part of the family, live the heritage.

All the work and refinements on the XB8E were incorporated based on our own experiences, and also by vast majority based on feedback from drivers all around the world. New ideas and prototypes were long-term tested by the factory team worldwide to ensure the improvements would work well in all track conditions and tracks in Europe, America, and Asia. 

Martin Bayer
XRAY XB8 Designer

The XB8E is typical XRAY: premium, professional, high-competition for the most demanding racers, developed with attention to the smallest details, and backed by premium service & support…a luxury masterpiece.

"The XB8E'18 is another great vehicle platform from the Xray line, the quality, performance and handling are second to none.  The buggy is very durable and gives me the confidence I need to win races on very demanding tracks like The NEO Race."

Ty Tessmann
World Champion

Designed, developed, and fully manufactured in-house at the XRAY factory in Slovakia, Europe, using the most high-tech German & Swiss machines and premium European materials, crafted with XRAY's legendary attention to detail by our artistic production specialists. The XB8E is truly a masterpiece.

With the chassis being one of the important components of the car, the all-new 2018 chassis features multiple improvements.

The rear brace mounting position on the chassis was moved rearwards to improve chassis flex and give increased traction.

The all-new chassis features chamfered front edges which prevents dirt pick-up when the chassis contacts the track. The chamfered edges will not “cut” the dirt, but rather the dirt will slide along the chamfered edges and not get stuck at the front of the chassis.

The side guards were moved 4mm rearwards to ensure that under full throttle and full steering lock the inflated tires will not contact the side guards and can operate freely. 

With attention to the smallest details and a mandate to simplify servicing of the car, the all-new chassis features cross-platform compatibility to ensure you can use the same chassis either on the XB8 or XB8E.

The XB8 chassis is CNC-machined from 3mm high-quality Swiss 7075 T6 aluminum, strategically machined in low-stress areas, and then anodized to make it as light as possible without affecting strength or rigidity. Non-essential material below the engine, fuel tank, and differential was removed to allow for the lowest possible center of gravity and appropriate chassis flex. 

The rear wing holder is completely new and fully redesigned. It increases stability on high-speed tracks and has a super-slim, 1-piece design that has reduced weight and increased strength.

The complete wing mount is 40% lighter than the previous version, considerably reducing the weight behind the rear suspension as well significantly reducing the CG. The wing holder has been redesigned for maximum stability while still allowing flex during impacts.

To help prevent rear gear box breakage during crash impacts, the rear wing construction was completely reconstructed and now features an all-new wing holder brace that transfers crash impact energy from the wing and shock tower to the chassis where it is centrally resolved.

The wing holder brace includes an integrated body post as well.

The all-new rear brace is shorter and the mounting position on the chassis is relocated for a new chassis flex point position. The mounting of the chassis brace to the bulkhead eliminates transfer of energy from the suspension via shock towers to ensure more precise landings and more off-power traction.

The included rear brace is moulded from a medium-stiff composite mixture for improved flex & rigidity, and allows the mounting of optional graphite inserts to reinforce the chassis brace to make it even stiffer for particular track conditions.

To increase the set-up possibilities of shock mounting adjustment, the all-new rear shock tower features two rows of shock positions to choose from.

HIGHER shock mounting holes: Increased traction, recommended for low-traction tracks

LOWER shock mounting holes: Increased stability,  recommended for high-traction tracks

Aluminum towers are CNC-machined from premium Swiss 7075 T6 and then additionally black coated. The stiffer alu shock towers give better performance at high-traction tracks. Optional front graphite shock tower offers more flex to generate more traction, and is recommended for low-traction tracks. 

To improve performance and increase reliability in high-temperature conditions, new Hard arms are included in the kit. The long-version arms help to generate more traction.

Suspension arms – especially their flex, length, and position – are extremely important to the performance of the car, and as such various length and hardness of arms are optionally available.

LONG arms:
Increased  traction, recommended for mid-size to large tracks.

SHORT arms:
Increased rotation, increased steering, recommended for short technical tracks.
To use short arms, optional suspension holders #353317 and #353325 must be used.

To increase the reliability and strength of the ball-joints (especially in hard crashes), the 6.8mm steering ball joint were redesigned and reinforced.

The specially-designed ball studs eliminate steering lock and allow greater steering radius. The integrated backstops ensure that the pivot balls do not disconnect in crashes.

Ackermann is easily adjusted on the machined Swiss 7075 T6 steering plate to ensure highest reliability and strength.

To increase the reliability and free movement of suspension even in the extremely dusty conditions, the pivot ball cups are moulded from a new graphite material that ensures more free movement even when dust builds up.

To reduce weight and lower the CG, the front upper pivot balls are combined with a steel threaded part for maximum strength. The aluminum ball is machined from premium Swiss 7075 T6 and additionally hard coated for extended lifespan. 

To improve the seal of the differentials and increase reliability (especially in long runs), the seal of the differentials was improved. The all-new diff O-rings operate very smoothly, while sealing the diff and preventing leakage even under high pressure.

The high-volume differentials ensure proper reliability and performance.  They feature higher oil volume capacity cases, stronger diff pins, and large internal gears with more teeth for improved differential moment. The larger volume of the differential and the shape of the gear teeth reduce oil overheating. 

To improve stability on bumpy tracks, the shock membrane is produced from a new softer material. The softer membranes ensure the shocks better absorb even the smallest bumps and improve stability on bumpy tracks.

Oversized big-bore shocks featuring 16.2mm I.D. shock bodies are externally threaded for an adjustable collar for quick & easy spring preload adjustment. The shock bodies are hardcoated in a titanium color, and feature a 1-piece alu shock cap. 

Thick, robust shock shafts handle abusive racing conditions and big jumps. The 3.5mm thick shock shafts are precisely machined from special high-tensile steel, and afterwards are ground to a super-smooth finish to ensure smooth operation.

To generate more rear traction in all track conditions, CVD drive shafts are used in the rear while universal drive shafts are used in the front to ensure stability and reduce vibration at maximum steering angle.

All drive shafts are manufactured from world-renowned HUDY Spring Steel™, resulting in some of the world‘s thinnest yet most durable drive shafts used in off-road cars. All drive shafts and outdrives are hardened with a proprietary hardening process to provide unsurpassed lifespan & reliability.

The central larger & stronger outdrives feature protective rubber boots, thick 3mm pins, and protective locking rings.

To increase traction in all track conditions, the rear anti-roll bars were changed to 2.6mm.

Anti-roll bars are manufactured from spring steel material, are easily mounted to front & rear diff cases, and can easily be adjusted using adjustable linkages.

Anti-roll bar wires of different thicknesses are optionally available for fine-tuning.

To increase lifespan and improve ease of servicing, new socket-head cup screws are used instead of regular hex screws. The socket-head cup screws are stronger and more reliable, making it easier to work on the car.

Long-term tested by Team XRAY, the new high-speed XB8 body is now included in the kit. The body give improved high-speed steering & stability while providing improved rotation in tight corners. 

With countless wins in multiple classes at local, regional, national, and international levels, XRAY has become the standard by which all other racing cars are measured. 

The XB8E is based on the XB8 platform. Read my exclusive story about the making of the all-new XRAY XB8 here for an insider’s view of our daily work as RC car designers and what we have all done to make the new XB8E a reality. 

Martin Bayer
XRAY XB8 Designer

Designed in virtual reality using the world's most sophisticated CAD tools, and manufactured using the world's best machining and molding machinery, the XB8E achieves a level of premium perfection in all details that is second to none.

“I designed and hand-made my first off-road cars back in 1986, and they were dominating the races thanks to unbeatable reliability and best performance. Years later in 2004 we have started our first mass production XRAY XB8 platform followed by the E version based on our long-term experiences, knowledge, and R&D expertise gained over decades, taking over the heritage I brought with me.

Since the release of the XB8 platform, we have continued our dedicated work to refine the platform annually to bring the latest improvements & innovations to make the XB8E stand out in crowd and take you to the Winners Circle.”

Dipl. Eng. Juraj Hudy
XRAY Chief Designer

Side guards feature a larger bottom radius to give better stability on rough tracks. The radius of the side guards increases the car’s longitudinal flex. The side guards are moulded from a special composite mixture for increased flex that helps generate more traction.

The tough composite side guards protect the car, muffler, and fuel tank from side impacts. The side guards perfectly fit the chassis and seal against dirt.

Optional side guard braces allow for very efficient and easy chassis flex adjustment to adjust the handling of the car to different track conditions. By adding the graphite braces, the entire chassis is reinforced and stiffer flex will improve handling in high-traction conditions. 

Suspension geometry is one of the most important features of any RC model car, yet at the same time is also one of the most difficult and challenging features for a designer to create and perfect.

Suspension is always a mixture of the following:

• Design & shape of individual suspension parts
• Flex & hardness
• Material characteristics
• Mounting method
• Ability to retain freedom of movement
• Geometry & position of connecting point mounting points

From arms & suspension blocks to light-yet-robust steering blocks, every suspension part has been specially designed for 1/8 off-road racing to provide responsive handling and performance characteristics under all racing conditions.

Over the years, XRAY has successfully gained and applied extensive knowledge of suspension geometry & stiffness, all of which has been carefully considered while designing suspension parts. The ultra-lightweight suspension parts are molded from special composite materials that make the parts very light, yet very durable to withstand the rigors of high-performance racing. 

The aluminum suspension holders feature Integrated Suspension Settings™ (I.S.S.) which allows for quick & easy suspension geometry setting. To accommodate the longer rear suspension arms, narrower aluminum suspension holders are used.

Using eccentric suspension bushings inserted into aluminum suspension holders – as well as additional suspension shims – the XB8E suspension geometry can be completely adjusted in mere seconds.

Moulded from a softer composite mixture, the front upper arm has increased flex in all directions to generate more traction. This also improves handling on rough or destroyed tracks.

Caster is easily adjusted using caster clips that are inserted either in front or behind the front upper arms. 

Two different types of steering blocks available for the XB8E:

TRAILING Axle:
Makes handling more forgiving,  recommended for bumpy tracks

CENTER Axle:
Makes the care more aggressive, recommended for smooth, high-speed tracks

The smart design of the steering block allows one steering block to be used on either left or right sides for easy servicing. 
The steering blocks feature the following integrated geometry adjustments:

● camber
● caster
● bump steer
● track-width

The XB8E steering plates provide linear and precise steering, making the car more predictable and easier to drive.

The 1-piece rear upright features geometry that allows it to generate more traction and better absorb bumps. The smart design allows the same upright to be used on both left & right sides.

The upright allows adjustment of the upper roll center by 3 different positions, and lower roll center by 2 different positions. The lower suspension pin on which the rear upright sits features 2 shims for wheelbase adjustment.

The rear uprights feature integrated geometry adjustments including:

• camber
• upper roll center
• lower roll center
• wheelbase

To ensure servo saver reliability (especially in dusty conditions), the servo saver is moulded from graphite material which is more resistant and efficient in dusty conditions.

The dual-arm steering system is simple yet effective, featuring an integrated easily-adjustable servo saver and Swiss 7075 T6 aluminum steering plate.

Ackermann is easily adjusted by quickly & easily changing steering link mounting positions on the steering plate.

Bump steer is easily adjusted by inserting shims between the steering plate and steering linkage.

Diff bulkheads are an important chassis component, housing both the front and rear differentials and providing mounting points for the suspension mounts and shock towers.

The super-strong front & rear bulkheads withstand rigorous impacts and other abuse during racing conditions. The bulkheads have minimized ball-bearing play, resulting in increased gear teeth lifespan and minimized gear stripping. 

The front upper deck is made of molded composite material to ensure proper flex, resulting in increased traction and improved steering characteristics. 

The XB8E is a conventional shaft-driven 4WD off-road car featuring:

● Front & rear gear differentials with adjustable oil viscosity, featuring 46T crown gears and 14T pinion gears

● Central differential with adjustable oil viscosity, featuring 46T spur gear

● Front & rear universal drive shafts, and central CVD drive shafts

Differential main gears are manufactured from HUDY Gear Steel on a precision manual gear machine. This material was specially formulated and developed for use in gears. All gears are hardened to provide the longest possible lifespan.

A wide range of different gears — spur gears and pinion gears — are available for perfect set-up and tailoring to particular racing conditions.

• Pinions are available in sizes of 12T, 13T, 14T, 15T, 16T and 17T

• Spur gears are available in a range of 44T, 45T, 46T, 47T and 48T

The 20T and 10T internal diff gears are larger to ensure reliability and reduce diff oil overheating. The greater number of teeth ensures more precise fitment and engagement.

Pressed-steel differential bevel and satellite gears are heat-treated and machined for superior precision and smooth operation. 

Updated diff outdrives were created to accommodate the new stronger diff pins. The front longer diff outdrive adapters ensure that the drive shafts will not fall out in extreme crashes at full steering lock.

To reduce rotating weight, the super-lightweight diff outdrives are machined from HUDY Spring Steel™ which allows unnecessary material to be removed to further reduce weight without affecting durability. The inner portions of the outdrives are additionally hand-ground for maximum precision and fitment into the diff case.

All outdrives are hardened using HUDY’s own special hardening process for extended lifespan and reliability.

To guarantee maximum reliability, all turnbuckles are manufactured from a special blend of HUDY Spring Steel™ which is specifically formulated for turnbuckles. The turnbuckles have a tougher core, making them very well suited for the steering system and rear upright linkages. 

Ultra-lightweight 17mm wheel hex drive hubs are CNC-machined from Swiss 7075 T6 black-coated aluminum.

The alu hex hubs are specially machined to reduce rotating weight while guaranteeing wobble-free wheel mounting. 

Access to the center differential is quickly and easily accomplished by removing eight screws. The lower center diff mount is sized appropriately to allow the use of the optional spur gears, while keeping the mass as low as possible.

The receiver box is mounted on the same graphite plate as the servo. The graphite plate is connected the chassis by an aluminum holder and stand that can be easily removed from chassis for cleaning and maintenance. You need only to remove 3 screws from the bottom of the chassis to remove servo and receiver box.

The motor is connected to a mounting plate, with the assembly then inserted into an integrated motor holder/drivetrain support. The design of this system allows quick and easy motor rotation to adjust gear mesh, and yet clamp.

The motor mount machined from Swiss 7075 T6 and is 2mm wider compared to older version for improved durability.

The battery plate design allows to install the plate either frontwards or rearwards thus to position the batteries either frontwards or rearwards with a significant influence on the weight balance adjustment.

The battery plate itself has sufficient space to move slightly the battery pack more rearwards or frontwards.

The rear of the plate has a dedicated area for a speed controller placement. The Velcro strips are included for comfortable battery mounting.

To adjust the weight balance the heavy battery pack can be easily moved either frontwards or rearwards.

FRONT = More weight in front = Less rear traction

REAR = Less weight in front = More rear traction

XRAY shock springs are manually measured, selected and matched into pairs to guarantee precisely equal length and damping characteristics.

Ultra-precise shock pistons feature 6-, 8- and 10-hole options. The big-bore pistons are molded from tough, well-proven Delrin® material to provide smooth action and durability. The precision molding production process ensures perfect piston roundness after production, so that the pistons move super-smoothly inside the shock bodies for identical perfect action in all four shocks.

HUDY Exclusive Silicone Oils are manufactured in Europe and each batch is laboratory tested and calibrated to ensure the highest possible consistency and quality from batch to batch. Based on the industry-standard cSt rating, the new line of oils will be easy to identify, adjust, and feel.

When following any set-up sheets by XRAY or XRAY team drivers, you can be sure that the oils you will get for your car are exactly same as those used by the factory racing team, thus ensuring very exacting set-ups and handling.

HUDY Chem Series.

The drivetrain ball-bearings now include grease instead of light oil to maximize the lifespan of the ball-bearings, especially in dusty conditions. A full set of 24 high-speed, blue-sealed ball-bearings are used throughout the drivetrain to ensure maximum efficiency.

The XB8 includes premium HUDY Graphite Grease - a high-performance, advanced-technology semi-fluid lubricant which incorporates both extreme pressure additives and finely-dispersed graphite for load carrying. HUDY Graphite Grease is intended primarily for the lubrication of rotating parts and loaded gears. In addition to providing outstanding load carrying, it is formulated to have excellent adhesion and resistance from "flinging off" under extreme conditions. HUDY Graphite Grease reduces wear and increases parts life.

Click here for more information of the full HUDY Grease range

The stylish and effective rear wing was designed to provide the appropriate amount of downforce and generate required stability for the car. Made from a strong special composite mixture, the wing was designed to survive severe abusive and extreme crashes while keeping its shape. 

Rear wing holders are made from a special composite mixture to withstand abuse and crashes, and feature several different wing mounting positions.

Optional Lexan wing has an adjustable position and consists from two pieces, the main wing and the center fin that adds more stability and increases strength of the wing around the mounting area. The rear part of the wing is pre-bent to reinforce the wing and eliminates the use of additional heavy composite wickers. This makes the back of the wing strong while still allowing for wing flex in the crash. The pre-bent rear part for the wing is used also by purpose as an important downforce area feature. Used by the factory team and suggested for all track conditions. 

The XB8E features fully-adjustable front and rear suspension geometry. For quick & easy adjustment, we recommend using set-up tools and accessories from HUDY, the world leader of RC tools.

The extensive and impressive range of adjustment possibilities includes:

• Caster
• Camber
• Toe
• Kick-up
• Anti-dive
• Anti-squat
• Ride height
• Downstops
• Track-width
• Lower roll center
• Upper roll center
• Roll center positions
• Bump steer
• Wheelbase
• Ackermann
• Adjustable shocks
• Adjustable front and rear diffs
• Adjustable XRAY Multi-Flex™

The chassis design focuses on balanced weight distribution and weight transfer. Centerline holes are pre-drilled for easy balancing with the HUDY Chassis Balancing Tool #107880.

An all-new, improved weight balance was created by moving the front lower suspension arms more frontwards.

This new weight balance makes the car easier to drive, increases predictability, makes the car extremely resistant in rough parts of the tracks, and gives great handling in jumps and fast parts of the track.

The XB8E is one of the most adjustable off-road cars in the world. Whether you are a hardcore racing enthusiast or a club-level sportsman, you can very easily adjust the XB8E to suit your driving style, track type, and track conditions.

To fully comprehend the set-up possibilities of the XB8E, we highly recommend the HUDY Set-up Book which is loaded with over 50 pages of high-quality pictures and easy-to-understand RC car set-up explanations. The HUDY Set-up book will teach you many set-up tips & tricks to help improve your set-up skills, ultimately translating into improved racing performance with your XB8E. The HUDY Set-up Book is available for download exclusively at www.hudy.net.

XRAY Instruction Manuals have become the industry standard, and are simply the best manuals you will ever get with an RC model car. Whether you are a first-time builder or an experienced racer, all instructions are straight-forward and easy to understand. The full-color Instruction Manual contains large 3D illustrations that show all assembly details in the easiest and most comprehensive manner.

Owning an XRAY model racing car is an experience unto itself. Not only will you own the most premium luxury model racing car in the world, but you will also become a member of the prestigious family of XRAY owners with direct support and service from the XRAY factory. XRAY brings you the most up-to-date RC website on the Internet, with daily racing news, and the latest product developments. If you have any questions, problems or comments, you can ask the XRAY Support Team or any XRAY Factory Team Driver on the XRAY Support Forum. You can even upload your own set-up sheets or download from the thousands of different set-up sheets available from around the world at the exclusive XRAY Virtual Set-up Sheet Database. And that is only the start of the VIP treatment you get by joining Team XRAY.