The XRAY XB8E platform displayed its incredible performance advantage by winning the European Championships in the hands of Jean-Pierrick Sartel.
Based on the ultra-successful XB8 platform, XRAY proudly presents the 2019-spec XB8E which incorporates the latest improvements and refinements gathered by the team, race-proven in the highest competition races around the world.
"The XB8E 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.
The all-new XB8E 2-in-1 concept offers endless setup choices for any track condition. The XB8E includes both a complete C-hub and Pivot Ball suspension in the kit.
Adjustable to any track condition, the XB8E is the most versatile car in its class. Racers can configure the XB8E to match their driving style and the current track conditions.
The 2-in-1 concept kit includes a brand new XRAY XB8E front C-hub suspension.
The C-hub is perfectly suited for smooth and short technical tracks & smooth surface conditions. At these track conditions the C-hub suspension generates increased frontward traction as well increased overall traction with enhanced steering.
The new C-hub suspension includes an all-new lower suspension arm, steering block with Ackermann plate, C-hub, camber link & Ackermann steering plate.
The 2-in-1 concept includes a complete Pivot Ball (PB) suspension in the XB8E. The well proven and highly efficient PB suspension was improved with larger outside 8x16x5mm ball-bearings for increased reliability and life-span. New front lower and upper arms are molded from a harder material for improved response and redesigned for freer operation in dusty conditions.
The PB suspension is perfectly suited for high traction conditions as well as rough tracks. At these track conditions, the PB suspension increases vehicle stability for a much easier driving experience.
The C-hub suspension features XRAY’s unique, in-house developed Integrated Adjustable Caster™ which enables adjusting the stock C-hub through the entire caster angle range. No optional caster blocks needed.
The front and rear downstop screw areas were redesigned and repositioned for improved suspension down travel and increased reliability.
The 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.
The XB8E shocks were redesigned with new shock caps and cell shock membranes. The all-new shock caps feature 4 bleeding for more equal oil bleeding and a more precise shock rebound setting. The cell shock membranes have less air gap that helps to generate more grip of the car. The all-new longer shock shafts allow longer downtravel of the shocks and suspension.
Oversized big-bore shocks featuring 16.2mm I.D. shock bodies are externally threaded with 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.
The rear uprights were redesigned and feature new larger outside 8x16x5mm ball-bearings for increased reliability and life-span. To extend the set-up alternatives, an additional lower roll-center adjustment position was added.
The smart design allows the same upright to be used on both left & right sides. 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 and lower roll center and wheelbase.
To improve the performance and reliability, the Pivot Ball suspension arms and C-hub suspension are molded from a new composite mixture. The rear suspension arms are molded from an all-new, extra-hard composite mixture that makes the car easier to drive. The front lower and upper arms feature a composite mixture change from soft to medium. The front lower C-hub suspension arm is molded from a hard composite mixture.
To increase overall traction in all track conditions, the front anti-roll bars were changed to 2.2mm and the rears to 2.4mm.
Anti-roll bars, manufactured from spring steel material, are easily mounted to front & rear diff cases with easy adjustment using the adjustable linkages.
Anti-roll bar wires of different thicknesses are optionally available for fine-tuning.
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 XB8 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
Some information shown below may include details from previous kits, and it may vary slightly from current kit specifications.
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 rear brace mounting position on the chassis was moved rearwards to improve chassis flex and give increased traction.
The 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.
The rear wing holder has a super-slim, 1-piece design that has reduced weight and increased strength.
The complete wing mount is 40% lighter than the older version, considerably reducing the weight behind the rear suspension as well significantly reducing the CG. The wing holder has maximum stability while still allowing flex during impacts.
To help prevent rear gear box breakage during crash impacts, the rear wing construction features 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 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 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
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.
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.
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 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 lifespan and improve ease of servicing, 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.
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.
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 XB8 suspension geometry can be completely adjusted in mere seconds.
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 central differential is an extra-large size for increased reliability and performance. The differential is over 5mm larger, with an increased oil capacity to reduce oil overheating in long runs, helping to keep differential performance as consistent as possible.
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 accommodate the 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.
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.
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.