The HPI WR8 Flux is one of HPI’s flagship models. The fact it is still here and available for sale after all these years is a testament to HPI. Could it be so popular due to it being the only real 1 / 8 scale rally car available at the moment? Or will the shortly to be released 8th scale CEN Puma or the Carisma Impreza WRC cause HPI some concern? Let's find out with this review on the WR8 Flux.

You can buy the WR8 in both electric (flux) or nitro. I went for the electric brushless version which is available on our website at the current price of £449.99

 

The car comes fully built, and includes all the electrics and radio gear. All you require to get yourself running is either a 2S or 3S lipo battery with a deans connector on it, and a Lipo battery charger too. Oh and some AA batteries for the transmitter. 

 

After charging a 2S and 3S lipo battery, I went and took the car with me along to the 6R4.net track day at Blyton Park. What better way to see how this performs in front of like minded rally fans and showcase the HPI to many people who don’t realise such things like the WR8 exist!

 

The first thing I did was get some pics of the car with a number of rallyings royalty! But enough of that, what was the car like to drive? 

To start with I thought I would settle in on a 2S lipo and see how it handled and performed before going all in on a 3S lipo. On a 2S lipo it was really impressive how quick, but also how smooth and controllable it was on the steering. It didn’t feel twitchy at all, it felt and performed so nice, I was actually really really surprised! After 15 minutes doing some driving, and letting some friends take a look at the car, I decided to up the ante and put the 3S in. 

 

Now bearing in mind I was really impressed on how smooth and controllable the car was on 2S, I was expecting the car to be quite a handful and not be as predictable or smooth. As anyone knows who uses a 2S and 3S capable car, there is quite a jump in performance with the extra 3.7V. 

How wrong could I be! While the car was significantly quicker, the car was still really predictable, smooth and controllable. I had so much fun, and people watching at Blyton park were blown away of the performance of the car too! Considering these people own high performance rally cars, if that’s their reaction, that says quite a bit! .

 

I have only had this car for just over a month, but I am so chuffed with purchasing this car! I have only had 1/10 scale cars before, pretty much all of them rally cars too. However I am so pleased I have this in my collection, it is great having the bigger scale, and the only thing I would like to see is HPI make some more bodies available for the WR8. Even if they aren’t licenced bodies, just something would be great to have rather than just the Subaru Impreza WRC 01. I do understand there is a lot involved with sorting bodies and licensing etc, so I can also see why it’s probably not the top of their priority list.

With me saying that, that also says how good the WR8 is if that’s my fault and only criticism about it. I will happily admit I have been unsure whether to purchase a HPI, but now I have the WR8, I am happy to say I don’t regret this purchase one bit! 

 

The WR8 Flux and Nitro can be found on our website. Order yours today, you won’t be disappointed!