Originally Posted by cplus

Because the 418 is belt driven....?

Means they can have a pinnacle (in their range) of each style.

Let's look at the positives for 17.5 blinky

- low weight (the plastic bulkheads are probably lighter than an alloy one?)
- stiff, but compliant chassis
- relatively low maintenance, easy to adjust gear diffs
- excellent suspension arms and mounting
- class leading, low COG dampers
- decent modern geometry (you would expect)
- shaft drive punch
- lots of adjustability (susp blocks for example)
- excellent DCJs in the front and proven reliable rear shaft design

Assuming the FDR can be made to work it will definitely competitive when power isn't crazy and won't be flexing the hell out of the chassis.