Josh...aka Harley Designs on YouTube...was just talking about this in his weekly "Scale News Update". While he's primarily a crawler guy, he does cover other aspects (even FE boat releases, once in a rare while) of RC.

I'm not new to RC (read my 'signature', and you'll know), but I am EXTREMELY new to Tamiya kits...as in, I haven't even built any...yet. My stepdad, who has 2 RCs (Traxxas 2WD Slash, and ProBoat Recoil 17), is ready to build his first kit...so, I picked up two (different) TT-02s for us to build side-by-side over Thanksgiving week. And, before anyone says anything, yes, certain upgrade parts (oil-filled shocks...oops, excuse me...dampers, bearings, etc) have already been purchased...tho, mine will be getting more than his, as I plan on seeing how it handles in USGT.

Anyway...having seen Josh cover this upcoming release, I got excited. The Europa has always been one of my two favorites from Lotus (the Esprit, partially in thanks to "The Spy Who Loved Me", is the other), so it should be obvious why I was excited. However, I know nothing about the M-06 chassis, especially the M-06RR the Europa will be released on.

I get that, like the 1:1 car, it's RWD w/ a rear engine (ok, technically, the real cat is mid-engine, but close enough for government work). I get that the kit uses a double-wishbone suspension. And...that's all I know. I don't care how easy/difficult the build is (those who read my 'signature' know I've built far more complex vehicles). I don't care about is ability to be raced (it wouldn't be...it would be just for fun, VERY light bashing). What I'm interested in knowing is, in regards to the M-06RR chassis, how does it handle? Is it ready, or hard, to drive? On a 0-10 scale, would it be considered a '0' (ie. "best avoided"), a '10' (ie. "absolute must-have"), or somewhere in-between?

Lastly, if I decide to get the Europa, I have a few questions regarding 'Hop-Ups'. which parts would be an absolute necessity (ie. "level 1" upgrades)? Which would be 'highly recommended' (ie. "level 2"). And, which would be "suggested, but not level 1 or 2 upgrades (ie. "level 3)? Also, what upgrades parts (is any) should be avoided and/or are completely unnecessary (ie. a waste of money and/or realistically useless)? The reason for these questions is, primarily, because I don't know anything about the different M-06 variants...but, also because, in general, I don't know anything about the M-06 chassis. Would greatly appreciate any, and all, 'helpful' input.