There are already a handful of TCR-inspired bodies that could be used.

If you're looking for a budget option, there's the MST TCR (available as RTR or kit).

I've ordered an MST TCR RTR to see how viable it is. Cost me $340 delivered.

It does intrigue me Tim...I like the sheer simplicity of it

https://www.facebook.com/groups/308654646587560/

I was curious about the MST last year until I discovered that getting spares and the option springs etc was almost impossible - hopefully that has changed now.

Asia Tees are apparently the place to go for MST bits. And from a quick look it seems to ALL be in stock as well.
https://www.asiatees.com/model?MST-T...c=search_enter

Double post

rcMart has the option springs but no other parts. As Tony mentioned, Asiatees has pretty much everything. Just don't get the alloy diff upgrade ($60!) or the alloy motor mount ($50!) - those prices are insane.

After a brief test with the MST TCR yesterday, I'm skeptical on the viability of the RTR kit. The track was only dry for half a lap but it was enough to determine that the car handles well at the speeds the kit motor comes with, but the speeds are far too slow for anybody except a complete beginner - I can run faster than it. That should probably be obvious with a 380 sized 56 turn brushed motor rated at 12k RPM, at 5.8 FDR. I had some proper wet weather tyres handy and ran the car while the track was soaked, and I was taking the hairpin corners at full throttle.

If we were to replace the motor with something faster, the price of the RTR kit comes into question. The chassis (kit form, not RTR) is about the same price as the Xpress XQ1S kit, and is far less capable. Once you start replacing the electronics with something else, the cost effectiveness of the RTR is lost. I might throw in a standard silver can and retest it though.

I know I'm thread mining here but FWIW, TCR bought me into the hobby. Not because I thought about starting racing and then thought TCR was the class for me. To be honest, I saw a YouTube video on one and found it really appealing as an on-road car to have/build/drive, for someone that has never had an on-road car before. I don't think TCR is necessarily the best for beginner racers. The best class for beginners is letting beginners bring along whatever car they already have with a welcoming attitude, they will invest in the hobby if it is enjoyable. I think the Kyosho class is the best I've seen for beginners.