HPI VectR4 Ford Escort RS Cosworth

Legend Reborn.
Street Ready.

Few cars capture the spirit of 1990s rallying quite like the Ford Escort RS Cosworth! With its aggressive styling, unmistakable whale tail rear wing and legendary motorsport heritage, the Escort Cosworth became an icon both on the rally stages and on the road. Now HPI Racing is bringing this legendary machine to life in an exciting new small-scale rally platform, the VectR4!

The VectR4 combines the unmistakable looks of the officially licensed 1996 Ford Escort RS Cosworth with a purpose-built, full-time 4WD chassis, giving you the perfect platform for your own miniature rally adventures.

Available in two stunning factory-finished versions, you can choose the iconic 1996 Sanremo Rally livery, or the beautiful Imperial Blue road-going version, capturing the classic appearance of one of Ford's most celebrated homologation special hothatch cars.

But there's much more to the VectR4 than just its looks!

Beneath the detailed polycarbonate bodyshell sits a fully assembled, shaft-driven 4WD chassis featuring three sealed 4-gear differentials, adjustable oil-filled suspension, a fully enclosed drivetrain and a carefully balanced layout designed for predictable handling across a variety of surfaces.

We've also packed in plenty of scale detail, including realistic brake discs and callipers, authentic rally wheels, integrated LED lighting and a clever clipless body mounting system that keeps the Escort's iconic lines free from visible body clips.

Best of all, the VectR4 comes completely Ready-To-Run, with a 2.4GHz radio system, rechargeable battery and USB charger included. Whether you're a longtime rally enthusiast, a fan of classic Ford performance cars or simply looking for a fun new RC experience, the VectR4 is ready to bring the excitement of rally driving to a whole new scale!

A Rally Icon in Two Classic Styles

The Ford Escort RS Cosworth needs little introduction. Developed during an era when rally cars became some of the most recognizable performance machines on the planet, its combination of wide arches, distinctive aerodynamic bodywork and legendary rear wing made it an instant favourite among motorsport fans.

The VectR4 captures that unmistakable appearance with an officially licensed, two-piece polycarbonate bodyshell, carefully recreating the distinctive shape and details of the original car.

Imperial Blue

Prefer the classic road-going look? The Imperial Blue version recreates the legendary Escort RS Cosworth in one of its most recognisable street colours.

With its deep blue finish, clear windows and distinctive bodywork, the street version showcases the Escort Cosworth's aggressive styling. A perfect choice for enthusiasts who love the original road car just as much as its rally heritage.

Both versions feature detailed wing mirrors, integrated light buckets and the unmistakable silhouette that made the Escort Cosworth a legend.

Authentic Rally Wheels and Tires

Inspired by full-size rally competition, the VectR4 features authentic rally-style wheels paired with tires designed for versatile driving across a variety of surfaces.

The realistic wheel design perfectly complements the Escort Cosworth's classic appearance, while the compact 45mm diameter tires help give the car its distinctive small-scale rally proportions.

Standard 12mm hex wheel mounting makes wheel removal and refitting straightforward, providing a familiar and practical arrangement for RC enthusiasts.

Whether you're carving through corners on smooth tarmac or kicking up dust on a loose surface, the VectR4 looks every bit the part!

LIGHT UP THE TRACK

Both Escort RS Cosworth versions feature integrated front and rear LED lighting, bringing another level of realism to this small-scale rally machine.

Pre-installed light buckets are neatly incorporated into the bodyshell, maintaining the authentic appearance of the original Escort while giving the car a distinctive look when the lights are switched on.

The LED lights bring the Escort's unmistakable headlight and taillight design to life, adding realism when driving in lower light conditions and completing the classic rally-car appearance.

Selectable lighting modes can be controlled directly from the MTX-400 transmitter, allowing you to change the lighting setup without removing the bodyshell.

  Clever Clipless Body Mounting

No traditional body clips spoiling those iconic Escort Cosworth lines!

Designed with both realism and convenience in mind, the VectR4 features a clever clipless body mounting system that keeps the exterior clean while making bodyshell removal quick and easy.

At the front, the bodyshell slides securely into concealed mounting brackets behind the bumper, while a discreet locking clip hidden within the rear diffuser keeps everything firmly in place.

When it's time to access the chassis or change the battery, the rear securing clip is easy to reach, allowing the bodyshell to be removed without fiddling with tiny body clips.

Additional body support posts help reduce unwanted flex and keep the shell securely supported, even when the rally action gets a little rough.

It's a neat, practical solution that preserves the Escort's authentic appearance without sacrificing everyday convenience.

  Purpose-Built VectR4 Rally Chassis

Don't let its compact dimensions fool you! The VectR4 is a proper little rally machine, designed from the ground up to deliver the driving experience and durability you'd expect from an HPI Racing chassis.

At its heart is a tough composite tub chassis with a centrally balanced layout that keeps the major components neatly positioned within the car. This helps provide predictable handling and a stable driving feel, whether you're carving through corners on tarmac or sliding around on loose surfaces.

The drivetrain is fully enclosed to help minimise dirt and debris reaching the moving components, making the VectR4 well suited to the demands of rally-style driving.

With full ball bearings throughout the transmission and hex head hardware used across the chassis, the VectR4 combines dependable construction with the practical features RC enthusiasts appreciate.

Precise and Responsive Steering

The VectR4 features a dual bellcrank steering system designed to deliver smooth, precise steering response and predictable handling. Working together with the front steering knuckles, the system provides consistent control through tight corners and quick changes of direction. An integrated servo saver helps protect the steering components from unexpected impacts, keeping the VectR4 ready for the next rally stage!

    Full-Time Shaft-Driven 4WD

Rally driving is all about finding grip when the surface gets unpredictable, and the VectR4's full-time four-wheel-drive system is ready for the challenge!

Power from the Firebolt 380 motor is transferred through a shaft-driven transmission to all four wheels, delivering dependable traction and predictable handling on a variety of driving surfaces.

Unlike simpler small-scale drivetrains, the VectR4 features three sealed 4-gear differentials, one at the front, one in the center and another at the rear.

This arrangement allows the wheels and axles to rotate at different speeds as required, helping the car maintain smooth, controlled handling through corners and across changing surfaces.

The enclosed drivetrain also helps protect the transmission from dust and loose debris, keeping the action going when your miniature rally stage gets a little messy!

  Sealed 4-Gear Center Differential

At the heart of the VectR4's 4WD drivetrain sits a sealed 4-gear center differential, complete with durable metal internals. By allowing the front and rear wheels to rotate at different average speeds, the center differential helps reduce drivetrain binding and delivers smoother, more predictable handling through corners. It also helps the VectR4 adapt to changing levels of grip, making it easier to maintain control as you transition between loose gravel and smooth tarmac.

Realistic Brake Disc and Calliper Details

It's the little details that make a scale replica stand out!

Behind the VectR4's rally wheels you'll find realistic rotating brake disc and calliper detailing, that double up as the 12mm wheel hex adaptors. Viewed through the spokes of the wheels they complete the look of a genuine rally-inspired machine.

  Little and Large
Meet the WR8's New Little Brother!

The legendary HPI WR8 has a new little brother! The VectR4 brings the same rally spirit to a compact new platform, combining authentic scale detail with full-time 4WD performance. Two different sizes, one shared passion for rally action!

  Firebolt 380 Brushed Motor

Providing the power is the HPI Firebolt 380 45T brushed motor, delivering smooth, controllable performance perfectly suited to the VectR4's compact rally chassis.

The brushed power system provides a great balance of performance and ease of use, making the VectR4 approachable for newcomers while still offering plenty of fun for experienced RC drivers.

Waterproof 3-in-1 Electronics

Keeping everything compact and neatly packaged is the HPI SRL-400 waterproof 3-in-1 electronic unit.

Combining the electronic speed controller, 2.4GHz receiver and LED controller into a single unit reduces the amount of wiring and equipment required inside the chassis.

It's a practical, space-saving solution that helps keep the VectR4's internal layout clean and simple.

The HPI Racing MTX-400 4-Channel radio system uses the latest digital 2.4GHz radio technology to give you trouble-free, total control of your RC car. This is a fully-featured, lightweight, 4-channel radio with advanced ergonomic features and total adjustability. Thanks to 2.4GHz technology, you will be able to confidently drive with your friends without worrying about things like frequencies or radio conflicts.

Features: Digital 2.4GHz FHSS technology 4 channel Digital on and off switch Foam-covered wheel for extra comfort and grip Servo end point adjustments for steering and throttle Servo reversing Steering dual rate Centre trim (steering and throttle ) Audible warnings if you leave the MTX-400 switched on as well as battery life! Lightweight (only 4 AA batteries required)

      Ready-To-Run Rally Action!

The HPI Racing VectR4 arrives fully assembled, with the electronics installed and the officially licensed Ford Escort RS Cosworth bodyshell factory-finished and ready to go.

There's no complicated building or painting required. Just charge the included battery, fit the required transmitter batteries and you're ready to drive!

Whether you choose the famous 1996 Sanremo Rally livery or the stunning Imperial Blue road car, the VectR4 brings together authentic Ford styling, capable four-wheel-drive performance and HPI Racing fun in one compact package.

The rally legend is back. Where will your next stage take you?

  Metal-Shielded Ball Bearings

The VectR4 is fully fitted with a set of metal-shielded ball bearings for maximum efficiency. The metal shields keep the dust away from the internals while the smooth precision bearings provides for optimum power delivery from the power source out into the driveline.

Comprehensive Instruction Manuals Online

On this pages download section you'll find detailed instruction manuals for the VectR4 in multiple languages. Exploded diagrams, setup sheets and extensive information about your VectR4 ensures that you have the knowhow when it comes to maintaining and upgrading your kit. You can download a digital version of the manual to your personal electronic device and keep it with you for easy reference on the go.

Download the Free VectR4 poster Here!

Brighten up your RC workspace with a FREE poster featuring the VectR4! Just click here to download it, then print it out or use it as your tablet or computer wallpaper!

MYhpi: The Ultimate Resource 
for Your VectR4

Once you've got your VectR4, add it to your MYhpi garage to get direct information about what will make your car faster, more adjustable and easier to tune. Add your entire HPI collection to your MYhpi garage so you can directly access manuals, videos, tips and help for each of your HPI cars!

#161301 VectR4 Ford Escort RS Cosworth
- Imperial Blue Small Scale Pre-Assembled 4WD  Rally car with 2.4GHz Radio System and Painted
Ford Escort RS Cosworth body

SPECIFICATIONS: 
Length: 285mm
Height: 95mm
Width: 125mm
Wheelbase: 170mm

What you need: 

• 4 AA batteries
• LiPo Charge Case - HPI Recommends #160013 Plazma Pouch