Skip advert
Advertisement

Thunder Tiger RTA4 1:8 Nitro Racing Truck

With a 3bhp nitro engine and four-wheel drive, the new RTA4 truck is fun over rough terrain

Thunder Tiger RTA4 1:8 Nitro Racing Truck
Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

Even the best battery-powered radio-controlled cars run flat, but those that run on ‘nitro fuel’ offer lasting fun.

The latest model from Thunder Tiger’s promises exactly that. The RTA4 is a ready-to-run 1:8-scale stadium truck, and looks realistic – if not exactly pretty – with its small tyres covered by a full-width racing truck body.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The RTA4 comes ready-painted in red, yellow or blue, and has cut-outs to access the running gear underneath. All you need to do is add the wheels, batteries for the radio gear and fuel.

The first few runs are designed to break in the 4.6cc pull-start two-stroke engine, but after that it’s ready to go whenever you are.

And this truck flies. The 3bhp engine is mated to a two-speed box (plus reverse) and four-wheel drive, while the suspension is supple, with two remote-reservoir shock absorbers at each corner.

The sturdy aluminium chassis and plastic body cope well with crashes and rolls, and the RTA4 looks spectacular over jumps.

But you need a large off-road area to enjoy it, preferably away from neighbours, as the engine is noisy. Plus, at £400, the RTA4 is £50 more than an equivalent electric truck, and you’ll need a further £50 for fuel, batteries and a glow plug starter for the engine.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Senior test editor

Dean has been part of the Auto Express team for more than 20 years, and has worked across nearly all departments, starting on magazine production, then moving to road tests and reviews. He's our resident van expert, but covers everything from scooters and motorbikes to supercars and consumer products.

New & used car deals

Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £3,158 off RRP*
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £4,966 off RRP*Used from £12,795
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £2,310 off RRP*Used from £17,100
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £4,589 off RRP*Used from £10,799
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Who needs hybrids? Diesel Skoda breaks world record with 1,759 miles on one tank
Record breaking Skoda Superb fuel run - car driven by Rally driver Miko Marczyk

Who needs hybrids? Diesel Skoda breaks world record with 1,759 miles on one tank

Rally driver Miko Marczyk has driven from Poland to Paris (and back) in a diesel Skoda Superb
News
24 Oct 2025
New Jaguar GT shows off more of its controversial and crucial design
Jaguar Type 00 - front 3/4

New Jaguar GT shows off more of its controversial and crucial design

It’s been a long time coming, but Jag’s groundbreaking re-brand is getting closer to fruition
News
21 Oct 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Jaecoo E5 EV brings premium SUV attitude for a compact £243 a month
JAECOO E5 front 3/4

Car Deal of the Day: Jaecoo E5 EV brings premium SUV attitude for a compact £243 a month

It may be brand new, but the deals on the Jaecoo E5 are very tempting. It’s our Deal of the Day for October 24.
News
24 Oct 2025