Most Traxxas RC cars are known for their speed, with models like the X-Maxx, Maxx, and Bandit reaching up to 60 mph. Impressive, right? Well, the RC car we’re reviewing today leaves them all in the dust — meet the Traxxas XO-1, the beast that can blast past 100 mph!
This is not your average RC car. Traxxas XO-1 is built for experts only — its insane speed makes it incredibly challenging to control. With its sleek, aggressive design and jaw-dropping performance, this machine is more like a miniature supercar than a toy.
But speed comes at a price. The Traxxas XO-1 is one of the most expensive RC cars in the Traxxas lineup. Still, if you’re serious about RC racing, it’s worth every penny. This monster will definitely make you proud in front of your RC buddies.
Let’s dive into the details…
Traxxas XO-1 Design
The Body
One look at the Traxxas XO-1 and you know it means business. Its low-slung design screams supercar, not just for looks but for performance too. The low height adds downforce and helps it cut through the air with minimal resistance.
Another standout feature is the rear spoiler, which doesn’t just add to its sporty appearance — it plays a key role in stabilizing the car at high speeds.
Every detail of the XO-1’s design serves a purpose. Nothing feels random or decorative. It’s clear that Traxxas engineered this car with precision aerodynamics in mind.
The sharp nose and sleek lines help reduce drag, and the super low center of gravity keeps the car glued to the road — essential when you’re going over 100 mph.
Even the stickers and decals are aggressive and stylish. You can even add custom headlights to give it an even more realistic look.
The body is also simple and minimalist — a one-piece shell with no unnecessary complexity. This simplicity contributes to its high-speed performance.
While I’m a big fan of this design, I also admire the Traxxas Ford GT’s aerodynamic body with its airflow tunnels. Imagine combining the XO-1’s power with the Ford GT’s body — now that would be something to see!
Traxxas XO-1 Chassis
This RC supercar isn’t just about looks — it’s a masterpiece of high-performance engineering.
The chassis is designed to handle the extreme speed. It’s built to prevent air from getting underneath and lifting the car, which could lead to a crash. To combat this, Traxxas added a rear diffuser to reduce air pressure underneath and increase stability.
There’s also a functional intake on the underside of the chassis, which directs airflow to a powerful cooling fan located near the motor. This cooling system keeps the motor from overheating — a rare feature among Traxxas RC cars.
Traxxas XO-1 also features aluminum shocks and reinforced tires. Unlike the soft, balloon-like tires on models like the X-Maxx, the XO-1’s tires are belted with fiber, keeping them solid and giving maximum traction at high speeds.
Another cool detail: the front tires are thinner than the rear ones, which helps with balance and steering control.
Aside from shocks, many aluminum components are used throughout the chassis — just like those in the Traxxas Slash 4×4 Ultimate. This not only boosts durability but also ensures your car won’t break on its first high-speed run.
The Performance
Everything I’ve shared about the Traxxas XO-1 so far has been impressive—but what comes next is on a whole different level. This is truly the most exciting part (and if you’re a speed junkie like me, I know you’ll agree).
Unlike most RC cars that rely heavily on plastic components, the XO-1 is built tough, with many of its parts made from high-grade aluminum. Why? Because plastic simply can’t handle the insane speed this machine is capable of.
Interestingly, the XO-1 borrows some of its components from other Traxxas models. For example, it uses the shocks from the E-Revo, the driveline from the Slash 4×4, and shares the same differentials. This fusion of proven parts creates a rock-solid platform engineered for extreme performance.
The Motor & Systems
At the heart of the XO-1 is a beast: a Big Block brushless motor, securely mounted in a durable aluminum housing. Paired with it is the Castle Mamba Monster Extreme electronic speed control, which is 6S-ready and built for brutal acceleration and speed.
But here’s the catch—even with all this power and a 6S LiPo battery, the XO-1 won’t hit 100 mph right out of the box. Why? Because Traxxas designed this car for experts, and unlocking its full potential requires a few extra steps.
What You Need to Reach 100 MPH:
- Install a 6S LiPo Battery – This one’s straightforward.
- Swap the Gears – Install the included optional 34-tooth pinion gear and 46-tooth spur gear. These are absolutely essential for achieving top speed.
- Unlock the Speed Governor – This is where electronics come in. You’ll need to use the TQi radio system and connect it to your phone via the Traxxas Link wireless module to unlock the XO-1’s full speed capabilities.
Yes, it might sound a bit complicated at first—but for seasoned RC enthusiasts, it’s a familiar process. The only new twist is the electronic unlocking step, which adds a modern, high-tech edge to the tuning experience.
What Makes the XO-1 So Powerful?
Here’s a breakdown of the key components that push the XO-1 into the supercar league of RC vehicles:
- Bold ProGraphix Painted Body
- Castle Mamba Monster Extreme Speed Control
- Traxxas Big Block Brushless Motor
- TQi 2.4GHz Radio System with Traxxas Link Wireless Module*
- Integrated Telemetry System (Speed, RPM, Voltage)*
- Shock-Absorbing Cush Drive™
- Shaft-Driven All-Wheel Drive
- Machined 6061 Aluminum C-Hubs, Steering Knuckles, Axle Carriers, and Shock Towers
- Hard-Anodized GTR Shocks
- Steel Splined (SS) Dual-CV Driveshafts
*Required for unlocking full speed potential.
Stability at Speed
To keep all that power under control, the XO-1 comes equipped with TSM (Traxxas Stability Management). At speeds approaching 100 mph, this system is absolutely vital. It helps you maintain stability, traction, and control—even when pushing the limits.
What I Don’t Like About the Traxxas XO-1
We’ve spent a lot of time celebrating the impressive features of the Traxxas XO-1—but like any high-performance machine, it’s not without its flaws. There are a few things I think could be improved in future versions.
1. Not Fully Waterproof
While Traxxas XO-1 is labeled as waterproof, not all internal components are fully protected. At high speeds, even minor water exposure can be dangerous for sensitive parts, potentially leading to costly damage.
So despite the “waterproof” tag, it’s best to avoid wet surfaces altogether—especially considering the premium price tag of this RC car. It’s just not worth the risk.
2. No Battery or Charger Included
A common frustration with Traxxas vehicles—and the XO-1 is no exception—is that the battery and charger are sold separately. This adds extra cost and inconvenience for new buyers.
That said, Traxxas likely does this because different users prefer different battery brands, voltages, and capacities. Still, it would be nice to at least have a bundle option available for beginners.
3. Handling Could Be Better at Top Speed
There’s no denying Traxxas XO-1 is the fastest production RC car on the market. But at those extreme speeds, even the smallest error in handling can be catastrophic.
Don’t get me wrong—the handling is great overall. But compared to some rivals, especially when it comes to tight control at 100+ mph, there’s room for refinement. Improved stability or more advanced tuning out of the box would go a long way.
4. Body Clips: The Usual Annoyance
Body clips remain a weak point across many Traxxas models, and the XO-1 is no exception. They’re often fiddly, and they can disrupt the car’s sleek look.
However, Traxxas has shown they can improve on this—like with the Ford GT model, where they cleverly hid the clips under aerodynamic vents. Adopting a similar clip-less or hidden-clip design for Traxxas XO-1 would be a smart move, both aesthetically and practically.
What I Love About the Traxxas XO-1
I’m a huge fan of supercars, and I have to say—testing this RC beast has been an absolute thrill. In my opinion, the Traxxas XO-1 is the best ready-to-race RC car I’ve experienced so far!
But there are some incredible—and even a bit scary—details about this car that I haven’t mentioned yet.
First off, let’s talk about how powerful (and potentially dangerous) this car is. Traxxas takes safety very seriously. In fact, before you can even purchase Traxxas XO-1, you’re required to register on their official website and agree to specific terms of use. That alone should tell you this isn’t your average RC car.
If you’ve already bought one, you’ll notice a big yellow warning on the bottom right corner of the box. It clearly states that this car is not for just anyone—it can cause serious injuries or even be fatal if not handled properly.
So, what’s the solution?
To address this, Traxxas designed the XO-1 with a two-stage performance system. The first stage is a beginner-friendly mode, allowing you to drive the car at a lower speed until you gain confidence and skill. Once you’re ready, you can unlock the second stage—where this car truly comes alive, reaching speeds over 100 mph!
Unlocking this high-speed mode comes with specific requirements, as outlined on the Traxxas website:
“Unlock the 100+mph speed only with the Traxxas Link App and with optional 5000mAh 11.1V 3-Cell LiPo Power Cell batteries. Included high-speed gearing and a High Downforce splitter are required for 100+ mph operation.”
I really admire how Traxxas has implemented this layered access system. It’s a smart move to prevent accidents and make sure drivers respect the sheer power of Traxxas XO-1. After all, 100 mph is no joke—even for a full-sized car, let alone an RC vehicle.
What’s even cooler is the tech integration. By connecting your smartphone to the car using the Traxxas Link App, you can monitor critical stats such as temperature, RPM, voltage, and of course, speed. It’s like having a digital dashboard for your RC supercar.
