Traxxas Ford RS200 Mini Rally VXL – Rally Spirit Reborn in Mini Scale

A Modern Tribute to Group B Rally Icons

Few rally cars carry the same aura as Ford’s RS200. Born for the infamous Group B era, it was all about unrestrained power and fearless driving. Traxxas brings that legacy back to life with the Mini Rally VXL Ford RS200—a scaled replica that’s every bit as aggressive as its full-size inspiration.

The car features authentic body details, from the Hella light pod and flared wheel arches to its blue-and-white racing livery. But this isn’t just a shelf queen—beneath that nostalgic shell lies modern brushless power and 4WD control that make it genuinely thrilling to drive.

Built on Proven Maxx Chassis DNA

Underneath the compact rally body, the RS200 rides on Traxxas’ new lightweight chassis derived from the Maxx platform. The structure uses a rigid honeycomb pattern that improves strength while keeping weight low. It’s designed to soak up jumps, absorb vibrations, and maintain composure on gravel, dirt, or tarmac.

Complementing the chassis is a fully sealed 1/10-scale AWD drivetrain. It uses front, center, and rear differentials, plus steel driveshafts—offering responsive power delivery and balance through every corner. Whether you’re blasting over dirt or sliding across asphalt, the car’s traction feels remarkably consistent.

Velineon VXL-3S Power – Compact Yet Furious

At the heart of this little beast is the Velineon VXL-3S brushless system. Running on 2S or 3S LiPo power, it delivers instant torque and a screaming top speed of over 55 mph. For a model this size, that’s legitimately wild. Drivers describe the throttle response as “addictively sharp”—you can feel the rally DNA the moment you punch the trigger.

Cooling is handled by a precision aluminum heat sink and a high-flow fan, ensuring reliable performance even during long runs. And because it’s fully waterproof, you can push through puddles and dust without worry.

Clipless Body, Realistic Rally Tires, and Scale Details

One of the most convenient design touches is the new clipless body mounting system. No body pins, no fumbling—just lift and lock. It keeps the RS200’s scale lines clean while making battery swaps effortless.

Traxxas also equips the car with rally-spec tires and multi-terrain wheels, designed to deliver grip on both loose and hard surfaces. The tread pattern gives a balanced feel between drift and traction—perfect for rally-style driving that mixes dirt slides with tight asphalt turns.

Choosing the Right RC Battery Setup

To unlock the car’s true performance, pairing it with the right RC battery setup makes all the difference. The battery compartment measures approximately 113 × 41 × 22 mm, offering enough space for compact 2S or 3S packs.

Based on fitment tests and user feedback, the following CNHL LiPo options provide the best combination of punch, weight balance, and runtime:

Both packs fit neatly within the tray, connect via XT60 plug (adapter compatible with TRX connector), and keep the car’s center of gravity low—ideal for rally racing precision.

Learn more compatible options in our Traxxas Ford RS200 Battery Collection.

RC Battery Care & Performance Tips

To get consistent performance from your RC batteries, remember these quick tips:

• Always balance-charge your LiPo packs and avoid full discharge below 3.3 V per cell.
• Store them around 3.8 V per cell if you’re not driving for a while.
• Keep your pack temperature under 60 °C after runs to protect internal chemistry.
• Use high-quality connectors (XT60 or EC5) and avoid long, thin wires that cause voltage sag.

Community Reactions & Real-World Impressions

RC enthusiasts have praised how “alive” this car feels on mixed surfaces. The AWD layout combined with the brushless system gives it a true rally rhythm—you can throw it sideways into turns and still recover cleanly. Some owners compare its steering precision to a mini touring car, while others love its ability to handle gravel stages like a scaled WRC racer.

Common community feedback:

• “Feels like a baby UDR with rally attitude.”
• “3S is insane power—2S is more than enough for backyard fun.”
• “Clipless body is genius. Battery swaps take 10 seconds.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I run this car with any 3S LiPo?

Yes, as long as the pack fits within 113 × 41 × 22 mm and uses a TRX-compatible connector. The CNHL G+ Plus 2200 mAh 3S 70C is a proven drop-in fit.

Q2. Which RC battery gives the best balance between runtime and handling?

For general rally driving, the CNHL Black Series 3200 mAh 2S delivers smoother throttle control and lighter feel—perfect for tight, technical stages.

Q3. Is the RS200 Mini Rally waterproof?

Yes. The Velineon VXL-3S ESC and motor are waterproof, and all electronics are sealed—ideal for running on wet gravel or mud.

Final Thoughts – Rally Legend Reborn

The Traxxas Ford RS200 Mini Rally VXL isn’t just another small-scale car—it’s a miniature time capsule of rally racing history, reimagined with modern RC engineering. From the AWD drivetrain and Maxx chassis tech to the VXL brushless fury, it’s built for those who love speed with a touch of nostalgia.

Match it with a quality RC battery setup from CNHL, and you’ll have a rally beast that drives like a full-scale champion—only smaller, louder, and endlessly fun.