Serpent is about to release a new version of the Serpent S120, the S120 LTR
Main new features:
- innovative rear-central pivot system which connect the rear pod in new way with the chassis, and thus prevents any binding, creating more effective side link action, at any angle. With this changing roll-center is also very easy.
- new upper arms combined with new steering blocks with easy inserts to adjust kingpin inclination
- chassis in new shape to allow for new rear pivot and flex dynamics
- side-springs can now be used in outer or inner position
- simplified front shock tower system to lower CG, 2 positions possible, one as before and one longer.
- lower CG with new rear pod brackets
Below is an interview with Serpent chief on-road designer and co-owner Michael Salven.
Serpent: Serpent is making 1/12 scale cars for quite some years already; is it hard to further develop such basically simple chassis?
Salven: Yes and no. The rules are quite restricted, so in that regard it seems simple. But it also means that even small details can make a difference. So there are still some avenues of development that you can try to explore.
Serpent: What makes designing a 1/12 scale car such a challenge?
Salven: For me the biggest challenge is that I don’t drive these cars. So I need to translate the feedback of the drivers into the design, but that’s working out really well!
Serpent: Which are the key drivers you rely on to develop the 1/12 car?
Salven: It has been our Serpent USA driver and sales promotor Paul Ciccarello mainly and of course Marc Fischer for more tests and feedback. Now with Hupo Hönigl from Austria in the team I am happy to have more opinions and feedback.
Serpent: What are the 5 main changes you developed for the new 1/12?
Salven:
- the new center pivot system, which is absolutely bind-free. It opens up new avenues as how you use the links. There is a much bigger freedom how to mount them because binding is eliminated. Also the roll-center is adjustable quite easy now.
- the new front end. It has improved geometry and additional adjustability, like the much requested adjustable kingpin angle
- possibility to mount the battery in 2 or even 3 ways
- 2 options to mount the center shock to change the progressive rate
- lower CG due to new rear bulkheads
Serpent: Which battery position is most suitable for this design?
Salven: It really depends on your driving style and the traction available. You can mount the battery transversal as well as longitudinal. In longitudinal fashion you can mount it right or left side.
Serpent: Will all standard servos fit this car and be nicely centered?
Salven: Yes. The combination of our eccentric servo mounts and a slot in the chassis makes it possible.
Serpent: Which drivers will showcare the new cars at the bigger events?
Salven: For sure Marc Fischer, Paul Ciccarello, Viktor Wilck, Hupo Hönigl and a lot more. I know that my old 1/8 scale friend Massimo Fantini will race it too! The 1/12 EC at the Hudy Arena will be a nice event!
Serpent: How does the future look for the 1/12 scale class?
Salven: This class has it ups-and-downs, and its mostly related to the availability of tracks. It remains a very exciting class to run, and many use it as main winter racing activity. The class has been around for ever, and if enough tracks remain or become available, for sure it will grow again.
Serpent: What do you think about the cheaper 1/12 GT class they currently race in Japan and in the UK now? Can it spread more?
Salven: In recent years RC classes which offer a more economical way to get started are growing. This GT class fits in that same fashion. Its great if such class can attract new drivers or keep current ones active. For sure we will follow its development.
Serpent: When will the S120 LTR be introduced?
Salven: The cars are in production now and can be shipped first part of february, so should be in shops by mid february.
Serpent: Will drivers be able to upgrade the car with a set?
Salven: Too may parts are different and new, so this we will not offer as set. Of course all the parts will sell separate for drivers that want to change only some parts.
Serpent: Will you be racing 1/12 scale yourselves and which class will have your focus for 2015?
Salven: I am already very busy with my 1/10 scale and 1/8 scale GP racing, and with many new projects under development there is just no time to run the 1/12 as well. My 1st bigger race will be the Winter Nats in Florida, USA in march.
2/3/2015
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