HPI Savage is a line of radio-controlled monster trucks manufactured in Japan by Hobby Products International of Foothill Ranch, California, US.
The overall setup of the Savage, with its massive tires and tall suspension, make it a perfect truck for bashing, and also enables the model to be able to withstand tremendous abuse.
The current RC monster truck world speed record is held by a Savage, at 74 MPH.
It featured a unique boxed chassis with parallel aluminum panels (known as Twin Vertical Plates, TVP) surrounding the transmission and drive axles, two-speed transmission, heavy-duty slipper clutch, eight oil-filled coilover shock absorbers, 4 inches of suspension travel, four-wheel drive, HPI .21ci (3.4 cc) pull-start engine with rear exhaust and an HPI 27 MHz three-channel pistol grip radio.
A "reverse module," sold separately, mounts inside the transmission, where it replaces an idler gear assembly.
It utilizes the factory-installed radio's non-proportional third channel and an additional servo to add the convenience and fun of reverse when the model is first brought to a complete stop.
The external starter is a motor-driven gearbox which spins a hexagonal steel shaft and is powered by a standard 7.2-volt nickel cadmium battery pack.
A pinned ball joint at the end of the shaft mates with a socket on the rear of the engine-mounted one-way bearing assembly.
A limited edition version of the Savage 25 added a three-speed transmission along with updated wheels and tires.
It is powered by two HPI "GT550" 14.4v electric motors and competes in the market defined by models such as the Traxxas E-Maxx and Kyosho Twin Force.
With this engine the SS version will easily pull wheel stands and an optional wheelie bar is available for the Savage to prevent it from flipping over backwards under hard acceleration.
The driveline has been upgraded with new alloy differential cases, reversion to the more reliable 21/25-style slipper clutch, and a dual fiberglass brake disc kit.
New wheels and tires and a new body complete the truck, which is RTR and comes with a rechargeable receiver pack and charger.
Compared to the XL, the main difference is the further elongated TVPs and accommodating driveshaft which provide enough space for a secondary fuel tank.
A few design changes took place including different chassis plates and rollover protection to accommodate the larger motor and cooling needs, as well as a redesigned shell and livery.