SWORKz S35-5 and S35-5e: the new-generation 1/8 nitro and electric buggy

Photo: SWORKz (source)

The SWORKz S35-5 is official: the manufacturer has unveiled the fifth generation of its 1/8 competition buggy platform, available as the nitro S35-5 and the electric S35-5e. Announced on 2 September 2026 as “coming soon”, both kits build on the proven foundations of the S35-4 EVO and focus their updates on the areas that genuinely produce lap time.

SWORKz S35-5: refined geometry rather than reinvented

The stated philosophy is clear: do not break the familiar behaviour of the S35-4 EVO. The suspension geometry has been reworked in targeted areas to deliver higher cornering speeds, more traction and a more forgiving feel, without changing the car’s fundamental driving character. The goal is a buggy that stays predictable and easy to drive, and above all consistent across very different track conditions.

Lightened T7075 chassis and +3 mm option

The S35-5 is built around a lightened, hard-anodized T7075 aluminium chassis that carries over the reference wheelbase layout of the S35-4 EVO, already extensively validated by the brand’s factory drivers. As on the previous model, a +3 mm extended chassis will be available as an option: that is the configuration to choose on fast, high-grip tracks, where it adds stability and makes the car easier to handle at speed.

HET drivetrain and height-adjustable gearbox

The HET differential system from the S35-4 EVO is included as standard, guaranteeing already proven reliability and performance. An optional 0.8-module spur gear and clutch bell set aims for more efficient and more consistent power delivery. The gearbox allows the differential and pinion heights to be adjusted to fine-tune the drivetrain: the 0 (low) position is identical to that of the S35-4 EVO, providing a familiar baseline setup.

Bearing-supported sway bars and redesigned shocks

The real mechanical novelty of the S35-5 lies in the sway bar mounts, now guided by ball bearings. The bars move more freely, with less parasitic friction, which makes adjustment more precise and more repeatable from one session to the next. On the shock side, the whole system has been revised with X-ring seals and dual-row shock towers, multiplying setup combinations according to grip. A new Samurai Competition spring line comes with the kit to balance the package. The steering carries over from the S35-4 EVO with a revised Ackermann option, and the redesigned radio tray offers several battery and receiver positions to play with weight distribution.

SWORKz S35-5 and S35-5e specifications

• Length: 510 mm — Width: 308 mm — Height: 220 mm
• Wheelbase: 325 to 330 mm
• S35-5 (nitro) weight: 3,400 g
• S35-5e (electric) weight: 3,680 g
• Lightened hard-anodized T7075 aluminium chassis, +3 mm option
• HET differentials, optional 0.8-module spur gear / clutch bell
• Bearing-supported sway bar mounts (S35-5)
• Samurai Competition springs, X-ring sealed shocks

No official pricing has been announced yet, both kits being described as imminent. The brand’s usual European dealers, such as Wartelle Shop and Donuts Racing, are named as points of sale once orders open.