Upcoming Tamiya Mini 4WD Releases: December 2026 and 2027
The next confirmed Tamiya Mini 4WD wave includes two VZ cars and a zodiac FM-A kit. Earlier overseas listings mentioned these items. Tamiya's All Japan Model & Hobby Show list, current as of 14 September 2026, now names them and links to individual product pages. The older version of this article treated the overseas listings as unconfirmed. As of 24 September 2026, the product announcements are official, while Malaysian prices and arrival dates remain unpublished. The “2027” in the Sheep kit's name refers to the coming zodiac year; Japan lists it for December 2026.
Confirmed products and Japanese release plans
| Item | What Tamiya has confirmed | Japan timing |
|---|---|---|
| 18107 Hornet Jr. (VZ) | Classic buggy body, 4.2:1 gears, large slick tyres | December 2026 release planned |
| 18106 Neo-VQS Advanced Pack (VZ) | Light-Dash motor, FRP plates, rear brake, mass dampers, 3.7:1 EX gears | December 2026 shipment planned |
| 95721 Year of the Sheep 2027 (FM-A) | Limited zodiac kit based on K4 Gambol, sheep driver, 5:1 gears | December 2026 release planned |
| 74168 Mini 4WD 2 mm Screw Cutter | Tool for cutting 2 mm screws and cap screws cleanly | December 2026 shipment planned |
These are Japanese plans from the product pages and new-item list, not a Malaysia launch schedule. Tamiya says product specifications and timing can change. Check the exact item number when reading a shop listing or comparing a preorder with the official box.
Hornet Jr. (18107): nostalgia on a raceable VZ chassis
The new Hornet Jr. page gives assembled dimensions of 158 × 98 × 50 mm, a VZ chassis, a motor in the kit and large-diameter slick tyres with a 4.2:1 gear ratio. Its body recalls the R/C Hornet buggy, while the chassis is a current VZ platform. Those box details are now firm enough to plan a build around; they are not a claim that the new kit is already on Malaysian shelves. The VZ parts guide helps with later tuning choices.
Neo-VQS Advanced Pack (18106): the most complete racer bundle
The Advanced Pack product page lists much more than a different colour. It includes a Light-Dash motor, FRP front and rear hardware, brake sponge, six low-friction rollers, side mass dampers, reinforced drivetrain parts and super-hard low-profile tyres. The specified dimensions are 159 × 104 × 43 mm. Its specifications and EX gear list say 3.7:1; one prose sentence on Tamiya's English page says 3.75:1, so check the instruction sheet on arrival. Our Advanced Pack breakdown compares it with the Hornet Jr. for different buyers.
Year of the Sheep 2027 (95721): the date is 2026
The Year of the Sheep page describes a limited K4 Gambol-based kit with a transparent body, a pre-painted sheep figure, red-and-white FM-A chassis and 5:1 gears. Tamiya lists dimensions of 153 × 96 × 63 mm. The Japanese page plans release in December 2026, in time to mark the 2027 zodiac year. Buy this for the design or collection if it appeals; the year in its title is not evidence that you must wait until 2027. Malaysian availability still needs a local confirmation.
One tool is confirmed; several older leads are still leads
The 2 mm Screw Cutter (74168) also has a real product page. Tamiya says it cuts Mini 4WD screws and cap screws with a flatter end and less thread damage than ordinary cutters. This is a maintenance tool, not a car performance part. Earlier overseas lists also mentioned gear packs 10328 and 10329 and roller item 95722; we could not verify their current specifications or timing on Tamiya product pages for this update, so they are excluded from the confirmed table.
What a Malaysian buyer should do next
- Bookmark the official product page and use the item number in every seller enquiry.
- Ask for a local arrival estimate only after the seller can confirm an allocation; a Japan release plan is not a Malaysia stock date.
- For competition, read the general regulations, Stock Class rules and the event's own class sheet before assuming an included part is legal.
Frequently asked questions
Are Hornet Jr. VZ and Neo-VQS Advanced Pack officially confirmed?
Yes. Tamiya listed items 18107 and 18106 by 14 September 2026. Japan plans December releases; Malaysian arrival dates are not confirmed.
Is Year of the Sheep 2027 a 2027 release?
No. Tamiya Japan plans item 95721 for December 2026. The 2027 in its name identifies the zodiac year.
For official distribution and local event sources, see our Tamiya Malaysia guide. Source check: 24 September 2026.