New for the D418 is an aluminum chassis with raised side guards, similar to the successful 1/8 D817 buggy. The aluminum chassis adds durability, lowers the center of gravity, dissipates motor heat, and helps dampen high frequency vibration. New molded nylon side guards help keep out dirt, and the side plates are now used to mount the body, eliminating the need for body posts and body pins. The chassis layout has been refined, taking cues from the successful E817 buggy, The D418 is optimized for the latest rules and LIPO/Brushless equipment.

The D413's race-proven 4WD system with high strength steel center drive shafts, tough sintered diff gears, precision machined steel input gears and spur gear, steel CVA driveshafts, and machined aluminum wheel hubs led the way in terms of design and durability in the 4WD class, so they're are carried over on the D418. The big news is that the center bulkhead is now split for quick and easy access to the center differential. Just remove 4 screws and the center diff slides right out, a huge time saver when you're wrenching between heats. And, the center bulkhead can now be adjusted for fore/aft position. The highly adjustable suspension now has revised suspension travel and shock length for improved performance. The updated 12mm Big-Bore shocks now come with machined aluminum caps and a design similar to the HB 1/8 shocks. Carbon graphite shock towers are found front and rear, lightweight and durable, and now with extra mounting positions to help dial in the suspension to track conditions. The suspension includes front and rear adjustable turnbuckles, front and rear sway bars, molded nylon caster blocks and steering blocks. The innovative D413 triangulated shock tower mounts are carried over to the D418 for exceptional durability.