Working for 2NR has been a learning experience for me to say the least. When the editor asked me to write a story on the XMODS cars, I merely flipped the folder onto my desk and gave the proverbial head nod. I figured it for another of the many press releases I go through each month. When I finally got around to doing the story and looking at the car I was sent to go along with it, I realized how wrong I'd been.
I'm not one to give false praise, but these little cars are the best things to hit the import scene since well, Import Tuner. So you want one but you want to know more about 'em first? 2NR tested and 2NR approved, these cars come in four different starter platforms from Nissan, Acura, Honda and Toyota. Once armed with this starter kit, you can customize the look and performance of your XMOD like you did your own car. Everything from custom graphics, suspensions and body kits to upgrade motors is available. You can even start your own XMOD car club and get together to race these super-fast RCs. You can compete with up to 12 cars at once on 12 different 27-MHz frequency bands.
XMODS were designed with performance, quality, customization and control in mind. The most important factors involved in the creation of this genius were to keep price and authenticity in mind. With speeds reaching 15 mph stock and up to 20 mph with upgrades, you can be sure these will beat any of the other RC cars on your block. All cars have true-to-spec modular bodies, two-wheel drive (upgradeable to AWD if you'd like), a digital proportional steering system and precision-detailed add ons. And that's just what's in the starter kit!
When I opened up the box to the Nissan Skyline, I was amazed at the details that were thought of by its creators. The car rest in a clear toolbox-like contraption and the chassis lay separate from the body and wheels. Typical of any tuner nut, I tore into the parts and checked everything out, determined to build it on my own, without looking at the directions. Although highly intuitive, I still suggest double-checking your moves with the provided booklet. The starter kit comes with all screws, nuts and tools to put it together, including the necessary lug wrench and screwdriver. It also comes with removable side skirts, hood and rear wing so you can upgrade these at your convenience. Take it even further and customize the paint job...you know you've got a buddy at a body shop who'd love to put some graphics on your mini ride.
After I had all the goodies together, I set the little yellow Skyline down on my hardwood floors at home and watched as the Nissan slid around corners, stopped on a dime--it's got electric brakes--and ran into my dog's nose. Though my pooch wasn't too happy about the rude intruder, I was ecstatic about its performance. Makes me wanna buy every platform and put them all to the test. XMODS racing anyone?
Much better than the two-inch ZipZaps that hit recently, these XMODS are worth the money you spend on the starter kit; the possibilities for build up are incredible and you can even create your own individual, customized garage of XMOD cars! Next up, drift engine conversion and test drive in the 2NR parking garage.
Platforms
2001 Nissan Skyline GT-R
2003 Acura RSX
2000 Honda Civic Coupe
1997 Toyota Supra
Upgrades
Bomex bumpers and side panels
Ace, Enkei and Tenzo high-performance rollers
Eibach suspension kit
Sparco steering wheel
Tire upgrades
Motor upgrades (Drifting, Dragging, Road Race or Top Speed)
All-wheel drive conversion
Command Logic Lights (head and tail lights)
Tool set
ZipZaps vs. XMODS
ZipZaps
Size: 1/64th
Collectability: Platforms from the '60s on up, including muscle cars and movie vehicles
Audience: Everyone
Customization: Wheels, motors, body tops
Availability: RadioShack
Price: $19.99 Starter kit; Add-on kits from $4.99 to $19.99
XMODS
Size: 1/28th
Collectability: Strictly Tuner platforms focused on bolt-on technology
Audience: Import fans; mostly males 13 and up
Customization: just about everything; all upgrades are licensed through original companies; Upgrades are built for performance rather than looks.
Availability: RadioShack; www.xmodsRC.com
Price: $49.99 Starter kit; Add-on kits from $7.99 to $29.99