XMODS

XMODS are 1:28 scale electric radio-controlled cars. The cars' primary marketing focus is on customization, and they are available in a variety of body styles and types traditionally favored by tuners. Fall 2005 saw the introduction of a new model line dubbed "Evolution" which also features a line of trucks. The cars are distributed by RadioShack in the United States, by Hobby Products International (HPI Racing) in Japan and by Carson Modellsport (Subdivision of Tamiya Germany) in Europe.

Nissan Skyline with available body kit.

Models

Generation 1

The original, first-generation XMODS were released in the Fall of 2003, featuring semi-proportional steering and modular construction enabling parts to be swapped. Eleven body styles have been released (one exclusive to Europe and Asia). Hobby Products International continues to distribute the generation 1 car, though RadioShack has discontinued the line in the United States.

For the U.S. models, each car comes with a mini-magazine (Super Street for the Japanese models and Hot Rod for the American models), featuring write-ups on selected models and upgrade accessories.

1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 V.spec

1997 Toyota Supra

2000 Honda Civic Si Coupe

2003 Honda Integra/Acura RSX

2004 Honda/Acura NSX

2004 Nissan 350Z

2003 Chevrolet Corvette C5

1967 Chevrolet Camaro

1965 Ford Mustang coupe

2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STI

2004 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren

In addition to body kits for the models above, other body shells were available separately. These came with matching body kits, controller steering wheels and compatible drive shafts.

1997 Toyota Supra

2003 Honda Integra/Acura RSX

2004 Ford Mustang Cobra

XMODS Evolution

Stock silver Scion tC
Silver Scion tC with retired Wild Body kit inspired by Five Axis
Red Nissan Titan with retired Off-Road Kit

The XMODS Evolution models were released in the autumn of 2005. They had substantial construction differences from the previous model and are available with either a car or truck chassis. The electronics were vastly improved, with one main board compared to two separate pieces in the generation 1 version. The motor was mounted transversely in contrast to generation 1's longitudinal layout. While the generation 1 chassis had a separate battery housing (each holding two AAA batteries) on each side, the Evolution chassis had one battery housing (holding four AAA batteries) at the bottom. This series was discontinued in the U.S. by RadioShack in mid-2007.

It was possible to swap bodies and most parts between the Evolution and generation 1 cars. Some models sold outside the U.S. by HPI featured repainted generation 1 bodies.

Like the previous generation models, each XMODS Evolution car came with a Super Street (Japanese models) or Hot Rod (American models) mini-magazine. Truck models had a Truckin' mini-magazine.

1967 Pontiac Firebird

2004 Hummer H2

2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII

2005 Ford Mustang

2005 Nissan Skyline V35/Infiniti G35

2005 Ford F-150

2006 Ford Mustang

2006 Scion tC

2006 Nissan Titan

In addition to body kits for the models above, A blue Ford F-150 body shell was available separately for the truck series. It came with body kits, controller steering wheel and compatible drive shafts and chassis extension parts.

Also, Yellow and Red Hummer H2 bodies were available through Carson in Germany. These had body color bumpers.

XMODS Evolution Transformers

Stock Xmods based on Transformer's Barricade

In June 2007, RadioShack released two XMODS Evolution models to coincide with the release of the film Transformers. Unlike other XMODS, which come in reusable plastic cases, these models came in standard boxes. Special body and light kits were available for these models. RadioShack stores were told not to sell them during a period in January due to a defect in the chassis. Under pressure, the chassis will crack and eventually break.

Bumblebee (2009 Chevrolet Camaro Concept)

Barricade (2007 Saleen S281 Police Car)

XMODS Evolution Street

The street XMODS were confirmed on July 2, 2008 via RadioShack employee memos and were released on October of that year.[8][9] As of January, 2010 the Street series has been discontinued.

The released models include:

2008 Nissan GT-R[10]

1965 Ford Mustang [11]

2008 Chevrolet Corvette C6 Z06[12]

2008 Audi R8

2010 Ford Mustang

2009 Nissan 370Z

2009 Dodge Challenger SRT-8

The XMODS Street series cars run on the XMODS Evolution chassis and include the same upgrades as the 1st and 2nd release XMODS Evolution series such as the Stage 2 Motor Upgrades and Command Logic Light Kit but also offer new upgrades such as the ground effects lighting kit, precision metal bearings, suspension and steering kits, as well as custom wheel and tire sets.

Currents differences of the XMODS chassis are:

XMODS Generation 3

In fall 2013 RadioShack released a new XMOD with two brand new chassis designs, touring and buggy. The new models are 1:24 in scale as opposed to the previous generations' 1:28 and feature generic bodies. New features include a 2.4 GHz radio, a lithium ion upgrade, and staggered tires. Two other bodies are also available separately, one in a set with lights, and the other in a set with a "nitrous boost" ultracapacitor that allows a 3-5 second speed boost when a button on the controller is pressed. The other modifications available are extra tires, a high speed rear end and rear end with a faster motor, and an all wheel drive upgrade. This new generation of Xmods did not have licensing from any automotive maker and therefore featured generic bodies. As of 2015, Xmods have once again been discontinued and RadioShack does not have any plans to reintroduce the Xmods line.

XMODS Micro RC

Chevrolet Camaro SS
Chevrolet Corvette

RadioShack relaunched the ZipZaps Micro RC line under the XMODS banner on October 2008. Aside from the new labels that bear the XMODS Micro RC logo, the packaging is similar to the ZipZaps line. All parts, (motors, wheel covers, bodies, etc.) are backwards and forwards compatible between Zipzaps and XMODS Micro, with the exception of the 2009 models, which have one-piece wheels that do not allow the swapping of wheel covers. However, all other ZipZap and XMODS Micro parts will fit on the 2009 chassis. The cars use the traditional box-type controller, as opposed to the gun-type controller of the ZipZaps SE line. Current models include the following:

1959 Chevrolet Corvette[13]

1967 Chevrolet Camaro SS[14]

2009 Nissan GT-R

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

Modifications

Nissan Titan Xmods with a servo modification

XMODS can be extensively modified using parts supplied by RadioShack and other aftermarket vendors. The starter kits advertise the ability to change the motor, wheels, tires, trim kit, springs/shocks, and bearings (From nylon bushings to steel bearings), add lighting kits, and swap the crystal to allow the cars to operate on multiple frequencies. (Note: The crystal has been discontinued.)

Tutorials for modifications are also available on various XMODS forum sites. In Japan, HPI distributes XMODS, in Europe distributed by CARSON Modellsport, with the cars having the same colors as those offered in the U.S. by RadioShack, but also some exclusive body colors and body tops not available to the US market.

Even though each model has a different body, all models in a particular line share the same or similar chassis. The most notable difference in the chassis is its length relative to its body top. You can also add motor upgrades onto them for faster speeds.

While using non-RadioShack upgrades, it is possible to achieve up to and over 40 MPH.

Some people have used servo motors in their XMODS trucks to achieve higher torque, resulting in easier crawling, but with a very limited top speed.

People have modified the electronics by using hobby grade electronics, improving the speed, range, and smoothness of the servo in XMODS.

References

  1. ↑ HPI - Nissan Skyline GT-R R34
  2. ↑ HPI - Honda NSX
  3. ↑ HPI - Nissan Fairlady Z
  4. ↑ HPI - Subaru Impreza WRX STI (white)
  5. ↑ HPI - Subaru Impreza WRX STI (HPI Racing)
  6. ↑ HPI - Subaru Impreza WRX STI (Fujitsubo Racing)
  7. ↑ HPI - Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
  8. ↑ As of January, 2010 the Street series has been discountinued.HackDen.com - XMODS
  9. ↑ XMODSource.com Forums
  10. ↑ RadioShack - XMODS Street Nissan GT-R
  11. ↑ RadioShack - XMODS Street Ford Mustang
  12. ↑ XMODS Street Chevrolet Corvette C6 Z06
  13. ↑ XMODS Micro RC - 1959 Chevrolet Corvette
  14. ↑ XMODS Micro RC - 1967 Chevrolet Camaro SS
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