XMODS were 1:28 scale electric radio-controlled cars. Originally invented by Nobuaki Ogihara in Japan, XMODS were released with several body styles over multiple generations.[1] Due to the popularity of tuner culture in the early to mid 2000's, the cars' primary marketing focus was on customization. This was reflected by the various first party body kits and upgrades released with XMODS. The cars were distributed by RadioShack in the United States, by Hobby Products International (HPI Racing) in Japan, Mirage RC in the U.K. (Distributor of HPI Products in the U.K.), and by Carson Modellsport (Subdivision of Tamiya Germany) in Europe.
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 were released with several colors and a body exclusive to Europe and Asia.
For XMODS released through RadioShack and HPI, each car came 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 Acura RSX
Released as the Honda Integra in non-U.S. Markets
2004 Acura NSX
Released as the Honda NSX in non-U.S. Markets
2004 Nissan 350Z
1967 Chevrolet Camaro
1965 Ford Mustang Fastback
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 Acura RSX
Released as the Honda Integra in non-U.S. Markets
2004 Ford Mustang Cobra
The XMODS Evolution models were released in the Autumn of 2005 with substantial construction differences when compared to the previous XMODS Generation 1 generation:
Despite these differences, it was still possible to swap bodies wheels between the Evolution and Generation 1 cars. Some models sold outside the U.S. by Carson and 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. The XMODS Evolution generation was eventually discontinued in mid-2007.
1967 Pontiac Firebird
2006 Ford Mustang
2005 Infiniti G35
2006 Scion tC
2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII
2005 Ford F-150
2006 Nissan Titan
2004 Hummer H2
2003 Porsche Cayenne Turbo
1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 V.spec
1967 Chevrolet Camaro
1965 Ford Mustang Coupe
2004 Nissan 350Z
In addition to body kits for the models above, the following body shells were available separately. With the exception of the lexan bodies, they came with a body kit, controller steering wheel, and compatible chassis extension piece.
2005 Ford F-150
2006 BMW 320si
In June 2007, RadioShack released two XMODS Evolution models to coincide with the release of the film Transformers. Unlike other XMODS, which came in reusable plastic cases, these models came in cardboard boxes. Special body and light kits were available for these models.
Bumblebee (2009 Chevrolet Camaro Concept) [11]
Barricade (2007 Saleen S281 Police Car)[12]
The XMODS Evolution Street generation was confirmed in mid-2008 via RadioShack employee memos and were released on October of that year. Compared to the previous XMODS Evolution generation, the Evolution Street had several differences:
In late 2010, the Evolution Street generation was discontinued.
2008 Nissan GT-R[13]
1965 Ford Mustang [14]
2008 Chevrolet Corvette C6 Z06[15]
2008 Audi R8http://www.xmodsource.com/forum/showpost.php?p=187917&postcount=9
2010 Ford Mustanghttp://www.xmodsource.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17211
2009 Nissan 370Zhttp://www.xmodsource.com/forum/showpost.php?p=232145&postcount=20
2009 Dodge Challenger SRT-8http://www.xmodsource.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17681
Along with the release of the XMODS Evolution Street models, RadioShack relaunched the ZipZaps Micro RC line under the XMODS Micro banner. Aside from the new labels that bear the XMODS Micro RC logo, the packaging was similar to the ZipZaps line. All parts (e.g. motors, wheel covers, bodies, etc.) on the XMODS Micro line were compatible between ZipZaps and vice versa, with the exception of the 2009 models, which have one-piece wheels that do not allow the swapping of wheel covers. The cars use the traditional box-type controller, as opposed to the gun-type controller used in the ZipZaps SE line.
2009 Nissan GT-R
2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X
In Fall 2013, RadioShack released a new XMODS with two brand-new chassis designs, touring and buggy. The new models were 1:24 in scale as opposed to the previous generations' 1:28. This generation of XMODS did not have licensing from any automotive maker. In lieu of this, generic bodies were used along with bodies modeled after the Kamata SYNCi, Lucky & Wild Evolver, and Kamata RC410 from the Ridge Racer video game series. New features include a 2.4 GHz radio, a lithium-ion battery 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- to 5-second speed boost when a button on the controller is pressed. Other upgrades that were available were extra tires, a high speed rear end, rear end with a faster motor, and an all wheel drive upgrade. In 2015, the Generation 3 XMODS were discontinued.
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, in some generations, swap the crystal to allow the cars to operate on multiple frequencies.
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.[18]
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 replaced the stock electronics with hobby grade electronics to improve smoothness of the servo, improving the top speed, and range.
