XMODS
Encyclopedia
XMODS are 1:28 scale electric radio-controlled car
s. 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 truck
s. 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.
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
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.
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) http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2776071&cp=&pg=2&sr=1&origkw=XMODS&kw=xmods&parentPage=search
Barricade
(2007 Saleen S281
(Ford Mustang variant) Police Car) http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2776070&cp=&pg=2&sr=1&origkw=XMODS&kw=xmods&parentPage=search
The released models include:
2008 Nissan GT-R
1965 Ford Mustang
2008 Chevrolet Corvette C6 Z06
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 370Z
http://www.xmodsource.com/forum/showpost.php?p=232145&postcount=20
2009 Dodge Challenger SRT-8http://www.xmodsource.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17681
Others will be announced later.http://www.xmodsource.com/forum/showpost.php?p=167552&postcount=83
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:
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
1967 Chevrolet Camaro
SS
2009 Nissan GT-R
2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X
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 frequncies. (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.http://www.atomicmods.com/Categories/QandA-1-28-XMODS-Generation-1.aspx#Motors_Speed_Comparison
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.
Radio-controlled car
Radio-controlled cars are self-powered model cars or trucks that can be controlled from a distance using a specialized transmitter...
s. The cars' primary marketing focus is on customization, and they are available in a variety of body styles and types traditionally favored by tuners
Car tuning
Car tuning is both an industry and a hobby, in which an automobile is modified in order to improve its performance, handling and appearance. As most vehicles leave the factory set up for average driver expectations and average conditions, tuning has become a way to personalize the characteristics...
. Fall 2005 saw the introduction of a new model line dubbed "Evolution" which also features a line of truck
Truck
A truck or lorry is a motor vehicle designed to transport cargo. Trucks vary greatly in size, power, and configuration, with the smallest being mechanically similar to an automobile...
s. The cars are distributed by RadioShack
RadioShack
RadioShack Corporation is an American franchise of electronics retail stores in the United States, as well as parts of Europe, South America and Africa. As of 2008, RadioShack reported net sales and operating revenues of $4.81 billion. The headquarters of RadioShack is located in Downtown...
in the United States, by Hobby Products International
Hobby Products International
Hobby Products International or HPI of Foothill Ranch, California, USA is a manufacturer of on- and off-road radio-controlled cars, both electric and nitromethane powered.-Timeline:...
(HPI Racing) in Japan and by Carson Modellsport (Subdivision of Tamiya Germany) in Europe.
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 InternationalHobby Products International
Hobby Products International or HPI of Foothill Ranch, California, USA is a manufacturer of on- and off-road radio-controlled cars, both electric and nitromethane powered.-Timeline:...
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
- Yellow or Black; Blue version available only in Europe and Asia through HPI. Silver version available only in Germany on Evolution chassis.
1997 Toyota Supra
- Red or White
2000 Honda Civic Si Coupe
- Blue or Black
2003 Honda Integra/Acura RSX
- Silver
2004 Honda/Acura NSX
- Yellow; White version available only in Europe and Asia through HPI.
2004 Nissan 350Z
Nissan 350Z
The Nissan 350Z is a two seat sports car that was manufactured by Nissan from 2002 to 2009 and marks the fifth generation of Nissan's Z-car line. The 350Z entered production in late 2002 and was sold and marketed as a 2003 model. The first year there was only a coupe, as the roadster did not debut...
- Copper; Silver version available only in Europe and Asia through HPI. Blue version available only in Germany on Evolution chassis.
2003 Chevrolet Corvette C5
Chevrolet Corvette C5
The Chevrolet Corvette is a sports car produced by the Chevrolet division of General Motors for the 1997 through 2004 model years.- Overview :...
- Silver
1967 Chevrolet Camaro
- Red; Orange version available only in Germany on Evolution chassis.
1965 Ford Mustang
First-generation Ford Mustang
The first-generation Ford Mustang is the original pony car, manufactured by Ford Motor Company from 1964 until 1973.It was initially introduced as a hardtop and convertible with the fastback version put on sale the following year...
coupe
- Light Blue; Dark Blue available only in Germany on Evolution chassis.
2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STI
Subaru Impreza WRX STI
The Subaru Impreza WRX STI, has the highest trim in the Subaru Impreza compact car line, produced by Japanese automaker Subaru.In the late 1980s, Subaru created the Subaru Tecnica International division to coordinate development for the FIA World Rally Championship and other motorsports activities...
- Blue; White, Orange HPI and Yellow Fujitsubo Racing Colors version available only in Europe and Asia through HPI
2004 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is an Anglo-German grand tourer car jointly developed by Mercedes-Benz and McLaren Automotive, built in Portsmouth and the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, Surrey, England and sold from 2003 to 2009...
- Silver; available only in Europe and Asia through HPI.
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
- Silver
2003 Honda Integra/Acura RSX
- Black
2004 Ford Mustang Cobra
- Red
XMODS Evolution
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
- Purple
2004 Hummer H2
Hummer H2
The Hummer H2 is an SUV and SUT that was marketed by General Motors under the Hummer brand. It is a large truck , while longer, heavier , and taller with room for six passengers , seven passengers in some models. The rearmost part of the H2 SUV was modified to a pickup truck bed for the 2005 H2 SUT...
- Black
2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII
- Graphite Gray
2005 Ford Mustang
Fifth-generation Ford Mustang
-Mustang:The 2005–2009 base Mustang is powered by Ford's cast iron block 4.0 L Cologne SOHC V6, replacing the 3.8 L Essex OHV V6 used in 2004 and older models...
- Dark Blue
2005 Nissan Skyline V35/Infiniti G35
- Red
2005 Ford F-150
- Orange
2006 Ford Mustang
Fifth-generation Ford Mustang
-Mustang:The 2005–2009 base Mustang is powered by Ford's cast iron block 4.0 L Cologne SOHC V6, replacing the 3.8 L Essex OHV V6 used in 2004 and older models...
- Dark Blue
2006 Scion tC
Scion tC
The Scion tC is an automobile manufactured and sold by Scion, a division of Toyota. Introduced in the United States in June 2004 and Canada in 2010. The name tC does not fit in with its stablemates the xA, xB, and xD, because the name XC designation has already been used by Volvo for its lineup of...
- Silver
2006 Nissan Titan
Nissan Titan
The Nissan Titan introduced in 2004, is a full-size pickup truck produced for the North American market by Nissan. The truck shares the stretched Nissan F-Alpha platform with the Nissan Armada and Infiniti QX56 SUVs, and is manufactured in Canton, Mississippi, United States.-Market and sales:The...
- Red
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
Bumblebee
Bumblebee (Transformers)
Bumblebee is the name of several fictional characters from the various Transformers universes. In most incarnations, Bumblebee is a small, yellow Autobot with the altmode of a compact car.- Transformers: Generation 1 :...
(2009 Chevrolet Camaro Concept) http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2776071&cp=&pg=2&sr=1&origkw=XMODS&kw=xmods&parentPage=search
- Golden Yellow with Black Stripes
- Accessory kit comes with light kit, hood-mounted cannon and door-mounted missile launchers.
Barricade
Barricade (Transformers)
Barricade is the name of four fictional characters in the various Transformers universes.-Transformers: Generation 1:Barricade first featured in 1990 as part of a Decepticon race track patrol team, his vehicle mode being a Formula One racing car....
(2007 Saleen S281
Saleen S281
The Saleen S-281 is a variant introuced between the 4th and 5th generations of Ford Mustang which was produced by the American manufacturer Saleen, Inc. By 2005, Saleen departed from being a company of modifying existing Ford Mustangs as well as various other Ford automobiles, and now became an...
(Ford Mustang variant) Police Car) http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2776070&cp=&pg=2&sr=1&origkw=XMODS&kw=xmods&parentPage=search
- Black with white doors
- Accessory kit comes with light kit, headlight claws and hood-mounted missile launcher.
XMODS Street
The 3rd Generation XMODS were confirmed on July 2, 2008 via RadioShack employee memos and were released on October of that year. As of January, 2010 the Street series has been discontinued.The released models include:
2008 Nissan GT-R
Nissan GT-R
The Nissan GT-R is a sports car produced by Nissan released in Japan on December 6, 2007, the United States on July 4, 2008, and the rest of the world in March 2009.-History:...
- Silver
1965 Ford Mustang
First-generation Ford Mustang
The first-generation Ford Mustang is the original pony car, manufactured by Ford Motor Company from 1964 until 1973.It was initially introduced as a hardtop and convertible with the fastback version put on sale the following year...
- Black
2008 Chevrolet Corvette C6 Z06
- Atomic Orange
2008 Audi R8http://www.xmodsource.com/forum/showpost.php?p=187917&postcount=9
- Gunmetal
2010 Ford Mustanghttp://www.xmodsource.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17211
- Burgundy
2009 Nissan 370Z
Nissan 370Z
The Nissan 370Z is a sports car manufactured by Nissan Motors. It was announced on October 29, 2008 and was first shown at an event in Los Angeles ahead of the 2008 Greater LA Auto Show, before being officially unveiled at the show itself...
http://www.xmodsource.com/forum/showpost.php?p=232145&postcount=20
2009 Dodge Challenger SRT-8http://www.xmodsource.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17681
- Orange
Others will be announced later.http://www.xmodsource.com/forum/showpost.php?p=167552&postcount=83
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:
- Crystals have been removed and soldered onto the electronics board and inside the controller. Each car has one of two dedicated channels (out of a total of 10 different channels).
- Foam inserts in XMODS plastic box have been replaced with plastic similar to holding body kit pieces.
- Decals include flames and XMODS stickers. No magazine is included.
- Rubber is used to protect parts of the motor
- Less wheel wobble, a concern with older XMODS Evolution models.
- Rear A-Arms and motor cradle have been reinforced.
- The Nissan GT-R has rubber side mirrors, similar to the ones on the Bumblebee Camaro XMODS.
- There are no body kit options for any of the cars. The bumpers and spoiler are molded onto the body of all of the cars.
XMODS Micro RC
ZipZaps
ZipZaps were miniature radio-controlled cars sold by RadioShack, currently marketed under the brand name XMODS Micro RC. They were commonly compared to Tomy's Bit Char-G ZipZaps were miniature radio-controlled cars sold by RadioShack, currently marketed under the brand name XMODS Micro RC. They...
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
Chevrolet Corvette C1
The Chevrolet Corvette is the first generation of the sports car by the Chevrolet division of General Motors introduced late in the 1953 model year and produced through 1962. It is commonly referred to as the "solid-axle" generation, as the independent rear suspension didn't appear until the 1963...
1967 Chevrolet Camaro
First-generation Chevrolet Camaro
The first-generation Chevrolet Camaro appeared on September 26, 1966, for the 1967 model year on an all brand new rear-wheel drive GM F-body platform and would be available as a 2-door, 2+2 seat, coupe or convertible with a choice of six-cylinder and V8 powerplants...
SS
- Blue
2009 Nissan GT-R
Nissan GT-R
The Nissan GT-R is a sports car produced by Nissan released in Japan on December 6, 2007, the United States on July 4, 2008, and the rest of the world in March 2009.-History:...
- Silver
2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X
Future of Xmods
There are rumors that Xmods will be released again. These are slight rumors, however, and no official information is available at this time.http://www.xmodsource.com/forum/showpost.php?p=259670&postcount=1 Information on body and chassis types have not been released either.Modifications
Crystal oscillator
A crystal oscillator is an electronic oscillator circuit that uses the mechanical resonance of a vibrating crystal of piezoelectric material to create an electrical signal with a very precise frequency...
to allow the cars to operate on multiple frequncies. (Note: The crystal has been discontinued.)
Tutorials for modifications are also available on various XMODS forum sites. In Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
, HPI distributes XMODS, in Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
distributed by CARSON Modellsport, with the cars having the same colors as those offered in the U.S.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
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.http://www.atomicmods.com/Categories/QandA-1-28-XMODS-Generation-1.aspx#Motors_Speed_Comparison
Some people have used servo
Servomechanism
thumb|right|200px|Industrial servomotorThe grey/green cylinder is the [[Brush |brush-type]] [[DC motor]]. The black section at the bottom contains the [[Epicyclic gearing|planetary]] [[Reduction drive|reduction gear]], and the black object on top of the motor is the optical [[rotary encoder]] for...
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.
External links
- xmodsrc.com, Official RadioShack website. This website currently is not working.
- xmodsinternational.com, Largest Xmods Store.
- Atomic Mods