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transformers

Nissan GT-R Transformers Toy Poses Next To Real Nissan GT-R

When we first heard of the Nissan GT-R Transformers toy, it was still a colorless prototype. Now we see what it looks like in all its hopefully lead-free paint. They've even found a real Nissan GT-R to pose next to it. Maybe it's actually the full-scale model ready to do battle with the GM Autobots? Okay, obviously not, but it's too bad we wont be seeing this GT-R up on the big screen in the upcoming Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen. These shots were taken at the 2008 Chara Hobby show in Chiba, Japan. The Tomy Takara toy should be going into production in the next few months, but getting your hands on one over here in the US may take a little longer.


[via GT-R Blog]

novelties

The Air Hog Zero Gravity Micro R/C Car Uses Vacuum To Drive On Walls And Ceilings

Ever tried to drive an R/C car on the wall only to come face-to-face with that stupidest of Newton's laws — gravity? No more! Air Hog Zero Gravity Micro R/C cars channel Jim Hall and his Chaparral 2J design, using a small fan to create enough suction to allow the little radio-controlled critters to cruise right up a flat wall and even across the ceiling. We're not sure if you can shut the things down mid-cruise, allowing you to launch off the ceiling ballistic-missile-style right into someone's head, but we're sure hoping so. And for just $44, ask yourself: Can you afford not to have one? [Dvice]

jetstream sc250

Jetstream SC250 Guaranteed To Drive Better Than It Looks

The Jetstream SC250 may look like a bad Chinese knock-off of a KTM X-Bow, but it actually sounds quite promising. Weighing in at just 1540 pounds, the little Brit gets plenty of grunt thanks to a 2.0-liter turbocharged General Motors four-banger channeled through a six-speed gearbox. The 250 HP and 236 lb-ft push the car from 0-60 in under four seconds, through the quarter-mile traps in just 11.8 seconds, and on to a top speed of about 165 MPH. But straight-line speed alone won't be enough to escape from the ugly.
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toys

World Smallest Solar Racing Car Just $22.00

The world's smallest solar-powered racing car is smaller than a matchbook and, at just £11.99, it's actually affordable. With dimensions of 33×22x14 mm, it's also rather cute. The tiny electric car is basically a solar cell with a miniature electric motor and four wheels, able to run either on the power of the sun or on the power of a strong artificial light. The claim of it being a "race car" is a bit dubious, but we've already invented a way to race the cars. Buy two of them and see which one soaks up the sun best for the ultimate, eco-friendly drag race.
[EcoTopia via inhabitat]

2009 nissan gt-r

Nissan GT-R Transformers Toy Turns Godzilla Into Killer Robot

The Nissan GT-R may be known as Godzilla, but Japanese toymaker Takara-Tomy sees the supercar more as a super robot. Don't get too excited: This 1/32 scale model doesn't mean you'll be seeing the GT-R on the big screen in Transformers: Revenge of The Fallen. Nope, this is just a toy, for now at least. But you'll at least be able to take one home in either red or black when they hit the shelves in November. [via CarScoop]

model cars

Trailer Park Special R/C Buick Finds A Way To Leave Puddle Of Electrons

Some of you with very long memories might recall having seen my Hayward-style Impala model last year. That was a fun project, but TexanIdiot has taken the whole weathered-model concept a big step further, by making a model beater that actually drives. Welcome to the Trailer Park Special R/C Buick model, which features duct tape aplenty and some marks that might not buff right out. Here's the full project thread; make the jump to see the entire gallery and get TexanIdiot's summary.


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gadgets

1:16 Scale Hummer HX Concept Raises Eyebrows

Hummer is on one hell of a rollercoaster ride lately. The brand may be done and the sales are plummeting, but the Hummer HX concept is still rumored to be involved in the Transformers sequel. And now, for the first time, the HX can be purchased by general consumers, at least in the toy form, with this remote-control 1:16 scale Hummer HX. It's available for $40, but don't confuse it with the Warthog. So what's going on, Hummer? Are you throwing in the towel or pushing on with concept designs that won't be hitting production anytime soon? [Product Page via Likecool]

toys

Ultimate Diecast Toy Car Created: 1979 Chrysler LeBaron Town And Country!

That's right, dear readers, humanity has now officially reached the pinnacle: diecast 1:24 and 1:60 scale replicas of the amazing '79 Chrysler LeBaron Town And Country station wagon! With an even hundred horses from its undaunted-by-Malaise 225 Slant Six, the 3,600-pound Town And Country provided a great example to road-tripping families eager to teach the kids about the proverb of the Tortoise And The Hare. Thanks to 57Sweptside for the tip! [Motormax]

el camino

El Camino Immortalized In Lego!

The character Earl J. Hickey of the TV show My Name Is Earl drives a '73 El Camino with some mismatched junkyard parts, and that was reason enough for this Lego modeler to recreate the famous cartruck in Danish plastic bricks. We're disappointed that we don't get to see the engine in the photos, since it's probably a super-accurate reproduction of a 307 with Moroso valve covers and a Supercoil. (Hat tip to Nicjasno!) [Brickshelf.com]



novelties

Honda Racer Hot Wheels Toy Is Whacky, Real Whacky

Hot Wheels' 40th anniversary is upon us and to celebrate Mattel, parent company of Hot Wheels, arranged the "Hot Wheels Designer's Challenge." This challenge gave a handful of big name car manufacturers like Honda, Lotus and Mitsubishi the opportunity to design a crazy ass Hot Wheels car. Honda decided to go above and beyond crazy with it's Honda Racer, which looks like something Speed Racer drives in his nightmares.
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classic ad watch

Railbird, The SSP Demon Dragster For '72!

As a young proto-hoon, I was more of a fan of the Smash Up Derby SSPs than of the "standard" SSP cars; since all SSPs were going to bash into baseboards, ankles, etc. at parent-enragin' velocity (which is probably the reason they're no longer made) the ones that featured parts flying off at impact were more entertaining. Still, it's impossible not to love the Railbird, the Flapjack, or the Dodge Super Stocker. If only there had been some way to combine SSPs with Lawn Darts!

autorama

Street Legal Cheetah Replicas To Hunt Cobras

There's no question that Cobras are cool, even in fiberglass kit form. But you've got to admit that the fiberglass snakes are becoming somewhat common now with all the companies being sued by Carroll Shelby making their own versions of the V8 roadster. So for those seeking an alternative, Ruth Engineering & Racing will be producing kits for streetable Cheetah replicas. The coupes can be fitted with any Chevy powertrain of your choice; this particular one with a 383 stroker. Suspension bits come from a donor C4 Corvette, but the leaf springs have been replaced by independent coil-overs. That means the new Cheetah should be able to tear up a road course, making this not just a cool cruiser, but a tactical trackday toy too. We'll take ours with an LS9. [RER - AmericanCheetahRacing.com]

classic ad watch

What, No Bootlegger Turns? Dukes of Hazzard Racing Sets From Ideal

You know what was missing from most slot-car racing sets? Jumps! Now, based on personal experience with slot cars, we'd say that the chance of a car making a jump and then landing back on the slot approach zero... but so what? It's Boss Hogg versus the Duke Boys!

novelties

Slot Car Wall Art: Where Functionality And Design Meet

Because we share a small apartment in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood, we've never quite had the space to install our own ultimate slot car track. In fact, we've yet to install any kind of slot car track in the apartment. We've got this guy to thank for providing a solution that meets our space requirements while also addresses the excess of whitespace on our walls. According to the creator, the Slot Car Wall Sculpture layouts are "practically infinite," which is funny considering his current version is a lemniscate.

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novelties

The Masculinity Jokes Are Endless With Grow Your Own Hummer

Everyone knows that Hummers are pretty damn big, but now they can get even bigger with Grow Your Own Hummer! Okay, I really doubt that this toy could get bigger than an actual Hummer, but who knows—those inflatable water-sponge things seem like they can defy the laws of physics. More »

novelties

Realistic Car Toys Teach Kids About Harsh Urban Reality

Kids get these shiny, indestructible car toys and they start thinking the whole grown-up vehicle thing is a walk in the freakin' park! That's when you give 'em some toys that more accurately reflect the catastrophes that are likely to befall the city-driven vehicle. The Urban Collectible series includes the Insurance Scam Minivan, the Petrol Bombed Jeep, and the Joyridden Hatchback, each of which shows a grim "after" automotive picture that's sure to enlighten the younguns. [Chinnychinchin.net]

classic ad watch

Bust Out The Wah-Wah Pedal: Aurora 24 Hours of Le Mans Slot Cars!

After seeing the '69 Torino ad the other day, we figured maybe all the ads of that era had music a thousand times lamer than the rock-und-roll those dope-addled freaks of the time were listening to. Oh, sure, we're not expecting the Mothers of Invention or the Stooges, but you'd think some buzz would maybe sneak in to a car-related ad soundtrack here or there. And it did! This 1970 24 Hours of Le Mans Aurora slot car set (with lights! and drifting!) ad gets the job done.

auto branding adventures

Ferrari Pedal Car Fuels Pre-Tween Envy

Our experience with the ad-hoc Adventures in Branding series have been so positive that we've decided to rebrand the whole idea. Henceforth, "Auto Branding Adventures." Look for it, and away we go. Unless you're a kid whose father is a pretentious Ferrari owner, there's no reason to own a toy like this one. Ferrari has decided to go really, really green with this Ferrari pedal car by ditching gasoline and the motor entirely for good old fashion human power. Obviously, Ferrari cut no corners during production. More »