Tamiya Eunos Roadster - 1/24 Scale

The Eunos Roadster, also known as the MX-5 or MX-5 Miata, remains today one of the world�s most popular sports cars. With more than 500,000 units produced from 1989-1999, the Roadster currently holds the world record for the most number of units produced in the lightweight open two-seater sports car category. Over the years it has under gone various improvements, including upgrading the DOHC engine from a 1.6 liter to a 1.8 liter, adding a more durable body, a strengthened drive system, and a redesigned suspension system for improved handling. In 1998, Mazda produced an upgraded NB model of the Roadster in order to comply with new strict safety standards. The Eunos Roadster has evolved into the ultimate fun, accessible sports car, fortifying its global popularity and world record performance.

Model Reviews:

http://www.modelzone.co.uk/tamiya_mazda_eunos_roadsterkit-details.htm

Revell Acura RSX Type S - 1/25 Scale

The Honda Integra DC5 is a Japanese vehicle, which was also known as the Acura RSX in North America and Hong Kong. It is available in base and "Type-S" trim levels in North America, and a "Integra iS / Integra Type S" and "Type R" version sold in Japan and Oceania.

The base RSX has the K20A3 motor with an output of 160 hp (119 kW) and is offered with either an automatic or a five-speed manual transmission; the Type-S has a 200 hp (2002-2004) K20A2 or 210 hp (157 kW) in 2005 K20Z1 motor and a short-throw 6-speed manual transmission. For the 2006 model year vehicles Honda switched to the Rev 8/04 SAE standards for measuring hp. The base RSX for 2006 was rated at 155 hp (116 kW) and the Type-S was rated at 201 hp (150 kW). In 2005 the RSX Type-S received camshafts, b-pipe and muffler, 4.77 final drive ratio, crankshaft pulley and the intake snorkel duct from the Japanese model Honda Integra Type-R. The rev-limit was also increased from 8100 rpm to 8300 rpm. Another major change made to the inline VTEC-i engine was the use of a timing chain rather than a timing belt, which reduced maintenance needs.

Model Review:

http://www.ehobbies.com/rmx851547.html

Revell Honda Civic Hatchback Tuner Series - 1/24 Scale

1996-2000

A revamped Civic lineup debuted for 1996. The new body featured larger light clusters fore and aft, a grille (chrome-accented on sedans) and a crisp character line that ran the length of the car. Hatchbacks now had the 103.2-inch wheelbase of the coupes and sedans, and overall length was up around 2 to 4 inches, depending on body style.

Sedans were again offered in DX, LX and EX trim levels. A new coupe, the HX, joined the DX and EX coupes. The HX coupe essentially replaced the VX hatchback, offering high mileage figures from a fairly powerful engine. The revised VTEC-E engine (now at 1.6 liters) in the HX put out 23 more horsepower (for a total of 115 ponies) than the previous version but now "only" scored mileage figures of 39 in the city and 45 on the highway. A gearless continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that promised seamless performance and manual-transmission fuel economy was introduced later in the year as an option for the HX. The hatchback lineup was trimmed down to two models, the CX and DX. A new 1.6-liter 106-horsepower engine that earned Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) certification powered the CX, DX and LX, and a slightly more powerful 127-horsepower VTEC-assisted version was found in the EX models.

Model Kit Review:

http://www.ehobbies.com/rmx852389.html

Fujimi Tommy Kaira M 30 - 1/24 Scale

Tommy Kaira, formally Tomita Dream Sales, is a Japanese car tuning and manufacturing company founded on May 1, 2002 and headquartered in Minami-ku, Kyoto, Japan.[1] The company was named after its two founders, Yoshikazu Tomita and Kikuo Kaira.[2] Its parent company was originally founded in 1968 as Tomita Dream Factory. Several of its Tommy Kaira's custom cars have appeared in the Gran Turismo series of video games since Gran Turismo 2, as well as Forza Motorsport for the Xbox and Forza Motorsport 2 for the Xbox 360.[3][4][5

1988 M30 model is regarded as the first integrally tuned Japanese automobile, an integral tuning that implied rebranding of the original model. This fact acknowledged the capability of Tommy Kaira as an important aftermarket manufacturer and prepared the way for the launch of the company as a consolidated car manufacturer with the self-conceived 1996 ZZ model.

Revell Datsun 240Z - 1/24 Scale

With the 1970 Datsun 240Z, the Japanese auto industry arguably moved from follower to leader. Nissan copied no one with the Datsun 240Z. The 240Z was not Nissan's first noteworthy sports car, as it was preceded by the Datsun 1600 and 2000 roadsters. Very good sports cars, but they looked much like the British MGB. The mechanics under the 240Z's beautiful body was before normally only found in much more expensive sports cars. In Japan and some other markets the 240Z was called the Fairlady Z.

The 240Z was powered by a smooth-running 2.4 liter, single-overhead-camshaft, straight six-cylinder engine. For the North American market, it was rated at 151-horsepower at 5,600 rpm with a 7,000 rpm redline. Other specifications included a fully-independent suspension, rack-and-pinion steering and disc/drum brakes. The well-laid out interior with complete instrumentation could comfortably accommodate an over 6-foot tall driver and passenger . The luggage area was huge by sports car standards. The heater worked exceptionally well, the interior was draft-free, the thin bucket seats were comfortable and the firm, taut suspension provided a reasonably comfortable ride. Up until 1972, 240Zs sold in the U.S. came only with a four-speed manual transmission. Then a three-speed automatic became optional. A standard five-speed transmission did not appear in U.S. cars until the 1977 with the 280Z.

The best part was the introductory base price of just over $3,500. Because of the huge initial demand, most were "loaded" to drive up profits. These included mandatory options, expensive aftermarket wheels and tires and sometimes even blatant markups to the point where 240Zs sticker prices came out at as much as $5,500.
There were few changes to the first generation Z-cars since Nissan could sell all the cars it was building, and more. The changes made were done mainly to satisfy more stringent government safety and emission mandates. By 1973, emissions regulations started to drastically affect the performance of the 240Z when the horsepower dropped to 129-horsepower at 6,000 rpm, partly because of more conservative way the automaker rated their engines.

Model Kit Review:

http://www.scalewiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Revell_Datsun_240Z_%26_BRE_Datsun_240Z

http://www.hubhobbyshop.com/review61.htm

Tamiya Toyota Celica 7th Generation - 1/24 Scale

Seventh generation (2000-2006)

In 2000, Toyota began production of the seventh generation Celica. It was very close to the XYR concept with the exception of the front bumper and rear spoiler. The 2000 Celica was an element of Toyota Project Genesis, an effort to bring younger buyers to the marque in the United States. The new Celica was styled at Calty Design Research, Inc., in Newport Beach, Calif. The cab-forward design featured a high-fashion look with Indy-car design elements. Sharp-edged panels, dramatic plunging curves, a tall tail and a radically lowered front fascia were stark contrasts compared to past models. The new Celica was shorter in length, but longer in wheelbase with greatly reduced front- and rear-overhangs. This Celica came in two trim levels, the GT powered by an economical 1.8 L 4-cylinder 140 hp engine and the GT-S powered by a higher-performance 1.8 L 4-cylinder 180 hp version, co-developed with Yamaha. Both of these engines featured Toyota’s signature VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence) system, which continuously varies the camshaft timing. The GT-S had a more aggressive system called the VVTL-i (Variable Valve Timing with Lift and Intelligence), which is similar to the VVT-i except until 6200 rpm, when valve lift is increased a fraction further to provide an abrupt increase in power, accounting for the 40 hp difference. The GT was available in both a 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic and the GT-S was available with a close-ratio 6-speed manual and a 4-speed manumatic.