Sports car in the usual sense of the word - fast car for smooth roads and high-speed curves. But sometimes something breaks down in the owners of such cars, and such projects are born - wild, absurd and suddenly cool. We have collected some of the brightest.

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Want a story about the deal of the century? A couple of years ago this BMW Z3 was on sale in Philadelphia. Initially, it was an ordinary roadster with a 1.9-liter engine and a machine gun, but at some point the owner freaked out, and a 2.5-liter inline six was registered under the hood, the machine gave way to mechanics, the suspension was updated, and most importantly, there appeared fat goodyear tires AT dimension 235/75/15. Of course, they did not fit into the regular arches. What did the owner do? That's right: he cut the rear fenders, and removed the front fenders altogether. Yes, a little barbaric ... But just recently it was all selling for a ridiculous $ 2800! And you can hardly find a second such Z3.

Volkswagen Karmann Ghia

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Perhaps this is the craziest Volkswagen Karmann Ghia on the planet. And it was made in the seventies! Yes, forty years ago, someone got the idea that an elegant German coupe is perfect for an extreme and ruthless trophy raid Baja 1000. So Karmann Ghia got a completely different suspension, huge wheels (and the rear, like a buggy, are noticeably larger front) and powerful underbody protection. As such, this coupe competed in the Baja 1000 rallies in 1979 and 1981, and somehow even managed to survive to this day.

The author of this project is named Markus, he lives in Texas and works as a mechanic. The fact that a Texas mechanic worked on this Nissan 350Z basically explains why the car ended up like this. The sports car was changed into evil off-road tires, a new exhaust was welded, the bottom was properly protected, an LED chandelier was mounted on the roof and a winch was attached. It turned out unexpectedly cool. But even cooler is the fact that his girlfriend helped Marcus to realize his venture. Marcus, we hope you didn't hesitate with the wedding ?!

Yes, crossovers, station wagons and even Subaru sedans with all-wheel drive feel good off-road, which is eloquently confirmed. But the Subaru BRZ coupe (it is the Scion FRS and Toyota GT86) was created a little differently: it is nimble, interestingly controlled and rides well on asphalt. But is there anything you can explain to the fans? Suspension lift two inches (almost five centimeters plus!), tall tires, a self-made all-road body kit - and now a Japanese sports car is happy to iron out deep puddles and muddy ruts. Just look!

However, the Scion FRS pokatushki look like digging in the sandbox compared to what this Mazda Miata can do. She has long and irrevocably said goodbye to the ring tracks. She got a suspension lift, cut her wings to shove big wheels with toothy rubber, scalded with a tubular power kit, and to top it off, they screwed a compressor to the motor so that the off-road was passed literally with a whistle. Sit down more comfortably - in the video below, the whole process of car modifications and spectacular shots with pokatushki. Happy viewing!

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Adventure travel, work, hobbies - these are three reasons to choose and buy your own off-road vehicle. Buying big and powerful machine - a serious and costly step, therefore, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the opinions of specialists and experienced motorists before choosing.

SUV or jeep - a car with increased cross-country ability... Due to the technical characteristics and special equipment, the car is capable of off-road driving. Often, an SUV and a crossover are used synonymously. Let's deal with these concepts.

Jeep \u003d Crossover?

Crossover and SUV - different types cars and are designed for various purposes.

Nikita Orlov, CEO of Podberi-Auto.Ru, auto expert:

“Today's car enthusiasts prefer taller cars. It can be both an urban crossover and a full-fledged SUV. A crossover is a conventional car with increased ground clearance and all-wheel drive. The car can be relevant in a small snowdrift or on a not very high-quality primer, but it will bring nothing but disappointment in a spring forest or in a field soggy after rain. A full-fledged SUV, designed for operation in harsh conditions, differs from its urban counterpart not only in its brutal appearance, but also in completely different technical characteristics. "

How to find a versatile option to drive through the forest and the city?

Which SUV to choose

To begin with, it is worthwhile to figure out what requirements consumers have when choosing a machine for a forest.

Evgeny Loginov, head of the company "My Expert - car selection in Yekaterinburg":

• Four-wheel drive (front-wheel drive crossover on mechanics will get stuck in the first puddle, so only 4x4!);
• The presence of a frame (if it is not family car, then the presence of the frame will help to increase the vehicle's cross-country ability by raising the body above the frame);
• Roomy trunk;
• Color, of course, is not so important, but neutral is better. On a silver or beige version, dirt and small scratches from branches are not visible;
• Diesel engine: no electronic system ignition, which means that the likelihood of "killing" or immobilizing the motor after passing a water obstacle is less;
• Manual Transmission. It is much easier to get out of a puddle, ford or snow rut on a mechanic. Such a box will have to be repaired less often than an automatic one ”.

Hunter and experienced motorist Eldar Khamitovhighlighted 3 main characteristics for an SUV:

• blocking differentials, at least 1;
• availability transfer case with a reduction gear;
• the SUV must be frame.

The motorist makes strict requirements for the SUV and believes that the urban version of the car for the forest does not exist. Eldar chose 3 best SUV: "Jeep Wrangler, Land rover Defender, Nissan Patrol ". And among those applying for optimal combination "Forest + city" called: Subaru forester (complete before 2007), Mitsubishi pajeroToyota Land cruiser.

“The most important requirement for an SUV is reliability. Indeed, at the moment of overcoming obstacles in the form of a large puddle, a river, a neighbor's fence, one does not want to break down halfway. "

Yuri is a member of many expeditions, including rescue ones, when he had to pull his friends out of impassable places, he has a humorous attitude to the choice of an SUV. He believes that "the cooler your jeep is, the further you will have to follow the tractor." When asked what is the best car for the forest and for expeditions to choose, the motorist answered:

• Toyota is known for being virtually unbreakable. You can drive 20,000 km and change the headlight bulb. Toyota is quite budgetary in maintenance, since it often does not need to be repaired.
• Nissan Patrol. It breaks down more often, thereby teaching you to study the materiel of the car. There is a club of like-minded people who will help with the problem. But despite all the difficulties and a very "delicate body", Patrol is good, so he is loved and respected.
• Land Rover Defender. Land Rover breaks down every 5000 miles. But at the same time, the Defender shows good results outside the asphalt. Defender is charismatic, it has an interesting past, it has absorbed in its aluminum body a passion for adventure, for travel.
• UAZ. A car for brave, courageous and self-confident men who can fix a car on the road, are not afraid of difficulties. One of the big pluses: inexpensive repairs and affordable parts.

All experts agreed that an SUV cannot be a city car, it is unprofitable and not comfortable for the pilot.

Ideally, fans of extreme driving outside the asphalt should choose and buy at least 2 cars, one of which will play in the forest, and the other will drive around the city. But, as a rule, this option is not available to everyone. And the urban crossover turns into an off-road vehicle during the hunting season, and again moves to asphalt on working days.

A selection of compromise machines for the forest and for the city prepared Nikita Orlov:

“From the budget options, this is the good old Niva (VAZ 21214, Lada Urban) or Chevrolet Niva. These models have excellent cross-country ability, and in the case of the Chevrolet Niva, even relative comfort. If we talk about more expensive cars, these are Suzuki Jimny from the small class, Gret Wall Hover 3, Sang Yong Rexton and Kyron, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Toyota Land Cruiser 200 ”.

Choosing a used SUV

It is always risky to choose and buy a used car, and if it is an SUV, then the risk doubles, it is worthwhile to imagine the vicissitudes of the car.

Before you buy a pre-owned version, pay attention to:

1. Appearance

Expert Nikita Orlov :

“If there is no serious damage to the body, then the previous owner used it in the city or for rare trips to nature. If the body has serious damage paintwork from branches, serious dents, especially on the lower part of the body, then the car was actively exploited. Which of the two options listed above to buy: the one that saw less dirt and less wear and tear.

1. The cost and frequency of repairing a future car

Expert Nikita Orlov:

"FROM budget car you will not experience difficulties with repairs and spare parts: such a car will be repaired in any village, and spare parts are available and are quite pleasant at a cost. Cons: increased wear and tear of parts and the car, low-quality components. For expensive cars, everything is different: such a car will have to be repaired in a specialized service, spare parts are made to order, but this car will also live much longer than budget analogues. "

1. Technical condition

Expert Nikita Orlov:

“There are more expensive parts in an all-wheel drive car than in a conventional car. Therefore, it is worth paying attention not only to the exterior of the car, but also to check the condition of the engine, suspension and all-wheel drive system. " It is better to order an examination, so that later you do not suffer from expensive repairs.

Auto history

1. Check the history of the future auto using Autocode ... This will keep you safe from scammers. And also you can find out the complete history of the car. Choosing and buying a proven option is better than looking for someone to blame.

To answer this question, you need to consider:

1. Purchase budget: how much are you willing to spend: 500 thousand or 5 million.

• Purpose: family trips to nature or participation in off-road competitions, long trips through the impenetrable taiga, or the search for untouched places for a successful catch.
• Further investment in the car: even the highest quality device will need to be repaired after swimming or pulling out of the pit.
• Possibility to buy a city car.
• Availability of time and expediency of purchase.

Buying an SUV is like writing a business plan. If everything came together, and you firmly decided to buy, then we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the TOP 5 SUVs and their pros and cons from autoexpert Evgeniya Loginova:

Top 5. Good old NIVA 4x4

Pros: inexpensive spare parts that are in stores in huge amount, inexpensive service. This machine can be repaired on your knees in the field. Also worth noting is the excellent off-road performance! But along with these pluses, several unpleasant minuses loom. The car will have to be repaired often. Lack of diesel engines, which are preferable for off-road.

Top 4. Representative of the Ulyanovsk Automobile Plant - UAZ or "Baton", "loaf"

Its main competitive advantage over the same Niva is the presence of a frame, the ability to "raise" the car body and increase off-road capabilities. The pluses include inexpensive maintenance and the possibility of repair "on the knee". Cons, like Niva's, are frequent breakdowns.

Top 3. Representative of the Japanese car industry Suzuki Jimmy

Almost ideal for off-road driving. High ground clearance, virtually no overhangs. The downside of this car: small size. If you are going hunting or fishing at least three of us, then there will be almost no place for things - the trunk is like a female runabout. On the highway, the car does not behave in the best way - the short wheelbase affects.

Top 2. Representative of the Japanese car industry Toyota Land Cruiser 70

It is considered almost a reference SUV. He has: short and long wheelbase, gasoline and diesel engines, the reliability of the famous brand. This machine is so popular that it is still being produced in some countries.

Top 1. Leader of Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Unlike Toyota, Pajero was equipped with a unique Super Select all-wheel drive system, which allows you to switch transmission modes (rear or permanent all-wheel drive). In simple terms, you can drive Pajero all-wheel drive everywhere, but on "Kruzak" only off-road. As for the rest, it is reliable, unpretentious to repair and surprisingly inexpensive to maintain. "

Did you find out the option for yourself? Perfectly! But whichever of these models you choose, do not forget check the car before buying. Rest assured that your favorite SUV will not present difficult legal problems in the future.

There are many interesting things in Russia: nature and sights, cuisine and hospitable people. But there is one age-old problem - the quality of the roads. And if foreigners are annoyed and horrified by this, then Russian motorists are simply looking for a solution to this problem in cross-country vehicles. If you buy correct car, then any off-road is not scary with it.

1. Volkswagen Polo

Of course, this is not the most interesting in design, but in technical specifications exactly one of best cars for russian roads... The capabilities of this machine are not limited by even a small ground clearance - only 163 mm. The creators of the car specially adapted it for the harsh climatic conditions... Add an assembly to this high Quality, and the price of 580 thousand rubles will no longer seem so high.

2. Niva

The Russian crossover of high cross-country ability feels great both in the city and off-road. Road clearance this car has 200 mm. This car can really be called universal. The price starts at 570 thousand rubles.

3. Volkswagen Amarok

Volkswagen has brought to the market a model that cannot be called a budget one. But this did not prevent her from reliably gaining a foothold on russian market... Amarok is well equipped already in basic configuration... The creators of the car took care of both safety and comfort while driving in extreme conditions. The car's ground clearance will appeal to fans of off-road racing - 203 mm. And although cars in the back of a pickup in the post-Soviet space have not gained much popularity, this car is bought with pleasure by fans of outdoor activities and out-of-town outings.

4. Land Cruiser

Off-road and rainfall is not a problem for the Land Cruiser. This car is perfect for russian conditions... There is only one "BUT" in it - the high price. Not everyone can afford to pay 4 million rubles even for such a wonderful car, so that as a result they go fishing on the most impassable routes.

5. Patriot

Fans of domestic brands should pay attention to the "Patriot" from the UAZ company. It will cost much less than similar cars from foreign manufacturers. A car from the salon will cost from 810 thousand rubles, but secondary market you can find these cars at more reasonable prices. And in the case of a diesel engine, and in the case of a gasoline engine, the car behaves perfectly on the road.

6. Grand Vitara

Japanese crossover compact Grand vitara won well-deserved recognition from Russian motorists. The car is relatively inexpensive - its prices start at 1.1 million rubles. Among the indisputable advantages is an economical engine, excellent driving performance and high adaptability. The ground clearance is also good - 200 mm.

7. Hyundai Tucson

Korean Hyundai Tucson – great option for Russian roads. It is simple and inexpensive to operate, reliable on the track and off-road. New car can be purchased for 1.2 million rubles in the basic configuration.

Those who decide to change the car should pay attention to which everyone will appreciate.

And also crawlers, but that's a separate conversation. In any case, if your heart is striving for the harsh romance of Outdoor, you have come to the right place!

Buggy

The fastest off-road RC cars, perfect for racing on trails with a lot of jumps. They race well, but are designed for light - specially prepared - outdoor: the ground clearance is low, the stability is ... doubtful. The class is exceptionally sporty.

Traggi

They differ from the previous category big wheels, which are also quite widely spaced. Hence the difference in dynamics: traggies drive worse, jump lower, but cope with unevenness of the track much easier. An interesting intermediate option, but not the most popular - if you are going to participate in races, check if anyone is chasing a traggie in your city.

Short course

"Sprats" are spears, which by their characteristics occupy a place roughly between buggy and traggie. Light outdoor, but in an absolutely authentic body - often even the stickers are accurately copied. Well, the popularity of this class is higher, they are eagerly chasing the Short Course.

Trophy

Copies (as a rule, copyists) of real severe SUVs. There is more dirt, the hill is steeper - everything is like in big sports. And the winch is installed, and other bells and whistles - in general, among all radio-controlled cars Trophy SUVs are leading by a wide margin in terms of immersion in the racing process.

Monster trucks

Well, where without big feet: very popular and, perhaps, the most spectacular off-road cars with radio control! Huge wheels, harsh lugs, high ground clearance - ideal for riding in mud or in winter period of the year. And with monsters, it's simple: you either love them or you don't. There is no third.

Features of SUVs

Almost all off-road radio-controlled vehicles have the following features:

1. Robust case... It is especially evident on trophy models, but in general, all SUVs are to one degree or another sharpened for possible shocks, falls and similar problems. Of course, everything depends on the manufacturer, but we don't even remember about no-name China, right? And self-respecting brands do not save on the body and chassis;
2. Protection against moisture and dirt... A very serious point: the same trophies often dive headlong. Accordingly, you need to look at almost in the first place - and it is advisable to read reviews;
3. Powerful engine ... electric or internal combustion engine, depending on the scale and budget;
4. Serious dimensions... At and above, SUVs account for far more than half of the market. Keep in mind, by the way, that the RC off-road model is smaller scale than it is more of a house toy than a real SUV. Yes, and a dozen usually drives easy outdoors.

Which off-road car to choose?

Take the class to which the soul lies. Do you like speed and cool jumps? You to the buggywods. Does your heart freeze from the roar of a powerful motor? Monster truck, and more. Do you prefer to overcome difficulties that others cannot solve? Welcome to the trophy.

There are decent and more than worthy models in every class of radio-controlled off-road vehicles. The main thing is that you like the genre itself, and we will offer you a suitable typewriter!