Going fast and aerodynamics are intimately related, whether it's for a Formula 1 car or in this case for a remote control (RC) car. The Traxxas XO-1 is billed as "The World's Fastest Ready-To-Race Supercar" with a 0-100 mph time of under 5 seconds. More interesting than its out-and-out straight-line speed is that this RC car employs advanced aerodynamics for generating downforce.

The XO-1 employs a number of aerodynamic devices more often found on full-size closed-wheel racing cars such as those that compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The XO-1 aero-package was developed with (you guessed it) Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and includes:

• Interchangeable front splitter and canards
• Smooth undertray
• Rear diffuser
• Low mounted rear wing to drive the rear diffuser

These aerodynamic devices work in unison to deliver downforce with relatively low drag. This means the XO-1 can attain both high straight-line speed and still maintain good speed through corners. And as any driver (or RC car controller) knows, races are won and lost based on cornering speed.