From what I've seen, the ultimate 'entry level' on-road gas car is the new Kyosho Inferno GT (or OFNA's converted buggy). I think that Motonica pan car looks sweet but I don't think it would be much less fagile (chunked foam tires and all) than a standard 4wd car.
It seems that the new racer is more attracted to the realistic sedan bodies.....they don't learn to love the Lola until they've been around the track for a while.