Category Archives: Audi

PCX87 July 2023

By Maz Woolley

PCX 87 appears to be a sub-brand of Premium ClassiXXs, a brand owned by ModelCarWorld (MCW) of Germany who have previously started and wound down Neo and BoS resin 1:87 lines. As MCW also own Brekina I suspect that PCX is intended to be a premium line above Brekina as PCX models are rather dearer than standard Brekinas.

The range currently has over 200 items mostly of cars from the 1970s to date and the models are made in plastic. The cars are mainly European ones though a Cadillac and US Ford Ambulance are ‘coming soon’. The models are mostly finished in LHD form, though the Rolls-Royce and some of the Jaguar models appear to be RHD. The level of detailing is quite high with separate added mirrors authentic wheels. The photographs suggest that the convertibles might have rather to high windscreens but this may just be a photographic effect rather than an accurate portrayal of the model.

The most recent announcements are shown below in photographs supplied by PCX87


870064 Audi 200 (C2) Metallic Light Green 1979

870065 Audi 200 (C2) Metallic Dark Blue 1979

870066 Audi 100 (C2) Silver 1979

870067 Audi 100 (C2) Dark Red 1979

870480 Mercedes SL (R107) Red 1971

870481 Mercedes SL (R107) Metallic Black 1985 Hardtop

870482 Mercedes SL (R107) Metallic Light Green 1971 Hardtop

870483 Mercedes SL (R107) Metallic Dark Blue 1985

870500 Peugeot 205 Cabriolet Metallic Dark Green 1986

870501 Peugeot 205 Cabriolet White 1986

870502 Peugeot 205 Cabriolet Red 1986

870503 Peugeot 205 Cabriolet Black 1986
870504 Peugeot 205 GTI Black 1984

870505 Peugeot 205 GTI Red 1984
870506 Peugeot 205 Metallic Light Blue 1984

870507 Peugeot 205 Metallic Beige 1984

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More 1:18 Scale Diecasts at modest prices

By Maz Woolley

As economic circumstances seem to be tightening around the world at the moment it is good that there are still manufacturers making models at prices that new entrants to the hobby will find reasonable. This article looks at a few releases for 2023 from well established companies within the May Cheong Group: Burago and Maisto. And in particular, at some of their 1:18 scale models which compete with Solido and Norev though they sell at a slightly lower price point. The brands are often sold in general toy shops and hobby shops alongside railway sets and plastic kits reaching buyers who do not visit more specialist collectors shops or websites.

Subjects produced by this Group are obviously chosen with an eye on US sales, though Burago tend to consistently cover European subjects. Both brands produce some interesting vehicles none the less. Many of their 1:18 scale models have some opening components but at this price point hinges tend to be clumsy and interiors less well detailed. Maisto produce a wide range of motorcycles, many in 1:18. The motorcycles tend to be well detailed for their price point. These are suitable to display alongside the 1:18 scale cars and vans.

The May Cheong Group was founded in 1967. It started with ten workers in a small factory in Hong Kong and has added two large factories in China since, as well as offices round the world. It sends its exports to 115 countries. Its best known products are branded Maisto and the group took over the formerly Italian producer Burago many years ago and retains it as a brand within the Group. It remains a family run company to this day.

The model impressions below have been created by May Cheong as advance publicity. All these models should be available Q1-Q2 2023


Burago 1:18 Scale


11050G Audi RS e-TRON GT 2022 Green

11050S Audi RS e-TRON GT 2022 Silver

16017GY Ferrari 296 GTB Grey/Yellow

16017R Ferrari 296 GTB Red/White

Maisto 1:18 Scale


39300-01 KTM RC 390 Orange/Black

39300-02 Ducati DesertX White/Red/Black

31452Y Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Yellow 2020
31459O Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 Orange
31462B Ford F-150 Pick-Up Truck 1979 Blue/White Special Edition
31462BZ Ford F-150 Pick-Up Truck 1979 Bronze/White Special Edition
31463 Lamborghini 74X Special Edition – no picture available
36454O Lamborghini V12 Vision Grand Turismo Orange 2021
36458R Porsche 911 GT3 Red 2022

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Ottomobile Q4 2022

By Maz Woolley

Text and photographs copyright of the Author(s) unless otherwise stated.

Otto mobile, part of a group that also includes GT Spirit, is based in France and has its models made in resin in China mostly to 1:18 scale although a few 1:12 scale models have been produced too. They have recently announced models due to be made in the fourth quarter of 2022. Their models are made of sealed resin so have no opening parts.

The models shown below are all due later in 2022, many are recolours of mouldings previously seen in the range. The expected month of release is shown with each model below. As is usual the models cover the modern era and are mostly of popular saloon cars which are now vanishing from our roads for the most part. Though some more recent models as well as some rally cars and saloon car racers are made by Otto too.

Sadly, prices for Otto models seem to be steadily increasing and 1:18 scale resin models from most other makers in this scale seem be affected by substantial price rises too.

OT994 Ford Escort Cosworth Group A RAC Rally (December)

OT419 Citroen AX Super Production Circuit Ledemon (November)

OT981 BMW E46 Touring M3 Concept Chrome Shadow Metallic (November)

OT959 Peugeot 306 S16 Le Mans Rouge Lucifer EKQ (December)

OT408 Audi 200 Quattro 20v Pearl White 2019 (December)

OT427 Volvo 850 R Sedan Red 609-11 (November)

OT942 Renault 25 Phase 1 V6 Injection Beige Aurore (December)

OT963 Renault 11 Turbo Rouge 705 (November)

OT974 Honda Integra DC2 Euro Spec Championship White (December)

OT990 Alfa Romeo Giulia GTAM White 2020 (October)


OT368 Peugeot 308 GTI Rouge Ultimate/Noir Perla (November)

Otto Cleaning Kit

If these large resin kits are displayed they easily gather dust and Otto has a cleaning kit available on their website. Its contents are very similar to cleaning kits available for camera lenses but it should be up to the job of ‘spring cleaning’ models kept in display cases.


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PCX 87

By Maz Woolley

PCX 87 appears to be a sub-brand of Premium ClassiXXs, a brand owned by ModelCarWorld of Germany who have previously started Neo and BoS 1:87 lines. More recently ModelCarWorld has bought Brekina and PCX87 seems to be being sold by many continental suppliers as part of Brekina’s output as Starmada was.

PCX87 models are made of self-coloured plastic mouldings made to 1:87 scale with extensive printing but without the photoetch that BoS and Neo 1:87 scale models featured. They are similarly priced to Wiking and other German competitors. Each moulding is sold in four different colours.

The models shown below are mostly trial samples and have been announced as available later in 2022.


870196 VW Jetta II Metallic Green 1984
870197 VW Jetta II Red 1984
870198 VW Jetta II Metallic Grey 1984
870199 VW Jetta II White 1984
870264 Audi 80 (B2) Red 1978
870265 Audi 80 (B2) White 1978
870266 Audi 80 (B2) Metallic Green 1978
870267 Audi 80 (B2) Metallic Brown 1978
870292 Renault 30 Metallic Blue 1975
870293 Renault 30 Metallic Beige 1975
870294 Renault 20 Red 1975
870295 Renault 20 Metallic Green 1975
870532 Opel Manta B Matt Yellow/Blue 1991
870533 Opel Manta B Matt Metallic Blue 1991
870534 Opel Manta B Matt Metallic Grey 1991
870535 Opel Manta B Matt Metallic Red 1991

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Otto Mobile Summer 2022 Releases

By Maz Woolley

Otto Mobile continue to announce new 1:18 scale models. These are sealed resin models with a high level of detail. Suggested retail prices have increased again for these models which is an increasing trend as the pound falls against the dollar which is used to fix Chinese production costs.

The releases shown are expected in August and September and cover a wide range of sporting and road cars. The heavily printed sporting vehicles sell at a considerable premium over the plainer street cars. Many of these mouldings have been seen before in other colours/liveries.

940 Audi 80 (B2) Quattro Zermatt Silver LY7Y AUG22
991 Lexus IS200 Millenium Silver Metallic AUG22
939 Jeep Cherokee Renault Assistance Yellow White AUG22
955 Subaru Legacy RS Gr.A Tour de Corse 1993 #8 AUG22
995 Mercedes Benz W126 560 SEC Wide Body Signal Red 568 AUG22
398 Ford Escort MK4 Cabriolet XR3i Diamond White SEP22
936 Renault Megane 4 RS TC4 Black SEP22
964 VW Golf IV R32 Black Magic Nacre Z4 SEP22
951 BMW E34 Touring M5 Mugello Red 274 SEP22
976 Lancia Delta S4 Gr.B Olympus Rally #11 SEP22

Having compared the Otto website to the UK wholesaler recommended price I simply cannot understand why the price in Europe is roughly half the UK price. Even adding the 20% UK import tax to the European price which you would pay if buying direct, and UK laws are complied with, makes an overseas purchase considerably more attractive.


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Herpa March 2022

By Maz Woolley

Herpa produce most of their models in Europe still, with the bulk of their vehicles being moulded in plastics to 1:87 scale with printed detail. This article takes a look at some of the latest releases available all are modelled to 1:87 scale. All photographs are provided by Herpa.

038577-003 AUDI A4 AVANT, Ipanema Brown metallic
038676-004 AUDI Q2, apple green metallic
430890 BMW ALPINA B3 Saloon black sapphire metallic
430906 BMW ALPINA B3 Touring, oxide grey metallic
314237 IVECO S-WAY Silo truck ‘BETON POTTHOFF’
314121 IVECO S-WAY Canvas curtain semi-trailer ‘GUSTAV MÄULER’
314084 IVECO S-WAY NP Food tanker ‘ADAMI’
096461 MAN ETGE High top box van ‘FERCAM’ – Bolzano Italy
096447 MAN TGE Food van ‘FISCHER´S FRITZ’
746816 MAN TGS LX 8X4 German Army
314589 MAN TGS TM SCHMITZ semi-trailer tipper Communal orange
314572 MAN TGS TM tractor unit with smoke deflector, red
314596 MAN TGS TM tractor unit without smoke deflector, white
314640 MAN TGS TN Concrete mixer communal orange
313544 MAN TGX GM Box trailer ‘WILLI BETZ’
314008 MAN TGX XLX EURO 6C Long vehicle log transporter ‘WURM HOLZTRANSPORTE’
314312 MERCEDES-BENZ ACTROS GIGASPACE ’18 6X2 refrigerated box trailer ‘JSB TRANSPORT’

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Ottomobile releases March/April 2022

By Maz Woolley

Otto Models , sometimes also advertised as Ottomobile, are a French company who have sealed models made in resin and etch in China. They specialise in 1:18 scale models and although many French vehicles appear in their range they also cover many other European and Japanese models. In amongst some humble family cars there are also many road and circuit racing cars too. GT Spirit, another 1:18 scale brand is also part of the same group company.

The pre-production photographs suggest that Otto is maintaining the excellent levels of detail that they are known for. The rally cars in particular have some excellent printed detail which will make for really striking models when they arrive with collectors.

It appears that prices of Otto models continue to rise to UK retail buyers though they seem rather lower on the Continent.

March

932 Opel Manta R RAC Rally 1985 Jimmy McRae
397 Mazda RX7 FD Type R Bathurst R Sunburst Yellow 1999
400 Audi RS 4 (B7) 4.2 FSI Misano Red 2005
900 Renault Clio 3 Ph.2 RS Alien Green 2011
938 Volkswagen Passat R6 Variant Black

April

401 Citroen GS Break Turquoise

925 Volkswagen Golf A7 R400 Concept Glasurit Glossy 2014

933 Opel Commodore GS/E Monte Carlo 1973

966 Renault 5 Alpine Turbo Special Blue


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Wiking December 2021

By Maz Woolley

Wiking are closing the year with models in a variety of scales. As ever these are mostly made in plastic, moulded with a considerable detail and finished with printed details. These models are still made in Europe and the prices reflect the higher cost of manufacture there. NB the 1:43 scale models are diecast items.

1:160 scale models

Twin Caravan and tow car set

#092210

Those mouldings have been in the Wikiing range for many years. An Opel Rekord in in grey-beige and a Chevrolet Malibu and red. The Caravans are in grey and white. The chassis for cars and trailers are in black-grey. The units are glazed with a hint of topaz colouring.

1:87 Scale Models

Normag Faktor I – reseeda green

#039801

Body and chassis are coloured reseda green, rims are red. Black steering wheel, silver headlights. Normag branding strips on the hood front and rear lights printed in red.

Fork lift (Clark) – pale green

#117101

Body and chassis as well as mast and fork are cploured pale green. Black steering wheel, seat and tires. All-round white decorative stripes and white Clark lettering on the back. White Clark letters on the side of the lift mast. Yellow rims.

Audi 50 – purple

#003697

Body is in purple. Black chassis and grille. Sand yellow interior and black steering wheel. Transparent headlights fitted. Silver rims and black-silver bumpers. Printed window surrounds, door handles, reversing lights and trunk lid lock. Rear lights printed in red. Audi logo printed in silver on the radiator grille, orange indicators in the bumper.

Alfa Romeo Spider – light blue

#020604

Black chassis, grille and steering wheel. Light blue body, convertible roof and interior with black dashboard. Front and rear bumpers silver-plated, side door handles also silver-plated. Indicator orange printed. Silver-plated Alfa Romeo lettering on the rear. Decorative strips along the windows also silvered.

Opel Kadett C Coupé GT/E – Black

#022903

Black body. Transparent headlights fitted. Interior moulded with steering wheel just as black as the radiator grille. Silver bumpers and rims. Window trims, as well as door handles and side ventilation black-grey. Radiator grille printed with silver Opel logo. Orange indicators. Black rear spoiler. Opel lettering on the rear.

Campervan (VW T4/Karmann) “Cheetah”

#026802

Cab and body white, chassis with cardan shaft as well as exhaust modelled. Radiator grille and body floor black. Interior moulding of driver’s cab and mobile home fittings with an insert in silver-grey. Front roof section and ladder white. Rims silver. Glazing of the motorhome structure transparent with hint of topaz. Front lettering ‘Cheetah’ silver-grey. Silver-grey and signal red decorative stripes on the side as well as black Karmann lettering and door handle. The VW logo on the front is printed in silver, the rear taillights are red. The headlights are silver-plated, the window frames are black. Silver-gray Karmann logo on the rear as well as black window frame and Karmann lettering printed.

Scaffolding tug unit with trailer (Magirus Deutz)

#039206

Driver’s cab and bed in coral red, interior fittings in dusty grey. Chassis modelled with cardan shaft as well as bumpers. Rims and saddle plate are also dusty grey. Radiator grille in black and printed with silver Magirus-Deutz lettering and the brand logo. Side door handles, as well as outer and step edges with grab handle, printed in black-grey. Red taillights. Trailer with a dusty grey chassis, wheel arches as well as drawbar and rims. Platform coral red. Taillights printed in red. Scaffolding parts silver-grey, scaffolding boards grey-white.

Flatbed with towed trailer (Hanomag Henschel) “Friderici”

#047502

Dust grey driver’s cab, canvas grey interior. Chassis with cardan shaft, double wheel arches and aluminium platform, dusty grey. Flat bed insert, silver. Grey-white tarpaulin, silver rims. Silver printing on the front with Hanomag-Henschel lettering and decorative stripes. Cab doors with Friderici logo and silver-plated door handles. Bumper edges printed in black, indicators yellow-orange. Tail lights printed in carmine red. aluminium fittings printed in silver. Black Friderici lettering on the sides of the tarpaulin. Trailer with a dusty grey chassis, wheel arches, turntable and drawbar as well as flatbed. Flat bed insert, silver. Silver rims. Grey and white hood. Side bumper edges printed in black, taillights carmine red. Tarpaulin sides printed with black Friderici lettering.

Polizei – Mercedes-Benz 240 D

#086444

White body, black interior, silver chassis. White warning light poles topped with a blue transparent dome. A white loudspeaker is fitted in the centre of the roof. Bonnet, boot and doors printed green. Side door surfaces printed with white police lettering. Decorative strips and door handles black. Front and rear indicators printed in deep orange, taillights traffic red. Radiator grille has black coloured recesses and bumpers are printed with black rubber profiles.

DKW Schnelllaster panel van – sky blue

#033406

Body sky blue, interior brown. Black chassis and steering wheel. Door handles, trim strips and DKW rings on the front silver-plated. DKW lettering 3 = 6 printed in silver. Window frames printed black. Door handles and decorative strips in silver. Rear lights printed in red.

Volkswagen Transporter T1 double cab – olive grey / pearl white

#078907

Upper body part olive grey, lower body part pearl white. Transparent headlights and red transparent taillights. Silver grey interior. Pearl white US version bumpers inserted. Black chassis, rims and steering wheel. Front VW logo printed in pearl white. Indicators traffic orange. Chrome rings and door handles printed in silver. Olive-grey stripes around the sides and back. Porsche style custom wheels.

Box trailer (Chevrolet) “John Deere”

#052103

The tractor unit has a grass green driver’s cab, a black chassis and zinc-yellow rims. Grass green saddle plate. Silver-plated headlights and orange printed indicators. Grill engraving printed in silver. Silvered roof lights, logo also printed in silver. Grass green rear body on a grass-green chassis with support feet. Trailer has zinc yellow rims and roof surface. John Deere parts logo printed on the sides of the trailer.

Fire Appliance- Rosenbauer AT (MAN TGM Euro 6)

#061299

The latest version of the Rosenbauer bodied MAN unit. Red driver’s cab, anthracite grey interior and steering wheel. Silver-grey siren attached. Red front apron, black radiator grille with silver MAN trademark and decorative strip. Front wheel arches with red steps. Chassis with cardan shaft and rear interior in anthracite grey. Topaz tinted glass. Red equipment storage areas with anthracite-grey blinds, pump stand with topaz-transparent cover. Blue-transparent warning lights on all four corners of the vehicle. Anthracite grey roof structure, silver roof monitor plugged in. Rear ladder silver. Black pump fittings, silver rims. Windshield wipers as well as mirror mounts and trim strips on the driver’s cab printed in black. Front turn signals traffic orange. Crew cabin with black door frame and silver R logo. Equipment compartment structure with Rosenbauer logo as well as printed indicators and white emergency number 112. Rear taillights with silver reflectors. LED bar printed in traffic blue on the body sides. Sprue with exterior and side mirrors included.

Flatbed semitrailer (Henschel) “Union Transport”

#051406

Carmine red driver’s cab, dust grey interior with steering wheel. Front wheel, arches and headlights, but also chassis with cardan shaft and rear fenders and rims in anthracite grey. Black grille with silvered Henschel star. White printed roof area. Bonnet with silver-plated hinge and black bonnet buckles and silver Henschel lettering on a black background. Decorative strips and door handles silver-plated. Front headlights also silvered, taillights printed in carmine red. Trailer with anthracite grey chassis, support legs, double wheel arches and rims. Carmine red base with silver shelf and basalt grey tarpaulin. Flatbed printed with white lettering “Transport-Betriebe” with a black drop shadow. Tarpaulin has white Union lettering and a black drop shadow.

Low loader trailer (Mercedes-Benz Pullman) “Ruhr Intrans”

#049002

Driver’s cab with chassis, cardan shaft, rims and platform in coral red. Interior grey, saddle plate silver. Radiator grille surface printed in pearl white, Mercedes-Benz star with decorative frame printed in silver. Side of the driver’s cab finished with silver double trim. Pearly-white mid band on the driver’s cab with Clark lettering on the side. Rear lights printed in traffic red. Dolly with wheel arches, turntable, drawbar and rims in a coral-red colour as well as a low-loader with a ramp. Winch silver. Side double decorative stripes as well as pearly white ‘Ruhr Intrans’ lettering.

Tanker with Trailer tank (Mercedes-Benz LP 333) “Esso”

#042904

Cab with chassis, cardan shaft and bumper, wheel arches, rear bumpers and oil tank with base plate, and rims all in Esso red. Black radiator grille with silver printing of trim strips and Mercedes-Benz star. Interior fittings anthracite grey. Light ivory steering wheel fitted. Decorative strips on the driver’s cab are silver-coloured, front indicators are signal orange. Tricolour Esso logo on the cab doors. Rear lights printed in carmine red. “Esso Aviation Products” logo on the side of the tank. Trailer with chassis, turntable as well as wheel arches, drawbar and oil tank with base plate Esso-red. Carmine red taillights. “Esso Aviation Products” logo on the side.

1:43 Scale Models

Fire Appliance – Rosenbauer AT (MAN TGM)

#043196

The MAN chassis fitted by Rosenbauer. WIKING is introducing a detailed 1:43 scale model that, like its prototype, appears as a compact and equally manoeuvrable emergency fire-fighting vehicle. The “AT” series enjoys the most careful printing. Particularly noticeable: the glass doors optionally offered by Rosenbauer for the rear entrance to the cabin are transparent on the model and allow the viewer to see the cabin details moulded inside. The Rosenbauer logo is emblazoned as a silhouette on the door. The high-quality model consists of painted zinc die-cast components that are combined with plastic elements and authentically reproduced with fine detailed printing.

Fire Appliance – Rosenbauer DL L32A-XS 3.0 (MB Atego)

#043103

After the L32 turntable ladder on the Mercedes-Benz Econic chassis, WIKING has now produced the new L32A-XS 3.0 also scaled down by 43 times. This is based on the latest Mercedes-Benz Atego chassis. Rosenbauer designed this unit to be compact and functional. A large equipment room is located directly behind the crew’s cabin. Dark blinds are just as much a part of it as the five section extending ladder which has the retractable rescue cage at the front end. All functions of the turntable turntable ladder are movable. The 1:43 model shows off the character of the Rosenbauer turntable ladder. The model consists of painted zinc die-cast components, which are combined with plastic elements and finished with finely detailed printing.


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Some More New Models for 2022

By Maz Woolley

Model Car Group

Model Car Group (MCG) of Germany have models diecast to 1:18 scale in China. They have recently announced some new models for 2022 including some ‘old timers’. As ever these pictures are based on samples and the final production models will be subject to improvements and changes.

18160 BMW 730i (E32) Metallic Blue 1992 7 Series
18161 BMW 730i (E32) Metallic Grey 1992 7 Series
18162 BMW 730i (E32) Metallic Black 1992 7 Series
18286 Citroen 5 CV Red 1922
18287 Opel 4 PS Blue 1922
18290 BMW 2000 (Typ 121) Silver 1966
18291 BMW 2000 (Typ 121) Dark Blue 1966

Para64

Paragon are perhaps best known for their range of 1:18 scale models. They introduced a 1:64 scale range last year and have announced several new models expected to arrive in Q1 2022. These are premium 1:64 models with a lot of detail, accurate wheels, and quality paint and finish. They are a similar level of quality to TSM’s Mini GT range. Like Mini GT many models are issued in LHD and RHD form and only single images are issued to cover both ‘handed’ versions.

55143 Liberty Walk BMW i8 Peppermint Green/Black (LHD)
55146 Liberty Walk BMW i8 Black and Grey (LHD)
65331 Audi e-tron GT Daytona Grey (RHD) – 55331 Audi e-tron GT Daytona Grey (LHD)
65332 Audi e-tron GT Tango Red (RHD) – 55332 Audi e-tron GT Tango Red (LHD)
65371 RUF CTR2 (Based on Type 993 generation 911) Silver (RHD) – 55371 RUF CTR2 Silver (LHD)
PAR 65372 RUF CTR2 (based on Type 993 generation 911) Blossom Yellow (RHD) – PAR 55372 RUF CTR2 Blossom Yellow (LHD)
PAR 65137 Mitsubishi 3000GT/GTO Martinique Yellow Pearl (RHD) – PAR 55137 Mitsubishi 3000GT/GTO Martinique Yellow Pearl (LHD)
PAR 65138 Mitsubishi 3000GT/GTO Mariana Blue Metallic (RHD) – PAR 55138 Mitsubishi 3000GT/GTO Mariana Blue Metallic (LHD)

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Some more metal promotional models

By Fabrizio Panico

Text and photographs copyright of the Author(s) unless otherwise stated.

After some years of near silence Audi is definitely back in the world of 1:18 scale metal promotional models, like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Indeed there seems to be an almost continuous flow of scale models, often introduced at the same time as the real car is launched. All the models have a metal diecast body, plus the usual plastic components, all hand assembled in Asia, in China most of the time. The engine and chassis are faithfully reproduced, with detailed interiors, and a deep paint finish, but the “sealed body” trend is alas more and more widespread. A nice surprise from Renault has appeared In 1:43 scale: a smart re-use of the “clone” of the Dinky Toys 23B, already seen in the Atlas Dinky collection, to celebrate the 1934 Nervasport.

Audi RS e-tron GT 2021

Following its direct competitors even Audi tries to cover any small market niche, taking advantage of the synergies available inside the VW Group. The third member of the e-tron family, the e-tron GT is a sports sedan based on the J6 platform, and shares some technical components of the power supply system with the Porsche Taycan. This is the first electric Audi to be assembled at the Neckarsulm plant (the other two e-tron models are assembled in Belgium). It has two electric motors, one for the front axle and the other for the rear with a total power of 530 hp and a maximum speed of 245 km/h. A more sporty version, the RS, was unveiled on February 2021, with a total power of 646 hp and a maximum speed limited to 250 km/h.

The Norev 1:18 scale model (Audi code no. 501 21 200 51, in a quite boring Daytona grey) represents the RS version. The model is a bit disappointing, even though it is very well reproduced. The body is fully sealed, nothing opens at all. The closed body means that the interiors are difficult to appreciate, but when peering inside you cannot avoid noting that the seats look a bit “plastic”. There are also no mats on the floor and the rear seat safety belts seem to be missing. The roof simulates carbon fibre, and the nice front wheels are poseable (but only turn through a limited arc). The underside doesn’t show any details due to the fully flat “belly”.

So quite disappointing model, particularly because of its high price. Being a model almost at the top of the Audi range we were expecting rather more.

The “prototype” version is also available (Audi code no. 501 21 201 51) with its full “panoply” of “electric” decorations (quite ugly, in my opinion), the only difference is an increase in price.


BMW M8 Competition Coupé 2020

We have already met the second-generation of the BMW 8 series (G15), the M850i X-drive coupè by Norev (see September 2019). The M8 Competition is its high performance version, marketed under the BMW M sub-brand. Being the upper model of the range its engine power is increased from 600 to 625 hp, together with a modified induction system and more rigid engine mounts. Exclusive to the Competition version is the “track” driving mode. Also available in convertible form, it has a maximum self-limited speed of 250 km/h, rising to 305 km/h by choosing the M Driver’s Package.

The Minichamps 1:18 scale model (BMW code no. 80 43 2 466 057, in a menacing matt blue metallic) reproduces the Competition version quite faithfully: bonnet and doors open, but not the boot. There are nice two-colour seats and a good dashboard, as well as flocked mats. Safety belts are reproduced, both front and rear. The nice engine bay sports the M colours, while exhaust and suspension details enrich the beautiful underside. The roof simulates carbon fibre, like the small rear spoiler. As usual the wheels are accurately reproduced as are the tyres and brakes. Another well executed model, expensive but worth it.


Renault Nervasport 1934

From the ‘Collection Renault Classic‘ by Norev for ‘Atelier Renault‘, a clever re-use of the replica of Dinky 23B, already seen in the Atlas Dinky Collection, available in blue, green, red or yellow. The reference number is 519121, and it is as usual made in China for Norev. It has a nice tampo printing reproducing the four front lights, another with the Renault lozenge on the left side, and a #1 roundel on the right side.

On the box is printed ‘In 1934, Renault developed a new record-breaking car with the NERVASPORT. On 5 April that year, the Nervasport crossed the finish line of the Monthlery race circuit, breaking the 48 hour world record, the record for a distance of 4000-5000 miles, and nine international records. L’Atelier Renault is paying tribute to this feat with a metal miniature inspired by this legendary car‘.

There is no baseplate, as was the case on the DInky original but on the inside it is cast ‘Norev‘ and ‘made in China‘. A nice item: blue is the right colour in my view, but the yellow model should also be agreeable.


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