It is almost a year to the day we published our review of the Bburago Signature Ferrari 488 GTB.  Our team over last while has had many requests to review the recent release from Bburago’s Signature series, the Ferrari FXX-K.

In our last review of the 488 GTB Signature the example brought forward a mix of positive and negative elements.  It did seem at the time Bburago was heading in the right direction, but was still a far cry from the incumbent brand Hot Wheels Elite.  So let’s see where Bburago is today with their version of the 1:18, diecast, Ferrari FXX-K?

From a packing stand point we once again are impressed with their exterior box; maybe the best in the business from a visual and excitement standpoint.  Once you expose the model and you are viewing from a distance it does display exceptional well.  Overall body lines and stance seem up to speed, the FXX-K definitely has above average shelf presence.  Though upon closer inspection the low budget replica’s flaws do come forward.

Paint on the Ferrari FXX-K is pretty good for the most part.  Where it fails in the transition from metal to plastic.  With the FXX-K there is real noticeable difference in the paint colour – the worse offender is the rear section, basically this extends to the bumper and upper wing area.

Exterior decal work is good and there is much to see on this example from Ferrari.  Shutlines and panel gaps are very good too.  We were very impressed with the door operation and the nicely defined gaps on each side.  One odd piece is the hole drilled in the front windshield to mount or keep the wiper flush with the plastic, extremely poor option in our opinion.

Moving to the front of the model you will notice all the cooling grilles and apparatus are created in solid pieces.  Carbon fibre work is poor and the overall execution of the front clip doesn’t mirror the original well either.  This includes the lower splitter/chin spoiler and aero-dynamics for the right and left corners of the fascia.

This is some good, access to the cooling fans is available, though the carbon fibre work here is once again poor and the massive hinges that support the hatch are way too big.

The rear of the Ferrari FXX-K has much going on.  We start with lower diffuser, very cheap looking in materials, and again poor carbon fibre work.  All cooling is created with solid plastic pieces yet again.  Also the chrome work on the exhaust tips is grossly out of place.

The upper section of the rear wing is what differentiates the Ferrari FXX-K form its predecessor, well visually for the most part.  Bburgao’s replication does them well, though there are some slight wing transitions that are not captured in scale.  No biggie.

Intakes on either side of the upper section are hollow and clean through out.  Lastly there is no functional spoiler here either.  There are some positives to mention.  Rear Ferrari horse emblem and upper Ferrari script are created in photo-etched material.  There is also a detailed fuel filler on the driver side to boot that is not attached to the hatch.

Access to the motor is welcomed with the Ferrari FXX-K, a true rarity in scale models these days.  The centre glass gives you an advance look at the motor beneath.  Cooling vents on the side of the glass are solid plastic pieces that are formed into the hood glass itself – cost cutting measure for sure.

Once inside the overall impression is poor.  Where do we start?  We have mentioned the carbon fibre prior.  And in this environment it is definitely the weakest of the lot.  The look and feel is somewhat disheartening, looks more like textured plastic than anything else.

The motor itself is lacking any layers, realism or passion.  Colour techniques are minimal at best and where colour is used it looks cheap and plastic-like.  Perfect example is the wiring harness in red with silver bits.

Moving to the wheels we find a decent effort from Bburago.  Scale seems good and accompanying rotors and calipers provide the depth and realism.  Is the total package as good as Hot Wheels Elite?  No, not in our opinion.  There is however a full working suspension and the ability to steer the front wheel.

The interior of the Ferrari FXX-K is slightly more on point than the exterior.  All areas of the cockpit are addressed.  The carbon fibre work on the dash and related materials is superior to the exterior.  We have textured like seats with FXX-K logo.  Both are a nice touch, though the plastic seat-belt harness is not.  Door operation is smooth in both directions, and each door easily sits in the open position.

Our team is at cross-roads with the latest release from Bburago.  From arms length the model does look special, all the ingredients are here.  That is clearly illustrated in our accompanying photos.   Upon closer inspection it is evident the Ferrari FXX-K is a far cry from what we saw from Hot Wheels Elite.  There are multiple elements that require more refined detail and attention.  Given the overall feedback from us and various media vehicles we thought the team would improve with each release.  In this case it seems the team took a step back.  Maybe this is Bburago at their best.  Maybe they are conformable at mediocrity.  We sure hope not!

From a collector perspective, if your goal is great shelf presence then this model is for you.  If you’re looking for the total package then depending on your personal must haves you may need to look elsewhere.  But the question remains, where do you go from here?  Sealed replicas? $400-$500 price range, no thank you.  Someone needs to step-up and provide mid to upper level ($150-$200) model, the Ferrari marque definitely deserves it.  Enjoy the pics!