Well, it’s a snow day here in Toronto. I’m working from home, so what better way to exit a mundane workday by writing up a review on my latest addition the Kyosho Audi R8 GT. If you don’t already know I’m a huge Audi/Volkswagen fan so anything in 1:18 scale labelled either brand will usually find its way into my collection. Kyosho announced the GT version of the popular Audi R8 about a year or so ago, I’ve been eagerly anticipating its release since then. Just to give you some perspective this would be the fourth R8 in my collection, to date the models include the Audi R8 V8, V10, Spyder and now the GT. None of the other three models have any glaring issues as I will highlight below. I was hoping the early images and feedback were one-offs but I’m afraid the reports are true…
The exterior from afar looks the part but upon closer inspection, the flaws are very obvious. Panel gaps are plentiful! Where do I start? Viewing the model from the front you can clearly see a huge miss. Look at that gap! Also, front side wings are cool but poorly executed. From a top view, you can see gaps separating the parts from the actual bumper. Move to the doors the shut line tragedy continues. The bird’s eye view photo will provide a good perspective here. The same has been reported by other collectors too.
Access to the motor is provided by a push-button located underneath the model with struts providing a realistic feel to opening operation. Motor detail is very nice, but the gaps continue around the hatch. One of the bigger issues in the incorrect rear taillights, completely wrong. Now was this an oversight of cost-cutting measure? You decide. Wheels are executed nicely, but the cross-drilled rotors holes look out of scale and something more accustomed to seeing in lower price point models. People have mentioned the rear offset of the driver side tire, yes I have this issue too. You can clearly see this with the side by side comparison photo of the R8 V8 (white).
The Interior is nicely appointed, which I believe captures the 1:1 GT well. Carbon fibre bits, sport seats, racing harness, and fire extinguisher are some of the differences you will find different from the other R8 models. My only gripe would be the quality of some of the painted silver bits, looks rushed to me. Overall the interior is beautifully appointed. There is a bit of light at the end of the tunnel I guess…
Now you might say I received a bad representation of the model. Nope, I took ownership of three, two silver and one black, all have the same or very similar issues. Bad form Kyosho, bad form! What I do know is that Kyosho has definitely changed manufacturing facilities in China. These issues were brought to there attention at the recent Nuremberg Toy Fair. Kyosho has acknowledged that issues are present, and are fully committed to correcting the problem. Hopefully, this is corrected sooner rather than later, as they have been missing in action in the hobby for the last several years, and this could only be another nail in the coffin!
Overall the model captures the essence of the 1:1. Based on what other 1:18 scale model is available today the Maisto, this is leaps ahead, but also at 4 times the price! What I’ve described above is UNACCEPTABLE PERIOD. Kyosho has no one to blame but themselves. If I was head of Audi VAG I would fine their asses. Okay maybe I’m being too extreme but as I explained I love the Audi brand, and the Audi R8 GT should be the pinnacle model within my R8 collection, but no, I’ll have to explain the horrors of the model to friends and family when they point out the obvious, what is this, what is that… I do not recommend the model, but if you’re a fanatic like me and must have one go for the Phantom Black version as it hides the misses a bit better. Enjoy the pics!
I Have to agree with the above comments, Kyosho’s quality control is nowhere to be found. I recently bought a R8 Spyder (black), mine had terrible gaps where the drivers side door meets the front located trunk, “V10” emblem on right side was and an angle, worst of all, the passenger seat was out of place, it was just placed in the cockpit upside down by a worker who could not have given a damn! This is unacceptable at any price! A few weeks ago I bought a dealer edition R8 (blue) for a good price, as I knew it was missing a right rear tail light, not sure if it came this way from the factory but it did have the same gap issues as the Spyder. I hope they overcome these problems with the coming Pantera, a model which many have been waiting for way too long.
The challenges stem from Kysoho moving to new manufacture facility in China, was this for cost saving measures or lack or labour, I don’t know. Their latest entry the Ferrari F355 is slightly better but still shames with issues for a model retailing for over $200CND. I as you have been wanting a Pantera for the longest time, let’s hope they don’t screw it up. And challenges with manufacturing are addressed and nipped in the bud sooner rather than later!
As an Audi fan do you agree with me that there should be a 1/18 scale (Kyosho possibly) Audi A7? It’s really one of the most beautiful cars ever made. And there are A4-5-6-8 but no A7 also the concurrent for this car (BMW 6 series and the Mercedes CLS) have 1/18 scale models of em.
Yes, but let’s do the RS7!
Honestly I think the RS7 is not really what the A7 is made for, it might be a little to extreme for a car that is a big luxury sedan. Don’t get me wrong I love everything Audi and so the RS7 to but i’d rather have a A7……. or maybe the S7, power of the RS and the style from the A.