It has certainly been a while since the team last examined an AUTOart release in depth. That gap wasn’t intentional. Between U.S. tariffs (a word we never expected to use in a model‑car review) and AUTOart’s noticeably slower production cadence—tariff‑related or otherwise—the brand has been quieter than usual.

That drought ends today with the 1:18 Dodge Challenger SRT Jailbreak. Our sample arrives in Hellraisin Purple with Silver stripes, easily the standout and most distinctive colour choice from AUTOart’s first‑wave releases.

The 2022 Dodge Challenger SRT Jailbreak is an 807‑hp variant of the Hellcat Redeye, built around the supercharged 6.2‑litre HEMI V8 and the widebody chassis. The Jailbreak package mainly exists to unlock previously restricted factory combinations, letting buyers mix wheels, trims, stripes, caliper colours, and interior options more freely. Mechanically, it’s the same brutal, straight‑line‑focused muscle car Dodge is known for, with the widebody stance, big Brembo brakes, and the 8‑speed automatic as standard.

Hellraisin Purple is one of the more distinctive colours offered around that period. It’s a dark metallic shade that reads almost black in low light but shows a deep purple tone in the sun. On a widebody Challenger, it adds presence without being overly loud—bold, but not cartoonish. It suits the Jailbreak’s customizable nature well, giving the car a unique look while still keeping it refined.

Straight out of the box, the paint appeared darker than anticipated, but the colour loses none of its charm. The finish is exceptional, and the integration of the Silver decals against the Hellraisin Purple is executed with real precision.

Shutlines and panel gaps are superb—so tight, in fact, they surpass what Dodge manages on the 1:1 car. Collectors who equate quality with weight may be surprised by how feather‑light this composite model feels next to a traditional diecast. Don’t let that deter you; the craftsmanship more than compensates.

AUTOart nails the widebody stance, capturing the Challenger’s muscular proportions with confidence. Smaller exterior details, which we’ll touch on further below, reinforce the strong fit and finish throughout.

Moving to the front, every opening is backed with perforated metal mesh, including the small hood nostrils—a detail many brands overlook. The front fascia remains one of the most aggressive and appealing elements of the real Challenger, and AUTOart preserves that attitude beautifully. It’s a reminder of what Dodge’s newer designs have lost.
Headlight execution is excellent, and the metal SRT badge on the right side is a welcome premium touch.

As noted, this model offers full access. The hood opens smoothly on sturdy hinges and struts. Engine detail is good overall, though slightly plastic in appearance. AUTOart earns points for using multiple colours to break up the components, but the absence of OEM badging is noticeable.

The rear follows the same high standard. Taillights are sharply rendered, and the metal Dodge emblem at the centre adds authenticity. The trunk area is fully flocked, and the hinge/strut assembly adds realism.

The wheels are a highlight. AUTOart includes air valves—a small but perfect detail. Tire branding is present, and the braking system features metal slotted rotors and branded black calipers.

The undercarriage is well defined, with clear representation of the engine underside, exhaust system, and rear differential. Suspension components are mostly Black plastic, but the overall effort far exceeds what you’ll find on static resin models.

Interior side, AUTOart handles the fundamentals well. Full flocking is present, and the fabric seatbelts include photo‑etched hardware. The White seat accents tie nicely to the exterior striping. The dashboard, centre console, and door cards mirror the 1:1 design effectively—good, though not exceptional.

It’s encouraging to see AUTOart back with a strong release. Their models continue to capture the essence of the real cars, and the Challenger SRT Jailbreak is no exception. Many components here are particularly well executed.

Where AUTOart still falls short is in pushing boundaries and delivering stronger value relative to the competition. With brands like Almost Real, LCD, and MotorHelix raising the bar, AUTOart needs to evolve to maintain its leadership.  That said, for collectors seeking consistent quality control, reliable execution, and a very good overall model, AUTOart remains a top choice.  Enjoy the pics!