Well it seems the new Jaguar F-Type R is getting a new home. AUTOart announced today a new polyform closed box packaging. At this point we’re not sure if this applies to only composite models or the entire entry level price point series. Stay with us for the latest news!
How exciting! (Sarc)
I don’t think you need to put the “(Sarc)” there, because many will understand.
Anyway, I’ve bumped in to a matt black P1 yesterday at a local store, and after examine it carefully, I had one conclusion: Terrible. While I don’t like the P1, I can’t think of any excuses from AUTOart for their extremely poor effort. While the engine bay of the real P1 isn’t so excited nor lively, the AUTOart engine is very poor in my opinion. The block isn’t detailed enough, the wires are generally the same (no braided cables, and you can’t tell which ones are the brake coolant hoses or spark plugs wires), and I’ve spotted many deviations compared to the real engine bay. With a retail price of $282 (from my country, and considering that price is +25% more than my Venom GT/Veneno, and I bought them both for $224 from that same store not long ago, I have no idea what’s the price in the North American market), this is simply unacceptable. I don’t really know if AUTOart is going to reconsider this “Composite” thing, but if they don’t, I guess that they’ll lose big time with this idea.
Agreed. It’s easy to get spoiled with a great die cast model like the Venom GT (I have the matte black). The latest efforts seem to lower the overall quality to near toy-like levels, at least for those who appreciate the fine efforts of older AutoArts, CMCs and Exotos.
While I do half-agree with your statement, not every AUTOart models of late are bad. You should take a look at the Subaru Impreza 22b STi and the Lancia Delta S4. I honestly can’t understand why the “Composite” thing even exist. Both cars are made of die-cast (BIG BIG THANKS to those at AUTOart who decided those 2 cars will be traditional die-cast – Performance series for the Impreza, and Signature series for the S4 – because I have a massive obsession with Rally cars, both race and road-going version built for homologation) with your typical AUTOart engine bay; clean interior; deep, shiny, and beautiful paint – it does not give you the lack of depth and plastic look of most “Composite” models; and both are priced relatively reasonable. I haven’t purchased those 2 due to current financial condition, but I will, and very soon.
And until now, the only Composite model I have in my collection is the BAC Mono in black. To me, it is decent all-around, and the black paint does give you the impression of near-die-cast paint, but save for 1 thing: the seatbelts aren’t made of fabric, but appears to be made of rubber. Unacceptable, but I can go on with that. And it’s also priced relatively high (for such a model), but I can see some OK reasons for that, so I’m still happy.
I should also correct my earlier statement- it is these “composite” models which are a disappointment. The Signature models still seem up to the quality expected. I’ve recently received the Honda RA272 F1 car, and that is a fantastic model. And the Alfa Romeo type 33/12, probably one of AutoArt’s best.
I don’t understand Autoart why this close box???? I sell a car when I see the car!!!!