** UPDATE ** LCD Models did hear our call! The team has confirmed, thus far, four projects featuring the CC850, Agera RS, Jesko Absolute and Jesko Attack. All of which I want in my collection! These autos will be crafted in 1:18, 1:43 and 1:64 scale. LCD also confirmed additional marques? As per LCD Models, “We will also try our best to bring more and better products to collectors and enthusiasts!”
Big news from the diecast world — LCD Models has officially partnered with Koenigsegg, securing licensing rights to produce scale replicas in 1:18, 1:43, and 1:64. The agreement covers both sealed and fully opening diecast metal formats.
According to early reports, the first release is expected in Q4 2025, with speculation pointing to a 1:18 scale model featuring full opening functionality.
This marks a significant win for collectors. LCD Models has built a solid reputation for delivering high-quality, fully functional 1:18 models at price points well below industry leaders. With Koenigsegg now in its portfolio, the brand is poised to take a notable bite out of AUTOart’s market share — a company that has struggled to meet expectations throughout 2024 and into 2025.
We’ve reached out to LCD Models’ China and Europe divisions for further comment and will share updates as they become available.
That´s EXCELLENT news. I have one more parking space on my Ghost Squadron Truck, reserved for a Jesko. I have pre-ordered Autoart´s, but with them dawdling these days, LCD will probably beat them at least in terms of speed to market. In that case I will fill the space with the LCD and cancel the AA. So I am eager to see, what LCD have up their sleeve.
If this is the case, I pray they do the Agera “R” in fully opening 1/18 once and for all
That’s awesome news. Maybe they will make the koenigsegg one and I can get rid of my flimsy Autoart.
We found this the case with the AUTOart Pagani Huayra Roadster – ‘flimsy’.
Wonderful, as long as it doesn’t come with a price hike over the more “pedestrian” Paganis, I may finally get a nice Koenigsegg.
Autoart is pointless for me as most of their models lack a working suspension.
Let’s hope they remain competitive pricing-wise. Is a working suspension a deal breaker for all purchasing?
Yes, for some clearly not rational reason, I cannot stand a model without a working suspension at 1/18 scale.
That makes many purchases very nerve wracking as “working suspension” is not a readily obvious characteristic of a model. You’ll easily see an opening door, engine hood etc on a photo. You’ll also see the look of an interior or a presence of carpeting, but not even a clear picture of the underside of a model can definitively prove a working suspension.
I definitely disagree with some of the statements in this right up, but I would definitely reserve my judgement until I see the product. They have been very hit-or-miss with their supercar models in my experience.
What exactly do you disagree with here? Expand!
I’d agree with Mozzi. Given a choice between AutoArt or LCD for the same model, I’d take the AA every time. The only people that would pick the LCD are those on a tight budget or irrationally focussed on material, so I don’t see them taking too many sales off AA where both announce the same model – I half regret buying LCD’s McLaren 600LT because the AA is simply better.
On “high-quality”, in my opinion LCD lack the refinement of AA and Almost Real, and their models often look a bit “rough around the edges” (not sure if that’s just a British phrase) to me. Their paint can be a bit inconsistent and the castings are a bit thick and heavy handed (which is the reason I don’t believe LCD are behind certain BBR models as some have suggested). The recent pictures of the Senna GTR showed some fairly poor/crude panel fit. A high part count is all well and good but a model will spend 99% of its life as an ornament on a shelf so if it doesn’t display well then what’s the point?
I am perfectly happy with my 600LT, have pre-ordered the Senna GTR and the Pagani Zonda Barchetta is a fabulous masterpiece. If you are unhappy with your 600LT sell it at as low a price as your appeciation for it and make a collector happy.
Let’s agree to disagree. It would be a disservice to the hobby to assume AUTOart is always the superior choice. With the continuous rise in pricing, it’s important—now more than ever—for collectors to stay informed and weigh their options carefully. Healthy competition and viable alternatives are what keep this hobby thriving.
Is LCD Models perfect? Absolutely not. But they’ve demonstrated an ability to deliver solid value and above-average execution. Their work isn’t without flaws, some of which we’ve outlined below, but they’ve carved out a respectable space for themselves among collectors.
Take their McLaren 600LT as an example. Our opinion stands firm, both then and now. The model was purchased and delivered for $200 CAD—significantly less than AUTOart’s CND COST, yes COST. No regrets, just a smart, value-conscious acquisition. In our eyes, that’s a win that speaks for itself.
I’m perfectly happy with my 600lt from lcd as well… the interior and engine bay makes autoart look cheap. Its not necessarily a material issue. I love my Autoart NSX Type R Na2 and Civic type r. Your kidding yourself if you can’t admit that AA composite models are as hit or miss. They tend have flimsy feeling openings and they selectively choose which models to actually put effort into the interiors and engines which is few and far between…. I used to think my Challenger Hellcat was a great model until I realized it only had the the top half of the engine and the rest was molded into chassis. AA would be the brand of choice if their prices reflected their execution… if I remember correctly the whole composite thing was to lower prices, not raise them
AA Mclaren 600LT better than LCD? You must be a true AA fanboy to say something like that, I have both and the interior alone of the LCD is miles ahead of the AA, not to mention better carbon fibre and engine details…
It is true there are improvement points for LCD, specially on their QC, but saying AA is generally better is a completely wrong statement. Just take a look at LCDs recent Huayra R model which can easily compete with the best models of AA golden era. AA has not been able to release a model of that caliber in years.
I have always loved AA, indeed I have around 80 models produced by them but their recent efforts just fall short and it is not due to the material, but to a lack of willingness to develop extraordinary models. They just do the minimum to keep themselves alive. I don’t know the reason, but at least for me I find their recent models soulless.
Yes, we’ll conduct a full review if and when we get our hands on a production sample. However, the sentiment expressed above does carry weight. What has AUTOart truly delivered in the past two years that has elevated the brand to new heights? Very little, if anything. While their models remain competent, AUTOart appears content with doing just enough to maintain the status quo.
The brand has also distanced itself from a portion of the collector community—first, through its shift to composite materials (for the record, we have no issue with composite, resin, or traditional diecast), and second, by drastically slowing its stream of new releases to a trickle. Consider Koenigsegg—how many years has this marquee brand been active? Yet we’re still waiting for AUTOart to capitalize on its full potential.
In today’s fast-paced world of TikTok and Instagram, the appetite for instant gratification has replaced the desire for deeper education and appreciation. Many in this new generation of enthusiasts lack the patience to wait four or five years for a model to materialize. Patience, however, is one of the pillars of a seasoned collector. This is precisely where LCD Models is making headway and capturing market share.
Now, is LCD perfect? No. Two key areas for improvement are better distribution channels—which would help stabilize retail pricing—and tighter quality control. But where they shine is in value and execution. LCD typically delivers new models within 6–10 months of announcement, creating excitement and fulfilling demand while competitors are still dragging their feet. That ability to execute swiftly is translating into real, measurable gains in the marketplace.
As I seem to have triggered the controversy through my enthusiasm for LCD tackling Koenigsegg models, I feel the urge to reply at length:
First things first, I do not generally prefer one model maker over another. My reviews of the AA Porsche Carrera 2.7 and the Aston Martin DB5 “Goldfinger” (just to mention the most recent) lay testament that I give praise where praise is due. Ten years ago in my DCOTM feature I named Autoart as my preferred manufacturer, because back then hardly any other manufacturer could compete. But things have evolved in the past 10 years. As I said in my first comment, I have the AA Jesko on pre-order and would happily park it alongside the other AA Koenigseggs on the Truck. AA seem to have mastered the dihedral synchro-helix door-mechanism, first windowlessly on the CCR then with windows, and it remains to be seen whether or not LCD can get ths done. I have and keep the AA Jesko on pre-order and will buy IF they can make it to market before LCD does. And that is despite the fact that AA have released sample photos long ago that show door closure gaps, have not updated their photos, have not given a price or any hint towards a release date,which translates into “not any time soon”(=2025/Q1 2026).
Now in today´s world, you best pre-order a model to get a reasonable price if you really want it, or buy on release. Discounts are only offered years later when the market is saturated and still models left. Especially AA are very strict in retail prices to prevent competition amongst retailers. Oherwise prices only go up, even for pre-owned and damaged models.
What makes things worse is that manufacturers don´t do us the favour of releasing their models at the same time, for us to sit back, compare and then make a choice. So you either buy on release or (are prepared to) pass completely. Over are the times that you can rely on AA being better than anyone else when they release later, or, worse, that they will ever deliver (same goes for any other manufacturer). Examples are: AA´s Ford Raptor, AR´s Huayra Roadster, LCD´s McLaren Elva … and it seems, AA´s Jesko is joining the list.
So if I were offered to pre-order an LCD Jesko, would I do it? Of course! What´s the risk? Horrible QC like on some Barchettas? I can return it. The risk with passing is that, like with the aforementioned list, I am waiting for a better model that either never materializes or is not better than the model I did not buy. If AA then releases a far better model, say 5 years later, I can still buy it, compare and sell the LCD, perhaps even with a profit, but definitely with only as slight a loss that is worth having had the joy of owning it and be on the safe side. If the AA is worse, it is returned.
So is my enthusiasm in welcoming competiton tackling misplaced?
Autoart is not what it once was and that cannot even be argued anymore. when was the last time Autoart made a model as good as the LCD Huayra R or the Almost Real Zonda Cinque or the BBR LaFerrari? Five years ago? Seven? maybe 10? That is fine with me as I really would rather support any other diecast company anyways other than Exoto. Remember this is the same company that compared themselves to classic watchmakers and told us the switch to ABS was gonna lower prices and improve the models”desirability”. Autoart has been underperforming and overpricing for years, gouging collectors while inflating their image in a half hearted attempt to stay ahead of the competition. I hope LCD or AR,get Lambo and Bugatti License as well and GMA for that matter and kick AA to the curb. If I never buy another AA (and I have over 100), that will be fine with me.
I’m a fan of all three brands – Autoart, Almost Real, and LCD, and have been buying their models for a long time. Having read through all the comments, I understand and agree with many of the sentiments people have shared.
Here’s my view. I don’t think any of these brands are perfect, and if you’ve been in the hobby long enough, you should know this by now and come to terms with it.
A lot of people in this hobby tend to have OCD and are overly critical about minor things. That said, the hobby has gotten completely out of hand in terms of pricing, and if we’re paying so much money, it’s fair to expect products without major issues.
Of the three, Autoart offers the best and most consistent quality control. Whenever I buy an Autoart model, I don’t live in fear of whether it will arrive safely or have issues like peeling decals, loose screws and parts, paint chips, or other defects. In my opinion, their switch from diecast to composite was smart. You avoid problems like paint rash or suspension sagging under the model’s own weight. The opening parts function well even after a decade, and their shutlines are much tighter.
While Autoart’s prices seemed steep at first, all other manufacturers have increased their prices over time, and now cost just as much or even more in some cases. Autoart does a fantastic job with proportions and ride height. Their models generally look solid on the outside with the exception of carbon fiber parts. They lack the sheen found on other brands and have too many textured plastic parts, which feel cheap.
Both LCD and Almost Real struggle more with quality control, and it can be hard to find models from either brand that are completely issue free. It can be frustrating, and the hobby now almost requires a minimum level of DIY skills like gluing parts, correcting paint rash, or tightening loose screws to be able to enjoy them.
While LCD may not always be as accurate in stance and the shutlines may not be as tight as Autoart, I think some people exaggerate these issues. Since I don’t have space to display all my models, I enjoy taking them out occasionally to admire the details and in that area, LCD is far superior to Autoart. Some of their models feel like budget CMCs. They include many more parts and pack in a lot of detail for the money. With this complexity, though, comes a higher chance of QC issues.
Personally, I enjoy models that offer intricate details. There’s more to explore, and you feel like you’re getting more for your money, especially in terms of interior and engine details, where LCD really excels.
Almost Real sits in the middle for me. Their details are better than Autoart’s but usually not on par with LCD, with the exception of their Zonda and Huayra. Like LCD, they also face QC issues.
Autoart barely puts effort into engine bays anymore, and their interiors often feel generic and lack the “wow” factor. They’re also notoriously slow with new releases and so is Almost Real. When it comes to speed to market, LCD clearly wins. I agree, they are gaining market share because collectors today often lack patience.
Saying LCD is just for price sensitive buyers is ridiculous. Their models are more detailed and feel like a better bang for your buck.
Not everyone in the hobby values the same things. Some prioritize exterior accuracy, others prefer more detailed interiors and engines with decent exteriors. Some focus on price, and others on quality control. In the end, competition is healthy, and each of these three brands bring something unique to the table.
Wow! quite the discussion opened up here… And frankly I like it and I believe it’s healthy for the forum. I find a lot of good points made by a lot of people and few I disagree with. I have to say that it is funny the effect this forum has on me personally and how it affects the way I look at the models in my own collection. For example I would read a review or a statement about certain model and if I have it, I would go take it out of the case or its box and reexamine it and look for the parts in the review or comparison that I could have missed on my own. And this creates some funny situations and in some cases opens a window into the mentality of collectors in general. Nowhere is this more evident that in brand preferences and current fads, let’s call them. I don’t know if this is something that comes with age, but ever since I passed than half century mark I have been struggling more and more with understanding peoples inability to see further than their own nose, so to speak. I don’t know if it’s me that’s changing or the world around me. I would love to go in detail about how poorly and downright cheaply made the BBR LaFerrari is made. Or how just because three brands use the same factory, does not mean one of the companies makes the models for the other two. Or how absurd it is to think that metal has any advantages over plastic (composite) in a die cast mold. And…
I’ll just say that I don’t care what brand makes what. All of them have some great models and some flops. IMHO if you buy anything out there based solely on the brand that made it you are a snob.
Now somebody asked what do I disagree with and to expand.
this is the write up and I’ll add my comments in CAPS.
“Big news from the diecast world — LCD Models has officially partnered with Koenigsegg,
ARE THEY GOING TO BE THE EXCLUSIVE LICENSE HOLDER AND ARE KOENIGSEGG GOING TO BE INVOLVED IN THE MODEL MAKING? BECAUSE OTHERWISE THEY JUST PAID FOR A LICENSE, THEY DID NOT BECOME PARTNERS.
securing licensing rights to produce scale replicas in 1:18, 1:43, and 1:64. The agreement covers both sealed and fully opening diecast metal formats.
According to early reports, the first release is expected in Q4 2025, with speculation pointing to a 1:18 scale model featuring full opening functionality.
This marks a significant win for collectors.
NO, IT DOES NOT. WE DON”T KNOW YET. IF IT CAUSES AUTOART TO DROP KOENIGSEGG AND LCD DOES NOT DELIVER SAME QUALITY, IT WOULD BE A LOSS ACTUALLY.
LCD Models has built a solid reputation for delivering high-quality, fully functional 1:18 models at price points well below industry leaders.
THIS IS NOT TRUE. AT LEAST NOT THE LAST PART. LCD’s PRICES ARE NOT BELOW COMPARABLE MODELS.
With Koenigsegg now in its portfolio, the brand is poised to take a notable bite out of AUTOart’s market share
THAT IS A BLIND STATEMENT THAT HAS NOTHING TO BACK IT UP. IT MAY HAPPEN, IT MAY NOT
— a company that has struggled to meet expectations throughout 2024 and into 2025.
THIS IS ALSO FALSE, BASED SIMPLY ON PERSONAL OPINION AND SENTIMENT.
We’ve reached out to LCD Models’ China and Europe divisions for further comment and will share updates as they become available.”
Once again, MRM or MOZZi, it’s clear you’re here only to stir up trouble and read between lines that aren’t there. No matter what is written, you seem intent on creating conflict. You are not welcome here, and your forum account will be deleted immediately. Let us know if you can understand this, FUCK OFF!.