AUTOart is definitely on a tear with its assortment of Dodge muscle cars, we did review the epic Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody back in January, click the active link to read. Shortly after its release, AUTOart issued Challenger 392 HEMI Scat Pack Shaker and Challenger SRT Demon which is the basis of the gallery review. This one features the Red and Matt Black exterior. And she is just as good as the SRT Hellcat Widebody!
As for the model, full access is part of the package with the exterior side finished in a rich Red and Matt Black finish, in our opinion the colour combo to get! Inside and out it typical AUTOart, and the overall detail is very good and balanced. If you want a more in-depth view, read the above review of the SRT Hellcat Widebody. Everyone is entitled to their opinions and viewpoints, but if you’re holding out because these Dodge efforts fall under the composite umbrella, honestly you are missing out. Reconsider your position, they are that good. Enjoy the pics!
Now this is an amazing replica that Autoart put a very respectable effort in to and definitely displays just as well as any diecast metal model out there. But this kind of effort is still few and far between among the overwhelming variety of releases AA continues to pump out a premium price range. Many of these releases do not look to be of value from their current production material of choice. I don’t know if it’s something they have done wrong and still haven’t pinpointed or if it’s something else that makes so many of their composite models appear “cheap” next to a metal diecast counterparts. (And I’m talking about before you ever pick it up and feel it’s mass and structural integrity). But every so often AUTOart does get it right these days, and slightly quiets the groans of the composite lynch mob. In some ways this may backfire, considering many, including myself, may see this as proof to the sheer lack of passion put into the other numerous current and recent releases of their composite series replicas. Maybe they should think about reducing the number of different models they try to produce at once and focus on the quality and detail of a smaller number of releases at a time. If AUTOart doesn’t think they are losing even their most devoted followers by the hundreds, then they have been living in a bubble.
In the end, all sales hide sins… We have zero perspectives on how truly profitable they are. However, with the constant flow of material, it seems things from the outside look positive. Yes, it’s been a true love-hate relationship with the brand, and their lack of passion is definitely notable.
I don’t deny that they are profitable. Doing extremely well I’m sure. With those prices they better be profitable. My only point is that regardless of how good their numbers are as we speak. I can just about guarantee they could be better. They still haven’t had to face any real head to head competition. Kyosho might be it’s closest competitor but kyosho isn’t committed enough to high end full access scale models for it to be a fair comparison. I don’t claim to be a business expert, or a financial expert, or even a scale modeling expert…. but I feel as these companies continue to sprout up and continue to grow. Some of which actually have a MO to show up Autoart. One day in the future we may be looking back on some of the not so lucrative decision making within the AA brand
Let’s hope the likes of Almost Real, LCD and Kyosho keep them honest.