We’re sure there were many waiting on the AUTOart 1:18 Lamborghini Centenario release. Prior to the AUTOart example, the market was littered with various executions in sealed resin in various scales. We think this car deserves more than a static representation, so we, as many other collectors did wait patiently for the full access version from AUTOart. Was the wait worth it? Read on.
A little on the Lamborghini Centenario. She is a limited production supercar based on the Lamborghini Aventador, which was unveiled at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. It was commissioned to commemorate the 100th birthday of the company’s founder, Ferruccio Lamborghini. The car is ridiculously quick, even at still stance, it looks like its doing 100+. Top speed is quoted at 350 km/h or 217 mph. Nuts! A total of 40 cars were produced, 20 Coupes and 20 Roadsters.
AUTOart will be releasing a fair assortment of colours throughout 2019, our example is the first from the series, painted carbon fibre version in Blue Cepheus/Pearl Blue. Out of the box, this colour pops! AUTOart usually does a solid job (Lamborghini wise) on the body lines and 1:1 readiness, the Lamborghini Centenario here is no exception.
This one comes from their composite and diecast series. It is definitely a lite weight in overall mass. With this, the team promises tight shutlines and panel gaps. The Lamborghini Centenario is definitely on par here. The carbon fibre work is not manufactured in moulded pieces (thankfully), it is applied to the part(s). The overall gloss finish is decent, but not perfect. This will be their biggest challenge for the full exposed carbon fibre version that will be coming soon.
All intakes and openings throughout the model are capped with perforated grilles – where applicable. We like this! All emblems front and side are 3D like, and quality pieces too.
The front has a series of opening on the lower section. The transition from Blue to carbon fire is excellent. Headlight detail is good and mirrors the original well. We have full access to the storage area. The operation here was flawless. Once inside the small storage compartment is fully flocked. Note the hinge work on either side.
The rear bumper/diffusor is crafted with six fins from left to right. Again, the transition of Blue to carbon fibre is executed well. Centre exhaust is nicely crafted. Just above this, you’ll find perforated grille – if you shine a strong enough light you’ll see some internal bits. Lamborghini badge, even so small is found centre and finally, taillights represent the original well. Fit and finish throughout is very good.
Another bonus with the AUTOart Lamborghini Centenario is the functional rear spoiler. It pivots back to the front as well as protrudes up and down. It was somewhat finicky to place is various positions, but with a little patience, your desired position can be achieved.
There is access to the motor. The hood of the Lamborghini Centenario ships separate from the model. Various pins and magnets keep it in place. Our example worked without issue and panel gaps and shutlines get top marks.
The engine itself is very good. AUTOart uses colour, materials, and textures effectively to execute a decent powerplant. Much better than we’ve seen is recent releases from the team. What are your thoughts?
Moving to the wheels we find Black paint with carbon fibre accents on each spoke. The finish and transition of each element are flawless. In behind Black calipers are mated to ceramic/cross-drilled rotors. The package is well done. We can’t forget the signature Yellow pin stripping on the tires with Pirelli script. Also, on point.
The interior is crafted in Grey/Black with Blue accent bits throughout. We assume the Grey is supposed to mimic Alcantara a suede-like material. Well, AUTOart’s representation definitely leaves you wanting more. As for the dash, centre console and doors cards. Each area is represented well, the best executed section would be the centre console in our opinion. Footwells are carpeted and there are actual fabric seat-belts to boot. Overall marks equate to a very good B+.
The AUTOart Lamborghini Centenario was a long time in the coming. It was definitely worth the wait. When compared to their static counterparts there is a lot more value here, and in some cases cheaper retail too. We find the model for the most part well-rounded outside and in, though the interior could use a little more refinement in the texture department. Full access to the front storage and rear motor will make this an attractive addition for any supercar collector. The biggest challenge will be choosing what exterior colour; some may choose to buy them all. Enjoy the pics!
Thank you for the review, very encouraging. I have pre-ordered the clear-carbon version and am more optimistic now that AUTOart can do it. BBR seems to have been better on replicating carbon on its F12 tdf , though. Is that correct?
It is close, but we still give BBR a slight nod.
This is the one i have been waiting for. With the blue colour it looks stuning. I am so glad i sold my resin version and still have money left to by this one. Thank you for a great review.
Fully opening over sealed any day!
Thanks for the review, I do agree that the glossy carbon spec is going to be a true challenge, AUTOart has never managed to get an authentic glossy-look to their carbon fibre so I’m curious to see how will they do con this new release.
No problem. Even with its slight faults, it is a terrific model.
Great review – thanks. I have the GIALLO ORION (yellow) on pre-order. Per your photo of a couple of weeks ago that yellow example has shinny “metal” wheel rims. Are you aware of diff. wheel colors depending on body colors? This blue one has all black wheels with, of course, the carbon spokes.
Just curious.. stupid question. Why do the autoart models come with a plastic key? Just a souvenir?
Hi, the key allows the collector a tool to access the interior, motor and storage.
Stupid question but how do you raise the spoiler, it has no button under the car
Just pull upwards carefully.
Hi Guys.
I Need An Advice. I Bought the Clear Carbon Version. The Quality Overall Is Actually Good. Panel Gaps Are As Described In This Review. They Are So Good, I Have Serious Troubles With the Doors. Opening Them Is a Really Hard Task. There Is No Info On That Matter In Your Review. So How Does It Work On Your Model? You Just Pull On the Door Handles And They Open With No Issues At All? I Have To Pull On the Doors Really Hard. It Should Not Be That Hard, Right?
My Second Issue Is the Painting. The Chin Spoiler Is Missing a Tiny Bit Of Yellow Color. It’s One Of the Small Corners At the Center Of the Spoiler.
So. What Would You Do If It Was Your New Model? Would You Keep It, Or Just Return It?
Generally Speaking, How Do You Usually Handle Stuff Like This? Many Of the Models I Buy Have Small Issues And Usually I Keep Them. I Hate It But I Keep Them Anyway. So What Are Your Thoughts On That Matter?
Issues, this is very subjective as to what one can live with. In this case we would live with is, though contact the seller/retailer and request some sort of compensation.
As for the doors, yes, these buggers have always brought some level of pain LOL. To action, push forward on the handle handle, at same time poll door out and up, all without not damaging the model finish. Good luck!
Thank You For Your Answer. As Always Very Helpful. I Just Wanted To Know How You Feel And What You Think About All the Small Issues.
So, Yeah, I Just Keep This Model As Well. I Already Got This New Model For a Really Good Price So I’m Just Gonna Leave It At That.
Yes, That’s the Theory. Grab the Door Handle, Push Forward And Pull At the Same Time. But Obviously It Doesn’t Work As Intended. Autoart Should Have Gone With the Good Old Magnets Instead. Yes, This Push+Pull Combo Works Somehow, But It’s Definitely Not Fun.
But Overall I Think It’s a Great Model. Carbon Work Looks Really Good To Me. Shut Lines And Panel Gaps Are Actually Too Perfect :), Wheels Spin With No Issues At All And The Rear Spoiler Works Well. Even the Composit Material Used By Autoart Seems To Be a Higher Quality Than Usually. I Don’t Know, Maybe Just Thicker Layer Or So. Compared To Let’s Say Koenigsegg One:1 It’s Definitely a Step Up. It Feels Actually Good To Hold This Model In Your Hands. And the Most Important Thing Is, the Model Looks Fantastic In My Showcase. This Is My Favorite Lamborghini Now. 15 Years Later Or So, the Queen Of Queens, the Yellow Diablo SV Got Dethroned Now.
Personally, I’d keep it. Also, I would just touch up the yellow as best as possible.
Is made in Die Cast(metal) or Plastic rubbish(composite)
Their composite and diecast series. And the model isn’t ‘rubbish’. It is extremely good, and as stated the best example in scale that offers access. This plastic vs. metal is getting old. We understand some don’t like AUTOart’s departure from metal, fine, but we cannot broad-brush the complete assortment as rubbish.