REVIEW: AUTOart Lexus LFA (Composite) • DiecastSociety.com

REVIEW: AUTOart Lexus LFA (Composite)

Words and photos courtesy of HY90

 

When it comes to a modern classic, many would assume the likes of a Carrera GT, F430 Scuderia or Murcielago SV. But what exactly does modern classic mean? Simply put, modern classic is a perfect blend of modern styling and traditional in a sense… aka something that’s timeless. Well, the LFA is just as synonymous as it is revolutionary.

AUTOart’s newest (ahem…latest*) addition is the highly anticipated re-release of a rather sought-after, discontinued Lexus LFA. Already owning the 1st release, as well as the Nurburgring version, the latest release is a welcomed addition. But what exactly is different between this and the original diecast release? Well… continue reading below!

Let’s start with the obvious elephant in the room. The model is now composite, rather than full diecast as it was on the 1st release. There are now MULTIPLE colours to choose from Pearl Red, Pearl Yellow, Pearl Blue, Passionate Pink, Whitest White, Whitest White/Carbon Roof, and Matte Black. I went with the pearl yellow for two specific reasons; it was the colour I was missing from the original release and WELLS also released their take on the Lexus LFA, which I will compare and highlight in detail, in a separate review.

BODY/FINER DETAIL:

Given the fact that the LFA’s now composite, corners and gaps are sharper and tighter than before. When you compare the model next to the original diecast release, you’d realize that there’s more definition in the body lines. Door sills are far more realistic looking.

Coming to the vents, for those that have the original AUTOart LFA, you’d remember how much of a disappointment the rear vents under the taillights were. It was one solid piece of plastic that wasn’t even perforated. (I know they did resolve this issue with the Nurburgring release). Well, I am happy to say that every vent on the new release is perforated! Not only that, both the taillights and headlights offer more definition. The same can be said for the rear Lexus badging, as on the original release, it seems like AutoArt just slapped some stickers on. With the new release, the badge is a completely separate piece.

INTERIOR:

The interior is where I feel the model shines the most. Going with the McDonald’s colour scheme with a pearl yellow exterior and red leather interior, this car definitely pops. I’ll be honest, as much as look at the original diecast version vs. the re-release, I cannot find one singular difference. I wouldn’t be surprised if AUTOart used the same interior from the original release and slapped it in the newer one. I mean, why fix something when it’s not broken?

ENGINE BAY:

The motor is pretty well detailed. Just like the interior, I couldn’t find any differences between the original release and this model, other than the carbon fibre texture on the strut bar being more detailed. Underneath the undercarriage, you’d be able to find detailed bits of the motor and suspension, however, just like the real car, most of the goodies are covered by a plethora of carbon fibre panels.

WHEELS:

I’m sure a lot of collectors would agree, that wheels tend to be AUTOart’s strong suit overall. The same can be said about the LFA. The wheels are nicely executed, and the black chrome alloys are wrapped in finely detailed Bridgestone Potenzas. Inside the wheel, you’d be able to see the classic LFA red calipers inscribed with the Lexus logo and large rotors to add to the overall realism of the car.

OVERALL:

I’ll be honest, the only reason AUTOart is re-releasing some of their classics, is simply because the demand is still there. So, what is the verdict? Well, if you are a supercar collector, Lexus enthusiast, or simply one of those collectors who missed out on the original release and don’t want to pay the exorbitant prices the 1st editions now fetch, this is a nice addition to the AutoArt lineup. Even though detail-wise, it doesn’t differ that much from the original release (minus the obvious weight difference and benefits of composite), the LFA still holds a near and dear place in my heart, that if you’re willing to forgo the fact it’s no longer a diecast, I’d definitely recommend this.

Written by

19 Responses to "REVIEW: AUTOart Lexus LFA (Composite)"

  1. DS Team says:

    Thanks for sharing your experience with the composite re-release of the Lexus LFA, it definitely looks like a stellar effort and one that is gladly appreciated by collectors who missed out on the original. The pricing on them is utterly ridiculous (in most cases), but that’s supply and demand…

  2. Robert says:

    While I can see how a Toyota 2000GT, a Nissan 240Z, a second gen Supra and even the last Gen Supra might be classics, I don’t see how this styling abomination (to me anyway) can ever be. Weird lines all over, smooth front end with a rear end as square as they get. It is an amazing technical piece, but as far as styling… Their 400SC from the late 90’s was a lot better, and that already is a classic.

  3. Kostas says:

    As an owner of a white 1st edition Autoart LFA, I can say that I am happy to see the addition of perforated rear vents in this new release, which corrects the significant oversight from Autoart on the original release back then.

    Apart from that, as the exterior, interior and the engine features remain the same, I am still satisfied with my 1st edition LFA, because it is a very well made and beautiful model car and also a diecast one. But the most important thing in this case, is surely the fact that many collectors out there are finally able to purchase the Autoart LFA, without having to pay the absurd prices based on the rarity of the 1st gen.

  4. Jamie says:

    Thanks!! I have ordered one!

  5. Mr Anderson says:

    I’m not a fan of the LFA, per say. Not in the same way a lot of people are, but seeing as how it’s 1 of the few Japanese supercars ever created, and I missed out on the 1st edition since I didn’t really care for it. I managed to order 1 in whitest white. Still yet to arrive but I’m interested to see it added to my collection.
    Have to admit though, after recently obtaining the AR Pagani, the bar has been set really high.. 👍🏻

  6. Marcus says:

    I love AutoArt’s Signature diecast range and it’s older diecast models but I’m avoiding it’s ‘composite’ models, which are simply plastic with a lump of metal to give them some weight. At least they’re not sealed.

    • Steven Weiner says:

      I have several of AUTOart’s composite models and find their quality generally very good. They won’t be making any more diecast metal models, so we’ll have to go with the composites from now on if we want to buy anything more from AUTOart. The only thing that makes ME hesitate to buy their products now is their high PRICE, not the composite construction!

  7. Dimitris says:

    What about a comparison with the STWell?

  8. juan says:

    The headlight seems little bit darker and less detail than original diecast version ?

  9. Alvin says:

    For those who already own the composite LFA, does anyone has an issue with front wheel’s chamber? Has anyone try to fix it?

  10. Carcollector 1987 says:

    Does anyone know how I can get spare parts for the 1st generation AutoArt LFA. I need to order white side mirrors. Mine got destroyed

Leave a reply