REVIEW: Maisto Lamborghini Huracan Performante • DiecastSociety.com

REVIEW: Maisto Lamborghini Huracan Performante

Words and photos courtesy of LAMBODiecast.com

 

Without a doubt, the AUTOart made 1:18 scale model of the Lamborghini Huracan Performante is simply stunning, I own the Arancio Anthaeus shade on that model, and I love it.  Complete with the bronze Narvi Forged wheels, and I have been keeping an eye out to add the Verde Mantis version from AUTOart too because it comes with the Loge Forged wheels instead.  I still have some other models on order too, and money isn’t easy to come by these days, so I only have one AUTOart made Performante in my collection at this time.

Still, I managed to add a Verde Mantis Huracan Performante to my display, it is made by Maisto.  Now I know you can’t compare a €35 Maisto model with a €220 AUTOart model, I could buy six Maisto models for one of the AA counterparts, but you know I collect Lamborghini models, and who makes them isn’t really an issue.  I’m happy to buy an expensive MR or even a D&G model and put a Maisto or Bburago next to it if it’s a Lamborghini I will try to add it to my collection.

THE SCALE MODEL

With this new Maisto model I added a green Huracan Performante to the different Huracan models I already owned, in this case, Maisto went for a very low optioned model, it does not come with the ‘Style Pack’, sits on black Narvi wheels over black brake calipers, they did leave the Performante script and Tricolore flag on the door (you can opt to remove them in real life).

For the interior, we still get the lightweight carbon fibre racing seats (a must-have in a Performante or SVJ if you ask me), but everything is black, Nero Cosmus to be exact.  There is not a single piece of colour to be found inside this Maisto model apart from the red cover over the start button.

There should be lots of Forged Composite on the central console and for the vents on the dashboard too, but Maisto didn’t bother with those details, just use black plastic, that will do nicely. Same for the rear wing and part of the rear diffuser, all black, not a piece of Forged Composite insight, which is a bit sad, to be honest.

Now I have to say I was impressed by the engine inside this Maisto model, it looks like a brick of plastic for sure, but that gold finish does look rather nice, and it shows just enough detail to look good enough for a €35 scale model.  Especially as we are talking about a glass engine cover, you can always see the engine, no matter if you leave the engine cover open or if you keep it closed.

In real life, the Lamborghini Huracan Performante comes with a lot of air intakes, air vents, ALA ducts and stuff like that.  On this Maisto model, all of the grilles covering these inlets and outlets are sealed, there is the impression of a grille, but none of them are open mesh, unfortunately.  Definitely the downside at this price point I guess.

BOTTOM LINE

So I’m rather happy with this Maisto made Lamborghini Huracan Performante model in 1:18 scale, I would have liked a bit more detail on the interior, perhaps some splashes of green on the seats and dashboard would look great.  One can always take her apart and add that detail myself.  On a €35 model I can experiment without losing too much money, so if you are looking to add a Performante to your collection and that €220 price tag for the near-perfect AUTOart version is out of reach, this Maisto model is a very nice alternative, and on display, she looks rather nice too.

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5 Responses to "REVIEW: Maisto Lamborghini Huracan Performante"

  1. DS Team says:

    Great stuff! Definitely can satisfy budget collector. Maisto also impresses with the execution of the exterior colour.

  2. Charles Stünzi says:

    Yes, Maisto has made enormous progress in the 1:18 sector and you get a lot for what you pay. Jost look at the new Ford GT (2015ff) for example. The same can be said on a slightly higher level about the new Norev models, e.g. the Porsche 935 versions. Stunning precision, even though nothing can be opened there. The days when you got only poor quality for little money are definitely over!

  3. Demetri says:

    Hello DS,
    I am a fan of your website and diecast reviews as I am a big 1:18 collector.
    However I do have one complaint. Every time you guys do a review on a lower end model, you guys bring up the price of Autoart, and how they are expensive. At the end of the day, when you buy Autoart, you know what you are buying. The attention to detail, perfection, and most importantly quality control is always there. From the paint quality, to the perforated grilles, headlights, tail lights, wheels, to the interiors and the carpeting, the quality is always the same when you order an Autoart. I have never had to return an Autoart model, but every time I go with a different, more of a low end brand in the $120 to $140 range like Paragon or Norev, I always cross my fingers cause I have had times where I had to return them due to quality control. I am not crazy about Autoart moving to resin from diecast, but I guess we have to get used to it since scale model design and production has evolved.

    Also not crazy about companies like BBR, Looksmart, MR, and Frontiart charging an arm and a leg for resin sealed models. I know they are of high quality, and I do own some, but let’s face it, they are way overpriced.

    • DS Team says:

      We appreciate all feedback, however, this review is not written by us, these are words from the collector community.

      “The attention to detail, perfection, and most importantly quality control is always there”

      We do disagree with the above. AUTOart is a good brand with a great breadth of assortment. However, attention to detail in their models today pales in comparison with past examples. Seems like a yo-yo effect with the interior and motor execution. One example is decent and yet the next is lacking in attention. Why? Also, they are far from perfection, no model brand is perfect.

      • Shah.Legno says:

        So for the best for Autoart collector we just need to buy grab only all the past old release model of Autoart before they are gone, if attention to detail & diecast exterior is more important than the latest release model.

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