You’ve heard it before – Norev is hands down our favourite budget brand. With their latest Porsche releases, the 1:18 metal and opening Porsche 718 Spyder RS 2023 Weissach Pack and its hardtop sibling, the 718 Cayman GT4 RS Weissach Pack, Norev has truly stepped up its game. Their dedication to value, accuracy, and craftsmanship is on full display. Here’s our detailed review of the Porsche 718 Spyder RS Weissach Pack by Norev.

The 2023 Porsche 718 Spyder RS Weissach Pack is the ultimate expression of open-top driving performance. Under the hood lies the 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat-six from the 911 GT3, producing 493 hp and revving up to 9,000 rpm. This translates to blistering performance: 0-60 mph in just 3.2 seconds. The Weissach Pack adds lightweight carbon-fibre components, titanium exhaust tips, and optional magnesium wheels, making it even more track-focused. With razor-sharp handling, a spine-tingling soundtrack, and limited production numbers, it’s destined to be a future collectible.

Priced at approximately $129 US or $185 CND, Norev’s 1:18 scale replica is a standout. Crafted with a full metal exterior and functional opening parts, this model offers remarkable value, outshining some pricier competitors. One of its biggest highlights is the fully retractable rear storage/trunk section, adding a dynamic layer of realism.

Right out of the box, the GT Silver Metallic paintwork is flawless – perfectly consistent and evenly applied. The carbon-fibre accents, rendered with gloss-finished decals, add a realistic touch, enhancing the hood, mirrors, side intakes, upper headrests, and various elements of the rear hatch.  Norev nails the fitment with tight panel gaps and solid shutlines.

Speaking of the removable roof, Norev impresses with a fully articulated roof mechanism in scale. Our sample worked flawlessly, maintaining excellent shutlines. The roof is held by small magnets, which may be visually distracting for some, but they function seamlessly. However, Norev misses an opportunity by excluding the roof or its remnants from the storage area, a minor oversight. Additionally, the red exterior straps appear slightly oversized, affecting scale accuracy.

The front fascia is beautifully rendered, replicating the real car’s aggressive stance. The engraved Spyder RS logo on the lower lip spoiler is a fine touch. However, the Porsche crest on the carbon-fibre hood is embedded rather than applied as a decal, which may be inaccurate, as the Weissach Pack typically favours weight-saving decals over emblems.

Access to the front storage is fully functional, revealing a flocked compartment with accurate texturing. Norev also steps up its game with refined hinge work, enhancing the realism. A small Porsche script is neatly applied at the centre of the storage area—a lovely detail.

At the rear, the lower diffuser bumper section is finished in matte black, contrasting nicely with the silver bodywork. The titanium-style exhaust tips are accurately shaped and finished, mimicking the real car perfectly. The secondary spoiler on the hatch is also matte black, adding to the track-ready aesthetic. Inside, the storage area is fully flocked, though the lack of visible roof apparatus is a missed opportunity. One minor flaw: the internal intakes are capped with solid plastic rather than perforated elements – a small but noticeable miss.

The 20″ wheels are a showstopper. Norev captures the intricate design perfectly, with cross-drilled rotors and massive red calipers delivering an authentic look. The tire script and centre emblems are finely detailed, adding to the realism. Interestingly, while the real car offers optional ceramic brakes, the model appears to feature metallic-style rotors – a minor inaccuracy but not a deal-breaker.

Norev continues to impress with its interior execution. The full flocking creates a realistic carpeted effect, while the fabric door pulls are a cool, authentic touch. Red stitching adorns the dash and door panels, adding contrast and accuracy. The carbon-fibre elements on the dash, door cards, and rear of the seats are replicated with a convincing weave pattern. The fit and finish throughout the cabin are top-notch, elevating the model’s overall appeal.

Once again, Norev proves why it’s our favourite budget-friendly brand. Their Porsche 718 Spyder RS Weissach Pack screams value with its metal construction, full articulation, and impressive attention to detail – outshining some competitors that cost significantly more.

If you’ve been on the fence about diving into modern Porsche models from Norev, this release should remove any doubts. The execution here is exceptional, making it a worthy addition to any collection. With their recent Porsche efforts, Norev shows they can go toe-to-toe with AUTOart in terms of execution and value.

Buy with confidence folks – you won’t be disappointed. Enjoy the pics!