No matter where in the world you are located, you probably have heard of the Porsche brand. If you are a car admirer, you will immediately identify a 911, and if you are an enthusiast who enjoys track days, the GT3RS maybe your car of choice. The Porsche 911 GT3 RS die-cast model made by Norev in 1:18 scale is the car I will be reviewing for you today.

Porsche 911 GT3 RS is a performance-focused model, with active aerodynamics such as an automatically adjustable rear wing and front diffuser to shave off those precious seconds around a race track. It is all about reducing turbulence and providing more downforce – something Porsche has brought to this car that derived from their motorsport racing. Wide stance, vents and flares, all give the real car an athletic look. This is also true to the model at first glance – let’s see how it fares outside the box.

This model is packaged in a standard Norev 1/18th scale presentation box. There is only one window display in the form of clear plastic at the front. It is screwed onto the styrofoam shell for safe transport. For those that keep models in their boxes, this type of packaging will allow you to stack boxes one on top of the other and still provide a view of the model that is inside.

Looking at the model up close, you will start to appreciate all the little details from perforated grilles on the outside to carbon fibre replication on the seats on the inside. Norev made a few different colour specs, and this metallic green with gold wheels example is limited to only 504 pieces. The overall fit and finish are quite good – maybe not as good as AUTOart Porsches, but quite respectable especially considering that Norev models are quite a bit cheaper to buy.

The main body shell is crafted in die-cast metal, with the aero bits reproduced in black matte plastic. Green metallic paint is well applied all over and does not show any signs of chips or overspray. The GT3RS script on both doors is neatly painted on, and I prefer this technique over a decal. Door shut lines are on point, and tight-fitting door windows are included.

Moving onto the wheels and tires, I do like Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tire branding – it adds to an ambience. Even more awesome is the tread pattern, which is exactly the same as on the real tire. This is a top-notch effort by Norev! Drilled rotors look good, red brake calipers have a visible white Porsche present, and black center nuts have RS badging too. The matte gold rims complete the look, and I think they go very well with the green metallic paint of the model. Wheels do roll forward and back and tilting them engages the steering wheel to rotate as well. I think the feel of turning the front wheels is a little light and would have preferred some added resistance.

The model is accessible to the inside by opening doors, where you will be greeted with a mix of black and red. On the inside of the door panel, you will find a red stitching simulation, a red design door insert, and a red fabric hoop to represent the door pull handle (a very neat touch). Seats have carbon fibre visible, with red graphics, red stitching and a GT3RS script on the headrest too. Behind the seats, you will find a red seat belt with a separate silver buckle. Both the steering wheel and dashboard are full of colour. For those who wonder about the floor, well good news, it is carpeted too.

At the front, you are welcomed with a perforated grille a feature most collectors prefer. Matte black aero parts have openings, head lights are decent too. However, I do think the model would look cleaner without the front license plate as it is a narrow area. The hood vents on the opening trunk are perforated and look great. I do wish the hood shut line would be a little tighter – on my example, it does not sit exactly levelled with the bumper. It does not look bad, but it could be better.

At the back, you cannot miss the big wing. On the real car, the wing is adjustable, however, on the Norev model presented here, it is fixed. There is also no access to the engine bay – mind you on the real car there is not much to look at either as it is covered. Porsche and GT3RS scripts are present as is the full-length red lightbar. The German license place is present and is quite fitting – it is after all a German car. I certainly prefer it at the back rather than the front.

To sum things up, l think this is a very good model with plenty of detail for the price. Looking at Diecast Society model of the year polls and finding this model on the top of its price category, I think it is obvious others feel the same. If you love modern Porsches, this is indeed a must, the only problem you will have is choosing the colour spec for you. I think as collectors we are very lucky to have a brand like Norev that delivers a great quality product for a reasonable cost. Don’t think twice, go and get yours before they are all gone – especially the limited edition ones!