REVIEW: Soul Models Ariel Atom V8 • DiecastSociety.com

REVIEW: Soul Models Ariel Atom V8

Our latest review is from a newcomer to the scale model scene, Soul Models from Spain. Their initial effort is the unique 1:18 scale piece, the Ariel Atom V8, a limited edition of 1500 pieces.  A little about Soul Models: their venture started a little over two years ago, an idea, a dream, a passion. Their goal is to release unique, high-quality pieces and be first to market with scale replicas that we collectors have not seen before.  Let’s face the facts, these are pieces other manufacturers choose to ignore because of lack of popularity or potential low sales figures. Each will be a limited edition of 1000 – 1500 pieces.

ariel_v8atom34

ariel_v8atom35

Since this is our very first review from Soul Models, I’m going to begin with the packaging. The exterior box is larger than the typical brand, measuring just shy of 14.5 inches – maybe a hint of larger things to come?   At first, the box seemed very light, I questioned if there was an actual model inside (LOL). Inside the exterior box, you find the model encompassed within a Styrofoam shell.

ariel_v8atom

The model itself sits on a plastic base with the Ariel Atom V8 name and Soul Models logo on the opposite end. Three screws to remove and the model is set free. Unfortunately for me, my model arrived with some damage. The front shock, rear drive shaft, and some other bits fell off during transport. No worries, a little CA Glue and the model was back up to speed. Soul Models, I’m going to offer some advice, true collectors don’t have the space for this elaborate or oversized base. They take up too much space, and we all know space comes at a premium for all collectors.  To possibly lower the costs and the overall price point, I suggest you remove them!

ariel_v8atom25

The Ariel Atom V8 has a suggested retail of 159.95 euros.  Not cheap.  The model is composed of plastic, resin, and metal bits. The overall shape is captured well by Soul Models. I like the carbon fibre look material, paintwork, and addition of metal photo-etched bits. The essence of the 1:1 is here for sure. The model is very light and rightly so, it’s an Ariel Atom for Christ’s sake, the car is based on a tubular chassis.

ariel_v8atom11

The suspension on the model is static. Also, the wheels do not steer. Not a big issue for me. All the suspension components are made of plastic, front and rear. Nice work on the shock absorbers. They are all static and painted. Could you imagine metal components here?  Just a thought Soul Models.

ariel_v8atom22

Moving to the heart of the beast, the Ariel Atom V8 is powered by a bespoke 3.0L flat-plane crank 32-valve V8. It is developed in America by Hartley and produces 500bhp and 284lb of torque. Unfortunately for us, the rear carbon cover isn’t removable, so accessing or seeing the eight trumpets below is not possible. Overall the motor detail is good. The layers and definition are here, but a little more refinement would have gone a long way.

ariel_v8atom4

The wheels are crafted nicely too. The essence of the 1:1 is here. Rotors feature the same cooling cuts as the original. Nice work Soul Models! Calipers are painted red too, matching the exterior red accents.

ariel_v8atom9

ariel_v8atom6

Moving to the cockpit. One area of love on the model is housing for the driver and passenger. The bottom lining of the tub has the grainy unfinished texture you know well if you have been exposed to unfinished carbon fibre. Jeez, I take pleasure in the littlest of things! Other elements done well are the carbon fibre backing on the seats and real fabric and metal components for the seatbelt harness. Well done guys!

ariel_v8atom30

As the photos will illustrate, the Soul Models Ariel Atom V8 is a solid effort. The uniqueness of the subject matter is one that appeals to me. Definitely kudos to Soul Models for having the balls to take a scale replica into production. Working on some of the smaller details will help future projects, and cutting costs by removing the plastic base will hopefully reduce the opening price point – well that’s my recommendation. Overall this is a thumbs-up effort! Congratulations Soul Models, and welcome to the scale model arena. I’m looking forward to future projects. Enjoy the pics!

ariel_v8atom2 ariel_v8atom3 ariel_v8atom5

ariel_v8atom7 ariel_v8atom8 ariel_v8atom10

ariel_v8atom12 ariel_v8atom13 ariel_v8atom14

ariel_v8atom15 ariel_v8atom16 ariel_v8atom17

ariel_v8atom18 ariel_v8atom19 ariel_v8atom20

ariel_v8atom21 ariel_v8atom23 ariel_v8atom24

ariel_v8atom26 ariel_v8atom27 ariel_v8atom28

ariel_v8atom29 ariel_v8atom31 ariel_v8atom32

ariel_v8atom33 ariel_v8atom36 ariel_v8atom37

ariel_v8atom38

Written by

9 Responses to "REVIEW: Soul Models Ariel Atom V8"

  1. EDIB says:

    Great review, and very nice model.

    The base doesn’t do much for me either. I’d suggest the same, keep the size within spec of other brands unless they are planning something bigger.

    I am a huge fan of the Ariel Atom, actually thought about buying a real used one, but that’s still around $35-40k, so maybe later.

    160 euro is NOT cheap at all, if they can bring it down to GT Spirit prices that would help.
    do the wheels roll by any chance and where can i get one.
    Thanks
    EZ

  2. JS Coleman says:

    If you’re having problems with boxes being too light to have models in them, buy a Sun Star instead. You’d think those boxes had a brick pile in them.

  3. Miles1977 says:

    A very nice model, with a lot of details! A real success !

  4. SCOutlaws says:

    Heads up for anyone that wants this model, it’s for sale for 49.95€ at CK-Modelcars. A real deal! https://ck-modelcars.de/en/eur/p/29773/ariel-atom-v8-gold-black-1-18-soul-models/sm-001/

  5. Lausambaychua says:

    It seems that Soul Model’s website is no longer there, since I just checked yesterday, and I guess they went out of business (why would they no longer maintain their website), it’s really sad to see them go away. Their first piece was so unique and detailed (for what they recreated), and at a reasonable price too (I bought one over 2 years ago for ~US$200, shipping and tax included). Imagine if they’d still be around, we might have a 1:18 Ariel Nomad on the market. I’d buy one in a heartbeat.

  6. Karsten says:

    I have now bought one for 79 € all these years later. Sad to hear that this remains a one-hit-wonder and Soul Models have gone out of business.

    • DS Team says:

      A great addition of a very unique piece. Likely never to be seen in 1:18 scale ever again. We do wonder what did them in… Bad choice for the initial model??

Leave a reply