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MINICHAMPS New Release – Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series

David — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:53:50 +0000

MINICHAMPS have just released a 1:18 scale replica of the Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series in Grey.

The new Black Series coupe is powered by a massive 6.0-litre AMG V12 engine which delivers 670 bhp and 738 lb·ft of torque, and is said to be the most powerful engine made by AMG. The car does 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, and has an electronically limited top speed of 198 mph (319 km/h).

KYOSHO Coming Soon – Morris MINI Minor 1959

David — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 11:13:14 +0000

KYOSHO is to release the Morris MINI Minor from 1959 in the 1:18 scale in quarter one of 2010. They will be releasing a red version and a white version as can be seen in their official pictures below. The replica looks nicely detailed (just like the majority of KYOSHO models), and I can’t wait to get a closer look at this classic.

The real MINI was produced by the British Motor Corporation (BMC), but it was not originally marketed under the MINI name. Instead it was marketed under two of BMC’s brand names, Austin and Morris, mainly as the Austin Seven or SE7EN, and the Morris Mini-Minor. Approximately 1,190,000 Mark 1 MINIs were built during the 1960s.

AUTOart Coming Soon – Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1300 Spider 1957

David — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:13:14 +0000

AUTOart is soon to release a 1:18 scale replica of the beautiful Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1300 Spider from 1957. This model will be released in white, and will also come with a removable roof.

This Alfa Romeo is a really stunning car, not only to look at and admire, but also to drive, since it was one of the best handling cars of the 1950s. Its engine was capable of producing 90 horsepower at 6,500 rpm, which for a car of this size is quite good.

MINICHAMPS New Release – 1988 BMW 535i

David — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 19:24:38 +0000

MINICHAMPS have just released the stunning 1:18 scale 1988 BMW 535i in red. The replica has opening bonnet, doors, and trunk, working steering wheel, and authentic interior and engine details. In my opinion this model is a must have for any BMW collector – I will surely be getting one myself since I love Beamers.

The BMW 535i (E34 model) was built between the years of 1987 and 1993 and 99,861 cars were manufactured. This BMW had a 3.4 litre (3430 cc) SOHC inline-6 cylinder engine capable of producing a nice 208 hp @ 5700 rpm. In 1993 it was replaced by the V8 530i and 540i models.

KYOSHO Coming Soon – Ferrari 250 GTO

David — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:11:20 +0000

KYOSHO recently announced that they will be releasing a 1:18 scale replica of the Ferrari 250 GTO Nr.25, and Nr.20 of the 1963 Le Mans race.

The 1963 Le Mans race took place on the 15th and 16th of June, and it was the 31st Grand Prix of Endurance.

Unfortunately, the race saw the fatality of Brazilian driver Christian Heins, who was involved in a fatal accident while racing his Alpine M63.

The Nr. 25 car was driven by Pierre Dumay and Leon Dernier for team Ecurie Francorchamps. They came 4th after 322 laps. The Nr. 20 car was driven by Fernand Tavano and Carlo Maria Abate for team SpA Ferrari SEFAC, but unfortunately they stopped after 105 laps and only managed to achieve position 28.

AUTOart Coming Soon – Mazda Savanna RX-7

David — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:31:41 +0000

AUTOart will soon be releasing a 1:18 replica of the first generation Mazda Savanna RX-7 SA.

This Japanese built car was powered by a 1146 cc twin-rotor Wankel rotary engine which was situated slightly behind the front axle. Due to this, Mazda marketed this car as a "front mid-engine" coupé.

AUTOart Coming Soon – 1970 Alfa Romeo Montreal

David — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:35:00 +0000

AUTOart will be making a 1:18 replica of the 1970 Alfa Romeo Montreal.

The first production version of the real Montreal was seen at the 1970 Geneva Motor Show. It had a 2,593 cc quad-cam V8 engine and was capable of reaching a top speed of 220km/h. The engine produced a respectable 230 bhp and 235 Nm of torque.

Almost 4,000 Alfa Romeo Montreals were manufactured, but ironically none were ever sold in Montreal since it was limited to the European market. The Montreal was discontinued in 1977.

A Montreal can be seen in the 1974 movie The Marseille Contract where Michael Caine drives a metallic dark brown one.

AUTOart New Release – 1:18 Lamborghini Reventon

David — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:40:10 +0000

AUTOart has recently released this beautiful 1:18 replica of the Lamborghini Reventon. As you can see in the below pictures, this model is highly detailed, as usually is with AUTOart models. There is a nice carbon fibre detail included around the engine and also on the dashboard and steering wheel.