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AutoArt 1:18 Nissan GT-R GT500 Stealth Model Grand Turismo GT5

Reviewed by: Rusty Hurley

I’m sorry - didn’t see you come in....I was too busy fending off an Alfa as I rounded that last huge corner where the elevation changes dramatically on Trial Mountain. Not familiar with that speedway? How about Deep Forest? Cape Ring maybe? Well then this model might be a bit of a mystery to you.

It is AUTO art’s 1/18 “stealth” version of the SuperGT Nissan GT-R. What to make of it? You can make this of it: if the the diecast hobby is aiming to become relevant to new generations of collectors, than this is the very type of model we need to be seeing more of, not less.

This is a brilliant re-creation of the GT-R as featured in the video game Gran Turismo 5. So no, Mr. Is-the-Race-Livery-Correct, it was not made with a thought to how you might think of it. AUTO art cares not a whit what you think of it. You are not the target market here.

Which makes it no less a stunning model. It is part of an on-going love affair (okay, licensing arrangement) between Polyphony Video games and AUTO art. Previous GT-R renditions include a Nissan Skyline that celebrated the first rendition of the game and most famously the pair of modern Ford GT’s one in snow white, the other in the same intimidating carbon stealth mode used here.

It’s clear AUTO art has gotten much better at cloaking its models in this faux carbon fiber finish. The treatment here is brilliant - looking sharp and accurately replicated. The matte Black GT striping nose to tail save for the chromed-out rear window is a nice touch.

The best news it that AUTO art chose for this model the non-curbside version - so doors and hood open on this RHD beauty to reveal fully featured cockpit. The opening hood not only exposes the 4.5 litre V8 (sealed) but also a surprisingly well detailed front suspension. Enamaled badging and AUTO art’s standard superior glazing give the model shelf poise to burn. The GT livery -which I happen to like - is just icing.

I’m not a hipster by any means and if you looked at my birth certificate it might confirm I was born when the presidency was held by someone named Dwight. But I am here to say that lusting after this model is not limited to the target market. But then again, I am familiar with Grand Valley speedway....

(01/28/2013)