|
AUTOart's latest variant of their 2004 Viper Competition Coupe is finished in the popular retro color GoManGO. Called the "GO-MAN-GO Special", this sealed body shell model is a numbered edition of 3000. The finish is flawless and the metallizer content and particle size are perfectly scaled. The model is accented in matte black that includes the lower body ground effects, vertical stabilizer and supports for the rear spoiler and hood and side hash stripes.
I love the way the Viper body has evolved over the years. Although considerably altered aerodynamically, it remains true to both the original concept and to its Daimler-Chrysler stablemates. The sides and rear have morphed to resemble the Challenger retro concept car and the graduated black bands emanating from the front fender vents summon the spirit of late 60s MOPAR muscle. Excluding the exposed front dam actuators, it a clean machine.
This model is more than up to AUTOart's high standards with a quality finish, optically clear glazing, finely cast hardware and fasteners and amazingly realistic light groupings. There's plenty of details visible through that glazing. Below the rear window, the fuel system is accurately modeled from the filler to the pump to the fuel tank venting. The cockpit is extremely busy from the dash to the rear bulkhead. There's a full safety cage, fire suppression system, protective webbing and netting and a harness around a single simulated cloth upholstered racing seat. The dash has crisply molded switches, legible gauges and a padded center console housing the shifter. The suspension is active on real metal coilsprings with just enough action to keep it from bottoming out. The spidery 3-section BBS wheels shod in white-lettered Hoosiers allow visual access to the slotted discs and "VIPER" tampo'd calipers. The classic side pipes, now enclosed in fairings, are visible only as chromed beveled tips in a metal surround. The undercarriage is the mandated flat pan with directional diffusers. There's shielding for the driveshaft and rear, and the lower half of the V10 is also modeled.
This Viper is a real eyepopper. The bright metallic orange and black accent stripes make the machine look like it's going 220mph when it's standing still. At the same time, it looks as though it should have "Tony the Tiger" logos emblazoned on the sides. One thing about the Viper; in whatever color or livery it shows up in, it's still the meanest looking machine on the track.
(03/27/2007)
|
