AutoArt 1:18 2005 Porsche 911(996) #88- O'Young- GT3 Cup Macau Winner- Ltd Ed of 2000

The type 996 Porsche 911 was introduced in 1998 as the next generation Carrera. Although sharing the basic configuration of its ancestors, this car differed so much that many consider it a different car. It introduced a water-cooled version of the boxster engine, mostly to help lower emissions. It was the new aerodynamic body and suspension that transformed the 911 into a car that no longer exposed a driver's weaknesses, but rather enhanced the driver's skill.

The GT3 continued the long line of RS models on the 996 platform until replaced by the 997 for the 2006 season. This class employs a normally aspirated, race-tuned 24v, 3.6 liter flat 6 (the same displacement as the standard 996}, but is based on the dry sump GT1 racing motor that transfers its power to the rear wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission. Horsepower is rated at 390 @7300 rpm. The blinding acceleration (0-60 in 4.0 sec) was complemented by massive 6 piston caliper discs in the front and the regular 4 piston set up in the rear, running on three-piece BBS light aluminum rims with center locking wheel nuts shod in Michelins. Gutting the body of all unnecessary components, the GT3 got carbon fiber doors, rear bumper and rear lid with an adjustable wing. Now a single seat dedicated race car conforming to 2005 Porsche Manufacturer's Cup regulations and FIA specs, the package included welded-in roll cage, single fire retardant seat with 6-point harness, vented rear side windows, aerodynamic side sills, and a host of safety features.

The specific car modeled by AUTOart is the #88 Infineon Carrera Cup 2005 Macau winner driven by Hong Kong native Darryl O'Young who went on to win the following year in the next generation 997 GT3. There's ironically very little to say about this model except that it's darned near perfect. This is one of those rare race cars that there is a ton of research materials and photographs out there and virtually all of the model's components and configurations match the original to a tee.

This AUTOart modeling at its best.... true fidelity at a midrange (~$70) pricepoint. Perfectly finished body, great paint scheme with sharp color separation and vivid livery. From the delicately screened front dam to the split central exhaust emanating from a lightly toasted muffler, there's a lot here to entertain and, in my case, educate. The light groups are astoundingly realistic and the glazing looks scale-thin and optically clear. Panel fit is very good and the shut lines so tight that with the proper recessed door handles, you'll be filing your fingernails to a razor edge. The BBS wheels have polished rims to offset the matte finished spokes and the surrounding white lettered Michelins are just as buffed and sticky to the touch as the real ones. The interior is AUTOart's usual symphony in plastic, both textured and painted, but it all shows beautifully. I didn't realize the "cloth" restraints with metal hardware were nothing more than textured pastic with painted accents until I had the 2X digitals on my monitor. The fire retardant seat "fabric" is also a "trump d'oeil". This is the type of low budget realism that keeps high quality models affordable.

The chassis is a mix of molded-in and separate components that once I took the pictures, I umber-washed and drybrushed with metal powder to really make it pop. Under the engine lid, there's not much to see. I wish that the air filter had been painted to delineate it from the black plastic frame and simulated carbon fiber surround.

If you like your racing Porsches in Ukrainian national colors (well, actually its Blue Girl Premium Beer livery), this is the model for you. The 996 has finally proved to me that a 911 can not only kick butt, but can look darned good doing it.

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