AutoArt 1:18 Nissan Skyline GT-R (R35) I have this model in white, and can verify you can trust Rich when he says the GT-R has "performance in a sexy body that looks as good as it goes...." Review by Rich Sufficool

Overview

This new version of the Skyline GT-R (R35 chassis designation)is an absolute powerhouse and has won numerous accolades since its December 2007 Japanese debut including Motor Trend's 2009 Car of the Year. Performance triumphs abound with this car. The new hand built 475hp, 3.6 bi-turbo V6 and dual clutch gearbox combo has produce such stats as 0-60 in 3.2 sec, 120mph 1/4 mi, 193mph top end and a Top Gear track time equal to the Ferrari 430 Scuderia.

The Skyline GT-R high performance vehicles have been around since 1969, but this new version (in which the Skyline designation has been dropped) finally puts all this performance in a sexy body that looks as good as it goes.... instead of looking like a stodgy commuter car on steroids.

AUTOart has really captured the GT-R's beautiful lines and stance of this car. The shutlines are tight enough to cold weld, the glazing is crystal clear and the silver paint is perfectly scaled with the metallizer grains being almost sub-microscopic. The badging and scripts are all separate casting and the low profile tires, although generic, have a realistic scuffed, directional tread. The hinging designs are perfectly designed. The odd design of a simple arc hinge with flip-up metal support for the hood is in sharp contrast to the dual action, complex, piston stabilized hinging of the trunk deck that allows 90° opening arc without scuffing the rear glass.... and it works with surgical precision.

The interior and engine once again demonstrates AUTOart's mastery of using plastic and paint to simulate multimedia effects. The interior is nicely replicated lacking only articulated features like the glove box and visors which are molded in. the restraint systems are cloth with metal hardware. The pad printing on the busy dash is amazing in its accuracy and under high magnification, the markings on the buttons and levers are actually legible. AUTOart has made great strides in tampo applications in the last few years.

The engine compartment with the twin turbochargers is about as busy as you can get. Get out the magnifying glass and you can read "Carbon Fiber Composite" stamped into the radiator shroud. Metal foil is used here to provide a realistic look to the filler caps and the rest is a brilliant combination of textures and paint to simulate all the many exposed components.

I have a few of the earlier GT-Rs and although they represent historically significant vehicles, they lack the esthetic appeal to make me give them display space. This new generation, however, has the sex appeal that makes me want to give it a permanent home in the display case.

Legacy Motors has in stock this GT-R (R35) from AUTOart. To see all colors we carry, click All GT-R.