FUTURE FANTASY RACE CAR - 1:18 SCALE X2010 SPEEDSTER FROM AUTOART

Sony PlayStation drivers will love this diecast future-machine, one of the star cars in the record-breaking Gran Turismo 5 video game. This one is now leaving the screen, to arrive as a real-life 1:18 scale diecast model from Hong Kong-based Autoart.

Autoart are producing a whole series of vehicles in various markings, of which the one in current World Champion Sebastian Vettel (below) markings is probably most interesting.

In Red Bull markings, the X2010 really ought to be the one he drives in Formula 1, as it looks just great. Still, if we can’t have that, here’s the next best thing.

Cockpit details
Fit and finish look absolutely excellent in these Autart pix, with top marks going to the simulated carbon-fibre and cockpit detailing. The HUD (head-up display) looks pretty cool too.

More to come
The Red Bull edition in Sebastian Vettel markings is due April, with others in the series to follow, finished in white, red, and orange, plus one in a prototype scheme.

X2010 in white is on the Autoart website, and expected in retail channels soon.

X2010 is available to order from HobbyLink Japan.

Other Autoart diecasts here.

*** Mr J note: Talking of HUDs, I had a Citroen DS5 on test drive last weekend. It was packed with high-tech gadgets, and even had a HUD speed display at the windscreen base. I was dubious at first, but it was fun watching it rising into place, and actually quite useful when driving. I was less amused by the slit-like windows all round, which made reverse-parking mostly a no-no, even with the included rear-view camera. Note to Citroen designers - get the basics right first.

SEBASTIAN VETTEL FORMULA ONE RACING CAR FROM TAMIYA

SMN REPORT
Red Bull Racing’s Sebastian Vettel won his third Formula One Driver’s World Championship in 2012, and you can help celebrate that milestone by building a Tamiya 1:20 scale kit of the Renault racer he drove in 2010, to become World Champ for the first time.


The car is the Red Bull Racing Renault RB6, and is an all-new 1:20 scale tooling from Tamiya. The RB6 was also driven by Vettel's team-mate Mark Webber and you can build the kit in either driver’s team markings.

Aero aid
In Tamiya-speak, the car is a ‘highly detailed static display model’ that features a removeable engine cover ‘to allow installation of the F-Duct system.’ For non-fans the F-duct is a cunning piece of technical trixie that channels air through and around the rear of the car, for improved aerodynamics.

Alternative markings
It looks like a fine kit, and has the usual Tamiya attention to detail in the cockpit and the chassis. There are photo-etch metal parts and beautifully printed Red Bull markings by Italian decal-maker Cartograf for both Number 5 and Number 6 Red Bull cars.

The Tamiya Red Bull Renault RB6 is available from HobbyLink Japan here.

And many more cars and bikes from the SMN Store here.