BMW Z8 by Autoart
Once the bonnet has been propped up (it doesn't stay on its own, a common fault with Autoart models), a reasonably convincing engine can be enjoyed. As with a majority of modern cars, the mechanical parts of the engine are largely covered with a large piece of branded plastic, but Autoart have still modelled this well, and everything looks sharp and not at all crude as can be the case in lesser models. Rather than many separate parts the engine consists of a few pieces of plastic molded and painted to represent different elements of the engine. Nevertheless, there are some nice little touches which really bring quite a boring 1:1 engine to life, notably the badging on the engine cover. Not the most exciting engine bay, but still it does not let the rest of the model down.
Score: 6/10
The BMW Z8 first appeared as a prototype at the Tokyo Auto Show in 1997, and then again at the Detroit show in 1998, as a styling exercise to celebrate the BMW 507 of the 1950s. In fact, the designers were asked to design a car which reflected how a modern day version of the 507 would look, and many of the Z8's styling cues are very obviously drawn from the 507, particularly the distinctive nose, side air intakes and the shape of the front grilles, which are a departure from other modern BMWs. After the show car proved popular, a limited number of Z8s were built for the road, all with left-hand drive, and fitted with the 4941cc V8 engine from the E39 M5, the most powerful BMW engine ever built at the time. With 394bhp coupled to an aluminium chassis and body, the Z8 could accelerate from 0-60 in around four seconds, though some suggested it was more of a grand tourer than an out-and-out sports car when it came to handling. Even so, in mine and many people's opinion it is one of the best looking BMWs ever produced
The model is by Autoart in 1:18 scale, and I paid the reduced retail price of £25 as the model was a few years old when I purchased it. Packaging is a window style box.
Exterior
The Z8 is a gorgeous looking car, and the model is equally attractive. Autoart have perfectly captured the shape, stance and general appearance of the car, and it looks superb on display. Panel gaps are all neat, and in fact the only way to open the bonnet or the boot on my car is to turn it upside down, as I simply cannot slip anything into the gaps to lift them open. Doors open on neat enough hinges, obviously not of the dog-leg type, and feel sufficiently secure. The grille is perforated, and the chrome surround, as with all the chromed parts on the car, is very nicely made. Lights front and rear are all separate pieces of plastic, securely and neatly fitted, and free from attachment stubs. The small bulbs recessed behind the headlight lenses look excellent, and my only minor complaint would be that the rear lights lack depth and look a little 2D. The exhaust pipes are equally good from the outside and are very finely made, but they are not hollowed out as far as is necessary to appear properly realistic if you look from behind the car. A pity, but not something that is noticeable for the majority of the time. BMW badges are proper separate badges, numberplates are straight and secure, and overall there really is very little to criticise at all.
Score: 8/10
Paint
The Z8 looks superb in black, and the paint job on the model is smooth and consistent. It has an almost wet look to it, with no apparent flaws, and further adds to the fabulous appearance of this car. Excellent.
Score: 9/10
The model is by Autoart in 1:18 scale, and I paid the reduced retail price of £25 as the model was a few years old when I purchased it. Packaging is a window style box.
Exterior
The Z8 is a gorgeous looking car, and the model is equally attractive. Autoart have perfectly captured the shape, stance and general appearance of the car, and it looks superb on display. Panel gaps are all neat, and in fact the only way to open the bonnet or the boot on my car is to turn it upside down, as I simply cannot slip anything into the gaps to lift them open. Doors open on neat enough hinges, obviously not of the dog-leg type, and feel sufficiently secure. The grille is perforated, and the chrome surround, as with all the chromed parts on the car, is very nicely made. Lights front and rear are all separate pieces of plastic, securely and neatly fitted, and free from attachment stubs. The small bulbs recessed behind the headlight lenses look excellent, and my only minor complaint would be that the rear lights lack depth and look a little 2D. The exhaust pipes are equally good from the outside and are very finely made, but they are not hollowed out as far as is necessary to appear properly realistic if you look from behind the car. A pity, but not something that is noticeable for the majority of the time. BMW badges are proper separate badges, numberplates are straight and secure, and overall there really is very little to criticise at all.
Score: 8/10
Paint
The Z8 looks superb in black, and the paint job on the model is smooth and consistent. It has an almost wet look to it, with no apparent flaws, and further adds to the fabulous appearance of this car. Excellent.
Score: 9/10
Tyres and Wheels
The level of detail and finish continues onto the wheels of this model. Tyres have a realistic rubber feel and appearance, and unlike a lot of models of road cars, the tyrewalls actually have molded markings, in this case Bridgestone. However, the sidewall look ever so slightly too thick, by which I mean the real car had tyres which appear to be of a slightly lower profile. Wheel rims are very nicely done, and replicate those of the real car better than any of the other Z8 models available in terms of shape. The BMW badge and wheel nuts are all very neat, and the wheels complete what is really a very good external appearance.
Score: 7/10
Brakes
This model benefits from superb brakes, always a strong point on Autoart models. Discs turn independently of the fixed calipers, and the discs themselves have a proper metallic finish which can't be fully appreciated in the photo. To further add to the realism the discs have a light scoring on them as if they have been worn slightly. Calipers are a single piece of unmarked plastic but this is still nicely shaped, and this is yet another strong area for this model.
Score: 8/10
The level of detail and finish continues onto the wheels of this model. Tyres have a realistic rubber feel and appearance, and unlike a lot of models of road cars, the tyrewalls actually have molded markings, in this case Bridgestone. However, the sidewall look ever so slightly too thick, by which I mean the real car had tyres which appear to be of a slightly lower profile. Wheel rims are very nicely done, and replicate those of the real car better than any of the other Z8 models available in terms of shape. The BMW badge and wheel nuts are all very neat, and the wheels complete what is really a very good external appearance.
Score: 7/10
Brakes
This model benefits from superb brakes, always a strong point on Autoart models. Discs turn independently of the fixed calipers, and the discs themselves have a proper metallic finish which can't be fully appreciated in the photo. To further add to the realism the discs have a light scoring on them as if they have been worn slightly. Calipers are a single piece of unmarked plastic but this is still nicely shaped, and this is yet another strong area for this model.
Score: 8/10
Engine
Once the bonnet has been propped up (it doesn't stay on its own, a common fault with Autoart models), a reasonably convincing engine can be enjoyed. As with a majority of modern cars, the mechanical parts of the engine are largely covered with a large piece of branded plastic, but Autoart have still modelled this well, and everything looks sharp and not at all crude as can be the case in lesser models. Rather than many separate parts the engine consists of a few pieces of plastic molded and painted to represent different elements of the engine. Nevertheless, there are some nice little touches which really bring quite a boring 1:1 engine to life, notably the badging on the engine cover. Not the most exciting engine bay, but still it does not let the rest of the model down.
Score: 6/10
Interior
If the engine was a little bland, the interior of this car is quite the opposite. The predominantly red interior and black exterior set each other off wonderfully, and I really love the colour combination. The interior itself features carpeted floors, more of which can be found in the boot, but the seats, as with too many Autoart models, are only hard plastic, though very nicely made and detailed. The photo, or even better the actual model, is the best way to appreciate all the details in this interior, but suffice to say that it really doesn't leave much to be desired. Plently of very nicely painted individual details all over the various parts of the dashboard and doors, nice pedals, and fabric seatbelts complete with buckles. The dials are very clear, and the steering wheel looks great. In short, this interior is really quite excellent for a model in this price range and which is at the time of writing a few years old.
Score: 8/10
If the engine was a little bland, the interior of this car is quite the opposite. The predominantly red interior and black exterior set each other off wonderfully, and I really love the colour combination. The interior itself features carpeted floors, more of which can be found in the boot, but the seats, as with too many Autoart models, are only hard plastic, though very nicely made and detailed. The photo, or even better the actual model, is the best way to appreciate all the details in this interior, but suffice to say that it really doesn't leave much to be desired. Plently of very nicely painted individual details all over the various parts of the dashboard and doors, nice pedals, and fabric seatbelts complete with buckles. The dials are very clear, and the steering wheel looks great. In short, this interior is really quite excellent for a model in this price range and which is at the time of writing a few years old.
Score: 8/10
Overall, this model really is a worthy addition to any collection, and at the prices these models are now available for, it really can't be turned down. A great model of a stunning car, and the best Z8 model available in my opinion.
Overall Score: 7.7/10
Overall Score: 7.7/10