Having a long tradition in making die cast models, Norev managed in the last years to release models of several auto brands and to increase constantly their quality level. Their products represent a real alternative in matter of price, many times you can get even more than have you paid. Are releasing not only usual models, but dealer editions too, which are distinctive by package, special colors and minor details. In this case I will talk about the Porsche Carrera 4S (997), the Dealer edition version. It comes in a polystirene box and an additional silver card box having only the name of the car printed on. At a first sight the model is very attractive because of its color. A metallic dark green, very good applied, smooth and shiny.
Is a heavy model, seems to be well put together, the shut lines are minimal and strange for Norev, the stance looks right on it. The wrong stance is a general problem for their models as long as the acquired model isn’t a SUV. If you have some skills this is easy to be fixed, but I’ve never tried before. They’ve replicated well the lights, applying correct lens and colors, but using visible attaching stubs for the fog lights, lateral turn signals and only a decal for the third stop lamp. The grills were correctly modeled, but are not cut-trough, for a realistic effect and the black plastic behind, isn’t so good looking. Car’s logo on the front is a tampo applied decal and rear lettering is a metallic photo etched part. To cover the exhaust pipes they’ve used a qualitative chrome and the model provides real license plates, replicated by a decal nicely applied on a individual plastic base.
A good job was done in the wheels zone. The rims are precisely done, with thin spokes and the car’s logo applied in the center. Tires are rubber made, soft and branded. For the brake system the manufacturer used fake cross drilled disks and red painted calipers marked with the Porsche name. The final result is really good.
Doors are opening on hidden hinges and the interior is easy to be observed. They’ve tried to detail it well, but everything seem to be done in hurry. The central console has the buttons modeled and individually detailed, the navigation display was covered with a sticker and the indicators are legible. I don’t like again, the silver paint used on the steering wheel, the shift gear and dash ornaments, which is very thin and patchy applied. The seats are looking cheap made and have visible seams, but uninspired huge gaps, because they’ve made them from two parts in order to replicate the real look. No carpeted interior is available and this is the reason why the interior has a “too much plastic” note.
No further details under the front lid, only a compartment which lacks the carpet too, and give the same poor impression. The engine lacks detailing, if you are to watching it from its superior part, having few painted parts and marked lids. On the real car is hard to see anything else, too. The cooling fan and a label were applied under the lid. Underneath, the engine and exhaust system could be better seen, without any major detail.
This kind of models represent a solution between the budget and premium level. For the asked price isn’t bad at all, what Norev offers here could be considered a fair deal. For sure it lacks better finishing and many collectors, including me too, would be willing to pay a difference of price for a better product. What can be criticized is that Norev can't respect a general line for their Dealer edition models. You will be able to find some details on a model, but the same details could be missing on other, even if is a dealer edition, too. Just take the carpeted interior for example: I have dealer editions with carpet inside and models in the same edition without it. I think, they have still to work on this aspect.
All Copyrights rest with the author. No reproduction without permission. Copyright © Play Cars- Auto models biography 2013
All Copyrights rest with the author. No reproduction without permission. Copyright © Play Cars- Auto models biography 2013