Huracan LP 610-4

Speaking about collecting, the last year was a great one. I add to the collection models of various brands, types, materials, all of them gorgeous in every their single detail. And thanks to the Christmas sale, I managed to add a so called composite model from Autoart, not the first of this kind in my collection, but the first to be better observed, since for the moment I can't have access to the biggest part of my collection. When it was to make the inventory of my acquisitions in the end of the year, I realised that this is the only composite model and the single new Autoart model bought in a long time. To be honest, I like AutoArt and the main part of my collection is based on this brand and I had a moment thinking why the amount of new Autoart models in my shopping cart went so low in the last year. Using my new model of Lamborghini Huracan as subject for my review, I'll try to find and share my opinion regarding this fact.

This isn't my first contact with a composite model, I bought the first, the Aston Martin V12, back on its release and the McLaren P1 a short time after. The P1 was the subject of one of my reviews here and in the same time a big disappointment for me back then. Looking today at my brand new Huracan I can see a change, the finish looks much better now, the entire model seems better and more realistic than the P1 at that moment. And I understand, Autoart needed some time to improve their products, being one of the first composite models, the P1 was somehow made in hurry, by an insecure hand resulting in huge gaps and parts not aligned properly. I can't see those imperfections on Huracan and if you'll

watch it exposed in a cabinet you won't realise there is a different material than metal. The plastic used, because in fact "composite" is just a fancy name, result to be qualitative and will appear different to the eye or touch in comparison with the one used on Tamiya models, for example. In conclusion I can identify the first reason of my pause from buying new AutoArt: the first impression matters, after the experience with the P1, I was convinced that I'll find the same issues on my future models.

The Huracan is a great presence, has a very consistent paint job, even if, is maybe the less attractive from all, but this is what came to sale, and has the correct proportion and stance. I still hate how Autoart chosed to secure their mobile parts on the model using some metallic strings, I'm still wonder if there are people making this job in the factory or is an automatic process, because is a lost of time, including mine, trying to remove them. The details are great, from the perforated grills, beautiful detailed lights to the single raised brand logo in the front or the Lamborghini lettering on the rear side.

The wheels are very beautiful and look realistic, following the original design with the same logo in the center and a stunning brake system behind the spokes. Their ability in detailing is the same that made them famous in the beginnings, so why still so long in buying this model? Because, without the almost 50% discount from the original price, I'll never brought this one home, even if I always wanted a Huracan in my collection. The original price is around 200 euro! a way to big price reported to the level of detailing and execution for this model.

All the parts are functional and are opening on real hinges, a notable detail and the both bonnets are sustained by a pair of struts and have magnets to keep them closed. Closing the bonnets will result in a bad alignment with the rest of the body, so to have a smooth operation, the bonnet must be pressed on the superior part, at the hinges level, too.
Observing several Autoart models in the oficial photos and not only, bring a big question to me: why on their last realeases, inside the engine bay or in the cockpit, I see the same poor finishing for some parts as on the models from 20 years back? And somehow a missing connection between the general look of the ensamble (not for every model) and the real thing? This could be the third reason I stop buying Autoart, because a detail enthusiast like me is looking for attention and improvements, especially when we speak about a 200 euro model.

On the Huracan, the engine is decent, the pieces are surprisingly better finished than usual, but still missing that connection I spoke earlier. If you are to take a quick look to this expensive model engine, will be the same with a 20 euro one, just because it lacks those details that can catch your attention for a while and realise you are just looking at something different and well made. Surprisingly, again, the interior is well finished in this case and beautiful detailed, they managed somehow to offer some personality to the entire ensemble here and the result is very good.

Having this model for several minutes, during the photo session, too, I can understand now, that the real problem with the actual Autoart models is not the material they have used, even if is strongly blamed everywhere. I didn't felt it cheap or fragile any moment, I can't note imperfection or issues of any kind on this model made of plastic. But, for sure, it doesn't look like a 200 euro model, neither. Personally, I still think the price doesn't reflect the real producing costs, all of these after I came in contact with products from other manufacturers better detailed and realised in the classic manner, some reviewed here as well. The final product needs more attention to its particulars and the originality in detailing, parts that no Autoart enthusiast is stranger of, if we remember the old Millennium series.