Not many times I'm impatient to make a review of one of my newest models, but this time is different. Are almost two weeks since I had the first contact with the last model released by DNA Collectibles and since then it was my favorite subject of observation from all the rest. The team made such a great job in such a short time, they managed to bring in scale a very original collection of models, never done before, with a superior level of quality and detailing. Is true, some models weren't for everybody taste, but I'm sure they always wanted to have at least one model of any kind in their line up, so this is why they chose to replicate their first super car. I was enthusiast to see nominated on their "next to come" list the Audi R8 LMX and in the same time very impatient to see the final product.
All the package is the same with a lot of protection all around the model, a plexiglass base included and a microfiber bag just in case you want to clean your replica. The model itself is an eye catcher, painted in the beautiful shade of the official Ara blue and is spot on in all the ways. Is modeled very well, with the right proportions and stance and reminds its original counterpart perfectly. All the body was detailed to perfection, from the great paint process, uniform, bright, with right sized metallic flakes giving a great effect in the strong light to the plastic quality, photo etched parts and so on.
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The front look is aggressive, the lights are highly detailed with all the LED segments inside and even if hard accessible to the sight, all the grills are perforated behind the main air intakes. Once again I like the plastic texture and quality here and is just now the moment to speak about something more important. For any supercar's model collector, the way the carbon fiber is reproduced on the model is in the top three request. Is the first time when we have the carbon fiber reproduced on a DNA's model and they did it impeccably. The trim is tampo printed, bright, even on the minimal pieces and this is remarkable-the front spoiler's lip is here to demonstrate this, and the texture is very realistic. They managed to replicate the carbon pattern very well and I'm impressed about the quality. All the badges around the car are metallic photo etched parts, some of them of very small dimensions like the "quattro" lettering on the front grill.
Moving to the rear side, I'll mention a fact not many of you know. The first photos of the sample, revealed the rear lights completely red, missing the white turn signals and reverse lights and some of te people complained about this fact, but the team assured they will correct this issue on the final release. And here we are, having the new R8 LMX with the right looking rear lights, which is to be appreciated to be honest.
The lights are absolutely great done and I've spotted other beautiful details here, like the carbon fiber covered spoiler, the perforated grill behind it and the shiny plastic this time for the exhaust ornaments. We have the parking sensors molded on the body, a realistic made third lamp and the air diffuser covered in printed carbon fiber as it should be on a model from this level. Great job! |
On both sides the carbon covered panels are looking great and the same for the mirrors and the fuel cap, developed and detailed as a single part. The specific wheels of the LMX version were brought in scale successfully, I can find the air valve and I like the central piece detailed with the chromed rings for every rim. Easy visible behind, the brake system is a stunner : ceramic drilled disks and enormous calipers painted in red and printed with the Audi's logo came to create the perfect equilibrium between the beautiful design and high performance. I already pointed, this is the first super car made by DNA and is featuring details reproduced for the first time on a model in their collection and until now they made it great.
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Is time now to speak about another part, a premier at this time for the manufacturer, the first replica of an exposed engine. How everyone knows, the R8 engine is visible trough the glass of the rear bonnet and the team from DNA has concentrated a lot of attention in replicating it. And the result can take all the praises, because in my opinion is the best looking engine ever seen on a resin model car! The finishing is perfect, you won't be able to find any glue drop or plastic residue there, all the ensemble is looking extremely clean and the details are top: printed fiber carbon trim perfectly applied, textured plastic to look like the aluminium on the real thing and metallic badges for the lettering around. And if you want to know what the dedication and attention to details means in this hobby, the struts of the bonnet are replicated, even if the part isn't functional. Top!
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Inside the cockpit DNA play on their field and the details and finishing are at high standards: flock on the floor, fabric made seat belts and photo etched metallic buckles, individually detailed switches and buttons and the so good looking carbon pattern everywhere. Must admit the steering and seats are looking very good and realistic.
The R8 LMX is a full of surprises model and is so well done! Is a success of the team and is over expectations, at least for me. If you want one, be quick, I have the feeling this one will sell good, is a limited edition and if you are lucky to be located in Europe you'll get it quickly and save some money, since DNA relocated their store here.
The R8 LMX is a full of surprises model and is so well done! Is a success of the team and is over expectations, at least for me. If you want one, be quick, I have the feeling this one will sell good, is a limited edition and if you are lucky to be located in Europe you'll get it quickly and save some money, since DNA relocated their store here.
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