The Ferrari F40 Lightweight, by Kyosho (1/18)

Ferrari's legendary F40 is the ubiquitous supercar that everybody has in their collection in some scale. This one, made by Kyosho, is my first in 1/18.

It's the Lightweight version, so it has different wheels (aftermarket O.Z. Racing) than your standard F40, but is otherwise more or less the same. Kyosho has made a number of iterations of the F40, the current one being a sealed resin model of the stock form, and thankfully this one is made of that heavy, durable material that we all love. That means there are opening parts all the way around, which is almost like a necessity given the type of car this is - of course you would want to see what's going on back there.

This is one of the more highly-detailed models I've come across, and it has just about every feature you're expecting for a top-tier 1/18 model. If I want to complain, I would say that the steering is too restrictive, which is unfortunately also the #1 reason why I prefer diecast models over resin. Otherwise, everything is there as indicative of this F40's extravagant price tag. Pop-up headlights that open up in sync. Working suspension - a feature that's becoming obsolete with high-end models these days. Fine mesh pieces behind every grille, vent, and duct. Brake discs with a realistic finish, as if it just came off the mill. A strut bar is included to hold the rear engine cover up while you examine the details. The front trunk even has a little Ferrari bag to top things off.

In short: glorious.

An SUV Joins the Fleet: Kyosho's BMW X6M (1/18)

Some of the coolest cars come in unexpected forms. The BMW X6, a combination of SUV and hatchback, was a controversial design when released and is still a polarizing machine today. Nonetheless, this odd vehicle type was popular enough to spawn clones from other manufacturers. The Honda Accord Crosstour, Acura ZDX, and most recently the Mercedes-Benz GLE come to mind. I didn't initially like the design of the original X6, but it has grown on me over the years. So much so that I went and got it in scale model form.

Kyosho's 1/18 BMW X6M is the subject for today. This monstrosity was once the fastest production SUV on the planet, so it can definitely go despite what looks to be an overweight and lifted hatchback. It's muscular looks undoubtedly give it road presence, and the more I look at it, the more I'm starting to actually like it. Having the model in hand also helps in that regard.

Speaking of which, this is an older Kyosho release from back when they made dealer models for BMW. I'm assuming this example is not one of the dealer edition colorways as it comes in a Kyosho-branded box. In any case, the model should be the same. Given its age, it's clearly not as exquisite as most of the high-end stuff out there today. I noticed quite a few rough edges between body panels. The Alpine White paint job isn't the best and does not help hide any of the flaws on this model. Most of all, the front wheels are noticeably cambered, a characteristic typically attributed to budget models from the likes of Maisto and Bburago (which is why I now generally avoid them altogether).

Looking past the few bugs, it's a decent model that I think captures the real car very well. As is the case with BMW's of this era, there's not much to note regarding the engine bay and interior details. Even if the tires may be a bit too thick, the wheels here look great and are the standout of this model to me.

For those who like quirky cars, this X6M may be the one for you.

The Subaru Impreza WRX STi S207, from Kyosho's Samurai Line (1/18)

Everyone knows Kyosho for their R/C cars and blind-box 1/64 models, but they occasionally release models in the eighteenth scale as well. In the past, they've been known for their BMW dealer models; in my opinion, those were largely hit or miss. Now, they've shifted focus and have introduced two new lines for their 1/18 models. Their Ousia line, consisting of sealed models made of traditional diecast, focuses primarily on supercars and exotics. Then there's the Samurai line, which are resin models with a collective focus on "everyday" Japanese cars. That means lots of sedans, including this one here.

This S207 STi is part of said Samurai line and is a follow-up to the stock, World Rally Blue STi that Kyosho released last year. Both models are unique in that they are the only examples of the current-generation 'Rex made at this scale. Basically, STi fans, they are your only options. Unfortunately, these also come with a rather hefty price tag. Kyosho knows it has absolute power over an entire fan base, so they can get away with charging a premium. That's how collectibles work and, for the moment, it doesn't look like any other companies are willing to take a plunge at this much-beloved pocket rocket.

I collect with an open mind to all brands and models. This is my first introduction to the Samurai line, and the bar has already been set very high by the multitude of premium resin models on the market, most of which cost only about half of what this one goes for.

Right away, there are no issues to report regarding the overall look of the car. The wheels, stance, and offset are on point - they are the first things I look for when considering whether or not to splurge on a model. The paint is well-applied and looks great, a glossy yellow with a hint of orange. Overall, the details are sharp, with realistic photo-etch badges, a nicely finished exhaust system (the highlight for me), and a carbon fiber wing. One area where you would expect more for the price is the front grille, which is just a solid chunk of plastic with little depth. It's fairly common to see this with resin models, probably because of the way they are constructed - thick plastic shell covering a metal chassis. It's not a deal-breaker for me the way it is for many other collectors, so I'll say it's passable.

The verdict: this S207 is not the most sophisticated model, but it won't disappoint.

Limited to just 600 pieces, I expect they will go rather quickly just like the blue one did. The STi's enormous popularity and the relative rarity of them in the scale model world means there's likely more demand than supply. It's also available in black if bright colors are not your thing.

And it most certainly won't be the last Samurai for me.