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.

The Honda Integra (DC2) Type R, by Ottomobile (1/18)

Honda has officially joined the Ottomobile/GT Spirit lineup, and they chose a good one to start off with. This is the second-generation Integra Type R, otherwise known as the DC2, and it paves the way for the EG Civic hatchback that will arrive in late June.

Japanese cars will always be welcome with open arms around here, and the Type R has a lot of fans excited for the direction that Otto/GT Spirit is heading in. While European cars will always be their bread and butter and arguably the fan favorites, this Integra, among others, proves that they can do JDM just as well. One of the advantages to resin models is the low production cost when compared to diecast models with opening parts. Fewer parts, lower tooling costs. Therefore, as a resin model company, one of their greatest strengths is in their ability to cover all bases with regards to vehicle selection and diversity. Outside of maybe one or two other small brands, this is your go-to option for the DC2, and it does not disappoint.

You can tell right off the bat that Otto nailed the proportions and overall look of the car. The ride height is just perfect, the wheels look great, and the model is well-detailed throughout, with exceptional attention to detail on the lights in particular. They chose the white-on-white color scheme for this general release, which is really the quintessential color combo for Honda sports cars. There is also an Asia-exclusive colorway that is yellow-on-white and is limited to just 300 pieces. I would have to say that one looks just as nice, but it sold out before I even found out about it.

One area of the model I did not like were the front grilles, which are simply painted in. It's the one evidence of cost-cutting, and given the simplicity of the front fascia, I feel it could have been easily done with perforated mesh instead. However, at this price point, it's more or less a non-issue; there are plenty of models out there that cost twice as much and still have solid grilles. Otherwise, there are no other glaring quality issues. This Integra makes a great addition to any JDM fan's collection and is sure to be highly desirable somewhere down the line.

The 1/18 BMW M3 (E36) Coupe, by Ottomobile

It seems that with each successive month, the releases from Otto keep getting better and better. Collectors have noticed, and new models are selling out more and more quickly, to the point where pre-ordering directly from the manufacturer has become the safest option to ensure that I get these before they're gone. The month of April brings us a recolor of one of their fan-favorite castings, the E36 M3, this time in a sunny Dakar Yellow.

This just so happens to be my favorite generation M3 paired with my favorite color for that particular car. This is also the fourth time that the E36 has been in Otto's lineup, after the lightweight CSL, the GT, and the base version in Estoril Blue. Therefore, not much has changed with regards to the qualities and the build of this model. Some would argue that this iteration could have been spiced up with some new wheels, or at least something to differentiate it from its blue twin. Like the old saying goes: if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Clearly, seeing as how the value of the Estoril Blue model has skyrocketed over the past few months, it's safe to say that Otto will be just fine.

There are some minor things you could nitpick about: the solid front grilles, the paintwork on the black trim lines, and the fact that the car does not sit perfectly flat on all four wheels. However, all of these are acceptable given the relatively low price point of these models, so take it for what it is. The detail is still very good, and the proportions are still virtually exact to the real car. Otto can do no wrong when it comes to the accuracy of the wheels and the realism of the badges, two areas which have received commendation from me since day one. Bottom line: it's still the best E36 you'll find at this scale.