Tag Archives: Geneva Auto Show

Diecast cars

Die-cast: Bburago LaFerrari

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Bburago delivers high-value matte black LaFerrari18-16901blk_sm

I can’t explain it, but the youngsters these days are going crazy over matte finishes on cars, motorcycles, snowmobiles and ATVs. It is different, but looks like primer paint to me.

Still, Bburago gives them what they want with its new matte, or flat, black LaFerrari in 1:18 scale. The model is tucked inside a Styrofoam shell inside a racy red box with foil-like silver lettering on it. This is part of Bburago’s move to more upscale models, somewhat beyond the toy market, but still high in value.

The History

Speed and sexy looks sum up Ferrari’s essence. LaFerrari is the latest mid-engine package that plays off that iconic theme.

LaFerrari was launched at the 2013 Geneva Auto Show and is a hybrid super car with a 6.3-liter V12 and a 161-hp electric motor. This is the first production car with the hybrid HY-KERS, a system that stores and delivers electricity for added power. KERS was developed in F1 racing. Combined, the car has 949 horsepower and 663 ft.-lbs. of torque. Continue reading Die-cast: Bburago LaFerrari →

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Die-cast: Autoart 1:43 Lamborghini Miura

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Autoart brings big model detail to small-scale Lamborghinimiura1

We’ve become accustomed to highly detailed 1:18 and 1:24-scale models, but fine detail and working parts at 1:43 scale is much rarer, until now.

Autoart’s finely sculpted Signature Series moves to 1:43 scale with a beautiful Lamborghini Miura. Previously Autoart had reserved the Signature Series for its 1:18 models.

The Miura though, at just 4 inches long, is chock full of details befitting a larger scale model. In fact, Autoart tells us that 468 parts go into the Miura and most are metal.

Not only do the hood and engine covers open, but so do the doors and trunk. Seams, fit and finish are astonishing for the scale.

Continue reading Die-cast: Autoart 1:43 Lamborghini Miura →

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Braking News: New cars revealed in Geneva

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Nissan, Maserati, McLaren, Jaguar, Jeep unveil new vehicles

2015-Nissan-Nismo-Juke, geneva auto show. new cars, auto shows
Photo: Nissan
Maserati Alfieri, geneva auto show. new cars, auto shows
Photo: Maserati

Mark and I would have loved to have made the trip to Geneva. Plenty of  announcements, like the 2016 Nissan Juke. Don’t get all excited here because it still looks weird. Read more here.

Maserati unveiled the Alfieri, a 2+2 concept car, a 100% functional prototype that says much about the design DNA of future Maseratis. I think this looks so much better than what Maserati has out now but still like a lot of other cars.

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Photo: McLaren
Jaguar, geneva auto show, auto shows, new cars at Geneva
Photo: Jaguar

McLarens on the other had have a look all to themselves. I got to sit in one at the Chicago Auto Show. Introduced at Geneva is an open-top 650S joining the 650S coupe. Boy would I love to have one of these.

Jaguar confirmed the name of their all-new sports sedan coming to the U.S. in 2016, the XE. Another car on my list I would love to own simply because it’s a Jag.

new jeep renegade, jeep renegade, geneva auto show, auto shows, new cars at auto shows
Photo: Chrysler

Last but not least is Jeeps new entry into the small SUV segment, the Renegade. Great name from the past and I hope it lives up to it. I really like the styling but will wait to give it my blessing until I have a chance to drive one. This will be the first Jeep not built in Toledo or Detroit since the hookup with Fiat. The final assembly location for the Renegade will be at the Melfi Assembly Plant located in Italy built off a Fiat platform. We’ll see.

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Braking News: Volvo Concept Estate

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Volvo loves auto shows to reveal concepts

volvo-concept-estate, concept cars, volvo, geneva auto show.After introducing their Concept Coupe at the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show, the Concept XC Coupe at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show, Volvo will utilize the Geneva Auto Show next week to introduce their Volvo Concept Estate. Besides being cool looking, it is packed with technology. According to Thomas Ingenlath, senior vice president of design at Volvo Car Group. “The new user interface is designed to create a smooth, logical and safe interaction between the driver and the car,” says Ingenlath. “This goes far beyond just putting a large tablet in the center of the dashboard. We have created a digital environment that is fully integrated in the car.” I love the sun roof! Read more about this concept car that may soon become a reality here.

Diecast cars

Die-cast: Autoart Lamborghini Countach

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WOW … Autoart’s Countach an eyeful of detaillambo1

It’s hard not to be wowed by most Autoart Signature Series models, this is diecast near its peak. And there’s a lot of wow factor with a bright orange Lamborghini Countach LP400. You may need sunglasses to examine it up close.

Countach was the first Lambo to go full bore with the wedge shape and sharp angles front to rear. It was launched at the 1971 Geneva Auto Show and praised for breaking through the styling envelope and taking the wedge shape to an extreme.

lambo6Some folks consider Countach the first true supercar and it’s hard to argue that, at least from a styling standpoint. This broke all the rules and norms.

Performance was no slouch either. The real car got its power from a monster mid-engine V-12 that made 375 horses, considerable for the time and with all the body panels made of aluminum this had a great power to weight ratio. Under that lightweight body was a space-frame made from curved 40mm tubular steel for strength too. Continue reading Die-cast: Autoart Lamborghini Countach →

Diecast cars

Diecast: CMC Ferrari 250 California

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CMC’s Ferrari detail excels, including first working trunk latch

There are few, if any, models in the die-cast world as finely made as those produced by CMC. And while pricey, they are well worth the cost for serious, selective collectors.Ferrari 250 California convertible

Consider that the new 1:18 Ferrari 250 California is hand-assembled from 1,634 individual parts including wire-spoked wheels with aluminum rims, each spoke hand-mounted with a single nipple and each tire has a valve stem. Wiring and other under-hood detailing is exquisite and realistic looking, as is the car’s underside. No corners are cut here, thus the premium price tag. Continue reading Diecast: CMC Ferrari 250 California →