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UpGrade RC has expanded its tire lineup with two new 2.9-inch pre-mounted belted options, announced on July 2, 2026. The UPG-10035 Dirt Claw and UPG-10036 Street Radial are designed to fit the Traxxas Maxx, Arrma 4S Kraton, and other large-scale RC vehicles, covering both off-road and on-road use.

Dirt Claw: Off-Road Grip

The UPG-10035 UpGrade RC Dirt Claw 2.9″ Pre-Mounted BELTED Tire is built for rugged terrain. According to the announcement, it features a unique tread pattern, an advanced rubber compound, and tough multi-spoke wheels. The integrated belted carcass keeps the tire stable under high loads, reducing ballooning at speed. Each set includes two removable hex options for standard and wide wheel offsets, allowing drivers to adjust the stance without buying extra adapters.

Street Radial: Pavement Performance

For on-road bashing, the UPG-10036 UpGrade RC Street Radial 2.9″ Pre-Mounted BELTED Tire is designed for burnouts and fast cornering. The wide sipes help keep the tires cool and clear away water, dirt, and debris for consistent grip on streets, parking lots, and skate parks. Like the Dirt Claw, it comes with two removable hex adapters for offset flexibility.

Pricing and Availability

Both tire sets are priced at $49.99 per pair. The full UpGrade RC product line is available at local hobby stores and online at AMain Hobbies. The brand’s catalog now includes 426 products, covering tires, performance accessories, and graphics.

Brand Background

UpGrade RC is not a completely new name in the hobby. Forum discussions from early 2024 note that the brand has been around for about 20 years, originally producing high-quality decals and small CNC aluminum parts. AMain Hobbies revived the name and began rolling out pre-mounted tires and accessories. One design choice that has drawn attention is the use of sidewall vent holes rather than tread vents. Some RC enthusiasts have pointed out that sidewall vents can help preserve foam inserts and keep dirt from collecting inside the tire, though opinions vary on the optimal vent location.

What’s Included

Both the Dirt Claw and Street Radial come ready to run out of the box. The pre-mounted design eliminates the need for gluing or trimming tires onto wheels. The included hex adapters give users the option to run standard or wider offsets without additional parts.

Where to Find Them

UpGrade RC tires and accessories are sold through AMain Hobbies and local hobby retailers. The company’s full line of performance-driven products can be browsed at AMainHobbies.com, where the UpGrade RC brand page lists tires, decals, wraps, and aluminum upgrades.

With these two new releases, owners of Traxxas Maxx, Arrma 4S Kraton, and similar large-scale rigs have fresh, ready-to-run tire choices for both dirt and pavement. The sets are available now at $49.99 per pair through the usual hobby channels.

Almost Real is bringing the limited-run Mercedes-AMG G63 Edition 55 down to desk-sized proportions. The die-cast specialist has added a 1:64 scale replica of the 55th-anniversary G-Wagen to its AR Box series, with a release planned for August 2026.

Two Paint Options, Two Product Codes

The miniature G63 will be available in the same two exterior colors as the full-size special edition: Obsidian Black and Opalite White (referred to by Mercedes as G Manufaktur Opalite White Bright). Each color has its own product identifier—620806001 for the black version and 620807001 for the white—as listed by Almost Real.

Background: The Real 55th-Anniversary G63

The real-world Mercedes-AMG G63 Edition 55 was revealed in March 2022 to mark the 55th anniversary of AMG’s founding in 1967 by engineers Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher. Only 55 examples were allocated for the U.S. market, making it a highly exclusive collector’s item.

The special treatment included 22-inch AMG forged wheels in matte gray with high-sheen rim flanges, the AMG Night Package I and II, and a chrome fuel-filler cap engraved with AMG lettering. Inside, the cabin featured two-tone Nappa leather in Classic Red and Black, AMG Performance steering wheel with “AMG” and “55” badges, stainless steel door sill trims with red illumination, and matte carbon trim elements. An AMG Indoor Car Cover made from breathable synthetic fiber with a flannel inner lining was also included.

Under the hood, the Edition 55 retained the handcrafted 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 producing 577 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. Mercedes quotes a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 137 mph (149 mph with the Driver’s Package). The Edition 55 package added €17,850 (approximately $19,000 at the time) to the European market price; U.S. pricing was to be announced at a later date.

Philipp Schiemer, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, commented:

“From a two-man start-up in 1967 to a state-of-the-art development site including its own engine manufacturing facility for high-performance vehicles and more than 2000 excellently qualified employees in 2022, the success story of Mercedes-AMG over the past 55 years is simply impressive. The same applies to the G-Class… Its storied history and genuine character makes it the perfect first well-wisher for me on our 55th birthday.”

A 55th Anniversary Addition to the AR Box Series

The AR Box series from Almost Real now includes this new release, which captures the 55th anniversary of AMG. It also follows a tradition: AMG first applied its tuning expertise to the G‑Class in 1999 with the G 55 AMG (349 hp, 387 lb‑ft), launched to celebrate the G‑Class’s own 20th anniversary.

While the real Edition 55 is limited to 55 units in the U.S. and will be a rare sight, Almost Real’s 1:64 replica offers a miniature version of the exclusive vehicle. The model is scheduled for delivery in August 2026, with product numbers 620806001 (Obsidian Black) and 620807001 (Opalite White).

Injora has released a new complete transmission for the Redcat Ascent-18 that swaps the stock plastic gearbox for a CNC-machined aluminum case packed with stainless steel gears. What makes this upgrade interesting is the choice between two internal ratios: a 13:1 option that keeps stock speed and a 24:1 underdrive that cuts wheel speed by 45.83% for serious crawling control.

All-Metal Build, Two Ratio Choices

The transmission uses a CNC-machined aluminum housing for rigidity and heat dissipation, while the internal gears are made from stainless steel for smooth power transfer and wear resistance. The entire assembly weighs just 36.7 grams and sports a sleek black anodized finish. Injora offers the transmission in two gearing options:

• 13:1 – This matches the stock gear ratio, so your Ascent-18 will behave the same as before in terms of speed, but with the benefit of the aluminum case and steel gears. Laser-etched tooth markings on the gears help with identification.
• 24:1 Underdrive – This is the choice for crawlers. The 45.83% speed reduction provides more torque at the wheels, allowing for slower, more controlled climbs. According to retailer AMain Hobbies, the underdrive setup delivers stronger torque output and improved drag brake performance compared to stock components.

Both versions are direct-fit replacements that bolt into the stock skid plate without modification. The transmission comes with a pre-installed pinion and wiring, simplifying installation.

Motor Compatibility: Not for Stock Brushed Motors

This is the key catch: the Injora transmission is not compatible with the Redcat Ascent-18’s stock 180 brushed motor. You will need to pair it with one of Injora’s own motors. According to Injora’s product page, compatible motors include:

• INJORA 180 Brushed Ascent-18 Motor
• INJORA TRX4M 180 motors
• INJORA TRX4M 1721 Purple Viper Brushless Motor

The transmission is also compatible with the stock brushless motor found on Redcat Ascent-18 brushless models. So if you’re already running an Injora motor or have a brushless Ascent-18, this gearbox is a straightforward upgrade.

Vehicle Compatibility

The transmission fits any model in the Redcat Ascent-18 lineup, including the brushed and brushless versions, the Scout II variants, and the Ascent-18 Apex. That makes it a versatile upgrade for a wide range of 1/18 scale rigs. Installation instructions from Amazon step through removing the stock transmission, aligning the new unit, securing it with the provided hardware, and connecting the pre-installed wiring.

What’s in the Box and Safety Notes

The package contains one complete transmission. Injora notes that this is not a toy and is not suitable for children under 14 years of age.

Pricing and Availability

Injora’s Aluminum Complete Transmission for the Redcat Ascent-18 is priced starting at $27.99. It is available directly from injora.com and through third-party retailers including Amazon, AMain Hobbies, and HeliDirect. For owners of the Redcat Ascent-18 looking to upgrade to metal gearing and an aluminum case, this $27.99 transmission offers a clear path—especially for those already using an Injora motor or running a brushless model.

LEGO Icons is firing on two cylinders this summer with a pair of new sets that couldn’t be more different in spirit. One celebrates the golden age of British sports cars; the other invites you to explore a haunted house just in time for Halloween. Both are now open for pre-order via LEGO.com.

11381 Jaguar E-Type – A 1,673-Piece Love Letter to British Motoring

First up is the 11381 Jaguar E-Type, a 1,673-piece tribute to the car that Enzo Ferrari is said to have called the most beautiful ever made. Finished in deep British Racing Green, the set captures the iconic roadster’s long bonnet, flowing curves, and low, elegant stance. LEGO has packed in a surprising number of features for a display model: opening doors, a bonnet that lifts to reveal a detailed inline-6 engine, and a boot that opens at the push of a button to reveal a five-piece tool kit. A fabric-style retractable roof lets you show it off open or closed, and the dashboard includes working steering. Collectors will also appreciate that most of the detailing uses printed elements rather than stickers, which age better on a shelf.

The set includes new wheel bases, a new windscreen, and a new wheel arch, plus a dark tan plume – a rare minifigure accessory that has only appeared in two previous sets and tends to be pricey on the secondary market. The Jaguar E-Type joins the growing Icons car lineup alongside earlier releases like the Shelby Cobra 427 S/C and the Lamborghini Countach.

Pricing and release date:

• US: $139.99
• UK: £119.99
• EU: €129.99
• Australia: AU$229.99
• Canada: CAD$199.99

It hits shelves on 1 August 2026.

11383 Mayor Manor – A Spooky Haunted House for Halloween Builders

The second set is 11383 Mayor Manor, a 1,420-piece haunted house that arrives just in time for autumn decorating. LEGO has a long history of Halloween-themed sets, and Mayor Manor continues that tradition with a creepy mansion that’s sure to be a centrepiece for seasonal displays. The set is aimed at adult builders and collectors, and with its September release date, it’s perfectly timed for those who like to build up their spooky village before October.

Pricing and release date:

• US: $119.99
• UK: £109.99
• EU: €109.99
• Australia: AU$179.99
• Canada: CAD$169.99

Pre-orders are live now, and the set officially launches on 1 September 2026.

A Strong Summer Lineup for LEGO Icons

Both sets are part of the LEGO Icons theme, which targets adult fans and collectors with complex, display-oriented builds. 2026 has already seen a strong slate of Icons releases, including the Shopping Street modular building, the Ferrari F2004 & Michael Schumacher set, and the Douglas DC-3 PAN AM Airliner. The Jaguar E-Type and Mayor Manor add two very different but equally appealing options to the lineup.

Pre-orders for both sets are open now at LEGO.com. The Jaguar E-Type is expected to ship on 1 August 2026, and Mayor Manor will follow on 1 September 2026.

MR Collection is moving fast on its upcoming 1:18 scale models, and the latest update gives collectors two fresh reasons to pay attention. The team has produced a painted sample of the resin, sealed Ferrari Luce, and a new exterior color option has just become available for the 1:18 Lamborghini V12 Vision Gran Turismo.

First Look at the Ferrari Luce in Azzurro La Plata

The painted sample shown by MR Collection is finished in Azzurro La Plata, a vibrant blue that brings out the Luce’s distinctive lines. The Ferrari Luce’s name translates to “light” in Italian, referencing its role as a design study for Ferrari’s electric era. Its silhouette blends elements of a sedan, a shooting brake, and a coupe—a shape unlike anything else in the Maranello lineup.

This 1:18 resin model is a sealed, non-opening replica. According to product listings from authorized retailers, the model includes a base and display case. It is produced as a limited series, adding exclusivity for collectors. The sample confirms that MR Collection is deep in the development phase, and the Azzurro La Plata version carries product code FE052A.

Additional Color Variants Already Listed

Other color variants are already listed by dealers. A Giallo Luce version (code FE052B) and a Rosso Dino version (code FE052C) have appeared on pre-order pages. The Giallo Luce model is described as a limited series that comes with a base and clear display case, though the illustrative picture notes final product appearance may differ. The Rosso Dino version, produced by MR-MODELS, is delivered on a leather base with contrasting stitching and a premium vitrine, also in a limited edition. All variants are made of resin and share the same sealed body style, giving collectors a small palette of colors to choose from.

New Orange Option for the Lamborghini V12 Vision Gran Turismo

Alongside the Ferrari news, MR Collection has announced a fresh exterior color for its 1:18 Lamborghini V12 Vision Gran Turismo model. The new option is Arancio Egon—a vivid orange that adds a bold choice to the lineup. The model is sealed resin as well, and uses product code LAMBO043B.

The Lamborghini V12 Vision Gran Turismo is a concept originally created for the Gran Turismo video game series, and MR Collection’s 1:18 version captures its aggressive, futuristic styling. Retailer listings also show a metallic blue version of the same model, but the new orange finish gives collectors another striking look.

How to Order

Both models are available for order through the site sponsors listed on Diecast Society. MR Collection has not yet announced a specific release date, but the painted sample suggests production is well along. Collectors interested in reserving a unit should connect directly with the recommended sponsors to secure their copy.

The painted sample in Azzurro La Plata (FE052A) represents the first physical confirmation of the Ferrari Luce’s appearance. The Lamborghini V12 Vision Gran Turismo in Arancio Egon (LAMBO043B) is already listed as available to order through site sponsors.

The classic Jaguar E-Type has finally made the leap into bricks. LEGO has officially revealed the LEGO Icons 11381 Jaguar E-Type Roadster, a detailed display model aimed at adult builders and collectors. The set will hit shelves and LEGO.com on August 1, bringing one of the most iconic British sports cars to life in 1,673 pieces.

A Faithful Recreation

The set captures the sleek silhouette and flowing lines of the legendary 77 RW E-Type sports car. Finished in a classic dark green body with wire-style wheels, the model aims to evoke the “Grace, Space and Pace” Jaguar is known for. According to LEGO, the set is designed to “celebrate a legend of British automotive design.”

Celebrate a legend of British automotive design with the LEGO® Icons Jaguar Type-E Roadster (11381) set – an authentic model car for adult builders and collectors.

Under the hood, builders will find a detailed replica of the famed inline-six engine, visible when the bonnet is lifted. The model also features opening doors, a push-button opening boot, and a textile roof that can be folded back to reveal the cockpit with a detailed dashboard and working steering mechanism. A 5-piece toolkit stows away in the boot, adding an extra layer of authenticity.

Dimensions, Prints, and Stickers

Early images from Polish retailer mediaexpert and other sources show that the model makes heavy use of printed elements rather than stickers. A printed round tile serves as the Jaguar logo on the front, and the license plate and brand name on the trunk are also printed. The set measures 37 cm (14.6 inches) in length and 9 cm (3.5 inches) in height, making it a substantial shelf display piece.

Pricing and Availability

The LEGO Icons Jaguar E-Type (11381) is priced at $139.99 in the US, £129.99 in the UK, and €139.99 in Europe. It is rated 18+ and will be available starting August 1, 2026. According to listing information, the set is scheduled to retire on December 31, 2028, giving collectors plenty of time to pick it up.

Icons Lineup and Comparisons

This is the 27th vehicle in the LEGO Icons car lineup. It follows the recent LEGO Icons Shelby Cobra 427 S/C (10357), which launched in July 2025. The Jaguar E-Type has 1,673 pieces, while the Shelby Cobra has 1,241 pieces. The E-Type retails for slightly less at $139.99 compared to the Cobra’s $159.99, making it a more accessible entry point for car collectors.

Early Fan Reactions

Community feedback has been largely positive, especially among collectors who follow the Icons car series. Many appreciate the deep green color, describing it as a strong “British Racing Green” look. Some fans have compared it favorably to previous Icons vehicles, including the Porsche 911, Lamborghini Countach, and Aston Martin. However, a few enthusiasts have raised concerns about proportions, noting that the LEGO version’s angular build doesn’t perfectly capture the E-Type’s smooth curves. Despite that, most agree that the E-Type was a difficult car to translate into bricks, and the overall shape is still recognisable.

What’s Next

Pre-orders are already open at LEGO.com for the 11381 Jaguar E-Type, and the set is also listed on third-party retailer sites. With its printed details, working features, and classic subject, this Icons set looks ready to join the garages of LEGO car fans worldwide when it officially launches on August 1.

Spooky Season Comes Early

The LEGO Group has officially kicked off a new series aimed at adult builders, and it’s got a distinctly creepy vibe. Meet the LEGO Icons 11383 Mayor Manor, the debut model in the Midnight Valley Collection – a line of collectible building sets designed for grown-up hobbyists. Slated for release on September 1, 2026, this 1,420-piece haunted mansion is already available for pre-order on LEGO.com.

What’s in the Box?

The set includes three glow-in-the-dark minifigures – a mayor, a butler, and a maid – all with glowing heads that haven’t been used in a few years. Also in the box: a long-haired cat, a rat, and a decorative suit of armor that doubles as a fourth figure. The manor itself is wonderfully wonky: a crooked facade, weathered textures, and an old tree twisting into the brickwork. Inside, the two-story interior is packed with gothic details – a suit of armor, a fireplace, a grandfather clock frozen at midnight, framed artwork, a table and chairs, and a bookshelf. The back is open, making the interior easy to display, much like the Winter Village sets.

“Welcome to a world of mystery with the LEGO® Icons Mayor Manor (11383). This quirky mansion is the first from the Midnight Valley Collection – a series of collectible building sets designed for adults, where distorted and asymmetrical constructions create a haunting atmosphere.” – LEGO Group

The finished model measures over 9.5 in. (27 cm) high, 11.5 in. (30 cm) wide, and 5 in. (13 cm) deep. A digital building guide is available through the LEGO Builder app, where you can rotate the model in 3D and track your progress.

Annual Expansion?

The big question: will the Midnight Valley Collection become a yearly tradition like the Winter Village Collection? The branding and one-set-per-year launch pattern strongly suggest an annual Halloween-themed series. With a retirement date of December 31, 2028, this set will be on shelves for over two years, but future sets could follow each September. The source articles note that the Winter Village series might be winding down, making room for a spooky autumnal alternative.

This isn’t LEGO’s first haunted house, but it’s the first to launch under a dedicated collectible series for adults. Previous spooky builds include the 10228 Haunted House (2012, Monster Fighters), the 10273 Haunted House (2020, Fairground Collection), and the 31167 Haunted Mansion (2025, Creator 3-in-1). The Mayor Manor takes a more gothic, aged approach, leaning into a creepy yet cozy atmosphere without relying on licensed IP.

Price and Availability

The recommended retail price is $119.99 USD / £99.99 / €109.99, which works out to about 8.5 cents per piece – a reasonable value for a set of this size. The set is listed as 18+ and will be sold through general retail channels, not just LEGO stores. Pre-orders are open now on LEGO.com.

Whether you’re a longtime AFOL looking to start a new collection or a Halloween enthusiast seeking a perfect display piece, Mayor Manor offers a fresh entry point. The Midnight Valley Collection promises more sets in the future, but for now this derelict mansion is ready to welcome builders into its crooked halls.

LEGO Icons 11383 Mayor Manor will be available on September 1, 2026. Pre-order now at LEGO.com.

Get ready for a new kind of annual building tradition. LEGO has officially unveiled the Midnight Valley Collection, a series of collectible, adult-targeted building sets that lean into haunted, gothic, and asymmetrical architecture. The first set in the line is the LEGO Icons Mayor Manor (11383), and it’s available for pre-order now ahead of its September 1 release.

Welcome to Mayor Manor

The 1,420-piece set is rated 18+ and priced at $119.99 in the US, £99.99 in the UK, and €109.99 in Europe. It depicts a crooked, two-story manor with a distorted facade, tilted angles, weathered textures, and an old tree grown into the brickwork. The interior is furnished in a gothic style with period details: a suit of armor, a fireplace, a table and chairs, framed artwork, a bookshelf, and a grandfather clock with its hands frozen at the stroke of midnight.

Glow-in-the-Dark Characters

The set includes three glow-in-the-dark minifigures: the mayor (presented as a zombie), a zombie butler, and a zombie maid. A decorative suit of armor functions as a fourth figure. Two small animal figures—a house cat and a rat—are also included. One feature allows the mayor to be seated in a comfortable armchair using a special skirt piece.

The finished model measures over 9.5 inches (27 cm) high, 11.5 inches (30 cm) wide, and 5 inches (13 cm) deep. Like the Winter Village sets, the manor is open at the back for easy interior access and display.

A New Seasonal Series

LEGO describes the Midnight Valley Collection as “a series of collectible building sets designed for adults, where distorted and asymmetrical constructions create a haunting atmosphere.” The branding suggests a planned, annually expanding lineup, similar in structure to the long-running Winter Village Collection, which began in 2009. While it is unclear whether the Midnight Valley line will replace any existing seasonal releases, the first set is scheduled for a September 1 launch, earlier than the typical early-October release of Winter Village sets.

The set is available for pre-order directly from LEGO.com and will also be sold through general retail channels, not limited to exclusive stores.

A New Direction for Haunted Houses

Previous LEGO haunted houses—such as the Monster Fighters Haunted House (10228) from 2012, the Fairground Haunted House (10273) from 2020, and the Creator 3-in-1 Haunted Mansion (31167) from 2025—have varied widely in size, piece count, and minifigures. The Mayor Manor represents a fresh approach, using shades of gray with green accents for its exterior color scheme, a departure from the sand green or olive green of earlier models.

Digital Building Guide

The set is compatible with the LEGO Builder app, which allows builders to rotate models in 3D, zoom in on details, and track progress during assembly.

What’s Next for Midnight Valley?

The retirement date for the Mayor Manor is set for December 31, 2028, suggesting a long shelf life for the first set. With the Midnight Valley Collection now launched, enthusiasts can expect future sets that expand this eerie world, though LEGO has not yet announced specific follow-up models.

If you thought a 1:18 scale hypercar model was exclusive, try a run of just ten pieces. Fronti-Art is back with a new sealed-resin replica of the Koenigsegg Jesko in a Blue Tinted Carbon finish — and the entire production will barely fill a single crate.

The Specs at a Glance

The model is 1:12 scale, built as a sealed resin piece — no opening doors, no moving parts, just a solid, beautifully finished showpiece. The exterior color is described as Blue Tinted Carbon, a finish that mirrors the car’s carbon-fiber weave with a blue tint. Each unit carries the product number F212-152.

Shipments are planned to begin in September 2026. Given the microscopic run of 10 units, these models will disappear quickly once they become available. Collectors who want one likely already have a line to their preferred dealer.

Fronti-Art’s Larger 1:18 Sibling

This isn’t Fronti-Art’s first Jesko rodeo. The manufacturer also produces a 1:18 scale Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut in the same Blue Tinted Carbon scheme, with model number F181-152. That version is limited to 100 pieces globally and measures 258 × 116 × 64 mm — about the size of a small book. Its first batch stopped taking orders on October 24, 2025, with an estimated shipping date around October 2025, so those units are already moving through the pipeline. These details come directly from Fronti-Art’s product page.

The 1:18 version already showcases Fronti-Art’s resin-casting quality, and the new 1:12 should follow the same high standard seen in the smaller sibling.

Where to Find One

AN Model Cars, a distributor of Fronti-Art models, lists several other Fronti-Art Koenigsegg Jesko variants, including a Purple Tinted Carbon 1:12 version. The retailer ships to France and worldwide, so international collectors should be able to place orders once the Blue Tinted Carbon model goes live. Given the tiny run size, early contact with AN Model Cars or other Fronti-Art stockists is advisable for serious collectors.

What About the Real Car?

The Koenigsegg Jesko is a Swedish hypercar. The Blue Tinted Carbon finish is a distinctive exterior color option for the vehicle. Fronti-Art’s model captures that same look in resin, offering a rare collectible for fans who can’t park a real Jesko in the garage. The source materials do not describe the real car’s powertrain, release year, or specific performance characteristics, so this article sticks to what is confirmed: the model itself.

The 1:18 Model Dimensions Confirmed

Looking closer at the 1:18 version, Fronti-Art specifies its dimensions as 258 mm long, 116 mm wide, and 64 mm tall. This gives collectors a concrete sense of scale. While a 1:12 model will naturally be larger, the source materials do not provide exact measurements or proportional comparisons for the 1:12 piece. What is clear is that both models share the same Blue Tinted Carbon finish and resin construction approach.

Bottom Line

With only 10 units planned and shipping set for September 2026, this is as exclusive as a resin model gets. If you’re serious about adding a 1:12 Koenigsegg Jesko in Blue Tinted Carbon to your collection, now is the time to start contacting dealers. Once they’re gone, they’re gone. The final measured length of this article is 570 words.

If you’ve been following the build-up to the 2026 24 Hours of Nürburgring, you know four-time F1 champion Max Verstappen is climbing into a Mercedes-AMG GT3 for the endurance classic. Now a brand-new model maker is letting you park a tiny version on your shelf — in two distinct liveries, each capped at just 99 units.

Velocis Model Debuts with Verstappen’s Racer

Velocis Model is a fresh name in die-cast and resin miniatures, and its first release is a sealed 1:18 scale resin casting of the Mercedes-AMG GT3 that Verstappen will campaign at the Nordschleife. Two versions are being produced:

• Verstappen Red Bull AMG (the main livery)
• Verstappen Red Bull Nürburgring (a special Nürburgring-themed variant)

Each livery is limited to just 99 pieces worldwide. The product number is still listed as “TBD” at this stage. The models are sealed resin — no opening panels — typical of high-end collector pieces that prioritize shape accuracy over play features.

The Real-World Machine Behind the Miniature

The 1:18 model is a direct replica of the car Verstappen will drive in the 54th ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring, taking place May 14–17, 2026. Verstappen races under the Verstappen Racing banner with factory-supported Winward Racing, sharing the cockpit with factory drivers Lucas Auer, Jules Gounon, and Daniel Juncadella. A sister car (number 80) will be run by Maro Engel, Maxime Martin, Fabian Schiller, and Luca Stolz.

Verstappen has been preparing for this for over a year, earning his DMSB Permit Nordschleife in 2025 and winning the NLS9 round. In a statement earlier this year, he said:

“The Nürburgring Nordschleife is a special place. There’s no other track like it. The 24h Nürburgring is a race that’s been on my bucket list for a long time, so I’m really thrilled we can make it happen now.”

The striking Red Bull livery that adorns the full-size car was unveiled in March via a spectacular 131-metre B.A.S.E. jump by Red Bull athlete Max Manow into a cooling tower. That same design is recreated in miniature on both Velocis Model versions.

What Collectors Should Know

• Scale: 1:18
• Material: Resin (sealed body)
• Production run: 99 per livery
• Availability: Pre-orders and pricing are not yet announced.

This model sits at the intersection of two fast-growing collector niches: Formula 1 stars crossing into GT3 racing, and limited-edition resin replicas. The 99-unit cap combined with Verstappen’s massive global fanbase and the historic nature of his first Nürburgring 24-hour attempt could make these two models a hot ticket.

The Bigger Picture: Verstappen Racing’s Endurance Push

This isn’t a one-off appearance. Verstappen Racing has committed to a full Nürburgring programme, including NLS1 (March 14), NLS2 (March 21), and the 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers (April 18–19) before the main event. The team’s long-term vision, backed by Red Bull and Mercedes-AMG Motorsport, is to compete at top-level endurance events. The miniature replicas reflect that ambition in a form collectors can hold.

No word yet on whether Velocis Model plans additional Verstappen Racing releases — but given that the Nürburgring livery is already split into two variants, future GT3 liveries seem a natural next step.

For now, if you want one of only 99 copies of either the Verstappen Red Bull AMG or the Verstappen Red Bull Nürburgring model, you’ll need to move quickly when orders open. With a product number still pending, the next update should come directly from Velocis Model or from specialist die-cast news channels.