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Let’s be honest: the Batmobile from Tim Burton’s 1992 classic Batman Returns is peak Gotham automotive design. Sleek, gothic, and intimidating—it’s the car a brooding millionaire vigilante would actually drive. Now LEGO has finally given it the brick-built treatment it deserves with set 76355, a 2,269-piece display model that packs a genuinely cool party trick.

The set, revealed this week, recreates Michael Keaton’s iconic ride with an impressive level of detail. The elongated body, the jet turbine rear engine, the opening canopy—it’s all there. But the headline feature is the transformation function. A mechanical trigger on the rear of the model releases the side bodywork, exposing the slimmer Batmissile escape vehicle concealed within, just like in the film’s chase sequence. It’s the first time a LEGO Batmobile has included this specific movie-accurate mechanic.

New Cowl, New Era for Minifigures

Purists should pay attention to the minifigure. This Batman comes with a brand-new cowl element that drapes over the torso, breaking the standard minifigure silhouette to mimic the bulkier, more armored look of Keaton’s suit. The set also includes a dedicated display stand for the figure. Beyond the cowl, LEGO’s design team created three new elements specifically for this build, and the model hides six Easter eggs from the film, including the Penguin’s tracking device.

Dimensions, Pricing, and the Wait

The finished model measures 4 inches (10 cm) high, 17 inches (45 cm) long, and 6.5 inches (17 cm) wide—meaning you’ll want to clear some shelf space. It’s rated 18+, clearly aimed at adult collectors who grew up with Burton’s Gotham.

Pricing varies by region:

• US: $229.99
• UK: £189.99
• EU: €209.99
• Canada: CAD$319.99
• Australia: AU$349.99
• Singapore: SGD$299.90

LEGO Insiders get early access on September 1, 2026, with general release following on September 4. The set will be available exclusively through LEGO.com and LEGO Stores.

What Didn’t Make the Cut

The one clear disappointment for many fans: only the Batman minifigure is included. Given the film’s memorable villains—Danny DeVito’s Penguin and Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman—their absence is notable, especially when previous large Bat-vehicle sets often included a rogue’s gallery. The source article notes that the reviewer wishes they had been included but understands it may be a cost consideration, though LEGO itself has not publicly addressed the decision.

A Quote Straight from LEGO

“The latest in a series of LEGO Batman display models, this set brings the distinctive vehicle from Tim Burton’s Batman Returns to LEGO brick form for the very first time. Featuring authentic details, an innovative transformation function and hidden references from the film, the model celebrates one of Batman’s most memorable on-screen appearances.”
— LEGO Group press release

How It Stacks Up

This isn’t LEGO’s first Tim Burton Batmobile—the 1989 version (set 76139) came in 2019 with 3,306 pieces for $249.99. The new Returns model is smaller at 2,269 pieces and priced at $229.99, but makes up for it with the transformation gimmick and the inclusion of six hidden Easter eggs. It joins a busy year for LEGO Batman that already included the Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight video game, which received an 83 Metacritic score and an Overwhelmingly Positive Steam user rating, and three smaller Batmobile sets tied to that release (76331 Batman v Superman Batmobile, 76332 The Batman Batmobile, and 76333 Batman & Robin Batmobile, all released in March 2026).

If you’ve been waiting for an excuse to complete your Burton-era LEGO Batmobile collection, September 1 can’t come soon enough. The set launches exclusively at LEGO.com and LEGO Stores, with Insiders getting early access on September 1 before the September 4 general release.

If you’ve been looking to give your Losi NASCAR a fresh look, today is your lucky day. Pro-Line Racing and Sippel Speed Shop have both released new parts for the popular 1/12 scale on-road platform, offering everything from officially licensed vintage rubber to completely new body styles.

Goodyear Blue Streak Tires Roll Out for VTA Builds

Pro-Line is now offering Officially Licensed Goodyear Blue Streak Mounted Tires designed specifically for the Losi NASCAR chassis. These are pre-mounted on gray 8mm wheels, so there’s no gluing or assembly required—just bolt them on and hit the track.

The tires feature matching front and rear diameters but with a wider rear fitment, giving your car the classic “planted” muscle car stance. The sidewalls carry authentic Goodyear Blue Streak lettering, and the tread pattern is designed to look like a full-size street tire. Pro-Line says these are a perfect complement for their 1968 Chevrolet Camaro and 1968 Ford Mustang VTA bodies, which are also new releases today.

The front set (part #PRO1036310) is priced at $16.99. The rear set (part #PRO1036410) does not yet have a listed price.

Two Classic Muscle Bodies Now Available

Pro-Line also dropped two new clear polycarbonate bodies for the Losi NASCAR: a 1968 Chevy Camaro and a 1968 Ford Mustang. Both are pre-cut, meaning the trimming work is already done. You just wash, mask, paint, apply the included decals, and mount.

Each body is molded from durable polycarbonate and includes window masks and a decal sheet. The idea is that you can switch between a stock car look and a vintage Trans-Am or street machine style without buying a whole new chassis. Both bodies are priced at $24.99.

Sippel Speed Shop Brings the Harpoon Late Model Body

Over at Sippel Speed Shop, the new Harpoon Clear Mini Late Model Body Kit is now available for the Losi NASCAR. This is a single-piece body based on the 2026 RC Chili Bowl winning KingSlayer late model body, so it brings a more modern, aggressive silhouette to the platform.

The kit is formed from genuine Polymerfilms (GE) lexan and includes the body, front body posts, machine-cut spoiler end plates, a machine-cut and bent rear spoiler, and stainless steel hardware. A window mask set is listed as “COMING SOON.” Sippel Speed Shop notes that because the masks are not yet available, the price is lower than it will be once the masks are included. The kit starts at $32.00.

An optional decking kit with hardware is also available for those who want to dress up the top of the body.

One Chassis, Many Looks

What’s interesting about all of these releases is that they target the same platform: the Losi NASCAR. With multiple body options and a new tire offering rolling out on the same day, owners of that chassis now have a broad range of ways to change its personality. Whether you want a period-correct muscle car from the late ’60s, a modern late-model dirt racer, or just better tires for a classic build, the parts are now on the shelf.

All three Pro-Line items are available now through ProLineRacing.com, and the Sippel Speed Shop Harpoon kit can be ordered through Sippel-Speed-Shop.com.”

LCD Models is bringing the Pagani Imola down to 1:43 scale with a fully opening diecast body. The miniature hypercar is scheduled to reach collectors in the first quarter of 2027.

According to a Diecastsociety.com report posted on August 15, 2026, the little Imola will be offered in Silver, Red, and Chameleon Purple. Each colorway gets its own item number: LCD43016SI, LCD43016RE, and LCD43016CH. LCD says the model contains approximately 110 parts and 130 print positions.

Fully opening construction

The diecast metal model is described as a fully opening piece. The report pairs that construction detail with the three color choices, the roughly 110-part count, and the 130 print positions. Opening parts are also part of LCD’s 1:18 Imola diecasts, which retailers are currently listing.

One listing from Modelkars shows the Imola in red, built from metal with opening parts, and marks it as available for pre-order. That red 1:18 model carries the number LCD18023RE. The same listing’s product copy calls the real Pagani Imola an extreme hypercar designed for ultimate performance.

The Modelkars page includes practical buying details for the red 1:18. Worldwide shipping is offered, with the carrier chosen based on destination: Colissimo, Chronopost, DPD, Mondial Relay, UPS, FedEx, or DHL. For most 1:18 models under 2 kg, the retailer lists a France-Belgium-Luxembourg pickup rate of €4.80 and a home-delivery rate of €10.90, with free shipping above €150. Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Ireland, and Austria make up a €13.90 tier, while Denmark, Finland, Sweden, and several Central and Eastern European destinations fall into a €15.90 tier. All other countries are €29.90 economy or €49.90 express. The page notes that rates are subject to change. Pickup in France, Belgium, or Luxembourg takes 3-5 days; home delivery there is 48 hours. Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Ireland, and Austria are rated at 3-5 days, Denmark, Finland, and Sweden at 3-7 days, and Bulgaria, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Cyprus, and Malta at 4-9 days. Payment options include Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Klarna, and SEPA bank transfer, and the page also mentions installment plans with no extra cost. Other local payment options may be available depending on the buyer’s location. Buyers have 15 days from receipt to return a purchase.

A separate listing from STM Diecast covers a 1:18 silver Imola with black wheels, identified as the 2020 Pagani Imola. That version is coded LCD18023-SI and is presented as a diecast with full openings.

Three colors, one 2027 timeline

For the 1:43 release, LCD has named three finishes: Silver, Red, and Chameleon Purple. Red and silver are also present in the 1:18 examples currently shown by retailers, while the 1:43 lineup adds Chameleon Purple as a third option. Each 1:43 colorway has its own SKU in the LCD43016 series.

The 1:43 model is a separate project from the 1:18 releases, with its own product codes. Delivery is noted as Q1 2027, so the target window for the fully opening miniature is the first quarter of next year.

The Diecastsociety.com report says the project shows how far LCD Models has come and recommends the 1:43 Imola to supercar fans. The three 1:43 colorways remain listed under LCD43016SI, LCD43016RE, and LCD43016CH.

MINI GT has another round of upcoming 1:64 releases. The latest assortment, posted August 17 via DiecastSociety.com, includes rally machines, modern race winners, JDM builds, and a re-tooled classic — the Lamborghini Countach LP500S in white. The report points to early 2027 availability.

The New Batch at a Glance

Six models make up this wave:

• MGT01368 – Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evoluzione #5, 1993 Rallye Monte-Carlo
• MGT01370 – Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO2 #45 DEX Wayne Taylor Racing 2025 IMSA Chevrolet Grand Prix Class Winner
• MGT01366 – Lamborghini Countach LP500S White (new tooling)
• MGT01367 – Mazda Miata MX-5 (ND) Pandem Kodo Red
• MGT01369 – Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 Gold
• MGT01093 – Nissan GT-R (R35) LB★WORKS Type 1, Custom Ducktail Auto Finesse

Headliner: The Countach LP500S in White

The obvious headliner is MGT01366 Lamborghini Countach LP500S. The source announcement specifically highlights new tooling for the iconic Countach in this batch, with white as the chosen color.

MINI GT’s Countach range already includes LB-WORKS versions in red (MGT01100-BL) and black (MGT01081), according to product listings from Model Cars Houston and Weye Model Cars. The red model is described as an official collaboration with LBWK Japan and officially licensed by Lamborghini. The black model, listed as MGT01081, gets a gloss black finish, deep-dish gold wheels, riveted overfenders, a detailed rear diffuser and a large GT wing. Weye’s listing adds that the real LB-WORKS Countach, created by Liberty Walk founder Wataru Kato, was unveiled at the Tokyo Auto Salon, with a custom air suspension and ultra-wide Rohana forged wheels.

Rally, GT Racing, and Tuning

The new batch spans several corners of car culture. The Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evoluzione (#5) wears the 1993 Rallye Monte-Carlo livery. The Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO2 is marked as the #45 DEX Wayne Taylor Racing 2025 IMSA Chevrolet Grand Prix Class Winner. On the modified side, the Mazda Miata MX-5 (ND) is dressed in a Pandem kit and Kodo Red, while the Nissan GT-R (R35) LB★WORKS Type 1 carries Auto Finesse livery. The Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 in gold rounds out the set.

MINI GT Beyond This Batch

MINI GT’s official site adds more context. The brand says its Porsche 911 GT3 R #80 “Roxy” was named Lamley Awards 2025 Model of the Year. It also highlights a Fast & Furious x MINI GT collection, described as celebrating the franchise’s street-racing icons and heroes from the screen in 1:64 scale. A retailer profile says MINI GT, introduced in 2017, has captured collectors with a balance of price and quality.

On the events side, the site lists a planned Hobby Expo China 2026 appearance, scheduled for April 17–19, 2026 at the Beijing Exhibition Center, with MINI GT in Hall 6. The expo is described as one of Asia’s largest model and hobby exhibitions. MINI GT also promotes One Night in China 2026, a Beijing evening with Kaido House featuring dinner, conversations and a first look at upcoming developments from both. A separate thank-you post tied to MDX 2026 in Malaysia described the weekend as full of passion, friendship and memories.

In motorsport, MINI GT has a 2026 partnership with Brazil’s DS Drift Show, which the brand credits with strong competitive achievements, a dynamic driving style and a strong fan connection. It also produced a limited Ford Mustang GT3 #26 DAYTONA Edition for its first collaboration with the 24 Hours of Daytona, sold exclusively through the Daytona official online store and official trackside stores during the Rolex 24 weekend.

Release Window

The six-model batch is headed to market in early 2027, according to the report.

Schumacher has released a new optional upgrade for its CAT PB 1/10th-scale 4WD off-roader, giving racers even more control over their car’s handling. The new Anti-Roll Bar Set lets drivers dial in the chassis roll characteristics with three different bar thicknesses.

What the Set Includes

The set includes 1.3mm, 1.5mm, and 1.7mm bars, offering a range of stiffness options for fine-tuning. According to Schumacher, this specific set of bars was used to win the 2026 Euros in Austria by driver Daniel Kobbevik and the wider team. The part number is #U9617 and the set is priced at £9.99 for three pieces. It is available directly from Racing-Cars.com.

Precision Tuning for an Already Advanced Chassis

The CAT PB itself is a modern race platform designed to be competitive out of the box. The kit is named in honor of the late Phil Booth, Schumacher’s chief designer and a former IFMAR World Champion. The car features a shaft-driven 4WD system with options for both DIRT and MOD specs. The DIRT spec uses three differentials and includes CVD rear driveshafts and U/J fronts. The MOD spec uses two differentials plus a Front Adjustable Brake unit/slipper and includes U/J driveshafts front and rear.

Notably, the CAT PB kit was already designed with anti-roll bar fitment in mind. The chassis features molded anti-roll bar balls built into the long front wishbones for easier fitment of both front and rear bars. This new optional set gives owners the specific hardware to take advantage of those built-in accommodations.

Chassis Design Details

The CAT PB chassis incorporates a range of design features. It uses a 7075-T6 2mm hard anodized aluminum chassis that is light and narrow to keep weight inboard. The suspension design includes long front wishbones with durable large-span inner hinge pin bosses for better impact strength. The rear hub carrier offers 7 adjustable heights to tune wheel stiffness, and the camber plate provides multiple camber adjustment positions. The car also includes an 80T simple-to-fit spur gear.

The vehicle uses diff height eccentrics with 5 settings to optimize for different grip levels and handling requirements. Transmission housings feature fast access for speedy differential adjustments. The steering assembly uses a center track design derived from Schumacher’s L1R Recon system.

The car comes with an aggressive, aerodynamic shell designed by JConcepts, specifically the S2 body. It also includes an AX037 Aerox Trident 6.5-inch wing in 1.0mm thickness.

Proven on the Track

The set’s racing pedigree is a strong selling point. The same 1.3mm, 1.5mm, and 1.7mm bars were part of the setup that carried Daniel Kobbevik to victory at the 2026 European Championships in Austria. For CAT PB owners looking to replicate a winning setup, this kit provides an official, track-tested option.

Availability and Pricing

The Schumacher CAT PB Front Anti-Roll Bar Set (U9617) is available now for £9.99 directly from Racing-Cars.com. It is a relatively low-cost upgrade that adds a significant tuning tool to an already capable 4WD platform.

MotorHelix is going all-in at the 2026 Hong Kong ToyCar Salon, packing a catalog of exclusive die-cast releases that will make JDM collectors’ wallets tremble. The salon, now in its sixth year, runs August 21–23 at the Grand Ballroom of Hopewell Hotel in Wan Chai — and MotorHelix plans to own the floor with a mix of 1:64 scale models and a showstopping 1:18 display.

The Big 1:18 Draw

While the bulk of the exclusives are in 1:64, the centerpiece is a 1:18 scale Honda Civic Type R [FD2] with a K20C Engine Display. That engine bay detail alone should be enough to draw crowds — a full replica of Honda’s turbocharged torque monster, shown off in a larger scale that lets builders and collectors geek out over the casting and plumbing.

The 1:64 All-Star Roster

MotorHelix’s 1:64 exclusives read like a greatest-hits list of Japanese performance and tuning culture. Here’s what’s headed to the show:

• Honda Civic Type R (EK9) – two custom variants: one in Yellow, one in Blue
• Honda MUGEN Civic Type-R Experimental Spec 2008 – a deep cut for Mugen fans
• RWB 964 Signal Green – Nakai-san’s signature widebody in an eye-popping shade
• Nissan GT-R (R35) Customized – finished in Candy Red
• Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34) Customized – classic Bayside Blue
• LB Trucks UD QUON Head – in striking Red

The list covers everything from hot hatches to super-Godzilla GT-Rs and truck culture, giving MotorHelix a broad appeal across JDM and JDM-adjacent collector segments.

The Salon Goes Pixel

The Hong Kong ToyCar Salon 2026 has adopted a “Pixel” theme this year, with an 8-bit retro aesthetic that nods to Hong Kong’s neon-lit cityscape and the golden age of arcade gaming. Organised by local model-car platform HKToyCar and co-organised by Exhibition Group, the event expects to draw over 40,000 visitors. Priority admission (HK$188) sold out within half a day; standard tickets are just HK$20 and available via Klook or at the door.

A Record Brand Lineup

MotorHelix isn’t the only name making noise. The salon boasts more than 40 brands from Hong Kong, mainland China, Japan, Germany, and the US. Returning heavyweights include POP RACE, Tarmac Works, INNO64, Tiny, Tomica, Hobby Japan, and Greenlight — the latter back with on-site stock, no preorder needed. First-time exhibitors such as Blokees, Almost Real, and local upstart Kilo Works are also expected to draw attention.

New for 2026, the show expands beyond cars into N Scale railway models from Khaho and a dedicated aircraft model zone with Collector Wings Model and The Model Hub. That means there’s something for scale enthusiasts of all stripes.

Quote from the Show Floor

Curator Lierence Li explained the creative direction: “This year’s Pixel theme draws inspiration from the golden age of home consoles and arcade machines. We hope to reinterpret Hong Kong streetscapes through pixel art, enabling audiences of different generations to find resonance.”

Where and When

• Venue: Grand Ballroom, 16/F, Hopewell Hotel, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
• Date: August 21 (Fri) 2–8pm, August 22–23 (Sat–Sun) 12–8pm
• Tickets: HK$20 standard; free for children under 1m, seniors 65+, and persons with disabilities

A special hotel rate for overseas visitors is available from August 19–25 using the code MGTC.

If you’re a JDM die-cast fan, MotorHelix’s 1:64 exclusives — plus that 1:18 FD2 engine display — are reason enough to clear your calendar for the third weekend of August.

Few rivalries in motorsport history burn as brightly as the 1976 duel between Niki Lauda and James Hunt. Now, Amalgam is capturing the climax of that epic season with a pair of 1:18 scale models depicting the cars as they appeared at the final race—the 1976 Japanese Grand Prix at Fuji Speedway.

Two Titans in Miniature

Amalgam’s new release includes two models: Niki Lauda’s Ferrari 312 T2 and James Hunt’s McLaren M23D. Both are scaled at 1:18 and based on their appearance during that title-deciding weekend. The pair pays tribute to what the company calls “the best racing rivalry of all time.” A specific product number has yet to be assigned.

The Race That Decided the Championship

The 1976 Japanese Grand Prix took place on 24 October at the Fuji Speedway in Oyama, Shizuoka. The 4.359 km circuit hosted the 16th and final round of the season, and it was the first Formula One race ever held in Japan. The race distance was 73 laps, totaling 318.207 km. The entry list included several Japanese drivers making their Formula One debut, such as Masahiro Hasemi in a locally built Kojima. Lauda entered with a three-point lead over Hunt, but the year had already been marked by drama: Lauda’s near-fatal crash at the Nürburgring in August, his missing two races, and his miraculous return at Monza. Hunt, meanwhile, had won back-to-back races in Canada and the United States to close the gap.

Qualifying saw Mario Andretti take pole for Lotus-Ford, with James Hunt lining up second and Niki Lauda third. The grid was tight, but the real challenge awaited on race day.

Race day brought torrential rain and thick fog. Visibility on the main straight dropped to just 200 metres. The start was delayed for hours as drivers argued over safety. Lauda, still recovering from his severe burns, decided the conditions were too dangerous. After completing only two laps, he pulled into the pits.

“My life is worth more than a title.” — Niki Lauda

After Lauda’s withdrawal, Hunt needed only a fourth-place finish to claim the title. He took the lead from the start and led comfortably. But with five laps remaining, a left-rear tyre deflated, forcing a slow pit stop. The track had begun to dry, causing increased tyre wear, and Hunt had ignored pit signals to preserve his wet-weather rubber. The McLaren crew had to lift the front of the car while the rear jack was used. Hunt rejoined in fifth place with four laps to go.

He passed Alan Jones and Clay Regazzoni to claim third, securing the championship by just one point—the closest title-winning margin in eight years. Andretti won the race, his second career victory and Lotus’s first since 1974. Patrick Depailler finished second. Andretti’s win came five years and seven months after his first.

Hunt initially thought he had lost the title and angrily confronted his team. Team principal Teddy Mayer shouted repeatedly until Hunt understood.

“James, you’ve won!” — Teddy Mayer

Hunt later spoke about Lauda’s decision: “I think Niki made absolutely the right decision. I still feel as I felt before the start, that it was madness to start in those conditions.” The championship was decided by a single point, and Ferrari also took the constructors’ championship that year.

A Collectible Piece of History

Amalgam’s 1:18 replicas capture the look of the Ferrari 312 T2 and McLaren M23D as they appeared at Fuji. The models are part of a tribute to a rivalry that defined a season, with a product number yet to be announced.

Minichamps is rolling out a compact set of Formula 1 die-cast models for Week 32 of 2026, anchored by one 1:18 scale Oracle Red Bull Racing RB21 and two 1:43 scale McLaren MCL39 cars. Each replica is tied to a specific 2025 Grand Prix result, giving collectors race-specific options from the recent season.

Max Verstappen’s RB21 in 1:18

The centerpiece of the drop is the Oracle Red Bull Racing RB21 as driven by Max Verstappen to victory at the 2025 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. This 1:18-scale model carries product number 117250701 and is labeled as the winner edition for that race. The Week 32 release focuses specifically on this Emilia Romagna victory model, though separate Minichamps listings also offer other RB21 variants. These include a Verstappen Japanese GP winner edition for Suzuka, a Yuki Tsunoda Brazilian-market limited edition, and a Tsunoda version from the Canadian Grand Prix, as seen on various retailer sites.

McLaren’s Hungarian GP Duo in 1:43

The two smaller-scale models both feature the McLaren Formula 1 Team MCL39 from the 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix:

• Lando Norris – winner of that race – is represented with product number 537255604 as the winner edition.
• Oscar Piastri‘s car, as raced at the same event, carries product number 537255681.

Both are as-raced replicas from the Hungaroring. Norris’s car is the race-winning version, while Piastri’s completes the team’s two-car entry for that Grand Prix. Together, they offer 1:43 collectors a full McLaren Hungarian GP pairing from the 2025 season.

Product Numbers at a Glance

• Oracle Red Bull Racing RB21 – 1:18 – Max Verstappen – Winner Emilia Romagna GP 2025 – Product 117250701
• McLaren MCL39 – 1:43 – Lando Norris – Winner Hungarian GP 2025 – Product 537255604
• McLaren MCL39 – 1:43 – Oscar Piastri – Hungarian GP 2025 – Product 537255681

About Minichamps

According to a Tibormodel.com product listing, Minichamps GmbH & Co. KG, based in Aachen, Germany, has been producing ready-made collectible models since 1990. The company’s early reputation was built on its first 1:43 scale models, and today it releases models in a variety of scales. Its range spans F1 single-seaters, road cars, and MotoGP machinery, making it a recognizable name among die-cast collectors. The same listing notes that Minichamps products are collectible models for adults and are not suitable for children under 14 years of age.

The company’s official contact information includes its address at Charlottenburger Allee 49, 52068 Aachen, Germany, with a website at www.minichamps.de.

A Targeted Week 32 Selection

The Week 32 announcement covers just these three models. The 1:18 RB21 from Emilia Romagna is the only larger-scale piece in the batch, while the two 1:43 McLarens round out the set with a team-focused Hungarian GP story. Each model commemorates a specific 2025 race weekend: the Emilia Romagna GP for the RB21, and the Hungarian GP for the two McLarens.

Collectors can reference the listed product numbers when looking for these models through their usual channels. The releases continue a lineup that includes other race-specific Minichamps models from the 2025 F1 season, such as the separate RB21 editions for the Japanese and Canadian Grands Prix.

Summer heat is on, car-show season is rolling, and attendees know to expect the unexpected. Pristine survivors, freshly chromed classics, and radical customs all show up to the same lot. Solido’s newest 1:18 release is aimed squarely at that anything-goes spirit: a stylized Volkswagen T1 microbus called the Cool Kombi—also rendered as Kool Kombi in the series and in retail listings—with a compact trailer attached at the back.

The model draws from real-world T1 transporters that VW enthusiasts have customized over the years. Rather than a factory-fresh restoration, it is a chopped, retro showpiece with a lot of personality. The silhouette alone makes it read as a custom build instead of a stock microbus. Solido has been expanding its catalog with creative, pop-culture-inspired variations, and Diecast Society’s review places this one firmly on the fun side of car culture: the van captures the spirit of shows where perfect originals and radical builds share the same pavement.

Trailer Included, Diorama-Ready

The trailer is the release’s biggest talking point. Every Kool Kombi in the series is packaged with a small, two-wheel trailer that hooks to the rear of the bus. The review calls it a thoughtful addition that gives a display case or diorama real depth. Instead of a lone van on a shelf, buyers get a miniature road-trip pair that can be arranged as one rolling combo.

The trailer is part of the package for every Kool Kombi in the series, rather than a separate accessory. That packaging decision makes the set feel complete the moment it comes out of the box.

Opening Doors and a Plastic Compromise

The bus is die-cast metal, with doors that open for a look inside the cabin. The front wheels steer, and the tires are real rubber—details the review points to as signature touches of Solido’s accessible, budget-oriented range.

The trailer hitch arm, however, is plastic. The review presents that as a practical trade-off that keeps the playful package at an attractive price. For a model built around lighthearted character, the compromise fits.

Two Liveries, Two Personalities

The Kool Kombi is available in at least two color treatments. The classic orange-and-white version recalls original T1s from the road, while the military-style variant offers an unconventional, tougher look. The review describes that military version as an intriguing spec for breaking up the monotony of a display cabinet, not merely a different paint job. Both versions, the review says, deliver plenty of personality without demanding a premium price.

Polish retailer Empik also lists a “VW T1 Kool Kombi – 2024” in mint green/white. The listing identifies it as the 2024 edition in 1:18 scale, showing the series extends beyond the two versions highlighted in the review.

A Brand With Deep Die-Cast Roots

The Kombi sits inside a longer Solido tradition. Founded in 1932, the company is one of Europe’s most historic die-cast names. Its catalog leans heavily on French automobiles, European classics, and rally legends, with 1:18 models that often include opening panels and quality die-cast construction. The focus also extends to French domestic-market vehicles and the broader Continental European rally scene.

This microbus is a more playful branch of that heritage, but it still follows the core Solido formula: a characterful subject in die-cast metal at a collector-friendly scale. The review’s photo gallery highlights a pair of Volkswagens in the same custom-minded spirit, and the T1 is the one with the trailer. With its matching trailer, two reviewed liveries, and a mint green/white 2024 edition at retail, the Cool Kombi is as much about personality as it is about scale.

Diecast fans are getting a fresh look at what sister brands MR Collection and Looksmart have in the pipeline. The two companies recently showed off new painted samples for a pair of Ferrari models, giving collectors a preview of what’s coming.

Leading the announcement is a striking new variant of the 1:18 scale Ferrari Daytona SP3 from MR Collection. The sample is finished in Azzurro La Plata over a Rosso Magma base with livery. According to the brand, this specific model carries a production limit of just 5 units.

A Closer Look at the Daytona SP3

The Ferrari Daytona SP3 is the second car to join Ferrari’s ‘Icon’ limited-edition series, paying homage to the mid-rear-engined V12 sports prototypes that triumphed at the 1967 24 Hours of Daytona. MR Collection serves as an official licensee and supplier for Ferrari at major international auto shows and world premieres, and it offers the 1:18 model in a range of colors.

The standard lineup includes finishes like Rosso Corsa, Giallo Modena, and Nero Daytona, along with limited-edition variants of 49 pieces each in Avio Metallic and Green Jewel. A separate Giallo Modena / Shiny Carbon version was produced as a limited edition of 199 pieces. The product page for the standard Rosso Magma version (FE036A) lists it as sold out.

The new Azzurro La Plata and Rosso Magma combination, with its livery and a production cap of just five, is listed under product code FE036AT2.

Looksmart Teases the Testarossa Spider in Yellow

Meanwhile, over at sister brand Looksmart, a painted sample of a new 1:43 scale Ferrari 849 Testarossa Spider has been shown. This model, bearing the product code LS566F, is finished in Giallo Ambra (Amber Yellow).

The 849 Testarossa Spider is based on the SF90 Spider, with a focus on increasing power, tire grip, braking efficiency, and electronic controls through the Ferrari Integrated Vehicle Estimator (FIVE) digital system. Looksmart states that the model offers a 35% reduction in the weight of the road springs and a 10% reduction in roll compared to the SF90 Spider, maximizing aerodynamic benefits.

Looksmart, like MR Collection, is part of the MR Group. The group serves as an official supplier for Ferrari during major international car shows and world premieres, and it produces models for the Ferrari Contact Plan—an exclusive service that creates 1:43 scale models with the same colors and features of cars bought by Ferrari customers. Their products are also sold in the Ferrari Store all over the world.

The Looksmart archive also shows a wider family of 849 Testarossa models in 1:43 scale, available in colors such as Rosso Fiammante, Bianco Italia, Rosso Corsa, Giallo Modena, Violetto Dino Assetto Fiorano, and also Giallo Ambra (listed under product code LS562G). The Giallo Ambra option on the new painted sample, however, is shown with the distinct product code LS566F.

Production Details and Codes

The new Daytona SP3 sample falls under product code FE036AT2, while the Testarossa Spider is identified as LS566F. These codes align with the broader numbering used across the two brands’ Ferrari catalogs.

Both companies are known for producing officially licensed Ferrari models, with a presence at major automotive events and distribution through the Ferrari Store.