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Open Sauce, the engineering and maker convention that grew out of the YouTube creator community, returned to the San Mateo County Event Center for its second year in that venue — and it was noticeably larger than the year before. More exhibits filled more rooms, drawing both veteran exhibitors and first-timers who built projects specifically for the show. The event also confirmed its next edition: July 17–18, 2027, with tickets already on sale.

A Showcase of Mechanical Madness

Returning favorites included Battlebot teams, Project Empire, and Devising Delight — all familiar faces from previous years. But the 2026 edition also saw a wave of new projects. One team reportedly spent $9,000 turning a couch into a car. Yes, a drivable couch.

The Bay Area Droid Builders brought their stunningly realistic Star Wars replicas, including K-2SO, MSE-6, and B1 battle droids, roaming the convention floor. Just down the aisle, Bay Area Foam Tag set up an arena with dozens of blasters and what seemed like infinite darts — including one blaster taller than some of the players.

Hacker Dojo, one of Silicon Valley’s oldest hackerspaces, used the show to raise awareness about its ongoing space troubles. The dojo is in danger of losing its space, and staff gave away toy cars that kids could customize and take home. Supporters could also bid on a brick artwork that took years to create.

From Air Purifiers to Robot Soccer

Air quality is a growing concern, and maker Joel Hartlaub (aka JoelCreates) showed off his OddCube repairable air purifier kit. He launched a Kickstarter for the project, giving attendees a chance to breathe easier at home.

Dorian Todd, a Maker Faire Bay Area blue ribbon winner, brought Sesame, a tiny, affordable walking robot. The tabletop soccer match using the bots was a hit with visitors.

Whitcorp demonstrated a 3D photogrammetry dome and what the Make: team called “the most badass 3D printers” they’d ever seen. Meanwhile, a dedicated gaming hall featured indie video games and alt-ctrl creations. Bryan Racic built an open-source, 3D-printable nautical controller for seafaring games, demoing a not-crab fishing game called Klorbiest Catch where players dropped traps to collect “klorbs.”

Art, Insects, and the Human Scale

Artists Lexi Tayte and Jessica Crafternoon — known for giant Furby builds — constructed a giant housefly. The soft-material sculpture aimed to subvert the negative human reaction to insects by magnifying the form to human scale. Or, as the builders noted, maybe they just really like bugs.

Panels and Creator Conversations

Across two stages, YouTubers spoke about electronics, cosplay, and the ins and outs of the YouTube algorithm. Attendees learned which projects were born from rage, who spent $50,000 not to make a video, and the worst reason to start a channel now (money). For those determined to start anyway, the advice remained unchanged: make a ton of videos.

A Growing Tradition

Open Sauce was founded in 2023 by YouTuber William Osman as a STEM-focused convention. The first event at San Francisco’s Pier 35 drew over 10,000 attendees and 150 exhibitors. By 2024, it had more than doubled, moving to the Cow Palace in Daly City to accommodate 20,000+ attendees and 500 exhibitors. The event has been held at the San Mateo County Event Center since 2025.

What’s Next

The next Open Sauce is already scheduled for July 17–18, 2027 at the same San Mateo venue. General admission tickets are on sale now, with a 2-day pass priced at $216.75 including fees. An early bird discount code — earlyearlybird — takes 50% off GA tickets. More ticket types will be announced later. Under-4s and over-100s get in free with a ticket holder.

If you can’t wait that long, the Bay Area Maker Faire is coming up soon.

Maclan Racing has just unleashed a new battery pack that serious 1/10 scale racers are going to want on their radar. The Formula Edge Ultra-Low CG 2S 5600mAh Stick Pack is designed from the ground up for competitive action, with a focus on reducing the center of gravity to improve handling on both on-road and off-road tracks.

What’s in the Pack?

This isn’t just a generic re-wrap. Maclan Racing has packed the Formula Edge with what it calls Hyper-Conductive Cell Architecture, a design that optimizes internal molecular density to slash internal resistance and keep thermal buildup in check. The result, according to the company, is instantaneous, fade-free power delivery when you nail the throttle.

The numbers back up the performance promise. The stick pack offers a capacity of 5600 mAh and a nominal voltage of 7.4V (Pro-Spec), engineered to be safely charged to the full 8.4V limit for maximum aggression. The discharge rate is rated at 200C, which means plenty of punch for high-draw racing applications.

Specs Racers Need to Know

For those building a car around this battery, the physical dimensions are key: the case measures 139 x 47 x 16.5mm and tips the scales at just 208 grams. That slim profile is the secret sauce behind the ultra-low CG claim, letting racers mount the pack lower in the chassis for better cornering stability.

Maclan Racing is targeting this battery squarely at 1/10 scale on-road and off-road racing vehicles, making it a versatile option whether you’re running a touring car on asphalt or a buggy through the rough stuff. The pack is listed with part number #MCL6073 and carries a street price of $58.

A Broader Lineup

This new 5600mAh pack joins the existing Formula Edge family. A sister model, the MCL6070, offers a 5000mAh capacity with a 160C discharge rate in a slightly different form factor (137 x 46 x 24 mm, 228g) and is optimized specifically for TCS specifications. Both packs share the same Hyper-Conductive architecture and 7.4V nominal voltage, giving racers a choice depending on their class rules and weight distribution preferences.

How It Fits Maclan’s Tech

Maclan Racing has been refining its battery chemistry for years. The company’s earlier Race Formula Graphene line introduced 2018 chemistry aimed at lower weight and better discharge curves, with features like lower operating temperatures, increased cycle life, and ROAR approval. The new Formula Edge series appears to take that foundation and push it further with an even more aggressive focus on reducing internal resistance and center of gravity for modern competition.

Safety First

As with any high-performance LiPo pack, Maclan Racing emphasizes safe handling. The company recommends always using a LiPo charging bag, balance charging at or below the specified rate, and never allowing cell voltage to drop below 3.0V. Batteries ship with a 30% charge and are covered by a 90-day manufacturer warranty against defects in materials and workmanship, though the warranty does not cover puffed or swollen packs typically caused by misuse.

For RC racers looking to shave weight and lower their car’s center of gravity, the Formula Edge Ultra-Low CG 5600mAh Stick Pack looks like a compelling new option at a competitive price point.

NASCAR fans and RC hobbyists now have a new way to bring stock car racing home. Losi has released a 1/12-scale ready-to-run (RTR) replica of Zane Smith’s No. 38 Ford Mustang, packed with hobby-grade components and authentic details.

Ready to Race Straight Out of the Box

The Losi NASCAR 2026 Zane Smith No. 38 Ford Mustang comes fully assembled and includes almost everything needed to hit the pavement. Inside the box you’ll find the car itself, a Spektrum Smart 7.4V 1400mAh 2S 30C Hard Case LiPo battery, a Spektrum S10 Smart G2 Mini 2S USB-C charger, a Spektrum SLT2 2-channel 2.4GHz transmitter with AA batteries, and a Spektrum Waterproof SLT 2-in-1 25A ESC and receiver. The power system uses a MEGA 380 28T brushed motor paired with a Spektrum SX110 waterproof metal-geared servo.

The charger replenishes the battery in about one hour, and a full charge delivers up to 20 minutes of runtime. The only extra item needed is a USB or USB-C wall adapter with Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0/3.0 at 18W or higher.

Scale Details and Performance Features

Losi packed this 1/12-scale car with features that mirror a real NASCAR Cup Series machine. The all-wheel-drive drivetrain uses a durable composite chassis with an enclosed drivetrain featuring metal ring and pinion gears. An independent suspension system with oil-filled, coil-over shocks helps the car stay planted through corners and over bumps.

Aerodynamic touches include a functional front splitter and rear diffuser. The car uses reliable hex hardware throughout, and the body is described as “designed tough to survive the big wreck.”

Like a real Cup car, this RC version can be tuned and upgraded with optional parts, allowing owners to adjust handling and performance. The included Spektrum SLT 2.4GHz radio system provides responsive control, and the waterproof electronics add peace of mind for running on varied surfaces.

Who Is Zane Smith?

Zane Smith is a rising star in the NASCAR Cup Series, currently driving the No. 38 Ford for Front Row Motorsports. He won the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Championship in 2022 and moved to a full-time Cup ride in 2024, where he scored two top-5 finishes as a rookie. Smith is now in his third full Cup season in 2026, driving for Front Row Motorsports, and his team has its sights set on qualifying for the playoffs. The Losi RC car replicates the livery of his current Cup car, giving fans a chance to own a miniature version of the real machine.

Where to Get It

The Losi NASCAR 2026 Zane Smith No. 38 Ford Mustang 1/12-scale RTR is available now through Horizon Hobby and its authorized retailers. The product listing on Horizon Hobby’s website describes it as a ready-to-run, hobby-grade RC stock car that offers speed and realism, and notes that owners can add optional parts and choose their favorite livery to build their own NASCAR legend.

With its combination of ready-to-run convenience, scale accuracy, and tuneable performance, the Losi Zane Smith No. 38 Ford Mustang gives enthusiasts a detailed miniature of a current Cup Series contender that can be driven straight out of the box.

Lara Croft is trading in her climbing axe for a classified file. Hasbro and Crystal Dynamics have officially unveiled a new 6-inch scale Lara Croft action figure as part of the G.I. Joe Classified Series, celebrating 30 years of Tomb Raider. The reveal came hot off Hasbro’s annual G.I. Joe panel at Comic-Con International: San Diego, and the figure is already making waves.

A Cover-Worthy Reveal

The timing couldn’t be better for collectors. The Toy Book has revealed the editorial cover of its 2026 Action, Adventure, & Mystery Issue, featuring the new Lara Croft figure in all her glory. Shot by Hasbro photographer Matthew Cohen, the cover shows Croft heroically using the magazine’s masthead for support as she hunts for relics on Cobra Island. It’s a striking image that perfectly captures the crossover spirit.

This isn’t just a one-off action figure, though. Lara Croft’s appearance in the G.I. Joe universe is a full-blown multimedia event. Skybound and Image Comics, in collaboration with Hasbro and Crystal Dynamics, have announced a five-issue limited series titled G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero/Tomb Raider, set to launch on October 7, 2026. The comic series will be written by Kyle Higgins (Radiant Black) with art by Elena Casagrande (Black Widow).

What’s in the Box?

The new G.I. Joe Classified Series Lara Croft figure is packed with gear befitting the world’s most famous tomb raider. The figure comes with her signature dual pistols, the iconic Dagger of Xian, and a total of 13 more accessories. It’s designed for adventurers ages 4 and up and carries a $44.99 MSRP. Pre-orders opened at 5 p.m. ET on July 23 via Hasbro Pulse, with the figure slated for delivery in November.

The Crossover Expands

The comic book crossover—the first ever between the two franchises—sees Lara Croft infiltrating Castle Destro in search of her next deadly destination. Her search will eventually lead her to Cobra Island, where she’ll team up with an old acquaintance, Shipwreck, and several squads of Joes to recover a treasure that’s been hidden for decades. Destro and Baroness, naturally, are hot on their trail.

Editorial Director at Skybound, Alex Antone, expressed excitement about keeping the crossover under wraps until the reveal. The surprise appearance of Lara Croft in G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #330 reportedly led to a complete sellout at the distributor level, prompting a second printing of that issue with a new cover by artist Chris Mooneyham. That second printing is expected in comic shops on August 12, 2026.

Where to Find the Issue

The Toy Book‘s fourth issue of its 42nd volume, featuring the Lara Croft cover, is currently hitting subscriber mailboxes. A digital version will become available on July 31. Attendees of Gen Con Trade Day in Indianapolis, ASD Market Week in Las Vegas, and the North East Toy & Gift Show (NETS) in Springfield, Massachusetts, can pick up free print copies while supplies last.

For those not yet subscribed, The Toy Book notes that signing up now will start subscriptions with its jumbo-sized Fall Toy & Licensing Preview Issue in September.

A Historic Moment for Collectors

This crossover marks a significant moment for both toy and comic collectors. For the first time in history, Lara Croft and the G.I. Joe team are appearing together in both plastic and sequential art. The comic series, with a main cover by Casagrande and Guimarães, plus variant covers by Stjepan Sejic, Chris Mooneyham, Leirix, and more, promises to be a hot commodity this fall. The G.I. Joe Classified Series Lara Croft figure is available for pre-order now, with its November release on the horizon.

LEGO has officially unveiled its latest working arcade machine build, and this time it’s a deep cut into video game history. 72051 Donkey Kong Arcade is a new 1,367-piece set that recreates the iconic 1981 Donkey Kong arcade cabinet.

Slated for release on August 1, 2026, the set brings the classic barrel-dodging action of the original game, designed by Shigeru Miyamoto, to life in plastic brick form. It will be available from LEGO.com and LEGO Stores worldwide.

A Playable Homage to a Classic

The model doesn’t just sit there looking nostalgic—it actually simulates the gameplay of the original. Builders can pull a lever to release a barrel from the top of the machine, then use a joystick and button to move the Mario figure (originally known as Jumpman) around to dodge the rolling obstacles. The mechanism allows movement on an X and Y axis, though the source notes that Mario can’t actually make it all the way up to rescue Pauline—the game loop is simulated, not fully beatable.

It’s a clever mechanical function that follows the same inventive vein as last year’s 11374 Arcade Pinball Machine, which also featured ingenious functions, and the 10323 PAC-MAN Arcade released in 2023. The completed cabinet is designed to look great alongside those sets on a collector’s shelf.

The History Behind the Game

The 1981 Donkey Kong arcade game was a hit, the brainchild of Shigeru Miyamoto, the legendary game designer behind Zelda, Mario, Pikmin, and more. He conceived the original game under the supervision of Nintendo legend and Game Boy creator Gunpei Yokoi. The story was a love triangle between Donkey Kong, Mario (first known as Jumpman), and Pauline, the damsel in distress. This LEGO set pays homage to that origin, featuring minifigures of all three characters, plus recreations of the iconic scaffold, ladder, and hammer details.

Pricing and Dimensions

LEGO has provided international pricing for the set:

• US: $199.99
• UK: £149.99
• EU: €169.99
• Canada: CAD$269.99
• Australia: AU$279.99
• Singapore: SGD$309.90

The completed model measures 39cm (15.5 inches) tall and 27cm (10.5 inches) wide, making it a substantial display piece for a game room or home office. According to the product description, it is designed as playful retro decor for entertainment rooms or home offices.

Stickers or Prints?

One point that may disappoint some collectors: the set relies heavily on stickers for its decorations. While many Nintendo-themed 18+ sets from LEGO have traditionally used all-printed elements, the Donkey Kong Arcade breaks that trend. Only the tiles used for the barrels are printed, with the rest of the graphics applied via stickers. For a set in this price bracket aimed at adult builders, that’s a notable detail.

What’s in the Box?

The set includes minifigures of Jumpman (Mario), Donkey Kong, and Lady (Pauline), along with detailed recreations of the original game’s scaffolding, ladders, and hammers. The arcade cabinet itself is the main build, and the set is rated 18+. The 1,367-piece set is described as a collectable gamer gift idea for adult fans of video games and retro arcade cabinets.

72051 Donkey Kong Arcade will be released worldwide on August 1, 2026, and will be available from LEGO.com or your local LEGO Store.

Xiaoguang Model is adding another iconic Aston Martin to its lineup—this time pulling from 007’s garage. The company has announced a full metal replica of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage as seen in the James Bond film No Time to Die, and it’s set to arrive this August.

A Star from No Time to Die

The car featured in that film is a familiar one for Bond fans: a 1977 V8 Vantage Volante that originally appeared in The Living Daylights. In No Time to Die, it returns as Bond’s personal vehicle, playing a key role in the story’s emotional finale. Xiaoguang’s new model captures that exact on-screen version.

The die-cast replica will feature a full metal exterior and an opening feature, though the specific parts that open have not yet been detailed. The company has not assigned a product number yet, and no pricing information has been announced.

Britain’s First Supercar

The 1:1 scale V8 Vantage that inspired this model has a serious pedigree. Launched on 18 February 1977, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage was widely hailed as Britain’s first supercar, thanks to a top speed of around 170 mph and a 0-60 mph time of about 5.2 seconds in period road tests. It was produced through 1989, with only 534 examples built in total, according to Wikipedia.

Under the hood sat a 5.3-litre V8 engine that, in its earliest form, delivered an estimated 380 bhp. Later variants such as the 580 X-Pack (produced from 1986 to 1989) raised output to 403 bhp, and a 6.3-litre version was also available, producing up to 450 bhp. That kind of performance made it the fastest four-seater production car in the world at the time—and a natural fit for Her Majesty’s secret service.

A Growing Aston Martin Lineup

Xiaoguang Model clearly has a thing for Aston Martin. This new V8 Vantage announcement follows other recent Aston Martin releases from the brand, though the company has kept details of its full range close to the chest. The August release date puts this model on shelves for late-summer collectors.

Die-Cast Details

Collectors and Bond fans alike will be watching for more specs as August approaches. The model is listed with a placeholder product number (TBD), suggesting final packaging and SKU information is still being finalized.

Given the source car’s long production run and multiple variant generations—from the early Oscar India updates in 1978 to the 580 X-Pack cars of the late 1980s—there’s plenty of room for future variants. The V8 Vantage even spawned the limited-edition V8 Zagato, with coachwork by the famous Italian firm. Production numbers vary by source: Aston Martin’s official site lists 50 coupés and 37 convertibles, while Wikipedia reports 52 coupés and 37 convertibles, for totals of 87 or 89 examples, respectively.

A Screen Legend in Miniature

Beyond its mechanical credentials, the V8 Vantage’s film career gives it a unique collector cachet. It appeared in The Living Daylights in 1987, then returned in No Time to Die, and is slated to appear in the upcoming 2026 Bond installment 007 First Light. That continuing on-screen presence helps keep the model relevant for both automotive and movie memorabilia collectors.

The August release is Xiaoguang’s next move in what looks like a deepening relationship with Aston Martin’s catalogue. Whether they’ll follow up with a Volante convertible version or a Zagato coupe remains to be seen, but for now the spotlight is on one of Bond’s most famous four-wheeled co-stars.

Looksmart is expanding its Ferrari Formula 1 series with a pair of scale models based on the SF-26 as it appeared at the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix. The new releases, available in 1:18 and 1:43 scales, depict the cars driven by Charles Leclerc, who finished second, and Lewis Hamilton. They are scheduled to arrive in the first quarter of 2027.

The Belgian GP set adds to a growing catalog of Looksmart SF-26 models covering the 2026 season. The Italian manufacturer has already produced several race variants for both Leclerc and Hamilton, making the SF-26 one of the most comprehensively covered F1 cars in the resin model market this year.

Two Drivers, Two Scales

Looksmart has assigned four product codes for the Belgian GP models. In 1:43 scale, collectors can order LSF1090 for Leclerc and LSF1091 for Hamilton. The larger 1:18 scale versions are LS18F1089 for Leclerc and LS18F1090 for Hamilton. Based on Looksmart’s standard practice, these are pre-assembled resin models displayed on a plastic base with an acrylic dust cover and a cardboard box. They are intended for adult collectors and are not suitable for children under 14 years old.

Pricing for the Belgian GP models has not been announced, but the Q1 2027 release window gives collectors a clear target.

A Busy Season for SF-26 Collectors

Looksmart’s SF-26 program has been rolling out steadily throughout 2026. For Charles Leclerc, the company has already listed a 1:43 model of his British Grand Prix-winning car (product code LSF1088) and a 1:18 version from the Canadian Grand Prix, both with expected release in 2027.

Lewis Hamilton‘s SF-26 has been even more prolific. Looksmart announced a full range for his Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix victory, his first win since joining Scuderia Ferrari in 2025. That winning car is being produced in four scales: 1:12 ($1,250), 1:18 ($350), 1:43 ($165), and 1:64 ($45). All four feature a Hamilton driver figure with a raised hand. Advance orders for the Barcelona set closed on July 15, 2026. Additionally, a 1:18 model of Hamilton’s Monaco Grand Prix car, where he finished second, has been listed by retailers.

Belgian GP Models in Context

The 2026 Belgian Grand Prix was a significant race for Ferrari, with Leclerc taking second and Hamilton also competing. Looksmart’s decision to produce both drivers’ cars in two scales gives collectors flexibility. The 1:43 scale option is ideal for those with limited display space, while the 1:18 scale offers more detail.

Looksmart Models Srl, based in Gerenzano, Italy, specializes in high-quality resin models for the adult collector market. The company’s SF-26 series demonstrates a commitment to documenting the 2026 F1 season in detail, with multiple race variants already in production.

Availability and Pre-Orders

Pre-orders for the Belgian GP models are already open through selected retailers. The official Looksmart website (looksmartmodels.com) lists further information. With a release date targeted for Q1 2027, collectors have time to secure their preferred versions.

The product codes are known, making it easy to place orders with trusted dealers. As with all Looksmart models, these are limited-production items, so early ordering is recommended.

For now, the Belgian GP models represent the latest chapter in Looksmart’s 2026 Ferrari SF-26 story. With more race variants likely in the pipeline, the collection is shaping up to be one of the most comprehensive F1 model ranges of the season.

It’s a question that’s plagued makers for years: print a beautiful model, then spend hours hand-painting, masking, and finishing just to get a colorful result. HeyGears is aiming to solve that with its new G1 Series, a desktop system that merges full-color 3D printing with UV printing in a single modular package. The Kickstarter campaign launched on July 23 at 9:00 AM PDT.

Three Workflows in One Box

The G1 Series isn’t just a 3D printer. It’s described as the world’s first desktop full-color 3D and UV printer, combining three core workflows: full-color 3D printing, 3D-textured UV printing, and 2D UV printing. That means users can create detailed, colorful models, add tactile surface textures, or print directly onto compatible flat and cylindrical objects—all without swapping hardware.

Potential applications range from collectibles and personalized gifts to signage, packaging prototypes, and customized merchandise. HeyGears says the system supports more than 400 base materials, giving creators a wide palette of substrates to work with.

The Hardware: Precision Piezo Inkjet Meets UV Curing

The flagship model in the lineup is the G1X, which uses Precision Piezo Inkjet technology paired with UV curing to build vibrant models layer by layer. Its Epson i3200 industrial-grade printhead packs 3,200 high-density nozzles across eight ink channels, delivering ultra-fine 3.9-picoliter droplets at resolutions up to 1440 × 2400 DPI. The system can reproduce millions of colors, handle gradients, and combine transparent and colored materials in a single print.

Water-soluble support material simplifies post-processing, especially for models with complex shapes or internal cavities. The UV workflow benefits from built-in white-ink circulation, printhead heating, automatic cleaning, and moisturizing—features designed to keep the system running consistently without constant maintenance.

The entry-level G1 uses a lower-resolution F1080 printhead (720 × 900 DPI) with a 6-channel ink system, making it a more affordable entry point for those focused on UV printing who may want to upgrade to full-color 3D later.

AI-Assisted Software Ecosystem

The G1 Series is paired with HeyGears’ HeyVerse and Blueprint Studio software. Users can choose from a library of hundreds of curated digital assets, generate 3D models from text or images, create surface textures, prepare print layouts, and estimate material usage—all within a connected workflow. The goal is to make the journey from idea to finished object accessible even for users without extensive 3D modeling experience.

Kickstarter Pricing and Early Bird Deals

The campaign offers several reward tiers, with Super Early Bird pricing starting at $1,999 for the G1 Starter Pack. Here’s the full lineup:

• G1 Starter Pack – $1,999 (MSRP $2,699)
• G1X Starter Pack – $3,299 (MSRP $4,999)
• G1X Full-3D Pack – $3,599 (MSRP $5,499)
• G1X Deluxe Bundle – $4,999 (MSRP $7,999)
• G1X Full-3D Twin Pack – $6,999 (MSRP $10,998)

Backers who pledge within the first 48 hours get a free white ink or resin set worth $109 (depending on their reward tier), plus entry into a draw for a chance to receive a full refund on their reward. Super Early Bird quantities are limited, so those interested will want to move quickly.

A Closer Look at the Configurations

The base G1 pairs the main unit with 2D and 3D-texture UV printing, making it a solid choice for small customization businesses and makers who want to print onto existing products. The G1X models add full-color 3D printing capability, aimed at creators and small studios producing original objects like collectible figures or product prototypes.

The G1X Full-3D Twin Pack effectively doubles the setup, offering two complete systems for users who need higher throughput. HeyGears also previously ran a $50 VIP deposit program that locked in discounted pricing ahead of the campaign, and those deposits remain refundable.

Shipping for the G1 Series is expected to begin later in 2026, though final shipping fees, taxes, and import duties have not yet been announced and will vary by destination. The company notes that product images and videos may show prototypes or renderings, and final specifications may change before mass production begins.

MR Collection is back with another micro-run of just five examples, this time featuring the Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 finished in a striking Bronzo Amestris hue. Pricing is north of 500 Euros, and the model is available for immediate shipping, per the official announcement.

The Real-World Inspiration

The diecast pays tribute to the real Countach LPI 800-4, a limited-series hybrid supercar Lamborghini unveiled in August 2021 to celebrate 50 years since the original Countach debuted at the Geneva Motor Show. Only 112 units of the full-sized car were produced — the number refers to the LP 112 model designation used during development of the original Countach. All units were sold within a week of the reveal, with customer deliveries commencing in early 2022.

Designed by Mitja Borkert, the Countach LPI 800-4 shares its carbon-fiber monocoque and mild-hybrid powertrain with the Sián FKP 37. Under the hood sits a 6.5-liter V12 engine producing 780 CV (574 kW), paired with a 34 CV electric motor fed by a supercapacitor — a system Lamborghini says stores ten times more energy than a lithium-ion battery of the same weight. Combined output reaches 814 CV (599 kW). The car uses a 7-speed single-clutch ISR automated manual transmission and drives all four wheels.

Performance figures are impressive: the Countach LPI 800-4 accelerates from 0–100 km/h in 2.8 seconds and tops out at 355 km/h (221 mph). The chassis features a 4-wheel steering system and magnetorheological shock absorbers with pushrod suspension at all four corners. Dry weight is 1,595 kg (3,516 lb).

Color: Bronzo Amestris

The Bronzo Amestris finish gives the model a distinctive bronze look. Factory color options for the real Countach included heritage shades like Giallo Countach, Impact White, and Verde Medio, plus contemporary metallic tones such as Viola Pasifae and Blu Uranus. Bronzo Amestris is the chosen finish for this particular limited edition.

One especially rare real-world Countach LPI 800-4 — finished in Luci del Bosco (a brown exterior) with matte bronze wheels and a Bianco Leda interior — went to auction with RM Sotheby’s in Monaco in May 2024. That car, originally delivered in Germany with only 110 km (68 miles) on the odometer, carried an estimate of €1,900,000 to €2,300,000 (roughly $2,000,000 to $2,500,000).

What’s in the Box

The MR Collection model carries product number LAMBO052SE12. True to the brand’s reputation, the miniature captures the Countach’s signature design elements: scissor doors, the rear longitudinal V12, sharp body lines, and the distinctive Periscopio roof-to-rear treatment. The surface finish is expected to match MR Collection’s high standard.

Limited Availability

With an edition size of just five units worldwide, this Bronzo Amestris Countach will likely attract immediate attention. MR Collection notes the model is ready for immediate shipment, so collectors can order and expect delivery without delay. The micro-run is available now through MR Collection’s sales channels.

There’s a new way to add one of the most celebrated American sports cars to your collection without needing a garage big enough for the real thing. Auto World has just released a die-cast metal replica of the 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray, and it’s dressed in one of the most popular colors from that final C2 model year: Marina Blue.

The model is a budget-friendly take on what the source describes as “possibly one of the sexiest cars ever.” It’s built with a die-cast metal exterior and includes opening functions for added display and play value. The replica also features a removable top, giving collectors the option to show off the detailed interior. Underneath, the model includes a detailed motor and undercarriage, offering a level of realism that should appeal to scale model enthusiasts and Corvette fans alike.

Why the 1967 Sting Ray?

The real-world 1967 Corvette Sting Ray holds a special place in automotive history as the final and most refined model of the second-generation (C2) Corvette. According to the source, rather than a complete redesign for 1967, Chevrolet focused on refinement. Notable styling updates included a shift from three large front fender vents to five smaller ones, a flat finish on the rocker panels, and the relocation of the backup light to a position above the license plate. The interior also saw functional improvements, with the handbrake moving from under the dash to between the seats.

For the 1967 model year, Chevrolet produced a total of 22,940 units, with the convertible accounting for nearly two-thirds of sales at 14,436 units compared to 8,504 coupes. Among the ten exterior color options available that year, Marina Blue was a standout, appearing on 3,840 cars—or about 16.74% of total production.

Power Beneath the Hood

Collectors who appreciate the mechanical side of the car will know that the 1967 Sting Ray offered a wide range of potent engine choices. These ranged from the standard 300-horsepower 327 cubic-inch V8 to the legendary and rare L88 427 cubic-inch V8. The L88, designed with track performance in mind, featured aluminum cylinder heads, a towering 12.5:1 compression ratio, and was officially rated at 430 horsepower—though its true output was widely believed to be around 560 horsepower. With a price tag over $1,500 and mandatory deletion of creature comforts like the heater and radio, only 20 buyers opted for the L88 package in 1967.

What’s in the Box?

While the specific product number for this Auto World release is yet to be determined (listed as TBD), the model is designed to capture the essence of the final C2. The combination of the opening features, the removable top, and the detailed power plant make it a compelling option for those who want a piece of Corvette history without the six-figure price tag of a real L88.

With its classic lines and popular Marina Blue finish, this die-cast Sting Ray is a straightforward addition for any collector looking to celebrate one of America’s most iconic performance cars.