Matchbox Dodge Challenger SRT-8 and Maisto 1:64 2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302
If you haven't noticed lately there's been a resurgence of pony cars in America, and these are just a few examples:
Plum Crazy Challenger
Talk about a mess: This was originally slated to be released at the end of 2012, but was pushed back in 2013. Even more, the original color in that appeared in the nine-packs was a light green color. The revised version for 2013 is now purple. Oh, and it is still part of the 2012 line. This is the Matchbox Dodge Challenger SRT-8.
Show in 2006 as a concept, the SRT-8 arrived in 2008 as a sole offering before offering more trim levels in 2009. The classic 1970 styling is nicely executed here, though the new Challenger seems bloated and large in today's standards. Based on the Charger/300 platform, the Challenger is revised for two-door duty, but sadly shared the same dull-plastic interior of the first-generation Charger/300 platform. Since then the Challenger has much improved changes like a new, smaller steering wheel and a more powerful Hemi for SRT: 392, 6.4L Hemi V8 producing 470 hp., driving the rear wheels through a six-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic. Like the Camaro, the Challenger shared the benefit of the Charger/300 platform's multi-link rear suspension, also a descendant of the late 1990's Mercedes E-class.
Matchbox did an excellent job on perfecting the actual shape of the real Challenger, and outlined in Plum Crazy (currently offered on the 2013 Challenger) makes it look even more aggressive. The 5-spoke wheels look great, though I prefer the spokes to be chrome instead of black on this version. The interior is pretty much accurate, but the white may be too much for this color! A few downsides: Matchbox prefers to use tampo's for front and rear lights, and that's great except you see no tooling details whatsoever to the front and rear ends, especially the front where there's no tooling for the grille or lights. Then there's the interior where the tooling, still stuck on the 2008 model, shows the gate for the 5-speed automatic. It's not the best new Challenger casting, but it's not a bad one either.
New Boss, take two
After releasing the 2012 Boss Mustang in 1:24 scale last year, Maisto came back to make the 1:64 version, this time using the 2013 version, the final year for the Boss in this Mustang generation.
Returning the Boss in 2012 not only revived the classic nameplate, but the performance with it. Modifications to the stock GT suspension and chassis, along with added aerodynamics and the 5.0L 444 hp. V8 to the rear wheels by a six-speed manual, producing one of the best handling Mustang's by far. For 2012 the Laguna Seca version added an even lower front spoiler, rear seat delete, and logos of the racetrack on the back faux gas cap. However, the abruptly loud colors (especially the red accents on the Laguna Seca) and graphics look out-of-place for a car that shares the Boss name.
Thankfully in 2013 Ford listened and improved the Boss on the revised 2013 Mustang. Decals that hark back to the original Boss, colors including yellow, blue, and green join the list; new Shelby-styled hood and headlights; and the spoilers were slightly toned-down over the 2012 while still keeping the same performance features from the 2012 version. In my opinion the 2013 is the Boss I prefer over the 2012.
The Maisto casting is nicely done with the correct details and stripe of the 2013, but the color and the lower front bumper color is still in 2012! The wheels are not the best, but look close to the real thing. As usual with 1:64 Maisto's no interior as well, though at least the base is fully detailed (note the exhaust bypass just ahead of the rear wheels). The best part of this model? The rear-end details with the Ford plate, blacked-out panel, and taillights with a 3D-like feel to them!
Certainly there are much better options for these two, but for a buck each this is the best you can get for the price.
Plum Crazy Challenger
Talk about a mess: This was originally slated to be released at the end of 2012, but was pushed back in 2013. Even more, the original color in that appeared in the nine-packs was a light green color. The revised version for 2013 is now purple. Oh, and it is still part of the 2012 line. This is the Matchbox Dodge Challenger SRT-8.
Show in 2006 as a concept, the SRT-8 arrived in 2008 as a sole offering before offering more trim levels in 2009. The classic 1970 styling is nicely executed here, though the new Challenger seems bloated and large in today's standards. Based on the Charger/300 platform, the Challenger is revised for two-door duty, but sadly shared the same dull-plastic interior of the first-generation Charger/300 platform. Since then the Challenger has much improved changes like a new, smaller steering wheel and a more powerful Hemi for SRT: 392, 6.4L Hemi V8 producing 470 hp., driving the rear wheels through a six-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic. Like the Camaro, the Challenger shared the benefit of the Charger/300 platform's multi-link rear suspension, also a descendant of the late 1990's Mercedes E-class.
Matchbox did an excellent job on perfecting the actual shape of the real Challenger, and outlined in Plum Crazy (currently offered on the 2013 Challenger) makes it look even more aggressive. The 5-spoke wheels look great, though I prefer the spokes to be chrome instead of black on this version. The interior is pretty much accurate, but the white may be too much for this color! A few downsides: Matchbox prefers to use tampo's for front and rear lights, and that's great except you see no tooling details whatsoever to the front and rear ends, especially the front where there's no tooling for the grille or lights. Then there's the interior where the tooling, still stuck on the 2008 model, shows the gate for the 5-speed automatic. It's not the best new Challenger casting, but it's not a bad one either.
New Boss, take two
After releasing the 2012 Boss Mustang in 1:24 scale last year, Maisto came back to make the 1:64 version, this time using the 2013 version, the final year for the Boss in this Mustang generation.
Returning the Boss in 2012 not only revived the classic nameplate, but the performance with it. Modifications to the stock GT suspension and chassis, along with added aerodynamics and the 5.0L 444 hp. V8 to the rear wheels by a six-speed manual, producing one of the best handling Mustang's by far. For 2012 the Laguna Seca version added an even lower front spoiler, rear seat delete, and logos of the racetrack on the back faux gas cap. However, the abruptly loud colors (especially the red accents on the Laguna Seca) and graphics look out-of-place for a car that shares the Boss name.
Thankfully in 2013 Ford listened and improved the Boss on the revised 2013 Mustang. Decals that hark back to the original Boss, colors including yellow, blue, and green join the list; new Shelby-styled hood and headlights; and the spoilers were slightly toned-down over the 2012 while still keeping the same performance features from the 2012 version. In my opinion the 2013 is the Boss I prefer over the 2012.
The Maisto casting is nicely done with the correct details and stripe of the 2013, but the color and the lower front bumper color is still in 2012! The wheels are not the best, but look close to the real thing. As usual with 1:64 Maisto's no interior as well, though at least the base is fully detailed (note the exhaust bypass just ahead of the rear wheels). The best part of this model? The rear-end details with the Ford plate, blacked-out panel, and taillights with a 3D-like feel to them!
Certainly there are much better options for these two, but for a buck each this is the best you can get for the price.
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