Majorette Bentley Continental V8 S, 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS, and 2015 Ford F-150 pickup

Here is a quick review of two previously featured castings in new colors and an all-new casting from Bentley.

Bentley Continental V8 S

Ever since its introduction the Bentley Continental has redefined the Bentley brand and has created more models and sales for the brand, yet as far as diecast go this was only for the high-end manufacturers as low-end brands like Mattel and Majorette were not qualified to make replicas of Bentley models.  That has changed over the years as Majorette joins the fray with the updated V8 S Continental.  In 2011 the Continental got its first makeover since the original was introduced in 2003 yet styling was more evolutionary and stayed true to the original.  The front now has larger headlights and smaller adjourning signal lights, both with LED rings added, lower side scoops below the bumper that are taller, and larger taillights with LED dual rings inside of them.  The look is still smooth and still recognized as a Bentley, while the interior features a dual-pod dashboard with plenty of leather and wood, seating for four in plush seats, and even in the classic old-school design there is still plenty of high-tech features such as a large center screen for the infortainment system.  The chassis still uses all-wheel drive, multi-link on all-four wheels, and a new twin-turbo 4.0L DOHC V8 borrowed from Audi and produces 500 horsepower through an eight-speed automatic.  The W-12 motor is still offered, but the lighter V8 packs slightly behind the front-axle for better weight distribution than the larger W-12.

Painted in all-white this Bentley looks pretty good starting with the front headlights and signal lights that are part of the window trim, black split grille with Bentley winged badge, and lower grille scoops in black.  The sides have a clean look where I added some silver details for the chrome trim, 5-spoke wheels, and exterior mirrors on the opening front doors, while the rear has larger taillights in red, a larger rear window, dual-tipped exhaust, and the license plate area that is also the base tab.  The base does not show much aside from a working suspension, so inside the interior with detailed front and rear seats, 4-spoke steering wheel, and twin-pod dashboard that lacks some details.  Despite the opening doors and working suspension there is little interference with the interior that I have found on some recent Majorette castings.

2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS

Last year I reviewed the Camaro from Majorette in a chrome black finish that was the poorest of the three chrome cars.  A better example appeared later on in this nice metallic red with black stripes still retaining the blacked-out wheels.  Fit and finish is much better than the chrome black and also shows off the fantastic detailing as well.  While there is a lot of 2010 Camaro castings out there Majorette has a pretty decent casting that is stock and has a few unique characteristics, such as the front headlights that are part of the window trim, opening doors, and a working suspension.  In addition to the headlights the front grille has nice details with the bowtie logo and lower scoop in black with foglights to the sides, doors that have exterior mirrors next to the Camaro badge, a rear spoiler on the trunklid, taillights that are detailed yet seem to be smoothed out by the thick paint, and dual exhausts below the rear bumper.  While most Majorettes have blank base details this one does at least have exhaust and rear suspension details at the rear, while the doors open to an interior with supportive front seats, the 3-spoke steering wheel, and dashboard layout with the gauge pod, air vents, and radio and HVAC controls.  Strangely there is no shifter on the center console.  A much better improvement this time around in that metallic dark red that looks good on a 2010 Camaro.

2015 Ford F-150

The last time I tested the F-150 by Majorette it was an all-white work truck, but now I get to sample the same matte gray used in the Porsche Cayenne that I reviewed.  The 2015 F-series is the only truck that uses all-aluminum bodypanels and despite a few early hiccups so far has been pretty durable for the Ford brand.  Majorette introduced this extended cab version in XLT trim to join the 2007 Chevy Silverado as a competitor though the Ford has a tow hitch for added play value.  The front has detailed C-shape headlights, grille bars, and this time a body-colored lower bumper, while the sides have large exterior mirrors and running boards to ease access to the interior.  The rear has detailed taillights, tailgate, and a black bumper with the trailer hitch, and not to be outdone the cargo bed is nice and deep for even more play value.  The interior offers seating for five with detailed front seats, center console with shifter, and dashboard with 4-spoke steering wheel though not much else on the dashboard.  The best part is opening up the hood to show off the 3.5L Ecoboost V6 motor with accurate detailing of the intake plumbing for the two turbo’s, though the base of the truck still seems incorrect for the actual F-150 layout (and a common problem of an European brand not recognizing what’s underneath an American pickup truck).  Still this is a nicely done casting and looks great in gray, but a major downside is the introduction of a new F-series variant for the Majorette line: the Ford F-150 Raptor.  Nice, but all it is a grille change with the FORD letters so it lacks the higher stance and flared fenders of the real truck; all it looks like is a custom grille change to a stock F-150.