AUTOart 1:18 Nissan GT‑R LM Nismo 2015 Test Car #23 - Review

AUTOart’s 1:18 replica of Nissan’s GT‑R LM Nismo Test Car (#23) captures one of the most unusual Le Mans prototypes in recent memory. The real car turned heads in 2015 by putting its turbo‑V6 and hybrid system ahead of the cockpit and sending most of its power to the front wheels. This model reflects that bold experiment with a sleek, long‑nose body and a composite construction. Below is a balanced look at the test‑car version and how it compares to other AUTOart offerings.

Paint & Bodywork – 9/10

AUTOart nailed the proportions of the GT‑R LM: the elongated nose, squared‑off fenders and central dorsal fin are all accurately reproduced. The black paint on the test car is deep and glossy, and the logos and sponsor markings are crisp and correctly scaled. Details like the chrome surrounds for the four exhaust pipes that protrude ahead of the cockpit and vents cut into the front fenders stand out. A carbon‑patterned chin spoiler and tall rear wing look convincing, as do the LED‑style headlights and side mirrors with real mirrored lenses. The tinted wraparound windshield and side windows, along with a slender single wiper, give the model a menacing, purposeful stance. Overall fit and finish is excellent, with minimal panel gaps and no paint bleed.

Function & Exterior Features – 8/10

This model is not fully opening like some of AUTOart’s older releases, but it does have working features. The tiny gullwing doors swing up to reveal the cockpit, hinting at the car’s unusual door design. Underneath, the model rolls on real rubber slick tires and the front wheels steer. The wheels feature accurate Michelin branding and drilled disc brakes. Because the front‑mounted engine is sealed, there are no removable body panels; enthusiasts looking for opening hatches or a view of the hybrid drivetrain may be disappointed. However, the static body lines, fender vents and exposed exhaust pipes provide plenty of visual interest without the need for additional moving parts.

Interior & Cockpit – 7/10

The cockpit is nicely detailed considering its limited accessibility. Through the gullwing doors and tinted canopy you can see a single race seat with harnesses, a small cooling fan mounted on the dash, a square‑shaped steering wheel covered in buttons, and an instrument console off to the driver’s left. There’s even an overhead rear‑view mirror inside the cockpit. AUTOart uses sculpted plastic for the belts and carbon‑textured surfaces to simulate the raw interior of a race prototype. Because the doors are small and there are no other openings, it can be hard to appreciate the finer details without shining a light inside. Cloth seat belts, flocked flooring or more three‑dimensional wiring would have enhanced the interior, but at this price point the cockpit remains respectable.

Engineering & Chassis – 7/10

Mechanically, the GT‑R LM test car is less interactive than many of AUTOart’s other Le Mans prototypes. There is no functional suspension and you cannot lift the front bodywork to see the hybrid V6 – the model is essentially a sealed body with movable doors and steering. That said, the fixed chassis captures important details: the front wheels are larger than the rears, just like the real car’s front‑engined layout; the underside includes aerodynamic sculpting and diffusers; and the exhaust pipes exit through the hood as on the real racer. Collectors who prioritise mechanical intricacy may find the closed construction limiting, but those who prefer static display pieces will appreciate the sturdy feel and accurate stance.

Overall Value – 7/10

With street prices often hovering around $150–200, the GT‑R LM Nismo test car sits in the mid‑range of AUTOart’s composite series. It offers a distinctive subject, excellent paint and finishing, and enough functional features (gullwing doors, steerable wheels, rubber tires) to keep it from feeling like a static resin piece. On the downside, the sealed body means there’s no engine bay to admire, and the interior detailing, while good, isn’t as immersive as on some of AUTOart’s more premium releases. For collectors who appreciate unusual race cars and are willing to trade opening panels for a sleek display model, it’s a worthwhile addition. Those who prioritise interactive features or engine detail may prefer to look elsewhere.

Final Score – 7.6/10

AUTOart’s 1:18 Nissan GT‑R LM Nismo Test Car delivers a handsome, accurate representation of Nissan’s radical 2015 prototype. Its striking bodywork, quality paint and authentic markings earn high marks, and the gullwing doors and steering add just enough play value. Limited mechanical accessibility and modest cockpit detailing keep it from joining the ranks of AUTOart’s very best, but for fans of Le Mans oddities it remains an intriguing and well‑executed piece.