AUTOart 1:18 Red Bull X2014 Fan Car (Dark Silver Metallic) - Review

The Gran Turismo Red Bull X2014 Fan Car is the wild “fastest car on Earth free of regulations” concept finally rendered in 1:18 scale. AUTOart’s model brings the Dark Silver Metallic version (Sebastian Vettel livery) to life with a composite-plastic body and diecast chassis. In this review I’ll cover how faithfully it captures the X2014’s outrageous styling, what features it offers, and whether it’s worth adding to your shelf.

Exterior & Paint – 9/10

At first glance, the Dark Silver Metallic finish looks excellent. It’s a rich, glossy gray that catches light on all the sharp edges and vents of the fan car body. AUTOart’s use of composite plastic means every fin, intake slot and aerofoil is crisply formed, far beyond what normal diecast would allow. The Red Bull and Gran Turismo logos pop nicely against the dark paint. In hand, the multi-piece body is seamless-looking – you really notice the intricate shape of the giant rear fan shroud and nose vents. Simply put, it has real presence: this model looks exactly like a miniaturized version of that insane concept car.

Detail & Accuracy – 8/10

Thanks to the composite body, detail is surprisingly sharp. AUTOart notes they use a special ABS mix for the body panels, then a metal inner frame for rigidity. This pays off: you can see crisp panel lines, tiny door seams, and realistic brake calipers behind the big wheels. The canopy (cockpit cover) opens – another authentic touch – revealing the black interior. Most decals and vents line up well, and even the engine intake details on the rear are clearly molded. The only nitpick is some of the smallest trim (like tiny switches on the dash) is a bit overpainted, but at 1:18 scale that’s forgiveable. Overall it nails the X2014’s complex shape.

Interior & Features – 7/10

Open the canopy and you’ll see a simple but serviceable cockpit. There are shaped racing seats, a dashboard with painted instruments, and even molded seat harnesses (they’re colored but a bit plasticky). Don’t expect padded belts or leather texture – some collectors will call the seatbelts “plasticky”. Still, the main cabin elements are all there, and the flat-bottom steering wheel is accurately styled. With the doors closed, the canopy covers the interior well, so in normal display you mostly see a dark cockpit. In short, the interior is decent for the price but not museum-grade.

Functionality – 8/10

The model comes loaded with the goodies Autoart is known for. The top canopy does open (a big plus) so you can pose it either way. Both front wheels steer, giving it an “alive” feel when you turn them. The wheels roll freely on the rubber tires, and you can feel the solid weight of the diecast base. There is no opening hood (the real X2014 has no engine bay, so this is fine) and no rear hatch to open. Packaging-wise it comes in a transparent box with a basic base. In hand it feels solid, and all moving parts (canopy, wheels) operate smoothly. It’s simple, but effective.

Value – 9/10

This car punches way above its weight in value. Originally it sold for about $180, but nowadays you can find it for roughly $140 on sale – a steal for this level of detail and uniqueness. In comparison, no other brand made a 1:18 X2014 (this was a Gran Turismo special), so you’re not only getting a standalone piece but the only large-scale version of this car. For context, even the more ordinary Red Bull livery and Hyper Silver versions are in the same price range. In my hands it feels like you’re getting an expensive hobby experience (detailed build, opening canopy) for the price of a mid-tier model.

Pros

• Incredible exterior detail: sharp composite body edges and vents.
• Opening canopy: cockpit cover lifts up for display.
• Turning wheels & rubber tires: posable wheels and real rubber add realism.
• Strong shelf presence: the unique design stands out and has “wow” factor.

Cons

• Simplified interior: cockpit is basic; seatbelts and gauges lack high-end finish.
• No engine detail: the real car has no visible engine, so there’s nothing to open (minor complaint).
• Fragile bits: very thin bodywork (fan housing) is delicate, so handle with care.

Overall Score – 8.4/10

The AUTOart X2014 Fan Car (Dark Silver) nails the futuristic spirit of Gran Turismo’s wildest creation. It’s not flawless – the interior is somewhat toy-like – but it looks amazing from any normal viewing distance. With its insane styling fully realized and a fair price (especially on sale), this model is a fun conversation piece. If you’re a fan of Red Bull’s X-cars or just love exotic concept cars, this one is well worth it.