1/18 1990 Mazda ɛ̃fini Savanna RX-7 FC3S..... by WhelART

D N'D-Land · May 16, 2025

FINALLY! There is a fully opening diecast metal second generation 1/18th scale Mazda RX-7 by WhelART! I have been waiting for this day for a mighty long time. Infact there are two, as TopART has one in the works as well. I can say this already, when a model company uses the word "ART" somewhere in their corporate/packaging name, they mean business....and this WhelART is no different!
So, when I was working for LS-Collectibles/TopMarques, I suggested that we could do the FC3S generation Mazda RX-7 and they went for it. It was so happy to develop the first 1/18th, then Ignition Model came along with their tuned versions, as they had done after I had also developed the first 1/18th Mitsubishi Starion & early Z31 Fairlady 300ZX.
So, basically, I wondered if this car would stop in 1/18th resin only. I was so thrilled to see that I have finally seen/and am able to hold an icon like this be produced to such high level and chalked full of details in 1/18th scale.

WhelART have done MotorHelix levels of detail here, complete motor and all sitting in the engine bay. The BBS wheels are so delicately intricate and accurate with a very realistic finish. Back to that engine bay, it is just outstandingly detailed, including wires/hoses/decals for warnings and that massive hyper realistic intercooler sitting on top of that rotary lump including proper hinges and a prop rod hood support (Mine doesn't need . It's magnificent! Moving to the chassis, it totally matches the engine as far as equally good detailing goes. Interior wise, the model features a multi-material space with bi-colored seats, fully carpeted, and highly detailed Dashboard/IP & door card (door panels). Initially, I thought that WhelArt goof'd the front seats up shape wise. However, the real seats look exactly the same...basically like a RECARCO/Lounge-Chair combination. I suppose that it grips the driver and his passenger in comfort in reality. It looks strange but is spot on. The rear hatch/cargo space has two massive shock-towers capped off by a set of speakers sitting on top.
Exterior wise, since this is a later of final version of the FC3S, the model is monochrome (like all cars of that era). Typical facelifted rear lights, wrap around rear spoiler with antenna hole for it to pass thru on the left side. Up front the models have a faithfully reproduced lower front air-dam/spoiler. The doors are held closed by magnets, the rear hatch/glass has strut type supports, rear windshield wiper & wiper motor under the defroster lined back window. A nice party trick with this model is that it has individual pop-up headlights, just in case you want to do the whole "blinking" lights pics in your own posting.

Overall, this model feels premium and delicate, like a MotorHelix or a past highly detailed AUTOart diecast. Quality out of the box! However, my decerning eyes were bothered me and couldn't put my finger on it until last weekend. WhelART forgot to paint the back window hatch carriage BLACK! They left it in body color, and it was making the roof look too long or wide C-Pilar wise. That made the model look bit odd stance wise, as that c-pilar sits right above the rear wheels. Those wheels might appear to be pushed a bit too far in, but actually, the real car has this stance, so WhelART got it right. One more little gripe. Look at the clear "flash to pass" lights in the front bumper. They are lacking some black horizontal lines on and borders around the lens detailing (That I made sure to add to the LS-Collectibles version that I managed). Those are the only things that I can find wrong. Ultimately, I decided to mask my rear window and paint as well as gloss-coat mine, so that my OCD wouldn't drive me nuts every time that I looked at it.
Meanwhile, TopART has shown too wide wheels on their prototype pics. The TopART wheels come out past the body, a bit unrealistic.

Overall, I highly recommend this one! It's a really nice quality piece and you will probably be just as thrilled as me with the details. It's that outstanding of a piece.

So, As this model is soooo good, I could pull out one of AUTOart's best models ever! That would be their 1978 Mazda Savanna RX-7 gen 1. I had to do side by sides with the both of them. What surprised me was that the FC3S is roughly the same size as the 1st gen car? However, in reality, the 1st gen looks teeny! However, the FC isn't a big car either, but I have never seen them parked next to each other in reality.
Since Solido actually got the shape of their FD right, come pared to AUTOart's awkward shaped car (It might have details, but it is a BAD MODEL! It doesn't look right from any view unfortunately. I suspect that is why AA sold their old mold to Polar Master to use). Ironically only Otto & Solido, plus the LS-Collectibles version that I also developed captures the sensual body of the FD in 1/18th scale. Link: https://www.diecastxchange.com/thre...o-blue-fd-type-rs-versus-autoart-by-solido.240302/?post_id=4382817#post-4382817
Ignition comes close, but not close enough to cost as much as they charge. So, I decided not to show my Solido FD, as it just doesn't compare details wise, even if the model captures the essence of the real car best. It's not in the same league, as more of a "Toy" than a precision miniature.

One of the most obvious influences is Porsche's 944 series. As much as I love the FC3S, it's clearly ripped off a good deal of its forms from the 944. If I had actually pulled out my 924 Carrera GT Turbo widebody, even both cars have asymmetrical hood scoops. However, as my friend Mr. Ian Kuah pointed out, evidently, there are some 928 also influences here as well. The only place that I see it is the doors & and maybe a bit of the front fender blisters, a wee bit. I was glad to have his input as he owns Porsche Magazine, so he would know.
That said, I had to also do some side-by-side shots of these two. Imagine if WhelART had done the pre-facelifted 86 FC, the rear lights on that looked more like what Porsche had on their 924 & 944 models. Even if the FC apes the 944, it developed respect in its own right from a sports GT POV. I mean, just look at the love pouring out for this model via the orders.
Go get you one while they are in abundance. White just released, if you want to live out your Initial D "Red Suns" vibe. Cheers!

Here is how I revised the area that WhelART overlooked painting for this and the white versions released so far. WhelART forgot to paint the back window hatch carriage BLACK! They left it in body color, and it was making the roof look too long or wide C-Pilar wise.

First & Second Generation RX-7.......

Inspiration Mazda Savanna RX-7 FC3S via Porsche 944.....

Lastly, here is the LS-Collectibles FC3S RX-7 GT-T that I managed with the team remotely in HK & China... You can see some details like the front lower clear lens horizontal & outer black border missing on the WhelART version. it's minor, but, if you are a stickler for details like I am, you'll miss it as well. The LS-Collectibles' version's wheels stick out too far wide stance wise. The LS-C version is a 1989 Savanna RX-7 GT-T with rear seats where as the WhelART is a 1990 Mazda ɛ̃fini Savanna RX-7 without rear seats and a different wheels design.

MikeyMcFly · May 16, 2025

Beautiful review!

The real wheel placement has to be the only area I find myself comparing to the real car. Mine seems too far forward and toed in, although some FCs seem to be similar IRL and others don’t.

Interestingly enough the wheel placement in the rear wheel arches is one of the reasons I always wrote off the 944/968 as a potential car buy.

I am certainly glad I jumped on this one. I would LOVE for them to do a MkIII Supra with the same quality and would be tempted to move one of my Ottos in response.

D N'D-Land · May 17, 2025

Thanks Mike and Also, CONGRATS AGAIN on your RX-7 My Friend!!!🎉😊🥳

YES YES YES!!! Mike, OMG!!!...same Thinking MKIII MA70 Supra original in Burgundy and facelift in black or dark green/ice blue!!!! Also, Please 1st & 2nd gen MR-2, S13 180SX(240SX)/Silvia, Mitsubishi Starion, Also MKII MA60 CelicaSupra, Z31 300ZX Pre-facelift & late facelift and a better Z32 30ZX, because Kyosho is old and ill looking these days and the rest are just resins.

I think that it is interesting, how some real FC3Ss also have that toe in feature detail. Once I painted that extra area of my rear hatch window cradle, it took a lot of visual weight off of that area and I like it even more now.
I think according to TK Diecast, the wheels should pull off easily? If so, then you could also pull your wheels out a bit and add a thin spacer ring to widen the stance a wee bit more. However, the side rocker on the model is a little bit too aggressive just before the rear wheels, but you are right, the wheels on the real cars sit like that on most of them, unless someone adds wider tires, like what TopART is doing with their versions also releasing soon.

I still like these wheels below better....

Yup, even though I developed the red one here by LS-Collectibles, I am most likely going to sell it? However, I might keep it, because I did develop it...so, I am torn?

Glad that you liked this review! I am always happy to chat with you!! I love that you also want the same models in 1/18th scale as well!!! These companies need to listen and make more of these 80s/90s Japanese GTs and even some sedans happen! CHEERS!😊🥂

tanayast · May 16, 2025

Great review and nice pics!! Thanks Dave!

It's very good to know that there are full opening model available for the FC3S RX7.

Thankfully the hatch area paint is an easy one to fix (at least to us who are used to building models). As of the wheel offsets, looking at your photos, they don't look bad at all. But maybe they're easily fixed too (like the Paudi FL5 or Minichamps i7)?

The rest of the car looks great! The engine bay is lovely and the pop up headlights look very refined!
I like the wheel choice here!

Love the interior, I could almost smell the real car looking at the Wheelart interior pics!

I am tempted to add one, but will probably go with the white one.

I am normally critical of resin sealed models, but the LS looks very good sitting next to the WheelArt car!
Nice work there Dave!

D N'D-Land · May 17, 2025

tanayast said:
Great review and nice pics!! Thanks Dave!

It's very good to know that there are full opening model available for the FC3S RX7.

Thankfully the hatch area paint is an easy one to fix (at least to us who are used to building models). As of the wheel offsets, looking at your photos, they don't look bad at all. But maybe they're easily fixed too (like the Paudi FL5 or Minichamps i7)?

The rest of the car looks great! The engine bay is lovely and the pop up headlights look very refined!
I like the wheel choice here!

Love the interior, I could almost smell the real car looking at the Wheelart interior pics!

I am tempted to add one, but will probably go with the white one.

I am normally critical of resin sealed models, but the LS looks very good sitting next to the WheelArt car!
Nice work there Dave!

Thanks Stefanus! 😊

Yes, it was really about time that someone FINALLY made a 1/18th opening diecast! Whew! It took long enough!

Yes, If one has masking tape and patiences, it is a very easy fix. Now, I don't want to have to do it again, WhelART needs to see this posting and FIX THAT!(Paint That). Also, it would be nice if they did the little clear lights like I did for LS-Collectibles. It adds more realism. Also, I didn't realize that you pulled out the rear wheels on your i7!. It is possible, but, I didn't notice any stance issues on either of mine.

Also the real car had that black border and thin horizontal lines in the clear park/flash to pass lights. Wheel art could add that detail as well.

I wonder what other colors will come out after white, red for sure, but wonder will they also make this Dark Green that I have on my TLVN?

Thanks Stefanus! Glad that you also liked this review! This model is certainly worth adding! 🥳🥂CHEERS!

TK-Diecast · May 17, 2025

thanks for the great review!

This is quiet a refreshing model for me to have recently got. With mainly resins taking over the Japanese model scene, it is very nice to have something that has been long missing in 1/18 come in full open, and as you said, such great detail! I was surprised to even see the detail they did on the tires. Almost no model brand dares to do that, even autoart is only doing small prints or embossing here and there. It lets me feel liek the old days when i picked up the AA Lamborghini LP670-4 SV. It was affordable at around 119EUR (what felt liek a lot back then) but the amount of detail and bang for the buck was nice. And i get the same feeling here now with the FC.

A great base to also customize your model on! The front bumper and rear wing are only screwed on, all wheels on my model were simply pushed on (and interestingly enough fit all the wheels i build). So if anyone needs to correct the fitment a little, you can push or pull the wheels in a tad to our liking. Unfortunately the wheel house is quiet narrow - meaning fitting other wider wheels wont be too easy with a simple swap.
I already got to the drawing board for some parts to make the model even cooler.
I'd love to toss a set of 17" Panasport C5C2's on. In the grey tone, it will go slightly in the style of the SexyStyle Democar.

D N'D-Land · May 17, 2025

TK-Diecast said:
thanks for the great review!

This is quiet a refreshing model for me to have recently got. With mainly resins taking over the Japanese model scene, it is very nice to have something that has been long missing in 1/18 come in full open, and as you said, such great detail! I was surprised to even see the detail they did on the tires. Almost no model brand dares to do that, even autoart is only doing small prints or embossing here and there. It lets me feel liek the old days when i picked up the AA Lamborghini LP670-4 SV. It was affordable at around 119EUR (what felt liek a lot back then) but the amount of detail and bang for the buck was nice. And i get the same feeling here now with the FC.

A great base to also customize your model on! The front bumper and rear wing are only screwed on, all wheels on my model were simply pushed on (and interestingly enough fit all the wheels i build). So if anyone needs to correct the fitment a little, you can push or pull the wheels in a tad to our liking. Unfortunately the wheel house is quiet narrow - meaning fitting other wider wheels wont be too easy with a simple swap.
I already got to the drawing board for some parts to make the model even cooler.
I'd love to toss a set of 17" Panasport C5C2's on. In the grey tone, it will go slightly in the style of the SexyStyle Democar.

Thanks Takashi! 😊

I had seen your WhelART post before anyone else's on the FC3S. It was you that also had mentioned that the wheels could be pulled off for easier customization! That was such good news to here. Surely some collectors will be excited to do a "Red Suns" Initial D build with theirs, so I presume that a lot of fans were happy to read how easy it is to take apart and personalize!

OMG!! It is an absolutely refreshing model! I had wanted someone to make this one, a 1st & 2nd Gen MR-2, a Pre-facelifted and Final facelift Z31 300ZX(FairladyZ), a Z32 300ZX (FairladyZ, because Kyosho's diecast is really poorly shaped and the resins are just not interesting enough compared to diecast metal). Also, I really would love it someone would do a MA70 Supra MKIII Pre & Post Facelift as well as A60 CelicaXX, but CelicaSupra version, as well as a Mitsubishi Starion and GTO (3000GT VR-4)! Those would sell so well in fully opening diecast 1/18th scale!
Other slightly lesser cars could be the Mitsubishi FTO, MKIV Honda Prelude(Facelift), S-13 Nissan 180SX/Silvia K's, S12 Silvia or Gazelle, Honda Legend Coupe (2nd Gen), Mazda Eunos Cosmo (90s version), MKIII Toyota Soarer/Lexus SC400/300, 1st Gen Toyota Aristo (GS300), GX71 Toyota Mark II Hardtop, X100 Mark II Tourer V/Chaser Tourer V and MS120-125 Toyota Crown Royal Hardtop 1987 late version 3.0. Also, Y31/Y32/Y33 Nissan Cedric/Gloria & Cima (Hardtops for the earlier ones). I would be so happy to have ALL of those and more in fully opening diecast metal 1/18th scale to the same level of accuracy and detail as this FC3S Savanna RX-7🥳🎉😊

I also noted that you pointed out the narrow wheels and tires with no space inside the wheel well for wider tires. ALSO, I TOTALLY FORGOT to mention that WhelART branded their tires!!! That was a really NICE DETAIL that I forgot to report on in my review. Thanks for reminding me. I think if people read your post or own actually get a chance to the model as well, that they will appreciate that level of detail. When WhelART says "Licensed" it seems to mean every last detail.
Yes!! I feel you! It really felt GOOD in price as well as detail level, just as you stated as well, Old School AA feeling (Back when they made AWESOME models in metal at lower prices)! I really want to see more Japanese cars in 1/18th fully opening diecast, especially 80s and 90s era cars.

I'm looking forward to seeing how your first test shots look like on the FC3S! Especially looking forward to how those 17" Panasport C5C2's look on your model! Are you also adding white as well?

CHEERS!🎉🥂😊

MikeyMcFly · May 17, 2025

@D N'D-Land

Apologies for opening up old wounds. Hopefully karma wins out. Maybe taking a sledgehammer to the RX-7 will help?

We are on very similar wavelengths with the Supra. I have an Ignition with stock wheels but they’re using a whiteout approach. I always wanted one of those Supras as a daily, even in auto / NA trim as long as it was a targa. They used to be $3,000 cars in good running shape if they were NA / auto. Now even those have jumped.

D N'D-Land · May 17, 2025

MikeyMcFly said:
@D N'D-Land

Apologies for opening up old wounds. Hopefully karma wins out. Maybe taking a sledgehammer to the RX-7 will help?

We are on very similar wavelengths with the Supra. I have an Ignition with stock wheels but they’re using a whiteout approach. I always wanted one of those Supras as a daily, even in auto / NA trim as long as it was a targa. They used to be $3,000 cars in good running shape if they were NA / auto. Now even those have jumped.

Mike, that BURGUNDY one looks almost exactly like what could have been my very first car in 1990. My Grandfather actually tried to buy me one from a guy selling his, after he and his wife bought a Cougar XR7 (also in burgundy). However, my Grandfather's head banker said 'A BOY like that, doesn't need a car like that'.. Whatever the F that meant???!?!? That said, my grandfather decided to leave his money in the bank and gave me his Audi 5000, as he had another car. I was too young to appreciate that Audi, (it was 4 years old). That said, I was HURT so bad that I actually went to my bedroom and cried. That Supras was a 1986.5 in Burgundy with grey leather interior. I loved how it drove and it was only $10,500 used. A pity, but maybe I would have wrapped it around a light pole, as my friends had Trans Ams/Formula/Fiero GTs/Mustang GT & LX 5.0s/Maximas where the most popular at my high school.

Nah, I'll most likely keep it or sell it?? You didn't open any old wounds, they are who they are and I was warned after I started by others that they screwed over.

Smcmodels · May 19, 2025

It looks a truly good and very sophisticated model!
My fav RX7 for sure!

D N'D-Land · May 22, 2025

Thanks! It is also my favorite of the RX-7s as well. This model is looking much more accurate that the TOP.ART version which is also coming soon..

Craig · May 19, 2025

A great looking model David!

and the mod you did painting the boot surround makes it look spot on!!

D N'D-Land · May 22, 2025

Hey Craig!! Thanks! It was driving me NUTs even before the model was in my hands when I noticed it!
Also, This model wasn't expensive by today's standards, yet the details is shockingly AMAZING!!! I'd add one if you're interested for sure! it was under $200 USD shipped with taxes & fees! 😌 🎉 🥂

Scuddy · May 19, 2025

If it comes out in red, I’ll grab one

D N'D-Land · May 22, 2025

Hey G! As SunStar owns WhelART, it will surely come in a plethora of colors. I did ask the guy running the brand, but had to go to bed, waiting to see what he says. he told me about some other things coming!!! Just not the colors for this , other than white.🥂

BK1 · May 20, 2025

Brilliant review David! I really enjoyed your coverage of this. Some great JDM cars have been released in the past few years and it's great seeing all the love and attention they're getting. I love the tip towards aerodynamics the '80s gave us with slanted front ends!

This one looks great and I love the detailing on it. I'm still kicking myself as ebay was running a promo recently and I almost bought it, but decided to hold back (I promised myself to be get the released AA Carrera first). Still, I'll see what other colours are released before pulling the trigger.

D N'D-Land · May 22, 2025

BK1 said:
Brilliant review David! I really enjoyed your coverage of this. Some great JDM cars have been released in the past few years and it's great seeing all the love and attention they're getting. I love the tip towards aerodynamics the '80s gave us with slanted front ends!

This one looks great and I love the detailing on it. I'm still kicking myself as ebay was running a promo recently and I almost bought it, but decided to hold back (I promised myself to be get the released AA Carrera first). Still, I'll see what other colours are released before pulling the trigger.

Thanks Belal!! It really was a very easy write up for me, as I had been hoping that someone would make a detailed opening diecast FC3S at some point! So, i am over the moon thrilled. I am actually glad that this grey was the first color. My P.E. teacher had one in this color. Also, I have my LS-Collectibles one in red, but I am open to a red one or deep emerald green, but with other wheels for this version as well.

Surely when you do decide to get one, you will be very pleased. Also, Andy has these for a REALLY good price. I could bet that it is even cheaper than eBay's promo sale was. Take care and CHEERS!!!🎉🥳🥂

triggerhappy · May 22, 2025

I want one soooooooooooooooooo badly. They really did an amazing job with all the details. Congrats David and many thanks for the write up!!! Now to convince my wallet and accept the scream of denial hahaha.

D N'D-Land · May 23, 2025

Thanks Samuel! 😌 Brother. Seriously hit up Andy, you are facebook friends with him, right? tell him that you are a good friend of mine, I will confirm it and he'll hook you up for sure! I'd do it sooner than later, as the Tariffs thing in the US swings with his mood. You really won't be disappointed with this one. The only thing that was a miss was them not painting the rear window cradle black. Which should be an easy fix! Please let me know if you need help. Cheers!🥂

Alex SZ1996 · May 31, 2025

totally unexpected, this RX-7 FC3S with fully opening feats turned out of the blue, and from two different brands to boot.
it looks like a pretty good effort from Whelart, better than their Supra i must admit. very promising.
i have ordered the Whelart RX-7 in white, cant wait to get it.
not the most exciting color, but i dont think the FC3S looks good any that many colors. white and red is probably the that suits it best.
Whelart should totally make the Supra MkIII. 2.5 Twin Turbo R and 3.0 Turbo.

1/18 1990 Mazda ɛ̃fini Savanna RX-7 FC3S..... by WhelART

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